Many of us look back at our college days as some of the best. The parties, the friends, the all-nighters in the library... well, maybe not that last one! Another thing we often look back on with nostalgia is the meals that got us through it all. They were cheap, accessible, and anything but fancy - but they brought the flavor, and today they bring on all the nostalgia. Here we take a look at the cheap college meals online foodies still love, long after tossing their graduation cap!
Tinned Sardines
One seafood lover gave a massive shout-out to tinned sardines with crackers. As cheap college meals go, this one sounds kind of elegant to me. I just imagine this particular student enjoying a dainty little snack while reading up on the great philosophers or something equally refined.
Potatoes
Another foodie said: “Baked potatoes! You can buy a huge bag for four dollars. They're delicious and filling.” Potatoes sure are a versatile food, and remains a staple for many of us long after graduating. You could eat them everyday if you wanted, cooked in a million different ways. Just make sure to add some protein, as well!
Oats
This foodie shared the breakfast meal they still enjoy today: “Oats! Buy some oats, oat bran, yogurt and raisins. First, prepare the oats and oat bran (very healthy!), then once that is ready, add the yogurt (make sure there is not a massive amount of added sugar in that yogurt) and the raisins. It makes a great meal which costs almost nothing, while giving you many good health benefits.” Who knew oats could sound so delicious?!
Banana and Peanut Butter
One person claimed that they still eat a banana with peanut butter for breakfast. And it makes sense! On those days when you’re running late and need to rush out of the house, a banana and some peanut butter will keep you going long into your lunch hour. Just thank the protein for that!
Indomie Mi Goreng
One person shared a meal their friend still eats: “Indomie mi goreng is breathtaking. My friend makes over 500k USD a year and this is amongst his favorite meals, just to give some context on how INSANE it is.”
I feel like instant noodles are having a comeback! David Chang has started selling Momofoku noodles in supermarkets, and while I haven't had the Indomie noodles if they're even close to the Momofuku version, the cravings are understandable!
Kraft Mac ‘n’ Cheese
Another person shared: “Kraft deluxe mac and cheese (so I didn’t have to buy milk or butter like you need for the regular box) with frozen peas added because I was VERY healthy.” They even called it “Mac and Peas.” Very innovative!
Tuna
One foodie shared this hilarious story: “There was a "dent and bent" grocery store near campus that sold cheap food, and they always had 25c cans of tuna. I stocked up on that. Now that I'm older and have a bit of money, I bought some ahi tuna steaks in the frozen section at Costco and prepared them according to package directions. My daughter and I had the same reaction: "THIS IS TUNA?" There were no leftovers.“
Same ingredient, but very different preparations, for sure.
Rice and Soy Sauce
This lover of East Asian cuisine answered: “White rice and soy sauce. Still my favorite snack tbh.” It’s not as bad as it sounds. Fry it in a pan with spring onions, garlic, and white pepper, then top with some furikake and you’ve got yourself a gourmet meal!
Buttered Pasta
This food lover shares how they elevated their simple student meal as an adult: “Would just cook pasta, melt butter in it, and sprinkle some parm packets on top I collected from the dining hall. As an adult I upgraded and started saving some of the pasta water. I emulsify cold butter pat in it and make a silky sauce. Sprinkle some fancy parmesan over it, and BOOM! I was a young kid again.” [sic]
Starch plus fat is awesome and you don't need much more to make a delicious sauce. If you make the pasta from scratch as well, then this is also called a gourmet meal!
Peanut Butter & Jelly Sandwich
Another user on the same thread called out a classic – peanut butter and jelly sandwiches: “I eat about 3 or 4 a week for lunch at work. Crunchy peanut butter with strawberry preserves usually.”
Baked Beans on Toast
Our British readers will know all about this one: “The only reason us Brits eat beans on toast is because it’s a) cheap and b) easy to make (bread in a toaster, take beans from a can and heat). Take either factor away and it’s not worth the effort.”
It’s also worth noting that British baked beans generally have less sugar and a higher tomato content than American versions, making this a quite healthy lunch option as well.
Eggs
This savvy foodie rightly pointed out, "There's so much you can do with tuna or eggs.” It’s true, eggs are so versatile. You can make fried egg sandwiches, pop it in your ramen, or make egg fried rice. The world is your… Egg!
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