The sun is shining, the birds are chirping and it’s time to make a hearty breakfast! Or—we’re rolling out of bed still a little groggy and just want to save some money instead of a trip to Tims. Either way, you’ve heard of Wendy’s four for four, here’s IGNITE’s five for five under five minutes!

1. Oatmeal

There’s plenty of minute oatmeal brands to choose from at the grocery store. Best of all, a big one pound bag costs around $3 and will last you many breakfasts. Cooking time can range between one to three minutes in the microwave (we prefer a speedy one minute oatmeal).

Customize it as you like. Go for a plain oatmeal with a bit of butter-flavoured syrup for some sweetness or enjoy your meal with yogurt and fruit on the side.

2. Rice and corn

A packet of Ben’s Original rice dishes from the grocery store is usually under $4. It takes about three minutes to cook and there’s flavours such as roast chicken, vegetable medley and fine herbs.

When they’re on sale they can go as low as $1.50. Throw in whole kernel canned corn for $1 and warm it in the microwave for a light breakfast. There’s lots of savory dishes that can be made with only a microwave. Use what you have at home for extra flavouring. You can also purchase a small pack of rosemary or oregano leaves for $2. These 30-50g spice packets are a great way to add extra flavour to your breakfast.

3. Raspberry flax seed jam on toast

How can you enjoy this concoction for under $5? Buying all the ingredients in one run will mean you’ll have to pay a little more upfront, but you’ll be able to eat many breakfasts (and second breakfasts) of raspberry flax seed jam on toast. Here’s the price breakdown; you can really save on bread depending on what type you prefer.

Whole grain? Wheat? Oat & Honey? It’ll probably cost around $3 for approximately 18 slices. The No Name brand raspberry jam costs $3.69 and you can get bulk flax seed for $2.

The total cost is just over $8, which will get you 18 breakfasts priced at less than a dollar each! Morning meals will never be as quick as spreading raspberry jam over toast and sprinkling on flax seeds.

Better yet—visit your local BulkBarn when there’s a sale to stock up on flax seed.

4. Plain cereal and yogurt

Everyone buys that plain and healthy cereal hoping to cut down on sugar. We’re talking bran flakes and corn flakes. The box is probably sitting in the cupboard gathering dust. Instead of going out and giving into the urge for Frosted Flakes, add some strawberry yogurt and sliced bananas.

Plus, add as many bananas as you want! You can get a bunch at around 50 cents per pound. You can also add mixed nuts if you want to make a cereal granola mix. Finally, the corn flakes won’t stay on the shelf long.

5. Apple slices and dip

This breakfast makes us reminiscent of snack time as a kid! When you’re really on the run and need something quick, cut up some apple slices. They’re an inexpensive item, not to mention all the varieties! Let’s see, there’s Royal Gala, Granny Smith, Red Delicious and many more.

Most of us walk around in the morning still wrapped in a blanket—not exactly the attire of a culinary slicing master. You can prepare the apples the night before to save time.

Now for the dip! If you’re looking for a savory flavour with protein you could use peanut butter, tahini or hummus. Prefer something sweet? Try out honey, jam or yogurt.

Better yet, come up with your own combinations and make your friends guess the ingredients!

And that’s our five breakfasts! There’s lots of combinations you can try out with these dishes and swap out ingredients to switch things up! To save on time, many of these breakfasts can be prepped the night before. All you’ll have to do is get them from the fridge and enjoy!

The key to starting your day right is with a healthy meal. Consider these 7 foods with surprising brain benefits for your next breakfast!

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