Here are 8 affordable and nutritious convenience foods, recommended by Reddit users.

Rotisserie chickens are incredibly tasty, which is why they even made it onto our high-protein roundup. They're an excellent source of both lean and dark meat, and don’t forget those extra bones perfect for making soup. Plus, they’re usually quite affordable, as many stores use them as a loss-leader to draw in customers, and stores often compete on price, knowing shoppers expect them to be budget-friendly.

Sure, bagged salads might cost more than making your own, at least on paper. But when you prepare your own, you're left with extra ingredients, like half a bottle of dressing and a half-used onion, sitting in your fridge for weeks. With pre-packaged salads, you don’t have to worry about leftover items, and they tend to last longer in their sealed packaging. (Quick tip: if you only want to eat half, pour the leftover dressing into separate containers and keep the toppings in their original bags.)

Reddit users mention you can often snag a bagged salad for just a dollar if it's nearing its expiration date, making it an even better deal.

Tuna is typically inexpensive, packed with protein and omega-3 fatty acids. If you go for the kind in pouches, not cans, it’s perfect for a portable lunch. One Reddit user recommends the flavored packets that come in varieties like lemon pepper, garlic and herb, or sweet and spicy. These are great for tossing into a salad, spreading on crackers, or mixing with mayo for a quick tuna salad.

Vegetables are key to a healthy diet, but how many of us actually get enough? Frozen veggies are usually more affordable than fresh ones and offer just as many nutrients. Plus, they won’t go bad in the fridge if you don’t get to them right away. For variety, look for vegetable blends: peas and carrots are a go-to, but you can also find mixes like broccoli-cauliflower, stir-fry options, and more. If you're feeling lazy and don’t mind spending a little more, steamer bags are convenient, but the regular bags are affordable and just as easy to stir-fry or roast.

Reddit user kite_height says: “I’m all about that ramen + frozen stir fry veggies life. Sometimes, I crack an egg right in. No extra time and 100 times better than plain ramen.”

I just have to share my personal experience here. I absolutely love frozen burritos. They come in so many varieties, from different flavors to nutrition options, and they’re a lifesaver when you don’t have time to cook or even think. If it's in a burrito, it’s a meal—or at least the main course. Personally, I’m a fan of Trader Joe’s chile verde chicken burritos, and their carne asada one is amazing too.

Canned beans are often seen as more of a pantry ingredient than a quick meal, but they serve both purposes. Cooking dried beans requires planning, time, and a lot of soaking; but opening a can? Instant access. Combine your favorite beans with rice (and throw in some leftover meat or veggies if you like), and you’ve got a budget-friendly, filling dish packed with fiber and protein. You could also make a simple salad: chickpeas with parmesan, olive oil, and lemon is one of my go-to recipes.

We have more tips here on turning a can of beans into a tasty meal.

A Reddit user recommended Tasty Bite specifically, but there are many brands that offer quick, microwaveable Indian dishes like dal (lentil stew), channa masala (chickpea curry), and more. Personally, I can’t get enough of Trader Joe’s kitchari, a filling blend of grains and legumes. Serve it with rice or on some bread. You’ll find at least a couple of options in most grocery stores, but your local Indian market will have even more variety.

Prepared meals are a go-to during the holidays, when you're willing to pay extra for things like pre-made cheese platters or even a ready-to-serve roasted turkey. Several Reddit users pointed out that these items often get steeply discounted after the holiday, as stores work to clear out leftover stock.

Atomic76 shares: “I’ve spotted thick-sliced roast turkey (not deli meat, but the kind you'd serve on Thanksgiving) marked way down at times. For instance, right after [E]aster, whole cored and peeled pineapples were practically dirt cheap.”