30 "Poor People's Food" That Redditors Swear They're Always Going To Eat No Matter How Wealthy They Get

Well, if they're tasty, they're tasty!

Sophia

• Published in Interesting
• October 29, 2023

As we journey through life, our taste buds often cling to the familiar, even if others view our choices as peculiar. There's an undeniable charm in the food combinations we cherished as children—those impromptu concoctions born from raiding the kitchen shelves, like canned beans, sandwiches, ramen noodles, or hot dogs.

These humble pairings, often labeled as "poor people food," hold an inexplicable magic. They represent more than just sustenance; they're fragments of our past, evoking the simplicity of childhood days.

Despite culinary evolution and newfound affluence, the allure of these comfort foods remains unyielding. A recent online thread posed a compelling question: What are the "poor people foods" you'd continue to savor, irrespective of your financial status?

The responses poured in, painting a vibrant mosaic of nostalgia and taste. Canned beans, once a humble pantry staple, and sandwiches, the embodiment of simplicity, made the list.

Ramen noodles, with their versatile appeal, and hot dogs, a quintessential snack, found their place too.

In this compilation of 30 beloved inexpensive foods, you'll encounter a diverse array of flavors and memories. Each entry is a testament to the enduring charm of these culinary classics.

Take a moment to explore this treasury of tastes, and perhaps you'll find echoes of your own cherished childhood favorites! Scroll on...

1. "Lentils. I swear they will save humanity and the planet. The perfect protein."

2. "Ramen"

3. "I absolutely love canned tuna. I eat it right out of the can. I find it so delicious and flavorful. I have plenty of disposable income and could probably buy actual bluefin tuna filets but I just love canned tuna. I'll eat it even if i was a millionaire."

4. "butter on a flour tortilla warmed up, my brother put me on it"

5. "Hamburger Helper"

6. "Sugar cereal in a bag! I’m so weak to those giant bags of deliciousness. No fruity pebbles or Froot Loops for me! Gimme Dino-Bites with Marshmallows and Tootie Frooties in insane quantities."

7. "Perogies. Easy to make, cheap and easy to freeze . Different ways to make them"

8. "Hot dogs and baked beans. Dump can of beans in the pot and add hot dogs."

Place over heat source until hot. You can make regular hotdogs if you have bread and eat the beans as a side or directly on top of the hotdogs. If you have no bread, eat as is. Delicious, cheap, and easy. It's one of my favorite meals growing up, and I still make it when I don't want to think too hard or spend much money but want a nice hot dinner that's comforting.

9. "Buttered noodles"

10. "Totino’s pizzas"

11. "Bologna on white bread with mustard and mayo."

12. "Rice and beans. So many ways to make it, delicious and nutritious"

13. "My mom used to make "shmasta noodles" for us a lot growing up, it's basically just fried rice with bacon or sausage in it. We also had to eat a lot of ramen so she'd mix it up by frying it, putting a hard boiled egg on top and calling it a bird nest"

14. "Cinnamon toast"

15. "Mac & Cheese with cut up hotdogs."

16. "Brown gravy over white bread."

17. "Potato, i love potatoes because they are so versatile"

18. "Tomato soup and grilled cheese"

19. "Tuna fish casserole."

20. "Fried cabbage, potatoes, and kielbasa"

21. "PB & J...Ramen...Kraft Mac & Cheese...Hot Dogs"

22. "Grilled cheese sandwiches. It must be made with the cheap grocery store white bread and American cheese. I've had many "fancy" grilled cheeses in my life with artisan breads and exotic sounding cheeses... but none have ever hit quite the same."

23. "Pasta with tomato sauce and cheese on top. So good! My grandma used to do it for me all the time when she was babysitting, makes me nostalgic."

24. "Spam n eggs"

25. "Kraft dinner"

26. "Sloppy joes!!!"

27. "Spaghettios"

28. "Jiffy corn bread"

29. "Porkchops..."

30. "Toast with just butter lol and please dont hate it if youve never tried it, its really good!"

In these simple food combinations lies a powerful reminder: our tastes are intertwined with memories, bridging the past to the present. Regardless of wealth, these humble dishes echo the innocence of childhood, teaching us that the heart of any meal is the love and nostalgia we bring to the table.

How about you—what "poor people's food" will you always swear by?

Comment down your thoughts, or share this article for all your family and friends to see!

Sophia