In the age of working from home, snacking has to be at an all-time high. Some even say that it’s replaced the idea of normal meals. No surprise there. Snacking is wonderful.
Unfortunately, snacking is also tough on both your wallet and your gut. In a recent Reddit thread, one user asked for suggestions on salty savory snacks that are cheap, easy, and healthy. This is the type of fodder that Redditors live for.
Curious about some of the best savory and salty snacks yourself? Here are 10 cheap, healthy-ish (depending on your salt tolerance), and savory snack ideas, inspired by Redditors.
Prices and availability are subject to change.
Seaweed Snacks
$3 from Target
You can find these toasty, salty, crunchy snacks at just about any Asian market, but a grip of other grocery stores have been known to carry them. Trader Joe’s definitely does, but even better than TJ’s standard seaweed snacks are the new tempura-fried seaweed snacks. You can grab some online, too.
Crispy Roasted Chickpeas
$7 from Target
These are easy enough to make in the oven on your own, but if that proves to be too much of a hassle, you can grab ‘em in a bag. If you do decide to make your own, don’t be shy with your flavor profiles. Just about any seasoning combination should be a winner.Wasabi Peas
$6 from Walmart
Wasabi peas are elite. That’s all there is to it. They’re crunchy. They’re spicy. They’re savory. They clear your sinuses. It’s a sensory umami explosion. Plus, they make for a crucial component in any good trail mix.
Pork Rinds
$3 from Target
There’s a reason so many cultures have been drawn to fried pork skins. From Brazil to Mexico to the American south, people have declared this snack a winner time and time again. You can grab a bag at just about any grocery or convenience store in your area.
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Dried Shrimp
$8 from Amazon
As far as snacks go, these are killers in a variety of situations. Munch on them alongside a beer. Top a dip with dried shrimpies or pour some chili crisp onto some prawn crackers. There are no wrong turns.
Related: 6 Ways To Add Fish to Your Diet Without Busting Your Budget
Trending on Cheapism
Squid Jerky
$14 from Amazon
I didn’t even know this was a thing, but I’m very interested in giving it a shot. These are super popular in Japan, and not that different from dried shrimp snacks. This kimchi-flavored one sounds great.
Related: Addictive Costco Snacks You’ll Be Happy You Bought in Bulk
Blue Diamond Almonds
$22 from Amazon (pack of 12)
Obviously, raw and unsalted almonds are the healthiest choice here. However, eating unseasoned, raw nuts is a generally miserable experience and we all know it. Almost nobody does the almond game better than Blue Diamond.
Which flavors should you go for, you ask? You’re in luck. I already ranked Blue Diamond almonds for you.
Sardines
$4 from Target
Whether they’re in jars or tins, sardines remain a staple snack across cultures. Troves of Redditors professed their love for them, especially with crackers or anything else that’s crunchy. They’ve been a popular snack since Roman times, and they’re not going anywhere any time soon.
If you’re my dad, you probably also want me to point out that kippered herring is a really good snack, but that’s not a hill I’m prepared to start climbing right now. It’s not for me.
As an added bonus, eating tinned fish is now a popular date night option. So, you’re welcome.
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Unshelled Edamame
$3 from Target
You can usually find unshelled edamame frozen or vacuum-sealed, and it makes for one of the easiest snacks possible. Toss ‘em in the microwave, drizzle ‘em with any sauce you like, or dump ‘em onto some rice. I could eat edamame all day long.
Tteokbokki
$8 from Amazon
Spicy Korean rice cakes, or tteokbokki, are a pretty standard addition to any Korean BBQ experience, but they work on their own as a tasty snack. Trader Joe’s even has a good one in the frozen section, and if you want my advice, skip the stovetop and crisp ‘em up in the air fryer.
