Food to Have on Hand at College

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College students notoriously have horrible diets either because of poor eating habits or because of budget concerns. Here's a list of foods that I always tried to keep in stock because they were fairly low costing and weren't too bad for the diet either.

Dry Pasta - any kind. I particularly like egg noodles and spaghetti.
Frozen Pasta - a bag of frozen cheese tortellini or stuffed shells can be a great treat.
Canned Pasta Sauce - Don't buy the cheapest variety, they are generally too runny. Try Prego or Regu and then add Italian seasoning and garlic so the taste isn't so bland.
Pasta Roni - either name brand or generic
Macaroni and Cheese
Hamburger Helper - either name brand or generic doesn't actually require a pound of meat. Try using only a 1/4 or 1/2 a pound of meat in it.
Bread - be sure to keep it in the fridge or freezer so that it lasts longer
Peanut butter and Jelly
Soup
Frozen Veggies - They keep much longer than fresh vegetables so you are much more likely to use them before they go bad.
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Hot Dogs - Don't forget the buns!

By Brandi M. Seals

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By Carol in PA (Guest Post)

May 12, 20060 found this helpful

Dont forget to look for whole grained buns for your hot dogs.. Nutrition is easy and inexpensive. Its junk food that costs a lot of money!

Kelly
Bronze Feedback Medal for All Time! 233 Feedbacks

May 12, 20060 found this helpful

canned and frozen fruit (frozen is by the ice cream); Juice concentrates (either pantry or frozen); With regards to pasta sauce, there are some REAL good low priced ones, like Francesco Rinaldi! Bagged salads are easy (check dates!); baby carrots and grapes are easy to pack for a snack; Use whole grain bread and pasta, and stay away from ANYTHING with high fructose corn syrup.

If you are cramped for space, instant coffee can be nice! Especially at midterms and finals! Coffee is always healthier than soda!

DONNA

May 14, 20060 found this helpful

ALSO A GOOD IDEA IS TO PICK UP EXTRA PACKS OF KETCHUP, MUSTARD, MAYO, SALT AND PEPPER . COFFEE CREAMER- THIS KEEP A GOOD WHILE IN THE FRIDGE AND YOU HAVE INDIVIDUAL SERVINGS WHEN YOU NEED THEM. ALSO GRAB A FEW EXTRA NAPKINS, STRAWS, PLASTIC FORKS AND SPOONS--THESE COME IN HANDY ALSO.

By Carol Churchill (Guest Post)

May 14, 20060 found this helpful

I always cook a wee extra, which I freeze for my daughter to take back to hostel.

By kathy (Guest Post)

June 1, 20060 found this helpful

dont forget ramen noodles and they are so cheap. not the best health wise but still good easy n fast. Bottled water by the case tuck it inder the bed if need be.and energy snack bars!!!!

badwater
Silver Post Medal for All Time! 263 Posts

April 21, 20070 found this helpful

make your own jello fruit cups in individual size small bowls or use yogurt cups you've saved & washed. Glad Press & Seal wrap is one of the best. Lay a piece of it on the cup & run your finger around the ring or brim of the cup & the wrap seals. Keep a container of cottage cheese to eat with the jello fruit cups. The cottage cheese is protein, for to help with better studying.

No need for meat when you have cottage cheese.

Also, in your Hamburger Helper, drain a couple of cans of different canned veggies & add to the pan. We like green beans, whole kernel corn, sliced carrots. Even mushrooms work well. A great one pan meal & having your veggies, too. By adding the veggies, it also stretches your money, & you won't have to cook as often.

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