10 Affordable Chips and Drinks You Can Try at Home

Snack time can be both delicious and economical. The kitchen offers numerous opportunities to create tasty chips and refreshing drinks using readily available ingredients. Vegetable chips can be crafted to provide a fulfilling crunch. Homemade sodas offer a fizzy, flavorful alternative to store-bought options. These recipes are designed to be budget-conscious, ensuring enjoyment without financial strain.

1. Crispy Kale Chips with Sea Salt

Who would expect leafy greens to deliver such a crisp texture. Kale turns into thin, crunchy chips when baked with care. Remove the thick stems from fresh kale leaves and tear them into small pieces. Coat lightly with olive oil, massaging the leaves so every part is covered. Sprinkle evenly with sea salt. Bake at 150°C (300°F) for 15 to 20 minutes until the edges turn golden and crisp. Keep a close watch during the last few minutes to avoid burning. These nutritious chips cost less than packaged options and provide far more vitamins than traditional potato chips.

2. Sparkling Cucumber Mint Water

This refreshing drink feels refined while being simple to prepare. Thinly slice a cucumber and place the pieces in a large pitcher. Add six to eight fresh mint leaves, gently pressing them with the back of a spoon to release their oils. Pour chilled water over the mixture and let it rest in the refrigerator for two hours. The cucumber brings a clean, cooling flavor, and the mint adds a fresh finish. Just before serving, top with sparkling water to keep the bubbles lively. It costs very little to make yet tastes like something served at a expensive spa.

3. Spiced Chickpea Roasted Snacks

Canned chickpeas reveal their potential when roasted into crunchy, flavorful snacks. Drain and rinse one can of chickpeas, then dry them thoroughly with paper towels, as any remaining moisture prevents crispness. Toss with olive oil, cumin, paprika, and a touch of cayenne pepper for gentle heat. Spread evenly on a baking sheet and roast at 200°C (400°F) for 30 to 40 minutes, shaking the pan every 10 minutes for even cooking. They are ready when golden and crisp throughout. These protein-rich snacks cost about half as much as nuts and keep you feeling full longer than typical chips.

4. Frozen Banana Chocolate Smoothie

Overripe bananas find new life in this creamy, milkshake-like drink. Peel and freeze bananas overnight before blending them with milk and cocoa powder. The frozen fruit creates a thick, ice cream texture without any added sugar. Blend two frozen bananas with one cup of milk and two tablespoons of unsweetened cocoa powder. Add a handful of ice if you want it even thicker. The natural sweetness of bananas eliminates the need for added sweeteners. This drink costs less than a dollar to make and provides potassium, calcium, and antioxidants from the cocoa.

5. Baked Apple Cinnamon Chips

Apple season aside, these chips turn simple fruit into a flavorful snack. Slice apples into very thin rounds with a mandoline or sharp knife, keeping the skin for added fiber and color. Arrange the slices on parchment-lined baking sheets, making sure they do not overlap. Sprinkle lightly with ground cinnamon and bake at 100°C (200°F) for 2 to 3 hours, flipping them halfway through. The low heat ensures a crisp texture while preventing burning. Slow baking concentrates the apple’s natural sweetness, making them a pleasant alternative to heavier desserts. Store in airtight containers for up to a week, though they often disappear sooner.

6. Lemon Ginger Fizzy Soda

Homemade soda offers more control over ingredients and flavor than packaged options. Prepare a simple syrup by simmering equal parts water and sugar with fresh ginger slices for about 10 minutes. Strain the ginger and allow the syrup to cool completely. Combine two tablespoons of this syrup with fresh lemon juice and chilled sparkling water in a tall glass. Adjust the sweetness as preferred and add ice for more refreshment. Ginger contributes natural digestive benefits, and this version costs little.

7. Parmesan Zucchini Crisps

Zucchini’s mild taste makes it an excellent base for bold seasonings. Cut the zucchini into thin, even rounds using a mandoline or vegetable peeler. Pat the slices dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Dip each round in beaten egg, then coat with a blend of grated Parmesan cheese and breadcrumbs. Place the coated slices on a baking sheet and bake at 220°C (425°F) for 15 to 20 minutes until golden and crisp. The cheese forms a crunchy coating while the zucchini remains tender inside. These chips offer a tasty way to include more vegetables.

8. Iced Hibiscus Berry Tea

Dried hibiscus flowers make a deep red drink that captures the feeling of summer in a glass. Steep three tablespoons of dried hibiscus in four cups of hot water for 15 minutes, then strain out the petals. The tea offers a tart flavor similar to cranberry, which blends nicely with frozen berries. Add strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries while the tea is still warm to enhance the taste with more fruit fragrance. Sweeten with honey if preferred and serve chilled over ice. Hibiscus tea contains no caffeine and is rich in antioxidants. A small bag of dried hibiscus flowers costs less than five dollars and can be used to prepare many servings of this refreshing beverage.

9. Seasoned Tortilla Strips

Corn tortillas tucked away in your refrigerator can easily become restaurant-quality chips. Slice the tortillas into thin strips using kitchen scissors or a sharp knife. Lightly brush them with oil and spread them on baking sheets. Sprinkle chili powder, cumin, and lime zest over the strips to give them a Mexican-inspired flavor. Bake at 200°C (400°F) for 8 to 12 minutes until they turn crispy and develop a light browning around the edges. These strips make companions for salsa, guacamole, or can be enjoyed on their own as a snack. This homemade version is free of preservatives and costs about fifty cents per batch. Keep them in airtight containers.

10. Watermelon Mint Cooler

Nothing beats the heat like this naturally sweet, hydrating drink. Blend four cups of cubed watermelon until smooth, then strain through a fine mesh sieve to remove pulp if desired. Add fresh mint leaves and blend again briefly to incorporate the herb’s cooling properties. The combination of watermelon’s high water content and mint’s refreshing taste creates the ultimate thirst quencher. Serve over ice with a sprig of fresh mint for garnish. This drink is naturally low in calories and high in vitamins A and C. A whole watermelon provides enough juice for multiple batches, making it extremely economical during summer months.