By Sophie Leopold
Making your own breakfast doesn’t have to be a crippling investment. Healthy food has a reputation for high prices but shopping smart can help ease the bill. When stocking up on ingredients stick to the basics and seek out sales. Save by avoiding products in fancy packaging with wellness claims. The most nutritious foods, like whole fruits or veggies, don’t need any advertising. Many grocery stores have a section of bulk bins with great deals on oats, nuts, seeds and dried fruit. Brandless.com is a lifesaving website to help furnish a frugal pantry. Every item is three dollars; the majority are also naturally made and or organic. Check their website first for everything on the shelf stable list, and the initial spend should be less painful.
For fresh components, I have had success at almost every Savannah grocery store. Kroger, Publix, Target and Lucky’s have everything mentioned below. CVS on Bull is surprisingly well stocked in terms of pantry items. While Whole Foods can be a more expensive trip, balance it by using an Amazon student prime code at checkout. Brighter Day Natural Foods is my go-to when I feel like splurging on a treat. On Saturday mornings, I love picking up local, in-season produce from the Forsyth Farmer’s Market. Strolling through the market is a perfect way to try new foods as most vendors are happy to share samples.
Here is my recommended shopping list for a well-stocked dorm pantry and mini fridge.
Shelf-stable items:
Old fashioned rolled oats
Nut or seed butters (peanut, almond, cashew, sunflower, tahini/sesame or a mixed version)
Chia seeds
Nuts and seeds (peanuts, almonds, cashews, walnuts, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, pecans, pistachios etc. Look for unsalted.)
Olive oil
Dried fruit (unsweetened.)
Coconut flakes (unsweetened.)
Dark chocolate chips
Granola
Brown rice cakes
Pure honey or maple syrup
Flavor boosters like cinnamon, sea salt, pepper, vanilla extract, and unsweetened cocoa powder
For the Refrigerator:
Eggs (Try a buying a small half dozen or pre-hard boiled.)
Milk or
Yogurt (Fage and Siggis are great high protein, low sugar buys.)
Fresh fruits and veggies
Avocados
Sweet potatoes
For the Freezer:
Ezekiel, Dave’s Killer, or a whole wheat sourdough bread (lasts much longer frozen, take out individual slices as needed.)
Frozen fruit (used as is for smoothies or thawed for toppings.)
Frozen chopped spinach (for inexpensive smoothie greens.)
