Almost everyone who has gone to college has experienced being a broke college student. It’s nothing to be ashamed of. You should be proud of allocating your money towards your education.
However, one of the biggest challenges of being a broke college student is figuring out how to stretch your budget to cover food. Finding items in the grocery store or coming up with meal plans that are delicious, satisfying, and somewhat healthy simultaneously is challenging.
The good news is that you can eat well without breaking the bank with little planning and the right choices.
Today, we will share some of the best cheap food to buy when broke. These affordable staples are versatile and filling, so you can eat well while saving money.
Rice and Beans
Rice and beans are a classic. This combination is known for a reason — affordable and filling. It’s also quite a healthy choice because beans are a great source of protein, and rice will give you the carbs you need for energy. You can season this dish to suit any taste, and it’s easy to cook in large batches (in case you want to meal prep).
Ramen Noodles
Who doesn’t love a good bowl of ramen? Ramen noodles are a well-known broke student staple, and it’s easy to see why. They’re incredibly cheap, easy, and fast to prepare and can be made into a pretty nice meal when you add veggies or an egg. You can turn a basic pack of ramen into a yummy and filling meal with a bit of creativity.
Eggs
Eggs are a great cheap food to buy when broke because they are an adaptable source of protein. You can use them for breakfast dishes like scrambled eggs or combine them with other items for lunch or dinner, like fried rice. They can easily be turned into a hearty and nutritious meal. You can even bake with them when you feel like making your own dessert.
Canned Vegetables
Canned vegetables might not sound like the most appealing choice, but they are an affordable way to get your daily dose of veggies in. They are also very long-lasting, so you don’t have to worry about forgetting them in the depths of your fridge until they spoil. You could add canned vegetables to soups and stews or simply eat them as a side. Make sure to stock up on a few cans to maintain a balanced diet even when you don’t have a lot of financial resources.
Peanut Butter
Peanut butter is a budget-friendly option that is packed with protein and healthy fats. Despite popular belief, it is actually very healthy (in moderation, of course). You can spread it on bread, mix it into your oatmeal, or enjoy it on its own with a spoonful. A jar of peanut butter can go a long way and provide you with many calories for the money you’re spending.
Oatmeal
There are many reasons why oatmeal is an excellent choice of cheap food to buy when broke. It is a filling and healthy breakfast option that can be bought in bulk. It’s very easy to prepare, and you can customize it with whatever toppings you like. You can add fruits, nuts, spices, milk, or plant milk. Sweeten it with banana or dates. You can also eat oatmeal savory — either way, it’s very nutritious and very cheap.
Pasta
Pasta is a great, inexpensive meal base. You can combine it with a canned sauce or get creative and make your own. Pasta is quick to cook, satisfying, and a great way to eat on a budget.
Canned Tuna
Canned tuna is a great source of lean and cheap protein. You can eat it straight from the can or make a quick meal like a tuna salad, a sandwich, or a pasta dish. You should try putting it on pizza if you want to try a European pizza topping. You might be surprised by how well tuna goes with various dishes. Plus, it has a long shelf life, so it’s a convenient pantry staple.
Bananas
Bananas are a cheap food option that is packed with potassium and many other nutrients. As you probably know, they’re great on their own – or you can add them to oatmeal, smoothies, or maybe even a peanut butter sandwich.
Frozen Vegetables
Did you know that frozen vegetables can be even more nutritious than fresh vegetables? This is because they get harvested when they’re ripe and instantly get frozen, so all of the vitamins and other nutrients are kept intact. They’re a cost-effective way to keep veggies on hand, and they won’t go bad for long. You can use them in stir-fries, soups, or as a side dish.
Bread and Tortillas
Bread and tortillas are cheap staple foods that can be used for sandwiches, wraps, burritos, or as a side with a meal. They fill you up without being expensive, so you can stretch your meals further. You should always keep some bread or tortillas in your pantry — but make sure you don’t forget about them and let them go bad…
Lentils
Lentils are another great choice for getting in your protein cheaply and healthily. They can be used in many dishes — you can make soup stew or use them as a meat substitute when cooking various meals. They’re also incredibly high in fiber and other essential nutrients. They might not sound super exciting, but don’t skip them the next time you go grocery shopping.
Potatoes
Potatoes are incredibly versatile. You can bake, boil, or fry them. No matter what you do to them, they will taste good. They make a great base for many meals and are cheap, too. Try making mashed potatoes, your home-cooked fries, a hearty potato soup, oven-baked potatoes – or maybe something like mashed potatoes or potato wedges.
How to Apply for Food Stamps as a College Student
If you’re struggling to afford groceries, there is always the option to apply for food stamps (SNAP). While some people are hesitant to take this step, many college students are actually eligible for food stamps. This especially applies if you are working part-time or have a low income.
All you have to do to get food stamps as a college student is visit your state’s SNAP website and apply. You will need to provide information about your income, your expenses, and your student status. If you get approved, you’ll receive an EBT card that you can use to buy groceries at participating stores.
Don’t be shy about applying — these benefits exist to help people like you.
The Best Cheap Foods to Buy When Broke
Eating well on a tight budget can be tough, but it’s doable with the right food choices. Try to make a shopping list for your next grocery trip and include as many affordable staples as possible.
If you are looking for more tips on managing your finances and saving money, be sure to check out our articles on hot student discounts, common money mistakes college students make, the ultimate guide to buying and selling textbooks, college student must-haves that help save money, and best money apps for college students.
Small changes can make a big difference in your financial health. Start applying these tips as soon as you can!
