Crudites, veggie sticks and dips
While the ease of pre chopped veg and dip is tempting these tasty treats come with quite a bit of packaging and can be made at home for far less, you can even make a few days’ worth to keep you going. Simply store your sliced veggies in a resealable tub or bag and pop your dip in a pot with a well-fitting lid.
Celery, carrot, pepper or cucumber sticks go really nicely with a little houmous, dip or guacamole. Or for a bit of a change slice an apple, sprinkle with a little lemon juice and add to a pot of peanut butter.
Chicken satay skewers
Chicken satay skewers are a picnic favourite in many homes, but did you know that you can make your own, they are great for getting the kids in the kitchen and make a tasty treat the whole family will love. Our favourite recipe can be found here.
Lunchables
Do your little ones love Lunchables but you could do without the packaging or price tag, try making your own from crackers and slices of your favourite cheese or sandwich meat. You can even get the little ones involved in making them too.
Fruit cups
It might be tempting to reach for those tubs of pre-prepared fruit at the supermarket, after all they are a speedy solution, but you can make something similar at home for less money and with a lot less packaging. Simply prep your favourite fruits into a resealable tub or bag and you’re sorted, they’ll keep in the fridge for a couple of days so you can cover yourself for a few days out, in the garden or simply easy snacks.
Or if time really is of the essence why not opt for a punnet of grapes or bunch of bananas instead.
Jelly and custard pots
If the kids are mad about jelly or custard, why not invest in some tubs with screw or clip on lids and make your own dessert pots at home. Not only is there less packaging to get rid of it can be less than half the price too and you can add some freshly chopped fruit for an extra treat.