Snack smarter without breaking the bank! These DIY Fruit & Protein Snack Boxes are easy to prep, budget-friendly, and totally customizable for work, school, or travel.
Why Make Your Own Snack Boxes?
You've probably seen snack boxes in coffee shops, airports, and grocery stores. They're convenient, sure. But have you seen the price tags? $5.99 and up-we've even seen some at $12.99 at the airport. Gasp. We knew there had to be a better (and cheaper) way.
If you've been following us for a while, you know we're all about affordable meal prep. Just like our under $4 meal prep ideas, these snack boxes come together for a fraction of the price-without sacrificing quality.
Where to Shop
We picked up everything for these snack boxes at Target, including the containers. With more stores carrying fresh produce and budget-friendly staples, meal prepping has never been easier.
What Makes a Great Snack Box?
Each snack box should include:
- Protein: cheese cubes, nuts, deli meat, hard-boiled eggs, or dairy-free cheese
- Fruit or Veggies: berries, grapes, apple slices, carrots, cucumbers
- Healthy Fats: nuts, seeds, avocado
- Fiber: fresh produce and whole nuts keep you full longer
Pro Tip: Portion control is key. The GoodCook meal prep containers we used have ½ cup compartments, which help keep snacks in check and prevent them from becoming a full meal.
My $3.00 DIY Snack Box
Here's what I used:
- 1 cup walnuts (raw, unsalted)
- 2 oz. colby cheese (cubed)
- 1 cup green grapes
- 4 large strawberries (sliced)
- ½ cup blackberries
This sweet-and-salty combo gives you a perfect balance of carbs, protein, fat, and fiber to keep you satisfied. And yes, it's kid-approved too!
Snack Box Swaps
Want to mix it up?
- Fruit Ideas: kiwi, pineapple, apples, orange slices
- Protein Ideas: turkey roll-ups, tofu bites, plant-based cheese, Greek yogurt
- Nuts/Seeds: almonds, brazil nuts, macadamia, sunflower seeds
- Extras: hummus, dark chocolate squares, rice crackers, veggie chips
On the Go? No Problem.
We pack these for:
- Work or school: Perfect for a mid-morning boost or afternoon snack
- Travel: TSA-friendly (skip liquids!) and great for road trips or long flights
- Breakfast on-the-go: Add a boiled egg or mini muffin for a complete morning meal
We went with fresh summer berries, crunchy walnuts, and cheese (we LOVE that salty and sweet combo), but you could use any seasonal fruit, nuts (macadamias and brazil nuts are two other favorites) and any kind of cheese. If you are vegan, feel free to swap in a dairy-free cheese.
If you want a little less fat in your snack and some extra protein, add in 2 hard boiled eggs in place of the walnuts.
Final Thoughts
Snack boxes don't need to cost $6-$12. With a little planning, you can have nutritious, satisfying options ready to grab all week. Whether you're trying to avoid vending machines, keep your kids full at school, or power through a long workday, these DIY snack boxes have you covered.
Want more budget-friendly snack ideas? Check out our full collection of meal prep snacks.
Special Offer for Teachers
If you're a teacher juggling lesson plans, classroom prep, and trying to eat well on a busy schedule, we've got you. Our Meal Plans for Teachers are designed specifically to help you eat healthy, save time, and reduce stress-both in and out of the classroom.
Ingredients
- 1 cup walnuts
- 2 ounces colby jack cheese cut into cubes
- 1 cup green grapes
- 4 large strawberries sliced
- ½ cup blackberries
Instructions
- Mix cheese and walnuts together.
- Mix fruit together.
- Divide each combination into 4 equal portions.
- Serve, store, and enjoy!
Phil says
Is the cheese portion a typo? 2 2 ounces of cheese? Is that 22 ounces or 4 ounces?
Sarah Kesseli says
Hi Phil, thank you for letting us know about this. It should be 2 ounces of cheese or 1/2 an ounce per box. Please feel free to increase this to a portion based on your macronutrient needs.
Ashley says
How do you keep nuts, pretzels, etc fresh? Seems like moisture is trapped in and makes them soft and not crunchy? Is there a type of meal prep container to use?
Meal Prep on Fleek says
It really depends on the container and the food mix. A good container will keep the moisture out and keep the food crisp.