10 Cheap Lunch Ideas and Affordable Meals to Try Today

Last month’s roundup 10 Budget Recipes was a hit, so here’s another collection: 10 Budget Lunch Ideas and affordable, easy meals to try.

Groceries are one of the largest monthly expenses for most families, which is why I’m a big advocate of weekly meal planning. If you want new budget lunch recipes to prepare for yourself or your family, this list has plenty of simple, wallet-friendly options.

According to the United States Department of Agriculture, the average family of four spends roughly $700 to $1,000 per month on food. That adds up quickly, especially when so much food gets wasted. Choosing affordable lunch ideas and planning ahead can help you cut costs without sacrificing taste.

Related: Does bringing lunch to work actually save money?

The recipes below are budget-friendly, simple to make, and use common ingredients you may already have at home. I’ve included a mix of proteins, vegetarian options, and make-ahead ideas to keep lunches interesting and inexpensive.

I’ve included all of these cheap lunch ideas in my current meal planning rotation, and I’m excited to make them again and again.

Note: If you want ready-made weekly meal plans full of budget recipes, consider the $5 Meal Plan. $5 Meal Plan delivers a complete meal plan and shopping list each week for just $5 a month—handy if you want to save time and money on meal prep.