B.Y.O.S. Snacks on the Go

I talked some about how much our daily coffee habit costs in my previous post on Veggie Vs. Meat Based Meal Planning, but what I didn’t add are the snacks. I get them while I’m out during my day-to-day dealings, and I’m not sure the exact cost but I think it’s close to $225-$275 a month. That’s including coffee and tea. For me that’s too much money no matter how I try to justify it. But what can we do about it?

Your Mindset Dictates Your Snacking Habits

My roommate and I have been going to a local pub only a few blocks away from where we live. It’s funny, I use to go to the same pub in my 20s, only now I’m much more responsible about both my drinking, and spending habits. I like the pub. It has a European feel; warm wood tones, and those oh-so endearing New England personalities that patron it. A little cold but liberal leaning, and stanch in a way reminiscent of our puritan ancestry. I’d also add frugal to that list.

On one trip to the pub I ordered a drink, and when I was finished I wanted to stay but I didn’t want to keep drinking. So instead of another cider I ordered water. I felt bad for some undefined reason. I was a little uneasy sitting at the bar, water in hand, watching everybody else pound beer after beer. I was telling myself that when groups of people go out there is usually a designated driver, and they’re not outside the pub in their car waiting for everybody to wrap up inside. I told myself that people at the pub would probably just assume I was a DD and not ask any questions. But why was I even making excuses?

Coming from a family that has been steeped in the service industry, I think some of the guilt came from what I perceived to be the bartender looking at me with a hint of distrust. That I was taking up valuable space at her bar when she could be making money from some other bar goer, ordering drinks. But I kept on ordering waters. And eventually I felt less and less guilty as the night went on.

Savings that Ease Your Mind

By the end of the night I had only purchased one drink which cost me roughly $9 with tip. If I had four or five drinks as I would have in my 20s, that would’ve cost me probably $50 (for context a six pack costs $16). I also felt better, more aware of what was happening around me. And the added bonus of not being hungover the next morning was nice. That’s a win, win, win in my book. So, I decided to take this habit to the next level.

When I went over my last budget and itemized all of my transactions, I was a little surprised and felt super guilty about how much I was spending on my food budget. This is a category that I pretty much always go over on. No matter how much I adjust from month to month I’m off by a wide margin. I think the average overage is around $200-$300 total for groceries and eating out. I include snacks into my eating out category and when I looked at the stores I was spending my food budget on there was a pattern.

I was spending between $5 and $7 dollars about 6-7 times a week at coffee shops and drugstores. I think the only time I purchase something from a drugstore is when I need a quick snack while I’m out. I don’t think much of it while I’m in the flow of my day, but those trips add up.

I think a good average of how much I spend on snacks is about $125-$150 a month, probably more. No wonder my food bill is so high. So I decided to look at different ways to save while not depriving myself of the experience of going to the places I enjoy. That’s when I decided to do what I did at the local bar, only during my daily outings at coffee shops.

Snacking on Social Norms

I think the reason I felt guilty for ordering water at the bar is because it’s just assumed that if we’re at a food establishment, all of the food and drink you consume has to be from said establishment. Do as the Romans do. But there is no rule about this social norm asides from not being able to bring your own beverages into a bar so as not to over serve someone trying to sneak booze in. Also, screw the Romans ( ;

I don’t know where I picked up this mindset, but it’s one that I’ve held for as long as I can remember. I think most people feel this way, and it’s a good way to spend lots of money while out and burn through your food budget. If you’re like me you like to go to cafés, take it slow and get your todo list done at a relaxing pace. A pleasant change of scenery being the main draw. But this could mean staying at the café for anywhere from two to four hours for me. And I know I’ll get hungry during these sessions. Especially since I skip lunch most days (a habit I’m trying to break). So I decided to pack snacks to go with me while I’m out for the day.

Change of Plans, B.Y.O.S….

I’ve already been buying more snacks during my shopping trips, only now I’ve been buying them with the intention of bringing them with me. I was recently at a bakery/cafe in a neighboring city at which I used to work. I was seated at a high-top table in the busy café and the woman sitting at the table next to mine was eating what looked to be her lunch. I asked if she worked there thinking she may have been on break, because again the social norm is you can’t bring your own food into a food establishment. But she shook her head “no” with a shy smile and continued eating her lunch. This made me happy. I told her I did the same and we exchanged knowing looks. Seeing that there are more people out there who have similar ideas about what eating out means is heartening.

The Price, Bob, is Definitely Right

I had already implemented my plan and bought snacks during my last big shop. I got dry roasted (no salt), and honey roasted peanuts from the grocery store, and I used dried cranberries, mint chocolate cookies and graham crackers that I had in my pantry. I divvied them between eleven bags, using about 1 1/3 cups per bag, then stored them on top of the counter near the door.

