Experiments In Frugality - Chocolate Pudding

Chocolate Pudding For The Girls To Take To School:

Theory/Cost Analysis:
4 Pudding "Cups" From Aldi ($0.89 For 4 Cups/3.5 oz each) = $0.06 Per Ounce/$0.22 Per Portion
 36 Pudding "Cups" From Sam's ($6.45 For 36/3.5 oz each) = $0.05 Per Ounce/$0.18 Per Portion
Instant Pudding Box From Aldi ($0.49 (Dry Mix) + 2 Cups Of Milk ($0.35) = $0.84 For 16 oz Pudding = $0.05 oz/$0.18 Per 3.5 oz Portion)
#10 Can Chocolate Pudding From Sam's ($3.98 For 112 oz) = $0.04 Per Ounce/$0.12 Per 3.5 oz Portion
Shrink Portions From #10 Can To 2 oz Each = $0.08 Per Portion
*Making it from scratch is more expensive due to the type of ingredients needed (including sugar, cocoa, milk, butter, etc) and it is much more time consuming although I am sure it tastes better.

In Reality:
We purchased the #10 can from Sam's to experiment with over the girl's holiday break. We opened the can and poured the putting into a plastic container to store in the fridge. We spooned it out for lunch that first day and it was perfect! However, after 2-3 days in the fridge it began to liquify and break down. It was pretty yucky because the taste wasn't s*p*e*c*t*a*c*u*l*a*r to start with. Ended up throwing the rest of the can away. : (

Conclusion:

If you purchase a huge can of pudding from Sam's, you need to use it within 48 hours.

Level 1 Frugality:  Skip pudding all together.  You need something with more substance.
Level 2 Frugality:  Skip the pudding unless you can get it free with coupons or it is given to you.
Level 3 Frugality:  Pudding cups from Sam's are your best bet for school lunches.
Level 4 Frugality:  Use a coupon and enjoy your favorite brand.
Level 5 Frugality:  Buy whatever pudding you like best.