As a university student, striking the perfect balance between a nutritious diet and a tight budget can be tricky.
With the constant demands of academic life and the temptation of readily available fast food, it’s easy to fall into the trap of unhealthy eating habits.
But fear not!
This comprehensive guide is here to empower you with a wealth of delectable, budget-friendly, and health-conscious meal options that will keep your taste buds and your wallet happy.
Breakfast: Energising Starts to Your Day
Kickstarting your day with a nourishing breakfast is crucial for maintaining focus and productivity.
Forget about the overpriced and greasy breakfast sandwiches; instead, go for the simplicity and affordability of these delightful morning delights.
Fruit Salad
A refreshing and vitamin-packed fruit salad will tantalize your senses and provide you with a burst of natural sweetness.
Combine a medley of apples, bananas, grapes, strawberries, and satsumas for a vibrant and flavourful start to your day.
Not only is this option incredibly inexpensive, but it also ensures you’re well on your way to meeting your daily fruit intake.
- Cost Breakdown:
- 6 pack of apples: £2.89
- Bananas (pack of 5): 88p
- Grapes: £1.69
- Strawberries: £2
- Satsumas: 89p
Eggs
Eggs are a student’s best friend – affordable, versatile, and packed with essential nutrients. Whether you prefer them scrambled, poached, fried, or boiled, incorporating eggs into your breakfast routine is a surefire way to stay fueled and satisfied until lunchtime.
Pair them with a couple of slices of wholesome brown bread for a balanced and filling meal that won’t break the bank.
- Cost Breakdown:
- Wholemeal loaf of bread: 50p
- Carton of 15 eggs: £1.18
Lunchtime: Nutritious and Wallet-Friendly Ideas
While lunchtime may not be the most exciting meal of the day, it is the right time to fuel your body with wholesome, budget-friendly options.
You could embrace a plant-based lifestyle for extra savings, by incorporating delicious meat-free alternatives that will not only nourish you but cost less too.
Fishless Finger Wraps
These are nice and crispy and very satisfying. You can always use real fish fingers if you want.
Quorn’s fishless fingers are an uncanny replica of the real thing, offering the same taste without the environmental impact.
Wrap them in a warm wholemeal tortilla for a quick and easy meal that’s both tasty and nutritious. Add extras for interest as you see fit.
- Cost Breakdown:
- Quorn fishless fingers: £2.50
- Tortilla wraps (pack of 8): 79p
Southern Fried Chicken Salad Wraps
The flavour-packed punch of these Southern Fried Chicken salad wraps is something else.
Quorn’s Southern Fried Chicken strips are the star of the show, complemented by a crisp and refreshing mix of salad leaves.
Chop the cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces, toss them with the greens, and season with a sprinkle of salt and pepper for a satisfying and nourishing meal that’s perfect for on-the-go or meal prepping.
- Cost Breakdown:
- Quorn Southern Fried Chicken pieces: £1.59
- Tortilla wraps (pack of 8): 79p
- Mixed salad leaves: 60p
Vegetarian Bacon and Egg Sandwich
A twist on a classic.
Quorn’s bacon slices offer a healthier alternative to traditional bacon, allowing you to enjoy the familiar flavours without the guilt.
Top it off with a perfectly poached egg for a protein-packed and satisfying lunch that will keep you energized throughout the day.
- Cost Breakdown:
- Quorn bacon slices: £1.75
- Eggs: £1.18
- Own brand bread: 50p
Soup
Sometimes, simplicity is key, and a humble tin of vegetable or tomato soup can be a lifesaver on those lazy days when cooking seems like an effort.
Opt for own-brand varieties from supermarkets like Sainsbury’s for a budget-friendly and nutritious option that’s sure to warm your soul and fill your belly.
- Cost Breakdown:
- Tin of own-brand Sainsbury’s tomato/vegetable soup: From 40p(!!!)
Dinnertime: Satisfying and Satiating
After a long day of classes and studying, treat yourself to a delicious and budget-friendly dinner that will leave you feeling nourished and content.
We’re going meat free again here to save the pennies.
From hearty sandwiches to flavourful curries, these meal options will tantalize your taste buds without breaking the bank.
Philly Cheese Steak Sandwich
Indulge in the irresistible flavours of a classic Philly Cheese Steak sandwich without the guilt.
Quorn’s vegetarian steak pieces provide a great alternative to traditional steak, allowing you to enjoy the same mouthwatering combination of tender “meat,” melted cheese, sautéed onions, and a warm baguette.
- Cost Breakdown:
- Quorn vegetarian steak pieces: £1.75
- Baguettes (pack of 2): 90p
- 1 bag of grated cheese: £1.49
- Onions (pack of 3): 54p
Vegetable Sausage and Sweet Potato Curry
The exotic flavours of this vegetable sausage and sweet potato curry will transport your taste buds to faraway lands.
Quorn’s vegetarian sausages add a delightful twist to this creamy and aromatic curry, while the sweet potatoes provide a nutritious and satisfying base.
Batch-cook this meal at the beginning of the week for a hassle-free dinner option that can be easily reheated or even frozen for later.
- Cost Breakdown:
- Quorn sausages (1 bag of 8 sausages): £1.59
- Tikka curry sauce: 59p
- Sweet potatoes (1 bag): 89p
- Peppers (pack of 3): £1.25
- Onions (pack of 3): 54p
- Wholegrain rice: 45p
Vegetarian Spaghetti Bolognese/Meatballs
Satisfy your cravings for classic Italian flavours with this budget-friendly and meatless twist on spaghetti Bolognese or meatballs.