The peanuts were on sale, two for five (does anyone else think of The Wu’s C.R.E.A.M. when they hear two for five?), and I think the remanence of the snacks I had on hand would have added up to about $5-$7. So $12 all together for eleven outings. I also fill up my water bottle with iced tea before I leave as well. When I get to the cafe, or my destination, I order a small iced tea for about $4.69 with tip, and settle in for a nice long and relaxing session at the café.

Nobody has said anything to me yet about my B.Y.O.S.. And what would have cost me on average $16 for two drinks and some food with tip depending on where I go. The place I worked is on the pricier side at $21. Instead this trip costs me about $4.69 for their drink and $1.40 for the snacks and large iced tea I bring. For a grand total of $6.09.

That’s an $9.79 difference. That may not seem like much, but for context, if you go to Starbucks three times a week as I’ve outlined above and spend $15.88 a day, roughly the cost of a tall and venti iced teas and two Kind Bars (the snack substitute for my B.Y.O.S closest in amount and kind), you’re spending $47.64 a week. That’s $206.28 a month and $2,477 annually. You may not think that’s so bad but compare that to the B.Y.O.S. numbers and you’re spending $6.09 a day, $18.27 a week, $79.11 a month and $965.64 annually.

That’s 38% less, and a $1,511.64 difference annually. What would you with an extra $1,500? And you’ll be able to tailor your snacks to exactly what you want. And you’ll probably enjoy your snacking experience that much more. Saving money while relaxing in your favorite spot. Watching the day go by while you satiate your appetite, indulging in your favorite snacks. That seems like a no-brainer to me.

Shopping & Storage

The best part about this plan is that you can bring whatever you like. The woman I saw at the cafe I mentioned early had two decent sized Tupperware containers. They looked like they were filled with at least a meal’s worth of food. Maybe blueberry pie in one? The sky’s the limit when deciding what to bring.

And as I said above you can make the snacks you like. This way you don’t have to settle for whatever is offered at the cafe. This is especially nice when you like the ambiance of a specific place, but not so much the food or drink. But if you do like the food at your favorite place but don’t want to spend the cash, try making the snack yourself.

I’m partial to a good Rice Crispy treat, and the café I go to has a good one. Unfortunately I can’t eat it even if I were flush with cash, because it’s made with marshmallows. Marshmallows contain gelatin. In case you don’t know what gelatin is made from, here’s a list of its ingredients from The Humane League’s website, “Gelatin consists of processed collagen extracted from the skin, bones, cartilage, and tendons of animals. The end result—gelatin, or hydrolyzed collagen”. As a vegetarian, gelatin is definitely not on the menu (also pretty gross). But, now I can find a way to make my own version of the treat. All is not lost. I’ll keep you posted. Here’s a sample list of snacks to try, to get you started, and if you like the snacks at your favorite place, here’s a site that has copycat recipes for the treats you love:

The List

This is a list for snacks you can leave on the counter, or are shelf stable. But you can incorporate fresh fruits, cheeses and other items you like that need to be refrigerated. Just keep an eye on their expiration date and use them before they turn. (I go to Market Basket in MA because they have the best prices and are a great company. I suggest finding the discount grocery store in your area to help save some cash.)

• Roasted Almonds, 16oz: $5.99.
• Dry Roasted Peanuts, 16oz: $2.49.
• Chocolate Covered Raisins, 11oz: $3.69.
• Mint Chocolate Cookies, 9.4oz: $1.79.

This list makes about ten, one cup servings, possible more. At about $1.40 per serving, this option is super affordable. And better yet it can be exactly what you want it to be by adding the ingredients you know you’ll love. I like to break up the cookies into small pieces as a sweet, crispy treat. As long as you don’t sit on them, they keep their tasty integrity.

Don’t Forget to Grab a Bag on Your Way Out

This may be super cheap of me, but in the name of recycling I’ve been using plastic bags from the other products I purchase. Ziplock bags from dried fruit, lentil and bean bags work well also. Whatever you have on hand will work, and they’ll also look more interesting too, all lined up on your counter in different colored, unique packaging.

Bagging Up

That’s it my friends. I know I talk a lot about saving money here, but it’s something I’m passionate about. You only have to stumble your way into $126k of debt once to know you never want to go back to that lifestyle again. And being a good New England Yankee, saving money is in my DNA.

Most importantly you don’t have to sacrifice going to your favorite coffee shop because you can’t afford it. Or have your wallet take the hit by feeling you have to order more than you want. Pro tip: I usually order a small iced tea and ask for a side of ice. When I finish my drink I can just pour the tea I brought into the cup with ice. And if you’re a fan of iced tea, I’ve been drinking this brand that has become my favorite after I ordered it at a local breakfast place recently. I haven’t looked back 🙂 Peace, and thanks for reading 🏔️🌙:)