(BPT) - Have you noticed that your family's grocery bill has gone up? You're not alone. According to a recent Save A Lot survey, 79% of respondents say their average grocery costs have increased, compared to just three months ago.
With the rising price of groceries, it can be difficult to feed your kids quality food on a budget. However, there are plenty of options that offer flavor and value. Check out these 10 must-have lunch items that kids will enjoy at a price parents will love.
1. Trail mix
Trail mix is a convenient and versatile food that's perfect for a lunchtime treat or as a post-practice or after-workout snack. Choose a product like Nutsome Mountain Trail Mix that combines the salty taste of peanuts, almonds and cashews with sweet raisins and chocolate.
Pro tip: Portion trail mix into reusable containers or sandwich bags for an easy grab-and-go snack.
2. Chips
Chips are a classic lunch staple and snack for a reason. The salty taste, satisfying crunch and portability make chips a favorite for kids and parents. Pick up a couple of bags of J. Higgs Kettle Cooked Chips for thick chips that are great on their own or as a sandwich topping for added saltiness and texture.
3. Deli meat
Deli meats are a tasty sandwich staple, but that's not their only use. Try rolling Farmington Select Deli Meat Ultra Thin Lower Sodium Oven Roasted Turkey with cream cheese to create pinwheels or simply cut them up as part of a casual charcuterie board for lunch or as an after-school snack.
4. String cheese
String cheese is a fun snack for kids, old and young. This handheld snack is great for eating between classes or meetings. Choose a product like Coburn Farms String Cheese, which is made with milk that's 100% free from artificial growth hormones.
5. Fruit snacks
Fruit snacks are a sweet way to satisfy hunger. In addition to adding these fruit-flavored snacks to your kids' lunch boxes, consider keeping a few bags of Tipton Grove Fruit Snacks in the car. They're made with real fruit and are free of fat and preservatives, so you can keep hunger at bay when running errands or on the car ride back from school.
6. Applesauce
Whether you eat it on its own as a snack, as a side dish for lunch or as an accompaniment to pork chops for dinner, applesauce always satisfies. Opt for a product like Fairhill Farms Unsweetened Applesauce that leans in to apples' natural sweetness for a light, no-added-sugar snack that's perfect any time of day.
7. Crackers
Crackers are simple, shelf-stable and easily pair with other great snacks like cheese and deli meats. Pick up a couple of boxes of Newbury Mills Golden Rounds Crackers. Not only are they great for an individual snack, but you can add them to a snack board when hosting your child's group study sessions.
8. Peanut and honey spread
Level up a regular peanut butter and jelly sandwich with a spread like Nutsome Creamy Honey Roasted Peanut & Honey Spread. The salty and sweet combination of nuts and honey pairs well with any jelly flavor.
Pro tip: Pack a small container of peanut and honey spread so kids can dip an apple slice or celery.
9. Tacos
Want a meal that pulls double duty? Pick up a Señora Verde Taco Kit for Monday night dinner and pack leftovers for a delicious Taco Tuesday lunch. This easy meal kit comes with 12 shells, sauce and seasoning, so all you have to do is pick your taco filling.
10. Lasagna
Another meal that you can make for dinner and eat for lunch the next day is lasagna. Choose a frozen meal like Mantia's Signature Lasagna with Meat Sauce for a tasty meal that's simple to heat up when you've come home from a long day at the office or sports practice during the week.
This fall, don't stress about feeding your family on a budget. Pick up these and other affordable, high-quality foods at your local Save A Lot. To find your nearest store, visit https://savealot.com/coupons/*?showStoreLocator=true.
