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Ever wondered what the richest people in the world munch on?
Surprisingly, it’s not all about caviar and champagne.
In fact, some of their favorite treats are affordable goodies!
From budget breakfasts to scrumptious snacks, even billionaires enjoy these “poor man” delicacies without breaking the bank.
Here’s a list of 18 “Poor Man’s Foods” that millionaires love to indulge in without hurting their wallets.
#1. Cheeseburger
Nothing is like sinking your teeth into a juicy, perfectly seasoned classic cheeseburger.
The combination of the flame-grilled patty, perfectly melted cheese, and the soft, toasted bun creates a mouthwatering explosion of flavors.
Whether it’s a quick lunch on a busy day or a late-night craving that needs to be satisfied, this fast and filling snack never disappoints.
Plus, it’s not just about the taste but also the unbeatable value it offers.
No matter your budget, a delicious cheeseburger is within reach, making it a beloved favorite for people from all walks of life.
#2. Ice Cream
Ice cream is not only the perfect way to treat yourself without breaking the bank, but it also offers a wide array of flavors and varieties to satisfy any palate.
Whether you prefer it in a classic cup, crispy cone, or even indulging in a delicious ice cream cake, there’s something delightful waiting for everyone to relish and enjoy.
So go ahead, dive into the luscious world of frozen treats and let your taste buds be captivated by the endless possibilities.
#3. Cinnamon Sugar Toast
Before they could justify splurging on a Cinnabon, many once-impoverished up-and-comers spread cinnamon and sugar on toast (along with butter). Satisfying your sweet tooth without paying the brand-name upcharge? Priceless.
One wordsmith even referred to this treat as the “poor man’s churro.”
#4. Nachos
Tortilla chips and shredded cheese are a delicacy that even the most cash-strapped households can afford.
Even once you’ve hit it rich, how can you say no to nachos?
#5 Baked Potato (With Extra Butter)
The rare standalone food that can perform admirably as a side dish, main meal, and even a self-contained bowl, a baked potato will never let you down.
This is especially true if you liberally apply butter (and bacon), sour cream, chives, and cheddar cheese.
#6. Elevated Canned Soup
A can of Campbell’s cream of mushroom soup warms the belly and won’t break your budget, but one improvisational penny-pincher suggested a way to stretch your can of soup beyond its original volume.
Adding pasta as a base and even additives like canned tuna elevate canned soup and extend the meal into a heartier, longer-lasting concoction.
#7. Spaghetti
When the spaghetti hits your palate just after Caesar salad, that‘s amore.
#8. Pancakes
Pancakes are a sweet treat that you can enjoy at breakfast or even as dessert.
Pancake batter is affordable, and the pancake is a blank slate ready for fruit, syrup, butter, and other accoutrements.
#9. Quesadillas
As a matter of necessity, many traditional Mexican dishes are also poverty meals. That’s not a knock on anyone—quite the contrary.
Mexican cuisine is a testament to a culture’s ability to make the most out of simple, abundant ingredients, and quesadillas are Exhibit A.
#10. Sausage Gravy and Toast
Is it a breakfast you’ll want to eat before running a marathon? No.
Are sausage gravy and toast delicious, regardless of whether you’re straddling the poverty line or living in a penthouse? Yes.
#11. Oatmeal With a Twist
When adulthood beats you down with bills, work stresses, and familial hardship, whip up a bowl of oatmeal (with fresh fruit, perhaps) and travel back to your childhood kitchen table.
It’s the most affordable time machine you’ll ever buy.
#12. Grilled Cheese Sandwich
I don’t care if you’re a regular consumer of caviar and truffles. If you can’t enjoy grilled cheese, you’ve lost your humanity.
#13. Beans and Rice
Black beans, red beans, pinto beans, jelly beans. OK, maybe not jelly beans, but virtually any bean you choose goes perfectly with rice.
White rice, yellow rice…you get the point. Few meals are as filling, simple, or dollar-stretching as beans and rice.
#14. Chili
Call your mom or dad and ask for their homemade chili recipe if you can.
Most families have one, and you’re obligated to whip up a vat as soon as possible.
#15. Boxed Mac and Cheese With Hot Dogs
One chef and restauranteur explained that despite tasting and preparing a vast array of dishes, boxed mac and cheese with cut-up hot dogs is “one of the finest foods on this planet.” Hard agree.
#16. Homemade Pizza
Whether it is an English muffin with pasta sauce and mozzarella or cracker thins with sliced tomatoes and basil, many homemade pizza creations beat the frozen alternatives in both taste and affordability.
#17. Peanut Butter Sandwich
You’ll notice there is no “jelly” after the “butter” in “peanut butter sandwich.”
And while you should feel free to add the jelly, you might instead (or also) add banana, Miracle Whip, or a similarly delicious substitute of your liking.
#18. Poor Man’s Daiquiri
Buying a mixed drink can be costly, but not when you put a little thought into it.
Many people love making a poor man’s daiquiri by buying a gas station slushie and mixing it with some gas station wine.
It’s a simple, cheap pleasure that most everyone enjoys.
#19. Peanut Butter and Jelly
PBJ sandwiches are here because they are a staple in school lunches and because they are cheap and easy to make.
Whether you enjoy extra peanut butter, extra jelly, or soft bread, there is some combination that brings a sense of calming when you bite into one.
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This thread inspired this post.
I have over 15 years experience in the financial services industry and 20 years investing in the stock market. I have both my undergrad and graduate degrees in Finance, and am FINRA Series 65 licensed and have a Certificate in Financial Planning.
Visit my About Me page to learn more about me and why I am your trusted personal finance expert.