20 Cheap Breakfast Ideas for Broke College Students

Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, but it’s also the easiest meal to skip when you’re low on cash. If you’re a broke college student, you don’t have to go without breakfast anymore!

Here are 20 cheap breakfast ideas that will help you start your day off right without breaking the bank.

Breakfast Burrito

Breakfast burritos are great easy breakfast ideas if you want to enjoy a wide variety of flavors and textures first thing in the morning.

All you need to make this easy breakfast recipe is tortillas, scrambled eggs, cheese, tomatoes, and any other items you have on hand that you’d like to incorporate.

You can make this meal the night before, so you don’t have to rush in the morning.

If you think that you won’t have enough time to make your own from scratch, you should be able to find frozen burritos at the grocery store. With a frozen burrito, all you need is a microwave, and you’re good to go!

Breakfast burritos are a great way to feel full for longer during the day. 

Fruit Smoothie

If you’re not the biggest fan of breakfast burritos, you can try a healthier breakfast recipe like a fruit smoothie. To make this recipe, try to make sure you have the ingredients ahead of time.

These include frozen or fresh fruits, milk or milk alternative, plain or vanilla yogurt, honey, and a blender.

Fruit smoothies are healthy and nutritious and a delicious breakfast that can give you the vitamins and minerals your body needs to power through the day. 

You can choose from a simple recipe or even something more complicated. Have them as a drink or even make a smoothie bowl to eat as a tasty breakfast before you leave the house.

Pour all the ingredients into the blender and blend! If the drink is a little thick, add some cold water. Or make it creamier with some Greek yogurt.

Once you’re happy with the consistency of your smoothie, transfer it to a glass and drink to your heart’s content. If you don’t have much time or are rushing to class, you can transfer it to a portable tumbler to drink breakfast on the go.

A simple recipe includes frozen berries, spinach, a scoop of protein powder and water, giving you a healthy and protein-rich breakfast to drink on your way to class!

Other Simple Healthy Breakfast Options On The Cheap

For broke college students who want to save on money while still getting the sustenance they need in the morning, below are some healthy breakfast ideas worth trying.

Granola Bars or Breakfast Bars

Although you can make your granola bar from scratch using oats, honey, dark chocolate chips, and nuts, for the busy college student, you can also buy readily-available granola bars from the store.

These are often high in fiber and protein to keep you sated throughout the day so you don’t reach lunch on an empty stomach.

Hard Boiled Eggs

Another great breakfast option is hard-boiled eggs. They’re good for you and fit easily into a corner of your mini fridge.

Besides their high protein content, hard-boiled eggs contain antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties that can enhance brain function and increase good cholesterol production, also known as HDL. 

That said, eating hard-boiled eggs regularly is a great way to prevent heart disease and other heart-related issues.

Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, so it’s the perfect time to start protecting your heart. If you want to add more texture and flavor to your meal, you can also add a side of chicken breast.

Avocado Toast

A favorite 5-minute breakfast among health buffs and calorie-conscious students is avocado toast. It’s filling, delicious, and easy to make. You can make this meal in five minutes or less, and it’ll keep you full for a long time — perfect for busy college students.

Toast With Peanut Butter and Banana

But if you want something sweeter on your toast, a good alternative to avocado is peanut butter or almond butter.

These are spreads rich in healthy protein, fiber, and heart-healthy fats to give you the nutrition you need to conquer school. Add a sliced banana for fun and yumminess.

Overnight Oats

Oats are a great source of fiber and protein, and they’ll keep you full until lunchtime. Soak them in milk or yogurt overnight, and add some fruit or nuts in the morning for a quick and easy breakfast that’s also healthy.

PB&J

Peanut butter and jelly is a classic for a reason – it’s delicious! And it’s also pretty cheap. Spread some peanut butter and jelly on a couple of pieces of bread, and you’ve got yourself a filling breakfast that will only cost you a few pennies and you can eat on the go!

Egg Sandwich

Eggs are another great source of protein, and they’re very versatile. You can make an egg sandwich with just about anything you have in your fridge, so get creative.

Add some cheese, veggies, or even leftover meat from dinner to make a filling breakfast that will tide you over until lunchtime.

Yogurt and Fruit

Yogurt is a great breakfast option because it’s packed with calcium and other nutrients that are good for your health. Add some fresh fruit to your yogurt for a balanced breakfast that’s both healthy and delicious.

Pancakes or Waffles

If you’re craving something sweet in the morning, pancakes or waffles are always a good option. You can make them from scratch or use a mix – either way, they’ll be delicious. Top them with some syrup or fruit, and you’ve got yourself a satisfying breakfast that won’t cost too much money.

Scrambled Eggs or Omelet

Eggs are great for breakfast, and they’re very versatile. You can scramble them with some cheese and veggies, or make an omelet if you have a bit more time on your hands. Either way, you’ll get a delicious and nutritious meal that won’t break the bank.

Cold Cereal

Cold cereal is a classic breakfast option, and it’s very affordable. Look for sales and coupons (because they happen often) to bring the cost of national brands down.

If you’re super savvy, combine a sale and a coupon to get it for pennies. Just add some milk and you’re good to go.

Toast with Butter and Jam

Toast is always an easy (and cheap!) breakfast choice. Spread some butter and jelly on top, and you’ve got yourself a classic meal that will keep you full until lunchtime.

Fruit and Nuts

If you’re looking for a quick and easy breakfast that’s also healthy, try some fruit and nuts. Paired together, they make a nutritious meal that will get your day off to a great start without breaking the bank.

Sometimes called trail mix, you can either buy it or make your own. Weigh out the costs to see which is cheaper.

Muffins

Muffins are another classic breakfast option that won’t cost too much money. You can buy them in a store, or you can bake your own if you have the time (and ingredients!).

Leftovers

If you cooked dinner the night before and have some leftover food, make it into a breakfast meal. Leftover rice, pasta dishes, and meats all make for great breakfast options that are also very affordable.

Bagels

Bagels are another classic breakfast option that won’t break the bank. Toast them and add some cream cheese or peanut butter for a filling meal that will keep you full until lunchtime.

Eggs in a Mug

If you’re short on time but still want a hot breakfast, try making eggs in a mug. Crack open an egg in a mug, add some cheese and veggies, and microwave for a minute or two until the egg is cooked through.

Instant Oatmeal

Instant oatmeal is a great option if you’re short on time. Just add hot water or milk, give it a stir, and you’ve got yourself a healthy breakfast that will only cost a few pennies.

Final Thoughts On Cheap Breakfast Ideas for Broke College Students

Breakfast doesn’t have to be expensive to be delicious. With these 20 cheap breakfast ideas, you can start your day off right without spending a lot of money.

Whether you’re looking for something savory or sweet, healthy or indulgent, you’ll find something to suit your tastes and budget. Enjoy a tasty and healthy breakfast without breaking the bank.