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Is It Cheaper To Make Or Buy A Veggie Tray?A vibrant veggie tray with fresh carrots, cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, and broccoli, served with hummus and ranch dips.

Is It Cheaper to Make or Buy a Veggie Tray? A Full Cost Breakdown

  • Author: olivia
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes (Homemade)
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes (No cooking required!)
  • Total Time: 15 minutes
  • Yield: 6-8 servings
  • Category: Food Comparison, Appetizer
  • Method: Raw
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

A veggie tray is a fantastic option for parties, family gatherings, and meal prepping. But when it comes to cost, is it more budget-friendly to prepare your own or buy a pre-made tray from the store? This guide provides an in-depth comparison of cost, freshness, convenience, and overall value.


Ingredients

  • Baby Carrots (2 cups) – $2.00

  • Cherry Tomatoes (1 cup) – $3.50

  • Cucumber (1, sliced) – $1.00

  • Bell Peppers (1, sliced) – $1.50

  • Broccoli (1 cup florets) – $2.50

  • Cauliflower (1 cup florets) – $2.50

  • Sugar Snap Peas (1 cup) – $3.00

  • Radishes (1 cup, sliced) – $1.50

  • Celery Sticks (1 cup) – $1.50

  • Dips (Hummus, Ranch, etc.) – $4.00


Instructions

  1. Wash all vegetables thoroughly under running water and pat them dry.

  2. Cut and slice the vegetables into bite-sized pieces for easy snacking.

  3. Arrange the vegetables on a serving platter, grouping them by color for an appealing look.

  4. Place dips in small bowls in the center or alongside the vegetables.

  5. Refrigerate the tray until ready to serve to maintain freshness.


Notes

  • Use seasonal vegetables to save money while ensuring freshness.

  • Pre-cut vegetables in advance and store them in airtight containers to save prep time.

  • Store any leftovers properly to avoid waste—use them in salads or stir-fries.

  • Damp paper towels placed over cut vegetables can help retain moisture and keep them fresh longer.


Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 90 kcal
  • Sugar: 6g
  • Sodium: 50mg
  • Fat: 2g
  • Saturated Fat: 0.5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 1.5g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 18g
  • Fiber: 5g
  • Protein: 3g
  • Cholesterol: 0mg

Keywords: veggie tray cost, make vs buy veggie tray, homemade vegetable platter, store-bought veggie tray, budget-friendly appetizers