Broke But Not Famished: 20 Delicious & Cheap Foods to Satisfy Your Hunger
Looking for tasty and budget-friendly foods that keep you full? You’re in the right place!
This blog will share 20 cheap foods that are satisfying and easy on your wallet. Whether you’re saving for something special or just need to stretch your grocery dollars, these foods can help.
From hearty grains to protein-packed snacks, there’s something here for everyone. Plus, most of these items are simple to prepare, making your life even easier.
1. Oatmeal
Oatmeal is an excellent choice for a cheap and filling meal. It’s easy to make and can be customized with your favorite toppings like fruit, nuts, or honey. Oats are packed with fiber, which helps keep you full for a long time.
You can prepare it quickly in the morning or overnight for a grab-and-go breakfast. Plus, a big bag of oats is affordable and lasts a while.
2. Brown rice
Brown rice is a fantastic cheap food that keeps you full. It’s high in fiber and has a nice, nutty flavor. You can cook a big batch in different meals throughout the week.
Pair it with veggies, beans, or protein for a balanced dish.
Brown rice is also easy to store and stays suitable for a long time. Plus, it’s healthier than white rice, making it an excellent choice for any meal.
3. Lentils
Lentils are a cheap and filling food packed with protein and fiber. They cook quickly and can be used in soups, stews, or salads. You can buy them dry and store them for a long time without worrying about spoilage.
Lentils are versatile, so you can season them in many ways to suit your taste. They’re nutritious and keep you full for hours, making them a great addition to any meal.
4. Potatoes
Potatoes are a super affordable and filling food. They’re easy to cook and can be prepared in many ways, like baking, boiling, or frying. Potatoes are rich in vitamins and fiber, which help keep you full longer.
You can pair them with different toppings or mix-ins like cheese, herbs, or beans. They also store well and last a long time, making them a convenient and budget-friendly option for any meal.
5. Eggs
Eggs are a cheap and filling food you can cook in many ways. They’re packed with protein, which helps keep you full. Whether you like them scrambled, boiled, or fried, eggs are quick to prepare and super versatile.
Eggs are affordable and easily available, making them a great staple for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. They also pair well with many other foods, such as veggies, bread, or cheese.
6. Bananas
Bananas are a cheap and filling snack that’s easy to grab. They’re loaded with vitamins and natural sugars that give you a quick energy boost.
Bananas are great for baking, too. You can eat them plain, slice them into cereal, or blend them into smoothies. Bananas are also great for baking, like banana bread or muffins.
They’re super affordable and available year-round, making them a convenient and healthy option for any time of day.
7. Peanut butter
Packed with healthy fats and protein, peanut butter is an excellent energy source. It’s also budget-friendly and easy to store. You can use it in sandwiches, smoothies, or as a dip for fruits or veggies.
Peanut butter is affordable and versatile and filling, making it a great option for any meal or snack. Just make sure to choose natural versions without added sugars or oils.
8. Canned Beans
Canned beans are a cheap, filling, and super handy food. They’re packed with protein and fiber, making them very nutritious. You can use them right out of the can, which saves time.
Add them to soups and salads, or make a quick bean dip. Canned beans come in various types, so you have lots of options. They store well and last long, making them perfect for stocking your pantry.
9. Whole Wheat Pasta
Next on the list is whole wheat pasta. Not only is it a great source of complex carbohydrates, but it also offers more fiber and nutrients than regular pasta.
Whole wheat pasta pairs well with many different sauces and toppings, making it a versatile and budget-friendly option for any meal. It’s also easy to cook and can be stored for a long time, making it an excellent pantry staple.
10. Popcorn
Popcorn is a cheap and filling snack that’s perfect for munching. It’s easy to make, whether you use a microwave or stovetop. Popcorn is also low in calories but high in fiber, which helps keep you satisfied.
For extra flavor, you can season it with salt, butter, or even spices. It stores well and makes a great snack for movie nights, or anytime you want something crunchy. Plus, it’s super affordable and widely available.
11. Greek yogurt
Do you want a quick and nutritious snack? Then, add Greek yogurt to your shopping list. It’s packed with protein, calcium, and probiotics, making it a healthy option for any time of day.
Plain Greek yogurt is also very versatile. You can eat it as is or use it in recipes as a substitute for sour cream or mayo. Look for sales or buy in bulk to get the best value for your money.
12. Carrots
Carrots are a cheap and filling snack that’s great for munching anytime. They’re packed with vitamins, especially vitamin A, which is good for your eyes. You can eat them raw, roasted, or cooked in soups and stews.
Carrots are crunchy and naturally sweet, making them a tasty and healthy choice. They store well in the fridge and last a long time. Plus, they’re affordable and easy to find in any grocery store.
