7 Best High Protein Foods on a Budget

A high protein diet isn’t a luxury, and you can easily find some high protein foods on a budget within your surroundings.

All you need to do is research and analyze before grocery shopping.

Still, for those who can’t just put all these efforts into place due to lack of time, we are here to sort you out with the best list of high-protein foods on a budget.

What are high-protein foods on a budget?

We all know that protein is one of our body’s most vital nutrients. Still, most people call it a ‘high-end nutrient’ that comes at a cost.

Now, the food list below will undoubtedly bust that myth for you.

Recommended list of high protein foods on a budget

1. Eggs

You cannot think of a better protein source than eggs. And the best part is that it also comes easily in your pocket.

One large whole egg contains 6 grams of proteins and is even loaded with all the essential vitamins, minerals, and healthy fats.

Furthermore, you can have them in whatever form you want- cooked, boiled, fried, or raw.

2. Natural peanut butter

After eggs, if there’s one protein source we can call ‘affordable,’ it’s natural peanut butter.

Loaded with the goodness of fresh peanuts, the average cost of a 400 gm jar of natural peanut butter would be between $3 – $6.

Conversely, a 2 tbsp serving of fresh and natural peanut butter contains 8 grams of protein. You can have it with your favorite butter toast or add it to the banana smoothie for breakfast.

3. Canned Tuna

High protein foods on a budget

High protein foods on a budget – Canned Tuna

We know that fish is a fantastic source of lean proteins. Still, the price attached to it is always a big concern for people looking for high-protein foods on a budget.

Now, this is where you can opt for canned tuna instead, which will come with the same nutritional value without letting you spend a fortune.

A 150 gm can of tuna costs you around $1 – $2, and it will further provide you 20 gms of lean protein with every serving (3 oz).

4. Edamame

If you are a hardcore vegetarian and can’t go for those non-vegetarian protein options, Edamame is just the right deal for you. This highly delicious green bean is one of the planet’s best sources of plant-based proteins.

A 12-ounce bag of Edamame would cost around $2 – $4, and 1 cup of Edamame offers 17 grams of high-quality protein.

5. Greek Yogurt (Plain)

This list of high-protein foods on a budget cannot be complete without including Greek yogurt –one of the most unique and delicious protein sources.

And yes, there are no brownie points for guessing that it is loved and cherished by almost every other person on this planet.

Speaking of its price, 12 ounces of plain Greek yogurt will cost you only $2 – $4, and it will further provide you with 10 grams of protein in a 100 gm serving.

Tell us a more delicious way of boosting your health. We’ll wait.

6. Black beans

Well, here comes another plant-based protein that is highly nutritious and affordable at the same time.

Besides carrying all the right amounts of proteins (15 grams protein per 170 gms serving ), black bean also comes loaded with high amounts of fibers.

Moreover, a 15-ounce can of black beans costs you only $1 – $2. Isn’t that way lower than the price of your favorite ‘whooper’ at Burger King?

7. Cottage cheese

Before going any further, you must understand that cottage cheese differs from all processed cheese types.

It is the freshest and most nutritious form, containing around 12 grams of protein per 100 grams of serving.

Speaking of the cost, you can quickly grab a 400 gm tub of fresh cottage cheese for $3 – $5 from nearby grocery stores.

Summing it up

You cannot expect sound health without putting the right and healthiest food options on your platter.

Furthermore, this list of high-protein foods on a budget can help you gain all that muscle mass without burning a hole in your pocket.

See Also

Low carb meal plan on a budget

2000 calorie keto meal plan

Free 28 Day Keto Meal Plan (PDF)

7 Day Cabbage Soup Diet Plan

Original Keto Bread Recipe

Keto Frosty Recipe

List of Keto Vegetables

Damla Sengul

Damla Sengul, a seasoned Food Editor at Dietsmealplan.com, boasts a 5-year worth of expertise as a digital editor, with a specific focus on authentic recipe content. Her expertise extends to various crucial aspects of the cookery world, including in-depth research on renowned chefs worldwide and innovative recipe development. Additionally, Damla is an enthusiastic baker who dedicates part of her time crafting delightful celebration cakes for her friends.