cold packed lunches

missejackson

If like me you are lazy and haven't made wonderful things like quiches and rice salads the night before (I often wish I had but hey...!?!) then try taking in individual packets of oatcakes and buy pates / spreads / cheeses etc etc to put on them.

In case you haven't tried them Oatcakes come in packs of 6 or 7 in a bigger box. They are wrapped so ideal for lunch box (or bottom of handbag like me!). Worked out around 58p-ish (current ASDA price for Nairns Scottish Oakcakes) for 4 wrapped packs of 6/7 oatcakes - pretty good value. They are filling and great for blood sugars levels and are less bloating (if wheat/yeast is a problem).

I then buy something to go on top - I find that ASDA do 48p packets of pate (or 3 packets for £1) which is really convenient, or 4 small Philadelphia packets for £1.18 (ASDA), or 3 individual pots of humous for £1.29 (M&S and Sainsburys). Alternatively buy bigger tubs and divide out. Actually oatcakes are ok on their own...but I prefer something extra.

Will have a look at these other recipes though - I get bored having the same lunch day after day....saves me spending £1.80 on sandwhich at cafe at work...

Sally_A

There must be another thread about this, I tried a search to no avail - please forgive me, and please post a link if a thread is already up and running.
However, have decided that I am not going to go without, or buy from the Sandwich Peeps anymore.

I've found a cheap way is to buy a pack of rolls, keep them at the office (good sell by date allowing, and if your office has a fridge), and use a cheap filler, my current favourite being coleslaw, no butter needed as it is moist enough. Alternatively buy quiches when they are on offer and take those. Also take in 5 pieces of fruit at the start of the week.

Does anyone else have ideas for what I could take that means no preparation, and isn't too stinky to eat at your desk?

laurel7172

If "no preparation" means "no preparation in the morning", then I take in soup.

I just grab a bag from the freezer and go. But that does rely on a workplace microwave.

Sally_A

Thanks, yes several people do bring in soup. Unfortunately due to my hours, I don't officially get a lunch break.

Hot foods were banned, and had to be eaten upstairs on a lunch break after a colleague brought in the stinkiest fish dish on the planet :rotfl:

Tomorrow, I may be having either beetroot sandwiches with sour cream and chive pringles, or maybe coleslaw and beetroot, or coleslaw and pringles.

Note to self:- wear dark coloured clothes if I go for the beetroot option

exlibris

I used to make up a batch of sandwiches and freeze them. Take out one a day and they are defrosted by lunchtime.

Bronnie

Packet of crackers, tub of cream cheese or hummus and a pack of tomatoes would do a good few days.

emilyka

I'm trying not to eat too much bread at the moment and am bringing in salads. Does anyone have any ideas for cheap, healthy and filling salads? At the moment I'm spending about £1.50 a day on chicken to go in the salad!

Thanks

caitybabes

emilyka wrote: »

I'm trying not to eat too much bread at the moment and am bringing in salads. Does anyone have any ideas for cheap, healthy and filling salads? At the moment I'm spending about £1.50 a day on chicken to go in the salad!

Thanks

You could perhaps save money by roasting a chicken at the beginning of the week and taking it apart to get chicken bits for your salad.

Cous cous with roasted butternut squash and feta is a lovely salad by the way.

boo81

I would go for the hummus too, its currently on offer as sainsburys too and there are lots of different kinds. You can have it in a sandwich with salad or have it with srisps, crudites or rice cakes.

You could have ryvita with something, I just like them with marg actually. Breadsticks and dip is good too.

How about chicken skewers? They can be batch cooked and taken out when needed. I like satay and moroccan chicken ones. Oh and sausages cold are yummy :-)

You could always have cold rice pudding if you are that way inclined.

rachbc

crackers/ ryvita and humous, chunks or cheese or cream cheese plus veg sticks and fruit. Can either bring everyday or leave a few days supply in the fridge