Cheap High Protein Meal Plan UK — Budget 7-Day Fat Loss Guide

Plan at a glance

Calories~1,550/day
Protein~161g/day
Weekly cost£25–35 per week

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High protein eating does not have to be expensive. The cheapest sources of protein in UK supermarkets — tinned tuna, eggs, chicken breast, low-fat cottage cheese, and 0% fat Greek yogurt — are also among the most effective for fat loss. This 7-day plan delivers 140–170 g of protein per day at around 1,500–1,600 calories, with an estimated weekly shop cost of £25–35. Built for people who want to lose fat efficiently without spending a fortune on food.

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Why Choose a Cheap High Protein Meal Plan?

Cost per gram of protein is the key metric for budget high-protein eating. Tinned tuna provides 24 g of protein for around 60–70p per can — about 3p per gram of protein. Eggs deliver 6 g of protein for under 30p each. Chicken breast provides 31 g per 100 g for around 55–70p per 100 g. These three foods alone can cover most of your protein needs for the week at very low cost, supplemented by Greek yogurt and cottage cheese for variety and additional protein density.

Example 7-Day Cheap High Protein Meal Plan

Below is a sample week. Each day is planned to hit approximately 1,550 calories with a strong protein focus. Calorie and protein figures are estimates — weigh ingredients if you need precision. Use the free generator to get a freshly personalised version.

Monday

BreakfastGreek Yogurt Protein Bowl380 kcal · 35g protein · 5 min

200 g 0% Greek yogurt, one scoop protein powder, mixed berries, and 15 g chia seeds.

LunchTuna & Egg White Salad420 kcal · 55g protein · 10 min

Two tins of tuna with three hard-boiled egg whites, mixed leaves, cucumber, and lemon dressing.

DinnerChicken Breast with Lentils & Greens560 kcal · 60g protein · 25 min

Two chicken breasts served over 100 g cooked green lentils with a side of steamed broccoli and asparagus.

SnackCottage Cheese & Cucumber160 kcal · 22g protein · 2 min

200 g low-fat cottage cheese with sliced cucumber and black pepper.

Daily total: 1520 kcal · 172g protein

Tuesday

BreakfastEgg White Omelette with Spinach320 kcal · 30g protein · 10 min

Five egg whites and one yolk, spinach, mushrooms, and cherry tomatoes cooked as an omelette.

LunchChicken & Quinoa Power Bowl450 kcal · 50g protein · 15 min

Grilled chicken breast sliced over 80 g cooked quinoa with edamame, cucumber, and tahini dressing.

DinnerBaked Salmon with Asparagus540 kcal · 52g protein · 20 min

Salmon fillet baked with lemon and herbs, served with a bunch of roasted asparagus and a small side of brown rice.

SnackProtein Shake & Almonds250 kcal · 28g protein · 2 min

One scoop protein powder mixed with water, plus 20 g almonds.

Daily total: 1560 kcal · 160g protein

Wednesday

BreakfastOvernight Protein Oats370 kcal · 32g protein · 5 min

50 g oats, one scoop vanilla protein powder, skimmed milk, and banana slices.

LunchTurkey & Lentil Soup420 kcal · 45g protein · 30 min

Ground turkey and red lentil soup with spinach and mild spices.

DinnerGrilled Chicken Tikka Skewers560 kcal · 60g protein · 20 min

Marinated chicken tikka skewers grilled and served with cauliflower rice and raita.

SnackGreek Yogurt & Walnuts200 kcal · 18g protein · 2 min

150 g 0% Greek yogurt with 15 g walnuts and a teaspoon of honey.

Daily total: 1550 kcal · 155g protein

Thursday

BreakfastSmoked Salmon Scrambled Eggs380 kcal · 38g protein · 10 min

Three-egg scramble with 75 g smoked salmon and a handful of spinach.

LunchTuna Nicoise Salad430 kcal · 50g protein · 10 min

Tinned tuna, one boiled egg, green beans, cherry tomatoes, and olives over mixed leaves.

DinnerLean Beef Stir-Fry540 kcal · 55g protein · 15 min

200 g lean beef strips stir-fried with broccoli, peppers, and a low-sodium soy sauce. Small portion of brown rice.

SnackEdamame Pods180 kcal · 17g protein · 5 min

200 g edamame pods, lightly salted.

Daily total: 1530 kcal · 160g protein

Friday

BreakfastProtein Pancakes360 kcal · 35g protein · 15 min

Three small pancakes made with one egg, one scoop protein powder, oat flour, and a mashed banana.

LunchChicken & Chickpea Power Salad440 kcal · 48g protein · 10 min

Grilled chicken breast, 100 g drained chickpeas, cucumber, spinach, and lemon-garlic dressing.

