When you're trying to prepare meals without spending too much, protein can seem really pricey. But don’t worry! There are lots of affordable protein sources that won't break the bank. Here are some of my favorite budget-friendly ingredients for meal prepping.
Eggs are amazing for cheap protein!
You can cook them in many ways—scrambled, boiled, or even in a frittata.
They usually cost about 0.20 each and give you around 6 grams of protein.
You can make egg muffins for breakfast, toss them in salads, or include them in a quick stir-fry.
Plus, they stay fresh in the fridge!
Canned fish is super easy to use.
You can add it to salads, pasta, or rice dishes.
A can of tuna or salmon costs about 3 and gives you around 20 grams of protein.
Just make sure to pick cans that are packed in water—they’re healthier and usually cheaper!
Beans and lentils are full of nutrients, protein, and fiber without costing a lot.
Canned beans can be as low as 1.50, and dried beans are even cheaper—less than $1 per pound!
You can use them in tacos, soups, or salads, making them really flexible.
Chicken thighs are often cheaper than chicken breasts.
They are tasty, juicy, and usually cost about 2 per pound.
You can roast them, grill them, or put them in a slow cooker for easy meal prep.
They also stay moist, which is always great!
Plain Greek yogurt is another wallet-friendly protein choice.
It gives you around 10 grams of protein per 6-ounce serving.
You can add it to smoothies, use it in dressings, or enjoy it with fruit and granola for breakfast.
Buying larger containers can save you money too!
Peanut butter is often overlooked for meal prep, but it’s filled with protein and healthy fats.
You can get good-sized jars for about 5.
Just 2 tablespoons provide around 8 grams of protein.
You can mix it into smoothies, spread it on toast or add it to oatmeal for a tasty treat.
Tofu is a great plant-based protein that’s affordable and flexible.
A block usually costs about 3 and has around 10 grams of protein per serving.
You can stir-fry it, grill it, or put it in curries for a protein-packed meal.
With these choices, you can whip up a week’s worth of protein-rich meals without spending too much.
For example, using eggs, canned tuna, and beans, you can create a variety of dishes to enjoy for lunch and dinner.
In conclusion, you don’t have to spend a lot for good protein.
Choosing these low-cost options lets you make filling and healthy meals that are gentle on your budget.
Happy meal prepping!
When you're trying to prepare meals without spending too much, protein can seem really pricey. But don’t worry! There are lots of affordable protein sources that won't break the bank. Here are some of my favorite budget-friendly ingredients for meal prepping.
Eggs are amazing for cheap protein!
You can cook them in many ways—scrambled, boiled, or even in a frittata.
They usually cost about 0.20 each and give you around 6 grams of protein.
You can make egg muffins for breakfast, toss them in salads, or include them in a quick stir-fry.
Plus, they stay fresh in the fridge!
Canned fish is super easy to use.
You can add it to salads, pasta, or rice dishes.
A can of tuna or salmon costs about 3 and gives you around 20 grams of protein.
Just make sure to pick cans that are packed in water—they’re healthier and usually cheaper!
Beans and lentils are full of nutrients, protein, and fiber without costing a lot.
Canned beans can be as low as 1.50, and dried beans are even cheaper—less than $1 per pound!
You can use them in tacos, soups, or salads, making them really flexible.
Chicken thighs are often cheaper than chicken breasts.
They are tasty, juicy, and usually cost about 2 per pound.
You can roast them, grill them, or put them in a slow cooker for easy meal prep.
They also stay moist, which is always great!
Plain Greek yogurt is another wallet-friendly protein choice.
It gives you around 10 grams of protein per 6-ounce serving.
You can add it to smoothies, use it in dressings, or enjoy it with fruit and granola for breakfast.
Buying larger containers can save you money too!
Peanut butter is often overlooked for meal prep, but it’s filled with protein and healthy fats.
You can get good-sized jars for about 5.
Just 2 tablespoons provide around 8 grams of protein.
You can mix it into smoothies, spread it on toast or add it to oatmeal for a tasty treat.
Tofu is a great plant-based protein that’s affordable and flexible.
A block usually costs about 3 and has around 10 grams of protein per serving.
You can stir-fry it, grill it, or put it in curries for a protein-packed meal.
With these choices, you can whip up a week’s worth of protein-rich meals without spending too much.
For example, using eggs, canned tuna, and beans, you can create a variety of dishes to enjoy for lunch and dinner.
In conclusion, you don’t have to spend a lot for good protein.
Choosing these low-cost options lets you make filling and healthy meals that are gentle on your budget.
Happy meal prepping!