DIY fruit snacks. The budget-friendly way.

 

Making snacks. The budget-friendly way. Fruit snacks edition

 

Hello sweets! Coach Bre is here again to give you a budget-friendly food idea.

This time I'm focusing on snacks, and I decided to make some delicious healthy fruit gummy bites. I got the inspo from back-to-school being in full swing, I try and prep snacks ahead of after school. When it comes to store-bought snacks, some can be costly and contain large amounts of sugar and processed ingredients.  so, coming up with new ideas to fit my family, is essential for happy healthy kids but also a happy parent who stays within my budget.

My inner circle knows, my love language is cooking and providing happiness to the pallet. Clients and peers have expressed love for my southwest eggrolls to finding comfort in my cheesecake cookies. I adore creating homemade items as much as I love a quick, thrown-together meal. No matter how I choose to whip up the next great meal. I always stay within budget.

Hello! I am a personal financial coach and professional accountant, so I hold to my principles and make all my meals follow a budget and strict plan. You will always catch Coach Bre doing three things: Teaching, Tasting, and Traveling.

I counted the cost of one of my favorite inexpensive snacks, to show you that creating something tasty and inexpensive is possible. Keep in mind the cost may vary from mine depending on your area and your local prices.  

Let’s get snacking!

Fruit snacks

When it comes to fruit snacks there are so many kinds. There are variations like fruit smooshed in a pouch, fruit gummies, fruit leather, and many more. For easy travel and a healthier alternative to “candy,” I chose to make my kids, nieces, and nephews fruit gummy snacks.

Spoiler alert this snack idea cost me less than 10.00

What I used

This snack is quick, easy, and delicious. I needed a few essential things to make magic.

1.      A gummy mold with a dropper

 I often use items from my “kitchen-tique”, the kitchen side of my boutique, so I used these cute gummy molds. Do not worry friend, I got extra if you need one, and if you use the code: fruitgummies to purchase your order, you will get 5 dollars off orders 35+. 

2.      Fruit

When choosing the flavor and deciding on fruit, I chose to use my household faves, strawberries, and bananas. I knew that if the kids thought those were a hit they would love them in my gummies. I love this snack because these two fruits are so nutritious and they taste great.

Did you know.......

Strawberries are nutritious and carry a low-calorie count. They are perfect for my kiddos since I focus on reducing their sugar intake, and these strawberries do just that by being low in sugar and packed with antioxidants and vitamin C. Plus they taste great.

Bananas are eaten often in my household. The kids love it with oatmeal or just for a quick snack. Bananas are popular for their high potassium and sweetness. Also, bananas are used as a substitute for eggs in baking.

I prepared the fruit by creating a smoothie. I read the gelatin mix and it stated that the gelatin would not form with pieces of fruit. So, the smoothie was my best bet. I diced six strawberries and one whole banana into small bite-sized cubes and added them to a blender with some apple juice and a cup of ice. 

3.      Gelatin

Gelatin will be the reason my gummies are gummy. I decided to use Starburst watermelon and strawberry flavors and an unflavored packet. I made multiple batches with different flavoring

Directions

1.      Fruit preparation: I cut about 4 strawberries and dice them so small they look like chunky mush. I blend the strawberries with half a banana and half a cup of apple juice. I use 1 ½ cups of the juice blend and place it in the fridge to chill.

2.      Next, I begin to make the gelatin. I put 1 ½ cups of water in a saucepan. I empty the packet of strawberry starburst gelatin into the water and let the gelatin “bloom” or melt away for 30 seconds.

3.      I stir the gelatin, turn the stove on medium heat, and stir occasionally for 2 minutes or until it is steamed and foamed slightly.

4.      I remove the pot and add in the 1 ½ cups of chilled juice blend. I mix well and drop equal amounts into each mold.

5.      I place the molds into the fridge overnight.

 

 The result was great tasting and friendly on my wallet. 
Stay sweet friends
-Coach Bre