Seriously cheap and genuinely delicious recipes
Being able to cook food that fills you up with joy is something that can't be beaten! So, while we're feeding students and fighting for systems change, we thought it'd be a good idea to create a collection of our most popular cheap & delicious recipes! Have a browse below.
Firstly, what do we mean by 'cheap'?
Consider a young Australian student, studying full time who is living out of home, the maximum they can get from Centrelink is $562.80, a fortnight. A Homelessness Australia report revealed a student like this would be left with $13 a day. This $13 would have to cover transport, utilities and food. We estimate that after paying public transport and bills, this student would have $5 a day for food! If they're an international student, there is little support available so budgets would be significantly less.
If you consider students already have access to some basic staples like oil, butter, spices etc... cheap could be:
A meal that costs more than $5 but is multiple serves
A meal where ingredients can be foraged or rescued
A meal where the costs are shared between friends or family
Cinnamon & Cayenne Chocolate Balls
These Cinnamon and Cayenne Chocolate Balls are bold, bite-sized bursts of energy — sweet, spicy, and naturally satisfying. Perfect for powering through your day or kicking cravings to the curb, they’re quick to make and even quicker to disappear.
Whole Banana Bread
Yes, you can eat the peels too! This whole banana bread recipe uses the entire banana — peels included — to cut down on food waste and grocery costs. It’s a delicious, low-waste, budget-friendly way to bake more sustainably.
Mushroom & Lentil Bolognese
Hearty, rich, and entirely plant-based, this Lentil and Mushroom Bolognese brings all the comfort of a classic — without the high price tag. It’s a satisfying, affordable meal that’s easy to make and great for feeding a crowd.
Can-Be Vegan Chilli
This vegetarian chilli recipe is like a warm hug on a chilly evening. Customise it how you like with whatever optional toppings you have on hand. We love it with cheese, sour cream and coriander!