Study Snacks and Speedy Suppers: Healthy Eats for Students
Cooking as a student doesn’t have to mean instant noodles every night. In this article, we share quick, budget-friendly, and fuss-free recipes that anyone can whip up with minimal ingredients and time. From hearty mains like Red Lentil & Sweet Potato Curry or Sesame Noodles, to grab-and-go snacks such as Pistachio & Cherry Energy Balls and sweet Date Bark, you’ll find plenty of options to fuel your study sessions. We’ve even got wholesome breakfasts like Cinnamon Nut Granola and comforting classics like Vegan Banana Bread. Perfect for busy schedules, tight budgets, and hungry brains—these recipes prove eating well at uni is easier (and tastier) than you think.
Pesto Gnocchi and Mushroom Bake
This Vegan Pesto Gnocchi, Tomato and Mushroom Bake is a deliciously hearty, plant-based meal that’s bursting with flavour. Soft, pillowy gnocchi are tossed in a vibrant vegan pesto, then layered with juicy tomatoes and earthy mushrooms. The dish is baked to perfection, creating a delightful blend of creamy pesto, roasted tomatoes and savoury mushrooms. With its combination of fresh, zesty pesto and rich, umami flavours, this comforting bake is easy to prepare and perfect for a cosy dinner. Ideal for weeknights or gatherings, it’s a crowd-pleaser for vegans and non-vegans alike!
Indulge in the comforting flavors of this delicious and fragrant vegan “cheezy” garlic white beans recipe. Perfect for a cosy night in or as a side dish to complement any meal. Made with wholesome ingredients and bursting with savoury goodness, this dish is both satisfying and nutritious.
Hearty Buckwheat & Vegetable Traybake
Our Buckwheat & Vegetable traybake is perfect for those days where you want an easy one pot dinner. Packed with fresh vegetables and tasty grains, it is flavourful and filling! Buckwheat is such an under appreciated grain, but health-wise it is much better for us than it’s popular counterparts. It contains more protein than brown rice, its low on the glycemic index and it’s gluten-free.
This recipe is the perfect option for those looking for a satisfying supper that is packed with flavours and doesn’t require hours stirring pots in the kitchen. We love putting all the ingredients in our slow cooker in the morning, leaving it on low and coming back to a delicious dinner that is ready to go.
It’s packed with pulses, veggies and all the good stuff. You can edit the heat by adjusting how much chilli you put in, just taste as you go and remember that the heat can develop as the dish cooks. There are lots of different herbs and spices in this dish – don’t be overwhelmed, its the combination of all these flavours that make what we think is the greatest vegan chilli out there! In this version we used cannellini and kidney beans, but it works with all different sorts of beans: black beans, black eyed beans, butter beans, aduki beans, borlotti beans etc.
Red Lentil and Sweet Potato Curry
Ditch the takeout and level up your dinner game! This red lentil and sweet potato curry is a student’s dream: cheap, cheerful, and full of plant-powered goodness. Ready in a flash, it’s perfect for batch cooking and freezing, giving you four hearty portions with zero fuss. Vegan-friendly, nutritious, and wallet-wise, it’s the brain-fuel meal that actually fits into your schedule (and budget).
Lunch (or dinner) sorted—without the stress! These Sesame Noodles are a student’s go-to: vegan, gluten-free, full of flavour, and ready in no time. Stir in whatever veggies you’ve got—add tofu, drizzle that creamy peanut-sesame sauce, and boom—you’ve got a wholesome, wallet-friendly meal that tastes way better than ramen.
Need a brain-fuel snack that’s as tasty as it is easy? These Pistachio & Cherry Energy Balls are packed with chewy dates, juicy cherries, and crunchy pistachios – naturally sweet, refined-sugar free and a one-bowl wonder. Whether you’re between lectures or post-gym, they’ve got your back.
Craving sweet but want something wholesome? This Date Bark flips traditional chocolate bars on their head with soft Medjool dates, creamy nut butter, dark chocolate, and a sprinkle of sea salt that keeps it real. Super simple to make and endlessly customisable—perfect for an afternoon pick-me-up when you’d rather snack than spend a fortune.
Already late but still want something hearty? This Cinnamon Nut Granola blends crunchy oats and roasted nuts with the cozy notes of cinnamon and nutmeg, all lightly sweetened with real maple syrup. Whip it up and top your yogurt or cereal—quick, wholesome and comforting, even on your busiest mornings.
Banana bread that actually fits your plant-based lifestyle? Say hello to this Vegan Banana Bread, loaded with ripe bananas, crunchy pecans, and juicy raisins for a loaf that’s moist, naturally sweet, and totally bake-ware basic. It’s your go-to for breakfast, snacks, or midnight study fuel.