As a college student, it can be difficult to make meals for yourself that are quick, easy, and don’t break the budget. One can easily find themselves reaching for another peanut butter and jelly sandwich at the end of a long day of classes, but Trader Joe’s has a lot of items that are simple, cheap, and easy to prepare, especially for one person. Here are some of the most college-friendly Trader Joe’s items:
1. Squiggly Knife Cut Style Noodles
Ramen is a college classic, and for good reason. With its quick and easy prep time, this product is perfect for when you are simply not in the mood to cook. It can also be easily stored in your pantry, so you don’t have to worry about it going bad.
2. Spinach & Feta Egg White Burrito
When you have a full day of classes, you might not always have time to wake up and prepare yourself a full breakfast. That’s where this next product comes in handy! The only prep required for this item is to simply pop it in the microwave, and you’re good to go. Coming in at less than $5, it’s a steal compared to other breakfast burrito places, and you can enjoy it from the comfort of your own home or on the go.
3. Italian Style Turkey Meatloaf
This item is the perfect entrée that is both easy to make and delicious. The meatloaf is already fully prepared, and you have the option of using either a microwave or an oven at your convenience. It even comes with tomato sauce, so all you have to do is heat it up and enjoy. If you’re eating for one, there are sure to be leftovers to enjoy later because it comes with more than just one loaf per package.
4. Salsa Verde Chicken Enchiladas
This is one of my all-time favorite Trader Joe’s products because it is very low maintenance and very tasty. This is another product that can be cooked in either an oven or a microwave, but to get the best out of these enchiladas, I recommend using the oven. Much like the meatloaf, everything in these two enchiladas is fully prepared, even down to the green salsa verde on top. This is a comforting meal that can cook easily while you do homework or study for a test.
5. Sublime Ice Cream Sandwiches
When taking on a full-time course load, it’s important to reward yourself with the little things. This last product is a great end-of-the-day sweet treat that always hits the spot. These little snacks are an easy dessert option because all you have to do is pop them open and enjoy.
Each and every one of these items is easy to prepare and easy on the budget. With the most expensive item coming in at $9 and the rest following at $5, these are all items that can feasibly become staples within your own kitchen.