Enjoy a delicious breakfast without breaking the bank. With a little creativity and planning ahead, you can make a healthy, tasty breakfast that’s cheaper than a morning cup of coffee. Breakfast is the most important meal of the day and one of the least expensive. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or your family, there are tons of delicious and healthy breakfasts you can make with simple ingredients.
The Magic of Oatmeal: Cheap, Filling, and Versatile
Oatmeal is one of the cheapest and healthiest breakfasts you can eat every day. A bag of oatmeal is versatile and can last for weeks. You can cook oatmeal the traditional way, using either water or milk, to create a delicious and hearty bowl of oatmeal. You can also make oatmeal by soaking it overnight with milk, fruit, and seeds. Oatmeal tastes even better with honey, cinnamon, or nut butter. For a sweeter, vitamin-packed treat without the extra cost or sugar, add bananas, apples, or frozen berries. Eggs cost just a few cents each and are packed with fiber, iron, and protein, keeping you feeling fuller longer.
Eggs: Cheap Protein Star
Eggs are cheap, energy-packed, and versatile. You can fry them, boil them, make omelets, or even roast them with vegetables in a muffin tin. Serve hard-boiled eggs on toast or mix them with veggies for a quick scramble. Eggs provide energy, help build and repair muscles, and contain important nutrients like choline and vitamin D. Buy eggs in bulk to save even more money, and your meal will still be healthy and filling.
Best Toast: Made with Whole Grains for Great Taste
While toast may seem simple, it can be a complete and filling meal. Start with whole wheat bread for fiber and complex carbohydrates, then get creative and add toppings. Banana slices and peanut butter are good sources of energy and potassium. Mash avocado and season with salt and pepper for healthy fats. Even butter and jam are good options if you use the right amount. Toast is quick and easy to make, and there are lots of ways to customize it to your tastes and budget.
Seasonal Yogurt and Fruit Bowl
Plain yogurt is a great way to get protein and probiotics, and it’s much cheaper to buy in bulk than in individual servings. Add fresh veggies, granola, or a drizzle of honey to make this a delicious breakfast bowl. For extra fiber and omega-3 fatty acids, try adding flaxseed or chia seeds. If you avoid dairy, buy plant-based yogurt from the store or make your own. Seasonal or frozen fruit can help you save money and still get a nutritious meal.
How to Make a Better Breakfast Burrito for Less
You can make your own breakfast sandwich cheap and easy at home, it’s a nutritious and portable option. Simply add hard-boiled eggs or beans, tortillas, and any leftover veggies. For extra crunch, add salsa or shredded cheese. You can make multiple burritos at once and freeze them in sealed containers for up to a week. They’re cheaper than buying breakfast sandwiches or burritos, and they reheat faster.
Make banana pancakes with just a few simple ingredients.
Bananas are cheap and naturally sweet, making them a great breakfast staple. Banana pancakes are easy to make with a little flour or oatmeal, mashed bananas, and an egg. Place the pancakes in a skillet and cook like regular pancakes. Top with extra fruit, yogurt, or syrup after cooking. These pancakes are kid-friendly, freezer-safe, and super affordable.
For a crunchy, delicious granola, make your own!
Store-bought granola can be expensive. Making your own is easy and inexpensive. Add whatever nuts or seeds you have on hand to your oatmeal and add a little oil, honey, or maple syrup. Bake until golden and crispy and store in an airtight container. Granola can be added to yogurt and eaten with milk for breakfast, or eaten on its own as a snack. Homemade granola is much cheaper than store-bought granola and can be used in large quantities throughout the week.
Make smoothies with frozen fruit and everyday products
Smoothies are a quick and healthy way to start the day, especially if you use cheap ingredients. Frozen vegetables are often cheaper and just as healthy as fresh ones. You can blend them with yogurt, water or milk, and for a more nutritious twist, add oats, peanut butter or vegetables. For just a few cents per serving, you can make a delicious, healthy drink with bananas, berries and flaxseed. No need for expensive superfoods.
Chia seed pudding that lasts for days
Chia seeds are ideal to make ahead for breakfast, as they keep you feeling full. One packet of chia seeds can make multiple breakfasts, so it’s an affordable way to supplement your morning meal.
Fried rice, or a whole new way to play with leftovers
Don’t forget the magic of leftovers. You can add plant-based milk, cinnamon, and raisins to a bowl of reheated rice for a porridge-like breakfast. In the morning, use leftover veggies to make a stir-fry or omelette. This reduces food waste and saves money.
Conclusion: Eat healthy without spending too much
A healthy, filling breakfast doesn’t have to be difficult or expensive. Oats, eggs, bananas, and yogurt are all staples that you can use for a delicious and inexpensive meal. Planning ahead, using what you have, and shopping smart are key. In the long run, choosing whole foods over processed ones for breakfast will save you money and be healthy. Whether you’re cooking for one person or a large family, a cheap breakfast can still be the best part of your day.
