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14 Budget-Friendly Breakfast Ideas

According to Statista, 315.91 million Americans used eggs in 2020, and it has been on the rise. That’s a lot of demand.

However, egg prices have recently skyrocketed due to the recent avian flu outbreak, resulting in reduced supply. It went to as much as $18 for a dozen, making it difficult for many Americans to eat eggs for breakfast.

In this situation, what are your alternatives? We visited our favorite Reddit to understand what people are replacing eggs with. Here are the top picks.

Oats

Tabbouleh salad with quinoa, parsley and vegetables on white background

Oatmeal is a versatile and affordable breakfast option. Rolled oats are inexpensive and can be purchased in bulk. Cook them with water or milk, and add toppings like fruit, nuts, or a drizzle of honey for added flavor and nutrition. Oatmeal is also rich in fiber, which helps keep you full throughout the morning.

Eggs and Toast

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Eggs are a cost-effective source of protein. Scramble, fry, or boil them and pair them with whole grain toast. To make it more balanced, add a side of fruit or sautéed vegetables. This breakfast is quick, easy, and provides essential nutrients.

Peanut Butter and Banana Sandwich

peanut butter

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Spread peanut butter on whole grain bread and add sliced bananas for a delicious and filling breakfast. Peanut butter provides healthy fats and protein, while bananas add natural sweetness and potassium. This combination is both affordable and nutritious.

Greek Yogurt and Honey

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Greek yogurt is packed with protein and can be bought in large containers to save money. Top it with a drizzle of honey for sweetness and a handful of granola or fresh fruit for added texture and flavor. This breakfast is creamy, satisfying, and full of probiotics.

Smoothies

Healthy Meal. Happy Beautiful Smiling Woman Drinking Green Detox Vegetable Smoothie. Healthy Lifestyle, Food And Eating. Drink Juice. Diet, Health And Beauty Concept.

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Use frozen fruits, which are often cheaper than fresh ones, to make smoothies. Blend them with yogurt or milk and a handful of spinach for extra nutrients. Smoothies are customizable and can help use up leftover fruits and vegetables, reducing waste.

Overnight Chia Pudding

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Mix chia seeds with milk or a milk alternative and let it sit overnight. In the morning, you’ll have a thick, pudding-like consistency. Add toppings like fruits, nuts, or a dash of cinnamon. Chia seeds are affordable and packed with omega-3 fatty acids and fiber.

Avocado Toast With Bread

Avocado Fruits Cooking Healthy Eating

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Avocado toast is a healthy breakfast option because it combines nutrient-dense ingredients. Avocados are rich in healthy fats, particularly monounsaturated fats, which promote heart health. They also provide fiber, vitamins, and minerals, including potassium and vitamin E. Whole grain bread adds additional fiber, aiding in digestion and keeping you full longer. This combination helps stabilize blood sugar levels and provides sustained energy throughout the morning.

Baked Beans On Toast

Baked beans on sourdough toast, garnished with parsley.

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The beans provide plant-based protein, essential for muscle repair and growth, and fiber, aiding in digestion and blood sugar regulation. Whole grain toast adds additional fiber and complex carbohydrates, offering sustained energy. This combination also delivers essential vitamins and minerals, making it a balanced and nutritious start to the day.

Hummus 

Healthy Homemade Creamy Hummus with Olive Oil and Pita Chips

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Hummus on toast is a healthy option as well. You can sprinkle with toasted sesame or sunflower seeds, or other seeds/nuts of your choice for some added crunch. You can make up a big batch of hummus and freeze what you don’t need. Serve with a side of grilled tomatoes or wilted spinach, or whatever other veggies you like.

Tofu scramble

Scrambled Tofu crispy Toast with guacamole and spinach, tomato salad. Vegan vegetarian, plant based food.

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There are so many things you can do with Tofu, black salt and pepper. Definitely a great alternate to eggs. 

Museli

Healthy Homemade Granola with Nuts and Dried Cranberries

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Instead of buying cereal or muesli, you can do homemade muesli (rolled oats, walnuts, protein powder, peanut butter and maple syrup), with greek yogurt and a homemade fruit compote.

Chikpea Flour Pancake

Pancakes with strawberry jam close up shoot

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Chickpea flour is protein rich breakfast option. Mix with water 1:1, add baking powder/vinegar if you want a bit lighter and whatever seasonings you want. 

Protein Pancakes

Banana cashew pancakes with bananas and caramel sauce.

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By incorporating protein into your pancakes, you can create a nutritious and satisfying breakfast. Protein pancakes offer sustained energy and help with muscle repair and growth, making them a healthy start to your day.

 

Yogurt, Fruits and Nuts

Smoothie bowl with banana, blueberries and almond. Healthy breakfast with yogurt, fruits, nuts and berries on wooden background with copy space. Summer food. Top view

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Yogurt, fruits, and nuts make for a wholesome breakfast choice. Yogurt provides probiotics for gut health and calcium for bone strength. Fresh fruits offer vitamins, antioxidants, and natural sweetness, while nuts contribute healthy fats, protein, and fiber for sustained energy and satiety. This combination is rich in nutrients, promotes digestive health, and keeps you feeling full and energized throughout the morning.