How To Make Avocado Toast Affordable

When there’s a will, there is a way. And I will have an avocado toast from time-to-time. Don’t let those naysayers fool you – there’s a way to have avocado toast on a budget. 

Well, at least cheaper than your standard to-go $10 avo-toast at a sit-down place. If you’re looking for a hearty avocado toast breakfast without it burning through your bank account, here are a few tips to keep in mind when building up the millennial’s infamous breakfast meal. 

Keeping It Cheap: The Avocado, Toast & Toppings 

Let’s break down the three elements of a complete and delicious avocado toast. We have the avocado, the toast, and the toppings. Each has a role and each can be used in a way that’s affordable and practical. 

THE AVOCADO 

Tip 1: Don’t buy avocado toast from a restaurant. 

Let’s be real: the cost of an avocado toast at a brunch spot in downtown is probably going to make your bank account cringe. But just like all things created in a restaurant, there’s going to be a serious upcharge. The easiest way to decrease your spending is to prepare your own food. 

But you already knew that, right? 

The price you’re paying for an avocado toast at a restaurant is not just for the avocado toast. The price takes into account labor costs, rent, utilities, supplies, equipment, and all the other details required to effectively run a restaurant. 

The Lesson Here: If you want to enjoy an affordable avocado toast, skip the restaurant and make the avocado toast at home. 

Tip 2: Find Deals On Avocado At The Grocery Store 

You’ll sometimes find avocados at a discount if they are ripe the day-of at the grocery store. If you’re planning on eating them the same day, it might be worth the splurge. 

However, don’t stop your search for affordable avocados at big-box grocery stores. Although avocados in general may be costly, it’s worth comparing prices. Check out local grocery stores, farmer’s markets, and discount grocery stores. 

Discount grocery stores include: 

• Grocery Outlet
• Smart & Final 
• Sprouts

Additionally, locate and visit your local Latin, Asian, ethnic markets, or fruit stands. I find local, small markets or produce business owners sell avocados for a much more attractive price. 

If you score a great deal on a bundle of avocados and need to keep the avocados in its current state (ripe or unripe), it may be stored in the refrigerator for a few days. This will help slow down and preserve the avocado’s ripening

Tip 3: Go For Packaged Avocado 

Packaged avocado, like guacamole in a packet or container, might be a much cheaper option to prepare an avocado toast. 

They can be a great alternative if you’re looking for something that can be a grab-and-go option, if you want to carry just enough for one serving, or want something that won’t spoil quickly.

Packaged avocado may not be able to compete with fresh avocado, but it is an option, especially in areas where fresh produce might be limited. 

THE TOAST 

 First, let’s get bread for the low-low. Basic sliced bread is typically easy on the wallet. Or, you can even go for freshly baked bread. I live in the San Francisco Bay Area and I can find fresh bread for about a buck-fifty. 

Additionally, you can score a cheap loaf of bread at The Dollar Tree or the discount section of the local grocery store. If their expiration date is approaching, just throw them in the freezer or refrigerator to stretch out their life. 

Pro-tip: toast frozen sliced bread just as you normally would. Some toasters might even have a setting for frozen bread slices. 

FYI, white bread is usually cheaper than whole wheat bread, but I find the price difference to be negligible, especially if you’re getting basic whole wheat bread without the bells-and-whistles. 

Some places where you can find cheap bread include: 

• The bakery 
• Grocery outlet stores 
• The discount section 

THE TOPPINGS 

You can either keep the topping simple with a pinch of salt and cracked black pepper, or top off your avocado toast with your favorite veggies, fruit, nuts, seeds, and healthy fats. 

Affordable Avocado Toast Toppings 

• Salt 
• Cracked Black Pepper 
• Chili Flakes 
• Garlic Powder 
• Onion Powder 
• Smoked Paprika 
• Everything Bagel Seasoning 
• Sliced Onions 
• Sliced Bell Pepper 
• Roasted Carrots 
• Olive Oil 
• Tomatoes 
• Sesame Seeds 
• Cilantro 
• Tofu Scramble 
• Beans 
• Berries 
• Sprouts 

Fresh vegetables and fruit will bring your avocado to life, but a dash of spices and seasonings will also create a delicious (affordable) avocado toast. 

My tip? Check out what you already have in your refrigerator and consider how you can add those items to your avocado toast. Here are some combinations of ideas. 

1. Roasted Chickpeas + Sauteed Greens + Roasted Sunflower Seeds + Salt + Black Pepper 
2. Mushroom Bacon + Arugula + Olive Oil + Salt + Black Pepper 
3. Roasted Corn + Cilantro + Lime Juice + Salt + Black Pepper 
4. Tofu Scramble + Sauteed Greens + Nutritional Yeast + Salt + Black Pepper  
5. Tomatoes + Fresh Basil + Salt + Black Pepper 

Craving salty snacks? Check out our 21 Plant-Based Salty Snacks post!

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More Money-Saving Tips 

• My 10 Tips For Living Frugally 
• 25 Affordable Recipes From Pantry And Frozen Ingredients 
• 75 Things In My Pantry 
• Broke Things To Do When Bored At Home 

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