OKLAHOMA CITY (KOKH) — As egg prices rise, registered dietitian Katy Soper suggests cost-effective breakfast alternatives that don’t compromise on nutrition.

“I’m talking about the jug of quick oats that’s a very cost-effective way to have a lot of breakfast,” Soper said. She recommends meal prepping oatmeal in larger batches and storing it in glass jars for easy, on-the-go meals.

For those in a rush, Soper advises pairing beef jerky with fruit for a balanced breakfast. “Everybody is looking for a grab-and-go,” she said. “That could easily be a beef jerky. If you can stay with just a basic, not a teriyaki, you’re going to get a lot of extra sugar that way.” She added, “Beef jerky and a couple of cutie oranges on the run? That’s a fantastic fiber and protein breakfast.”

Soper also highlights the benefits of buying frozen fruit to save money and encourages using leftovers creatively. “My favorite also is leftovers,” she said. “Leftovers are on my plate. It’s got a protein, usually a vegetable or a fruit. Get creative—breakfast food doesn’t have to be eggs.”

Soper emphasizes that eating healthy doesn’t have to be expensive. “What we’re looking for right now is anything that’s really cost-effective. It’s not that we can’t eat healthy,” she said. “We can make things very nutritious in a cost-effective way.”

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