Do your kids love those convenient GoGo SqueeZ or Fruit Crusher applesauce pouches? Mine do, and while the pouches are handy and contain real applesauce, buying them all the time gets expensive—especially with five kids. One pouch per snack doesn’t last long, and my older kids could easily polish off an entire box in one sitting. That’s why I started refilling reusable pouches at home.

Refillable food pouches are an economical and eco-friendlier alternative to single-use pouches. I purchased a couple of four-packs of resealable pouches and filled them with homemade, ultra-smooth applesauce made from apples we picked on our property. You can use store-bought applesauce from larger jars just as easily and still save money while producing less packaging waste.

One important note: the applesauce should be very smooth for these pouches. If your homemade sauce is chunky, test it with a straw—put a few spoonfuls in a cup and try to drink it through a regular plastic straw. If it clogs, blend it until smooth before filling the pouches.

Here are a few practical tips that make filling reusable pouches easier and neater:

• Inflate the pouch slightly before filling so it stands up better on the counter. Open the straw section and blow gently to give the pouch some structure.
• Use a funnel to avoid making a mess and to direct the applesauce past the zipper for a clean seal.
• If steady pouring is a challenge, transfer the applesauce into a liquid measuring cup or pitcher first, then pour from there.

The pouches I use have clear ounce markings, are dishwasher-safe, and are free of BPA, phthalates, and PVC. They work well for homemade baby food and are convenient to pack in lunches. When frozen, they serve double duty as an ice pack that thaws by lunchtime and provides a cold snack. I’ve found they save money and reduce waste while getting picky eaters to try something healthy.

Instructions:

Open the straw part of a refillable food pouch and gently blow into it to inflate the pouch so it will stand on the counter. Open the main zipper and use a funnel to fill the pouch about three-quarters full. Remove the funnel, seal the zipper securely, and wipe any excess from the opening. Store filled pouches in the refrigerator for up to one week, or freeze them. Frozen pouches make convenient ice packs in lunches and can be kept frozen for up to one month.