- Instant Ramen: Nissin Top Ramen Soy Sauce and Chili flavors are vegan-friendly, and they typically cost less than $0.50 per pack (depending on location). Add some vegetables, such as carrots, corn and broccoli, to make it somewhat less unhealthy.
- Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwich: Peanut butter and jelly both last a long time and, if you forgo the organic and natural varieties, are very affordable to the broke college student (ayyyy). Also, get whole wheat bread. Please. I beg you. It stays fresh forever and is the healthiest option.
- Fajitas: Get a seasoning packet, load up on cheap veggies (onions, green peppers, corn, etc.), buy a couple cans of black beans and some wraps, and boom! You’ve got your next 6-8 meals.
- Baked Potato: Buy potatoes in bulk and you’ve got food for days. If you don’t have access to an oven, potatoes taste perfectly fine microwaved. Douse that bad boy in some hot sauce, sriracha, or barbecue sauce for some added flavor. If you’re willing to splurge a little, sautéed spinach and/or kale with garlic and red pepper flakes make an excellent and healthy topping.
- Pancakes: Super easy and delicious. All you need is some flour, baking powder, salt, sugar, non-dairy milk (soy is usually cheapest), water, and vegetable oil. Top your pancakes with some fruit for added flavor (bananas and strawberries are always good options).
- Spaghetti: Noodles and jarred/canned sauce. Easy, simple, and cheap. If you have a little extra cash on hand, mix in some veggies (such as broccoli and spinach) for added nutrition.
- Cereal: Name-brand cereal is going up in price these days, but generic brands are still relatively inexpensive.
- Oatmeal: You can buy a canister for around $1 and it’ll last for a long time. Mix in some fruit, cinnamon, and sugar for some ~flavor~. Or you could do what I did when I ate oatmeal for the first time and had no idea what it tasted like: eat it plain. Or the second time: with black pepper. Yum...
- Burritos: Beans, rice, lettuce, tomatoes, maybe a little hot sauce. You’re welcome. Don’t want to spend money on wraps? Burrito bowls, my friend! You can always add as many different vegetables as you want, but beans, rice, some kind of leafy green, and tomatoes should always be there. Always.
- Soup: Whether you buy generic canned soup or make it yourself, soup is one of the budget-friendliest meals you can have. I cannot begin to tell you how much tomato soup with crackers I consumed my freshman year of college. It, uh...was a lot.
- Salad: They don’t have to be expensive. Buy some greens, cucumber, tomato, shredded carrots, and onion. It’s simple. If you need salad dressing, a little balsamic vinegar and olive oil goes a long way.
- Tacos: Whether you use crunchy shells or soft wraps is up to you. Either way, the end result will be just as delicious. Instead of beef, use black or refried beans. I recommend adding a splash of lime juice on top for some acidity.
- Chili: Leave out the meat and double the beans! You could also chop up some mushrooms or crumble some tofu to throw in for a meaty texture, if you need it. Chili freezes well, so make a large batch and freeze what you can’t eat before it goes bad.
- Fried Rice: Frozen vegetables are your friend here. Peas, corn, and carrots. Fresh mushrooms are also good. Add some tofu for protein!
