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Underrated Breakfasts that are Cheaper Than Cereal

Apparently, the average bowl of cereal costs 87 cents in 2023 in the US! When I heard this, it got me thinking, “How much do the breakfasts that I usually eat cost?”

Well, I worked out the costs, and I wanted to show you some healthy breakfasts that I’ve been loving. They actually cost less than a bowl of cereal and, in my opinion, deserve more appreciation. They are severely underrated! Let me know if you agree or not.

It’s also easy to make these gluten-free, dairy-free + vegan! (See the notes below.)

Hope you enjoy!
Liezl xo

Ps. You can also watch me make these in my YouTube video above!

#1 – FRIED BANANA TOAST

I think that fried banana toast is severely underrated because you might think it’s your average banana peanut butter toast, but it’s not! I don’t think it tastes much like an average piece of toast at all… it’s surprisingly gourmet.

INGREDIENTS:
– 2 slices toast
– 2 tbsp peanut butter
– 1 medium banana (fried with a tiny amount of oil)
– Optional: cinnamon and honey

HOW TO MAKE IT:
1. Peel the banana and slice it in half lengthwise.
2. Heat a pan to a medium heat and spray a tiny bit of oil in the pan.
3. Fry the banana in the pan until it starts to caramelize. Keep an eye on it (cause it cooks quickly) and flip it to cook the other side.
4. While the banana is frying, toast two slices of bread and then top them with 2 tablespoons of peanut butter.
5. Once the banana is done, place it on top of the peanut butter toast.
6. (Optional) For extra flavor, you can sprinkle a little bit of cinnamon and drizzle honey on top of the fried banana toast.

COST: 49 cents
– 2 slices toast = 16 cents
– 2 tbsp peanut butter = 12 cents
– 1 medium banana = 21 cents

CALORIES:
– Roughly 415 calories (using bread that is 60 cal per slice)

MAKE IT GF:
– Make it gluten-free by using gluten-free bread

#2 – INSTANT OAT & YOGURT PORRIDGE

This is a new take on instant oats. It’s so fast – I actually shared it a few years ago (it’s not like I invented this), and I never see anyone talk about it. But it’s just so quick and easy to make, and that’s why I think it’s underrated.

INGREDIENTS:
– 1/2 cup instant oats
– 1/2 cup milk (vegan or regular)
– 2 tbsp plain yogurt (vegan or regular)
– 1 tsp brown sugar
– 1 apple
– 1 tbsp peanut butter
– Sprinkle of cinnamon (optional)

HOW TO MAKE IT:
1. In a bowl, combine 1/2 cup instant oats, 1/2 cup milk, 2 tablespoons of plain yogurt, 1 teaspoon of sugar, and a tiny sprinkle of cinnamon (optional).
2. Mix the ingredients together and let them soak for about 2-5 minutes.
3. While the oats are soaking, slice an apple.
4. Add the sliced apple and 1 tablespoon of peanut butter on top of the soaked oats.
5. Optionally, you can add another small sprinkle of cinnamon on top to make it look pretty!
COST: 69 cents
– 1/2 cup instant oats = 13 cents
– 1/2 cup milk = 13 cents
– 2 tbsp plain yogurt = 10 cents
– 1 tsp brown sugar = 1 cent
– 1 apple = 26 cents
– 1 tbsp peanut butter = 6 cents
– Sprinkle of cinnamon (optional)

CALORIES:
– Roughly 440 calories (made using regular 2% milk and yogurt)
– Roughly 390 calories (made using plant-based almond milk and coconut yogurt)

MAKE IT VEGAN, GF OR DF:
– Make it vegan or dairy-free by using plant-based milk and yogurt
– Make it gluten-free by using certified gluten-free instant oats

#3 – SCRAMBLED EGG BURRITO

You probably think a burrito is just so much work, and it might cost a lot. This is the easiest burrito I know how to make. I’m always surprised at how gourmet and fancy it is, and it’s basically the same price as a bowl of cereal.

INGREDIENTS:
– 2 eggs
– 1 tortilla
– 2 tbsp salsa
– Handful of fresh baby spinach
– Tiny spray of cooking oil
– Salt & pepper

HOW TO MAKE IT:
1. Crack 2 eggs into a bowl and whisk together.
2. Heat a non-stick pan over medium heat and lightly spray with cooking oil (or add a small amount of oil).
3. Add the eggs to the pan and scramble them around until they are cooked through (which should take less than 2 minutes).
4. Meanwhile, heat up a tortilla in a separate pan or in the microwave (I prefer using a pan).
5. Place a handful of fresh baby spinach in the center of the heated tortilla.
6. Once the eggs are cooked, add them on top of the baby spinach.
7. Spoon 2 tablespoons of salsa on top of the eggs (this is the magic ingredient for flavor, so don’t skip it), as well as some salt and pepper.
8. Wrap up the burrito! Fold the sides of the tortilla in towards the center, then fold the bottom of the tortilla up and over the filling, and roll it all up tightly.
9. Wrap the burrito in parchment paper and slice in half (or you can sear the edges of the tortilla in a pan to seal it before slicing in half).

COST: 86 cents
– 2 eggs = 43 cents
– 1 tortilla = 24 cents
– 2 tbsp salsa = 10 cents
– Handful of fresh baby spinach = 9 cents
– Tiny spray of cooking oil
– Salt & pepper

CALORIES:
– Roughly 370 calories

MAKE IT VEGAN OR GF:
– Make it vegan by using a vegan egg replacer or tofu scramble
– Make it gluten-free by using a gluten-free or corn tortilla

Recipes and video by Liezl Jayne Strydom for liezljayne.com