32 Cheap and Easy Snacks for Hungry Teenagers
Teens are always hungry — and often in a hurry. This list of 32 budget-friendly, simple snacks will keep energy up between school, sports, and late-night study sessions. If you want a break from snacks and need something crafty to do while the food settles, try this collection of fun and easy crafts for kids.
Whether you have a stocked pantry or just a few staples, these ideas are designed to be fast, frugal, and tasty.
Quick no-cook snacks
- Apple slices with peanut butter — slice an apple and spread peanut butter; sprinkle with granola for crunch.
- Banana and honey roll-ups — spread a tortilla with a thin layer of peanut butter, place a banana, drizzle honey, roll and slice.
- Trail mix cups — mix nuts, seeds, dried fruit, and a few chocolate chips; portion into small containers.
- Greek yogurt parfait — plain or flavored yogurt layered with cereal, fruit, or jam.
- Rice cakes with toppings — avocado, cream cheese and smoked salmon, or nut butter and banana.
- Hummus and veggie sticks — carrot, cucumber, bell pepper, or pita wedges for dipping.
- Cottage cheese and pineapple — sweet, protein-packed, and ready in a minute.
- Cheese and whole-grain crackers — choose pre-sliced cheese for even faster assembly.
Microwave- and toaster-friendly snacks
9. Mug omelet — whisk an egg in a mug with cheese and chopped veggies, microwave 1–2 minutes.
10. Microwave baked potato — poke a potato, microwave until soft, top with Greek yogurt or salsa.
11. Toasted bagel with avocado — mash avocado, add salt, pepper, and a squeeze of lemon.
12. Quesadilla wedges — cheese and leftover chicken between tortillas, toast in a skillet or microwave briefly.
13. Cinnamon sugar tortilla chips — brush with butter, sprinkle cinnamon sugar, bake or toast until crisp.
14. Cheesy nacho plate — tortilla chips topped with shredded cheese melted in the microwave and salsa.
15. Instant ramen upgrade — add frozen veggies and an egg to make it more filling and nutritious.
Make-ahead and batch snacks
16. Energy balls — oats, nut butter, honey, and mix-ins rolled into balls and refrigerated.
17. Mini frittatas — baked in a muffin tin with eggs and chopped veggies, stored for quick reheating.
18. Cold pasta salad — pasta, chopped vegetables, and a simple vinaigrette; great for leftovers.
19. Popcorn jars — air-popped popcorn flavored with nutritional yeast, chili powder, or cinnamon sugar.
20. Marinaded chickpeas — roast or air-fry chickpeas with spices for a crunchy protein snack.
21. Frozen yogurt pops — blend yogurt with fruit, freeze in molds for grab-and-go treats.
22. Homemade granola bars — bake in a pan and cut into bars for a cheaper alternative to store brands.
Mix-and-match snack combos
23. Antipasto skewers — mini skewers with cheese cubes, olives, cherry tomatoes, and salami.
24. Sandwich roll-ups — deli meat and cheese rolled in tortillas; slice into pinwheels.
25. Smoothie packs — bag up fruit and spinach in freezer bags; blend with milk or juice when needed.
26. Baked sweet potato fries — slice sweet potatoes, toss in oil and spices, bake until crisp.
27. Yogurt-covered fruit — dip berries or banana slices in yogurt and freeze on a tray.
28. Peanut butter and celery — classic “ants on a log” with raisins or chocolate chips for teens who prefer sweet.
Sweet and simple treats
29. Frozen grapes — a cold, refreshing, low-effort dessert alternative to ice cream.
30. Chocolate-dipped pretzels — melt chocolate, dip pretzels, and chill until set.
31. Fruit salsa with cinnamon chips — finely chopped fruit mixed with a splash of lime; serve with cinnamon-sugar tortilla chips.
32. Quick mug brownie — mix cocoa, flour, sugar, oil, and milk in a mug and microwave for about a minute.
Body tip: for family-friendly portion ideas and suggestions tailored to younger kids, see this helpful guide on good snacks for kids.
Small ingredient swaps — like greek yogurt for sour cream or whole-grain crackers for chips — can boost nutrition without increasing cost. Keep a few multi-use basics on hand (eggs, bread, peanut butter, frozen fruit) and you’ll be able to turn almost anything on this list into a satisfying snack.
Conclusion
If you want a longer list of nutrient-focused options tailored to teens, check out this roundup of 40 healthy snacks for hungry teens for ideas that balance convenience and health. For more party-ready, budget-conscious ideas when friends drop by, see this collection of 32 cheap and easy snacks to serve when your teen’s friends come over.
