What are the most affordable high-calorie foods in the UK?

[JonnyBoy]

I'm trying to gain weight, but I need cheaper options. Unfortunately, I avoid milk and chocolate due to personal reasons. I'm looking for specific foods or meals that are both cheap and very calorie-dense. I've seen people make a milkshake with peanut butter, milk, protein powder, oats, which adds up to about 1000 calories. I want to do this the right way.

 

[Ivanzrh]

Peanut butter, peanuts, eggs, bananas, oats, rice/pasta, chicken thighs/legs, ground meats, frozen vegetables (for micronutrients) There are many inexpensive foods you can find. The trick is to prepare them in ways that taste good enough to keep eating them regularly.

 

[GhostOf2Can]

Very large bags of legumes, rice, or other grains (10kg). Probably the most affordable source of calories you can find. In reality, inexpensive peanut butter is probably affordable and simple enough to add to your diet to gain some extra weight.

 

[ricky23]

Adding nuts or butter to food will add quite a few calories. Other options will depend on what you currently eat. Sauces can also provide a lot of calories, especially if you add oil, heavy cream, sugar, etc.

 

[SuicideGripMe]

You don't need many more calories than what you currently eat to gain weight. Any calories above your maintenance will make you gain weight. So simply eat slightly larger portions with every meal, or add a small extra meal/snacks, and you'll be fine.

 

[Saidin22]

In terms of pure cost per calorie, oil will be your best bet

 

[robertwilson009]

Cook basmati rice, add cans of beans, lentils and chopped veg and seasonings

 

[Ginalina]

Peanut butter, is my go to yall, I love it, and Cheese OMG

 

[Movieleatherja]

I would recommend milk. One liter costs about 1€, provides roughly 600 calories, and contains 40g of protein. It's my preferred nutrition option while bikepacking!

 

[Trillx]

Is it just milk, or all dairy? For individuals needing nutritional support, adding double cream, full-fat cheese, and skim milk powder to meals can fortify food. Just a couple of tablespoons here and there will increase the calories by about ~200. Potatoes and rice are also relatively inexpensive; you can use them to add volume to your meals.