9 Ways To Stop Using Individually Packaged Snacks

Individually packaged snacks are convenient, but they also create a mountain of waste. Granola bar wrappers, chip bags, and single-serve cookie packs stick around in landfills and oceans long after the snack is gone.

The good news? It’s easy to break the habit without giving up convenience, flavor, or variety. Making a few simple swaps can lead to fresher snacks, save money over time, and reduce waste. These nine ways to stop using individually packaged snacks offer practical steps to improve daily routines while keeping sustainability in mind.

1. Buy Snacks in Bulk and Portion Them Yourself

Buying snacks like nuts, dried fruit, and crackers in larger containers or from bulk bins lets you skip all the extra wrappers. It's simple to scoop what’s needed into small reusable containers or bags for on-the-go snacking.

This method cuts waste. Plus, bulk snacks often cost much less per ounce than individual portions. It’s easier to try new ingredients without a huge commitment and control how much goes into each snack portion (and into your body).

2. Use Durable Reusable Containers

Glass jars, stainless steel tins, or BPA-free plastic containers keep snacks fresh and travel-ready. Choose containers with tight lids that won’t pop open in your bag. Silicone storage bags are another solid option. They’re flexible, leak-proof, dishwasher-safe, and work well for dry snacks and fresh options alike. Over time, reusable containers pay for themselves by cutting the need for disposable packaging.

3. Make Your Own Trail Mix and Energy Bites

Skip the store-bought trail mix that comes in single-use plastic and instead mix up a custom blend with your favorite ingredients. You might add almonds, sunflower seeds, raisins, coconut flakes, or dark chocolate chips. It’s easy to match flavor preferences or dietary needs when you make your own trail mix, and the results are tastier and fresher than anything prepackaged.

Energy bites (or energy balls) are another quick option. With ingredients like dates, oats, nut butter, and chia seeds, these no-bake snacks come together in minutes and store well in the fridge. Try combinations like chocolate and peanut butter, cinnamon raisin, or coconut cacao for variety throughout the week.

4. Pack Fresh Fruits and Vegetables

Apples, bananas, oranges, and pears don’t need extra packaging and travel well. For a colorful and yummy snack, slice cucumbers, carrots, or bell peppers and portion them into reusable containers with dips like hummus or Greek yogurt.

Prepping fruit and veggies ahead of time can make healthy snacking just as convenient as tearing open a package of chips and cookies. To keep your wholesome snacks fresh, store them in airtight containers with a damp paper towel inside.

5. Make Homemade Granola Bars

Homemade granola bars are surprisingly easy to prepare, and they’re free of the preservatives and sugar overload found in many store-bought versions. Combine oats, nut butter, honey, or maple syrup with add-ins like seeds, nuts, or dried fruit.

Press the mixture into a pan, chill, and then cut into snack-size bars. These options store well in airtight containers and suit any taste or dietary preference. Homemade granola bars are perfect for tossing into lunch boxes, gym bags, or backpacks.

6. Use Beeswax Wraps for Sandwiches and Baked Goods

Ditch plastic sandwich bags and aluminum foil and switch to beeswax wraps. These reusable wraps mold around sandwiches, muffins, and cookies using the warmth of your hands, creating a secure seal.

Beeswax wraps are especially handy for foods that need a little breathing room, like fresh bread. These wraps come in different sizes and have fun patterns, and they can last up to a year with proper care. Some people even make their own wraps with cotton fabric and food-grade beeswax.

7. Portion Snacks During Weekly Meal Prep

Take a few minutes during weekly meal prep to portion out snacks for the days ahead. Wash and cut fruits and veggies, scoop bulk snacks into containers, and prep homemade items like trail mix or granola bars.

This routine makes it easier to grab something quick and waste-free throughout the week. Prepping in advance also helps with snack variety, as you can mix up different combos in each container so snacks feel fresh and exciting. Once this becomes a habit, the single-serve snack aisle won’t even be tempting anymore.

8. Choose Snacks With Minimal or Compostable Packaging

Sometimes packaged snacks are unavoidable. When that’s the case, go for options that use less packaging or come in compostable materials. Some brands now sell snacks in paper-based wrappers or recyclable cardboard rather than plastic.

Check the packaging for sustainability claims or symbols indicating compostable or recyclable materials. Supporting brands that reduce their packaging waste encourages others to follow their lead.

9. Stock Up on Whole Food Snacks

Whole foods offer an easy way to snack without wrappers. Hard-boiled eggs, string cheese, sliced avocado, and plain yogurt are simple options that don’t generate much waste and deliver real nutrition. Buy these items in larger quantities instead of single-serving packs.

Nuts and seeds in bulk, cheese blocks cut into slices, and even roasted chickpeas are all great choices as well. These snacks usually offer better energy, fewer additives, and no extra plastic.

A Smarter Way To Snack

Snacking doesn’t have to come with a side of landfill waste. These nine ways to stop using individually packaged snacks make it easier to reduce single-use plastic, save money, and eat fresher food, all without adding extra work. Small changes, like packing snacks in reusable containers or prepping food in batches, quickly become second nature.

Start by picking just one or two ideas that feel doable right now. Maybe it’s making trail mix or switching to beeswax wraps. As those habits settle in, add more. With time, a low-waste snacking routine can feel just as convenient and way more satisfying than tearing open a foil wrapper.

Want to make your snack routine even more sustainable on the go? WOLFpak backpacks are durable and keep you organized, making them a great choice for carrying snacks, containers, and hydration gear. Their meal backpacks keep everything in place so you’re always ready to fuel up wherever the day takes you.