Are lunches for $4.95 frugal?

**GREENBACK** · 09-16-2011, 12:36 PM

I can buy a whole chicken in my area for about that price. A single serving of bread and vegs. would cost pennies. I doubt the elec. to cook this would be much(especially if a microwave was used). I think you can beat that price at home but I guess you have to take into account the convienience of it. I do think that's a good price though for lunch.

**disneysteve** · 09-16-2011, 01:18 PM

No. I don't think 4.95 is frugal. I pack my lunch everyday and don't think it ever costs that much. I'd expect to spend that much or more to eat out though. You will never find a store bought meal that is cheaper than making your own.

**jteezie** · 09-16-2011, 09:33 PM

I think there's 2 parts to this analysis:

First: Is 4.95 frugal vs other meals if you go out?
Yes if you have to eat out and need to spend the money because other places can cost way more.

Second: Is 4.95 frugal if you spend it everyday?
Probably not because 5 (meal) *5 (days a week) *52(weeks a year) = $1300 a year on lunch. I'm guessing disneysteve spends less on lunch than that.

**krantcents** · 09-17-2011, 08:27 AM

I usually use last night's leftovers for my lunches. Less expensive and healthier than store bought prepared food.

**BMEPhDinCO** · 09-17-2011, 03:45 PM

No, if you mean by frugal that it is cheaper than making a lunch....BUT you would have to pay more than that for the "raw ingredients" so if you have $5 then it's cheaper...

Personally, I would buy two chicken breasts (good quality) for $8 (~1lb - divide into 4ths for $2), a can of corn ($.99 - divide into two for $.50), a frozen bag of mixed veggies ($.99, divide into two for $.50), rice, and a bag of rolls for ($.99 - second day discount for 10 rolls, ~$.10 each)...

That's $3.10 + rice, so add another $.10 and I get the same meal for $3.20 - I bet people could do it for less too - the chicken is expensive!

**photo** · 09-18-2011, 08:06 AM

Everything is relative, as others have said. Compared to most meals eaten out, less than $5 is a pretty good deal. However, is you're talking strictly about finances, then you can prepare something at home for about half-price.

There are other considerations, as well, though. My husband will often buy lunch at work because he can eat foods that we don't have at home.

**ILoveMoney** · 09-18-2011, 05:57 PM

I agree with the bolded!

Originally posted by photo View Post

Everything is relative, as others have said. Compared to most meals eaten out, less than $5 is a pretty good deal. However, is you're talking strictly about finances, then you can prepare something at home for about half-price.

There are other considerations, as well, though. My husband will often buy lunch at work because he can eat foods that we don't have at home.

**Radiance** · 09-19-2011, 08:30 AM

To tell you the truth, I am lately rejecting meats, including chicken and fish,
I think I am going vegetarian, and since I am lactose intolerant, I might go vegan!
But I need to research so I get all the protein and vitamin B I need.
For now I can tolerate adding some sliced chicken or turkey breast to my salad, but that is about it... hmm, is vegetarian cheaper?

Anyway, today I bought rice, steam varied veggies (corn, green beans, carrots, peas) and sliced turkey for $4. The rice and the veggies are appealing, but the turkey... I dont know...

**riverwed070707** · 09-19-2011, 08:59 AM

Vegetarian can be cheaper since a large portion of cost for a meal is the meat. It's because of this we try to do one or two meatless meals a week at home -- to save money on the grocery budget; however, you also have to take into consideration the cost of how you will supplement the lost protein and other nutrients. Vegan is almost always more expensive because byproduct alternatives are pricy (soy/almond milk, etc).

**Radiance** · 09-19-2011, 09:23 AM

Im reading about it and according to this site PCRM: Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine
These are good sources of protein, I think the only pricey items are tofu and tempeh.

Black beans, boiled (1 cup) 15.2
Broccoli (1 cup) 4.6
Bulgur, cooked (1 cup) 5.6
Chickpeas, boiled (1 cup) 14.5
Lentils, boiled (1 cup) 17.9
Peanut butter (2 tbsp) 8.0
Quinoa, cooked (1 cup) 11.0
Spinach, boiled (1 cup) 5.4
Tempeh (1/2 cup) 15.7
Tofu, firm (1/2 cup) 19.9
Whole wheat bread (1 slice) 2.7

Source: PCRM | How Can I Get Enough Protein? The Protein Myth

I like to blend vaggie juices (on the blender, not the juicer) So If I do my research correctly, I could save and sucessfully have all the nutrients I need, protein included. But I guess this is for another thread. Knowing me, it will take me a few months to get there...
I think my $4-$5 meal will have to do for now

**disneysteve** · 09-19-2011, 10:13 AM

Do you have an Asian market near you? They often sell fresh tofu much cheaper than the prepackaged stuff in the supermarkets.

If you are becoming vegetarian, or even mostly vegetarian, I'd highly suggest a subscription to Vegetarian Times magazine. It has very good educational information and lots of recipes.

**ir_dizzle** · 11-20-2011, 09:36 PM

I don't think $4.95 is frugal at all. When I eat lunch with co-workers or clients I am "forced" to spend more than I would normally for lunch.

When I eat out by myself (I usually bring my lunch from home - last night's leftovers) which I seldom do, this is what I usually do:

> Drink - I fill up my water bottle before I leave work (FREE)
> Side item - I usually keep a banana in my drawer from work - I'll bring it to lunch (.19 at Target)
> Main "dish" - Jack in the Box breakfast jack - add ketchup, mustard, mayo, lettuce, and tomato ($1.09 for 1 or $2.18 for 2 - depending on how hungry I am)

I eat slowly and drink a lot of water - this usually fills me up... for less than $2.50 you can have a decent sized lunch!

**thefrugallery** · 11-21-2011, 03:49 PM

it depends...

As many people have already said, it all depends what you are comparing it to. My budgeting philosophy is that you should shave 10% off each of your expenses. If you are consistently spending much more than $4.95, then yes, $4.95 is a savings for you. Pocket the difference and then begin working on your next line item. Minor savings make a huge difference over time.

**HouseHopeful** · 12-20-2011, 04:18 AM

I Agree with PP, it depends on if $4.95 is less than you normally spend and whether you can put together a more frugal lunch from home.

Are lunches for $4.95 frugal?