Quorn’s mince or meatballs provide a delicious and sustainable alternative to traditional meat.
Whether you prefer a rich Bolognese sauce or hearty meatballs, this meal is as easy and quick to make as it is cheap and tasty to eat.
- Cost Breakdown:
- Quorn mince: £1.59
- Quorn meatballs: £1.70
- Pack of spaghetti: 50p
- 1 bag of grated cheese: £1.49
- Onions (pack of 3): 54p
- Peppers (pack of 3): £1.25
Stir Fry
The versatility and flavour-packed punch of a delicious stir fry makes it a real winner.
Whether you opt for a pre-made bag of stir fry veggies or create your own custom blend with Quorn chicken pieces, peppers, onions, and egg noodles, this meal is a nutritious and budget-friendly option you will love.
- Cost Breakdown:
- Pre-made bag of stir fry: £1.50
- Quorn chicken pieces: £1.75
- Onions: 54p
- Peppers: £1.25
- Egg noodles: £1
Veggie Chilli
Spice up your dinner routine with a hearty and flavourful vegetarian chilli.
Quorn mince provides the perfect base for this dish, allowing you to customize the heat level to your liking with the addition of spices and chilli sauce.
Serve it over a bed of wholegrain rice for a satisfying and nutrient-dense meal that’s a favourite of students everywhere.
- Cost Breakdown:
- Quorn mince: £1.59
- Jar of chilli sauce: 59p
- Onions (pack of 3): 54p
- Peppers (pack of 3): £1.25
- Wholegrain rice (to serve): 45p
Snack Attack: Healthy and Budget-Friendly Nibbles
Let’s face it – snacking is an inevitable part of the student life.
However, instead of reaching for unhealthy and expensive options, try these affordable snack alternatives that will keep you fueled and satisfied between meals.
Fresh Fruit
Keep a stash of fresh fruits like apples, bananas, and oranges on hand for a quick and healthy snack that will satisfy your sweet tooth without breaking the bank. Not only are these options incredibly affordable, but they also provide a burst of natural sweetness and essential vitamins and minerals to keep you energized throughout the day.
Veggie Delights
Crunchy and refreshing, raw veggies like carrots, cucumbers, and bell peppers make for a perfect snack option. Pair them with a healthy dip like hummus or tzatziki for an added flavour boost and a dose of protein and healthy fats. These snacks are budget-friendly, but they’re also incredibly versatile and can be easily packed for on-the-go munching.
Homemade Trail Mix
Create your own custom trail mix by combining your favourite nuts, seeds, and dried fruits. This portable and nutrient-dense snack is perfect for fueling your study sessions or providing a quick energy boost between classes. Experiment with different combinations to find your perfect blend, and enjoy the convenience of having a healthy snack at your fingertips.
Meal Prepping: Streamlining and Cost Saving
As a busy student, time is of the essence, and meal prepping can be a game-changer when it comes to maintaining a healthy and budget-friendly diet.
By dedicating a few hours each week to preparing meals in advance, you’ll not only save time but also save money on energy too.
Batch Cooking for the Win
Many of the recipes mentioned in this guide, such as the vegetable sausage and sweet potato curry or the vegetarian chilli, are perfect for batch cooking. Prepare a large batch at the beginning of the week and portion it out into individual servings that can be easily reheated or frozen for later. This approach not only saves time but also ensures that you have a variety of meals to choose from throughout the week.
Meal Prep Containers are Your Friends
Invest in a set of reusable meal prep containers to streamline your meal prepping process. These containers not only help you portion out your meals but also make it easy to transport your food to campus or work. Look for containers that are microwave-safe and leak-proof for added convenience.
Love Your Leftovers
Don’t underestimate the power of leftovers! Many of the recipes in this guide can be easily repurposed and transformed into new meals. For example, leftover spaghetti Bolognese can be transformed into a hearty pasta bake, or leftover stir fry can be used as a filling for wraps or sandwiches. Using leftovers reduces food waste and also saves you time and money in the long run.
Grocery Shopping Tips: Maximizing Your Budget
Mastering grocery shopping is a crucial skill for any budget-conscious student.
By following these tips and tricks, you’ll be able to stretch your grocery budget further and ensure that you have a well-stocked pantry and fridge for all your culinary adventures.
Buy Supermarket Brands
While name-brand products may be tempting, opting for supermarket-owned brands like Aldi or Sainsbury’s can save you a significant amount of money without compromising on quality. These brands often offer affordable alternatives to popular products, allowing you to stock up on essentials without breaking the bank. Many products are just as good in terms of quality too.
Seasonal Produce
Take advantage of seasonal produce. Not only will this add a burst of freshness and flavour to your dishes, but it will also be easier on your wallet. Keep an eye out for weekly specials and sales on seasonal fruits and vegetables, and plan your meals accordingly.
Bulk Buying
For non-perishable items like grains, legumes, and nuts, consider buying in bulk. This approach will save you money in the long run and also ensures that you always have a well-stocked pantry for those impromptu meal creations.
Meal Planning
Before heading to the grocery store, take a few minutes to plan your meals for the week. This simple step will help you create a targeted shopping list and prevent impulse purchases reducing food waste.
