Eat Well Without Breaking the Bank
As a college student, you’re no stranger to tight budgets. But eating ramen every night? Not sustainable—or healthy. The good news? You can stock your pantry with 10 versatile staples for under $20 and still make delicious, filling meals.
In this guide, we’ll share affordable Amazon products, creative meal ideas, and tips to stretch your dollar further. Let’s get started!
Staple 1: Rice ($1.50–$3.00)
Why You Need It
Rice is a blank canvas for meals—pair it with veggies, beans, or eggs for a hearty dish.
Amazon Product
- Generic Long-Grain White Rice ($1.50 for 2 lbs): Amazon Basics Long-Grain Rice
Usage Tips
- Cook in bulk and refrigerate for up to 5 days.
- Add soy sauce, frozen veggies, and an egg for fried rice.
Budget Hack
Buy in bulk for even lower costs per pound.
Staple 2: Canned Beans ($1.00–$2.00 per can)
Why You Need It
Beans are protein-packed and shelf-stable.
Amazon Product
- Bush’s Best Black Beans ($1.25 per can): Bush’s Black Beans
Usage Tips
- Mash with spices for bean tacos.
- Add to rice bowls or soups.
Budget Hack
Buy store-brand or opt for dried beans (soak overnight to save time).
Staple 3: Pasta ($1.50–$3.00)
Why You Need It
Pasta is quick, filling, and pairs with almost anything.
Amazon Product
- Barilla Spaghetti ($2.00 for 16 oz): Barilla Spaghetti
Usage Tips
- Toss with olive oil, garlic, and frozen peas for a 10-minute meal.
- Mix with canned tomatoes and basil for a simple sauce.
Budget Hack
Store-brand pasta is often half the price of name brands.
Staple 4: Oats ($3.00–$4.00)
Why You Need It
Oats are perfect for breakfast or baking.
Amazon Product
- Oats ($3.00 for 42 oz): Quaker Oats
Usage Tips
- Make overnight oats with milk and fruit.
- Blend into smoothies for a fiber boost.
Budget Hack
Buy in bulk and store in airtight containers.
Staple 5: Peanut Butter ($3.00–$4.00)
Why You Need It
A protein-rich spread for snacks or meals.
Amazon Product
- Peanut Butter ($3.50 for 16 oz): Alpino Peanut Butter
Usage Tips
- Spread on toast or apples.
- Stir into oatmeal or smoothies.
Budget Hack
Store brands like Great Value are cheaper and just as tasty.
Staple 6: Canned Tomatoes ($1.00–$2.00)
Why You Need It
The base for soups, stews, and pasta sauces.
Amazon Product
- Hunt’s Diced Tomatoes ($1.25 per can): Hunt’s Tomatoes
Usage Tips
- Simmer with garlic and basil for a quick sauce.
- Add to chili or curry dishes.
Budget Hack
Buy no-salt-added varieties to control sodium.
Staple 7: Frozen Vegetables ($2.00–$3.00)
Why You Need It
Nutritious and lasts longer than fresh veggies.
Amazon Product
- Birds Eye Frozen Mixed Vegetables ($2.50 for 16 oz): Birds Eye Veggies
Usage Tips
- Steam as a side dish.
- Add to stir-fries or pasta.
Budget Hack
Avoid pre-seasoned varieties to save money.
Staple 8: Eggs ($3.00–$4.00 per dozen)
Why You Need It
A versatile source of protein.
Amazon Product
- Vital Farms Organic Eggs ($4.00 for 12): Vital Farms Eggs
Usage Tips
- Scramble for breakfast or add to fried rice.
- Hard-boil for snacks.
Budget Hack
Buy store-brand eggs for $2–$3 cheaper.
Staple 9: Bread ($2.00–$3.00)
Why You Need It
Perfect for sandwiches, toast, or avocado mash.
Amazon Product
- Nature’s Own Whole Wheat Bread ($2.50 for 20 oz): Nature’s Own Bread
Usage Tips
- Freeze half the loaf to prevent spoilage.
- Use for French toast or garlic bread.
Budget Hack
Day-old bread is often discounted at grocery stores.
Staple 10: Lentils ($2.00–$3.00)
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Why You Need It
High in protein and fiber.
Amazon Product
- Bob’s Red Mill Lentils ($2.50 for 16 oz): Bob’s Lentils
Usage Tips
- Cook in broth for a simple soup.
- Add to salads or rice bowls.
Budget Hack
Buy in bulk bins at stores like Walmart or Aldi.
Sample Meal Plan for $20
- Monday : Rice + beans + salsa (burrito bowl).
- Tuesday : Pasta with marinara sauce and frozen veggies.
- Wednesday : Oatmeal with peanut butter and banana.
- Thursday : Lentil soup with bread.
- Friday : Fried rice with eggs and frozen peas.
Pro Tips to Stretch Your Budget
- Buy Store Brands : They’re often identical to name brands.
- Use Cashback Apps : Rakuten or Ibotta offer refunds on groceries.
- Avoid Pre-Packaged : Whole ingredients are cheaper (e.g., block cheese vs. shredded).
For more budgeting strategies, check out our post on Budgeting 101: How to Save $100/Month Without Trying .
Smart Spending = Better Living
With these 10 staples, you’ll never have to choose between eating well and staying within budget. By prioritizing versatility and affordability, you’ll save money and reduce food waste.
Stay tuned for our upcoming guide on The Easy and Clear Way to Make Money Online (Part 1) —perfect for boosting your income while you save!
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