Cheap Vegan Meal Prep Ideas for Students
Eating healthy on a student budget is tough, but cheap vegan meal prep ideas for students make it totally doable. I’ve been there—juggling classes, a part-time job, and trying to eat well without spending a fortune. These recipes are affordable, quick, and perfect for busy weeks. Let’s dive into some tasty, plant-based meals that won’t break the bank.
Why Choose Cheap Vegan Meal Prep Ideas for Students?
Vegan meal prep is a game-changer for students. It’s budget-friendly since staples like lentils, rice, and veggies are dirt cheap. Plus, prepping meals ahead saves time and keeps you eating healthy, even during exam season. Whether you’re new to veganism or a seasoned pro, these cheap vegan meal prep ideas for students are easy to pull off.
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5 Budget-Friendly Vegan Recipes to Try
Here are five cheap vegan meal prep ideas for students that cost less than $2 per serving and take under 30 minutes to make.
Lentil Veggie Stir-Fry
- Cost: ~$1.50/serving
- Time: 20 minutes
- Ingredients: Red lentils, frozen mixed veggies, soy sauce, garlic.
- How to Make: Cook lentils until soft (about 15 minutes). Stir-fry veggies with garlic and soy sauce, mix in lentils, and portion into containers. This is one of my go-to cheap vegan meal prep ideas for students because it’s filling and versatile.
Chickpea Curry Bowl
- Cost: ~$1.20/serving
- Time: 25 minutes
- Ingredients: Canned chickpeas, diced tomatoes, curry powder, rice.
- How to Make: Simmer chickpeas with tomatoes and spices for 15 minutes. Serve over rice and divide into four containers. It’s a spicy, hearty option for cheap vegan meal prep ideas for students.
Peanut Butter Banana Overnight Oats
- Cost: ~$0.80/serving
- Time: 10 minutes
- Ingredients: Oats, peanut butter, banana, plant-based milk.
- How to Make: Mix oats, milk, and peanut butter in jars, top with banana slices, and refrigerate overnight. Perfect for grabbing on busy mornings.
Sweet Potato Black Bean Burritos
- Cost: ~$1.70/serving
- Time: 30 minutes
- Ingredients: Sweet potatoes, black beans, tortillas, salsa.
- How to Make: Roast diced sweet potatoes, mix with black beans and salsa, then wrap in tortillas. Freeze for up to a week. These burritos are a lifesaver for cheap vegan meal prep ideas for students.
Tofu Veggie Fried Rice
- Cost: ~$1.40/serving
- Time: 20 minutes
- Ingredients: Tofu, leftover rice, frozen veggies, soy sauce.
- How to Make: Crumble tofu and fry with veggies and soy sauce. Toss in rice and divide into containers. It’s quick and customizable.
Tips to Make Vegan Meal Prep Even Cheaper
- Shop Smart: Hit up discount stores or buy in bulk for staples like rice and beans.
- Use What’s on Sale: Check weekly flyers and swap ingredients (e.g., zucchini for carrots).
- Batch Cook: Spend 2 hours on Sunday prepping these cheap vegan meal prep ideas for students for the whole week.
- Store Right: Use airtight containers to keep meals fresh for 5–7 days.
Final Thoughts
These cheap vegan meal prep ideas for students have saved me so much time and money. Whether you’re craving a spicy curry or a quick burrito, these recipes are easy, healthy, and budget-friendly. Try them out and let me know your favorite in the comments! Got other vegan prep tips? I’d love to hear them.