13. Frozen Vegetables
Frozen vegetables are a cheap and filling option for any meal. They’re easy to prepare since you just need to heat them up. Frozen veggies are picked at their peak and quickly frozen to keep their nutrients.
You can use them in stir-fries, soups, or as a side dish. They are stored in the freezer for a long, making them super convenient. Plus, they’re affordable and available year-round, making it easy to eat healthy.
14. Canned Tuna
Canned tuna is a cheap and versatile food. It’s packed with protein and omega-3s, which are great for your health. Mix it into salads, make a quick tuna sandwich, or add it to pasta.
Canned tuna stores are well in the pantry and always handy. It’s also super affordable and available almost everywhere. Whether you need a quick meal or a snack, canned tuna is a simple and healthy choice.
15. Cottage cheese
Cottage cheese is a cheap and filling snack that’s full of protein. It’s creamy and has a mild flavor, making it versatile. You can eat it on its own, mix it with fruit, or use it in recipes like lasagna.
Cottage cheese is also great for breakfast, lunch, or a quick snack. It’s easy to find in any grocery store and inexpensive. Plus, it’s packed with nutrients that help keep you healthy.
16. Apples
An apple a day keeps the doctor away and is also a cheap and tasty snack. Apples are packed with fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants that benefit your overall health.
Plus, they come in many varieties, so you can always find one that suits your taste. Apples are easy to take on the go and do not require any preparation. Simply wash them and enjoy!
Apples are also very affordable and widely available year-round. Whether you eat them whole or add them to salads or oatmeal, they are a nutritious and budget-friendly option.
17. Cabbage
Cabbage is a versatile, affordable vegetable filled with nutrients and antioxidants. You can eat it raw in salads, add it to stir-fries or soups, or even use it as a wrap.
Cabbage is available year-round and is low-priced at most grocery stores. It’s also very easy to store, making it convenient for meal planning.
Adding cabbage to your diet can provide numerous health benefits due to its high vitamin C content and anti-inflammatory properties. Plus, it adds great flavor and texture to any dish.
18. Quinoa
Next is quinoa, a gluten-free grain high in protein and essential nutrients. It’s a great alternative to rice or pasta and is incredibly versatile in recipes.
Quinoa can be used as the base for salads, added to soups or stews, or baked into casseroles. You can cook it with milk and toppings for a delicious breakfast porridge.
While quinoa may be slightly more expensive than other grains, its nutritional benefits make it worth the investment. Plus, a little goes a long way in meals, so you won’t need to buy large quantities.
19. Tofu
The meat for vegetarians, tofu is a soy-based protein that can be used in many dishes. It’s affordable and widely available at most grocery stores.
Tofu can be cooked and seasoned in various ways to mimic the texture and taste of meat. It’s also a great source of calcium, iron, and other essential nutrients.
Adding tofu to your diet can help you save money on expensive meat while still meeting your protein needs. Plus, it’s a delicious addition to stir-fries, soups or even as a substitute for scrambled eggs in breakfast dishes.
20. Split Peas
Lastly, we have split peas, a legume commonly used in soups and stews. They are an excellent source of plant-based protein and fiber, making them a filling and nutritious addition to any meal.
Split peas are affordable and can be bought in bulk for even more savings. They also have a long shelf life, so you won’t have to worry about them going bad quickly.
Split peas are versatile in recipes, whether pureed into a creamy soup or added to a hearty stew. They’re a great budget-friendly option for those looking to add more plant-based protein to their diet.
Many Different Types of Food To Keep You Full
In conclusion, many affordable and nutritious alternatives to traditional grains like rice and pasta exist. Quinoa, tofu, and split peas are just a few examples of versatile and protein-rich ingredients that can be incorporated into meals in various ways. You don’t have to spend much money on expensive ingredients to get a full-filling meal. With some creativity, you can make delicious and budget-friendly dishes that benefit your health.
18 “Penny-Pinching” Habits That Waste Your Time (and Sanity)
We all strive to save money, but not all frugal habits are created equal – some can cost you more in the long run, either in time, stress, or money. So before you start reusing that tin foil or driving across town for cheaper gas, let’s take a moment to reconsider. We’ve rounded up 18 frugal habits that, believe it or not, might not be worth your effort at all.
18 “Penny-Pinching” Habits That Waste Your Time (and Sanity)
16 Things Frugal People Don’t Waste Their Money On
Living frugally isn’t something that comes naturally to everyone. For impulse spenders, cutting out unnecessary spending is a daily struggle. However, if you want to live a more frugal lifestyle or trim the fat from your budget, we can help.
16 Things Frugal People Don’t Waste Their Money On
16 Ways to Reuse Coffee Grounds to Help Save You Money
A recent National Coffee Association (NCA) report found that coffee consumption has reached its highest levels in 20 years. Not only is that a lot of coffee, but that also means there’s a lot of leftover coffee grounds.