DinnerBaked Cod with Lentils530 kcal · 56g protein · 25 min

Baked cod fillet on a bed of 100 g cooked green lentils with roasted tomatoes and a squeeze of lemon.

SnackCottage Cheese & Pineapple190 kcal · 22g protein · 2 min

200 g low-fat cottage cheese with a few chunks of tinned pineapple in juice.

Daily total: 1520 kcal · 161g protein

Saturday

BreakfastHigh-Protein Full English400 kcal · 40g protein · 15 min

Two eggs (grilled), two lean turkey rashers, mushrooms, tomatoes, and no toast.

LunchPrawn & Quinoa Bowl450 kcal · 48g protein · 10 min

King prawns over 80 g quinoa with avocado, cucumber, and a ginger-soy dressing.

DinnerTurkey Burger with Salad530 kcal · 52g protein · 20 min

200 g lean turkey burger patty in a wholemeal bun with lettuce, tomato, and Greek yogurt sauce.

SnackProtein Shake180 kcal · 25g protein · 2 min

One scoop whey protein mixed with water.

Daily total: 1560 kcal · 165g protein

Sunday

BreakfastEggs Florentine (lighter)380 kcal · 32g protein · 15 min

Two poached eggs on a bed of wilted spinach on wholemeal toast — no hollandaise.

LunchChicken & Vegetable Stew430 kcal · 48g protein · 30 min

Diced chicken breast slow-simmered with carrots, celery, and lentils.

DinnerRoast Chicken & Roasted Veg560 kcal · 58g protein · 45 min

Roast skinless chicken breast with parsnips, carrots, and green beans. Lean high-protein Sunday roast.

SnackGreek Yogurt & Berries180 kcal · 18g protein · 2 min

150 g 0% Greek yogurt with mixed berries.

Daily total: 1550 kcal · 156g protein

Want this meal plan personalised?

Use the free AI meal plan generator to adapt this plan to your calories, protein target, budget, supermarket, dietary preferences, and foods you actually like.

Sample Weekly Shopping List

Here is a sample shopping list to cover this 7-day plan. Estimated cost: £25–35 per week.

Protein

  • Chicken breast (1.5 kg)
  • Tinned tuna in spring water (8 cans)
  • Eggs (24)
  • 0% fat Greek yogurt (2 × 500 g)
  • Low fat cottage cheese (500 g)
  • Red lentils (500 g)

Carbs

  • Rolled oats (1 kg)
  • Wholemeal bread (800 g)
  • Brown rice (500 g)
  • Sweet potatoes (1 kg)

Vegetables

  • Frozen broccoli (1 kg)
  • Frozen mixed veg (1 kg)
  • Spinach (200 g)
  • Cherry tomatoes (400 g)
  • Cucumber (2)

Dairy

  • Skimmed milk (2 L)
  • 0% fat Greek yogurt (1 kg)

Extras

  • Olive oil spray
  • Soy sauce low-sodium
  • Lemon (4)
  • Garlic bulb
  • Mixed herbs

Meal prepping this week?

Keep meals organised with freezer-safe meal prep labels for dates, portions, calories, protein, and reheating notes.

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Useful if you batch cook, freeze meals, or prep multiple portions.

Tips for Success

  • Stock up on tinned tuna in spring water — buy 8–10 cans at once to have protein available for any meal without needing to cook.
  • Hard-boil a dozen eggs at the start of the week. They keep in the fridge for five days and are the fastest, cheapest protein snack available.
  • Chicken breast bought in 1 kg+ packs is significantly cheaper per serving than smaller packs. Batch-cook the whole kilogram on Sunday.
  • Low-fat cottage cheese is consistently one of the cheapest protein-dense foods in UK supermarkets at around 80–90p per 300 g pot (36 g of protein).
  • Red lentils (500 g for around 80p) provide both protein and fibre — far more per pound spent than any meat. Add them to soups, curries, and stews to reduce cost without reducing nutrition.

Generate Your Free Personalised Plan

Our AI generator creates a personalised Cheap High Protein meal plan tailored to your preferred UK supermarket, dietary requirements, and cooking time. Free, no sign-up needed.

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Meal plans are for general information only. Calories and protein are estimates. For medical conditions, pregnancy, eating disorders, or clinical dietary needs, speak to a qualified healthcare professional.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the cheapest high-protein foods in UK supermarkets?

In order of protein per pound spent: red lentils, tinned tuna, eggs, chicken breast (1 kg+ packs), low-fat cottage cheese, and 0% fat Greek yogurt. These five foods can cover your protein needs for around £15–20 per week.

How do I get 140g of protein cheaply?

A sample cheap day: Greek yogurt bowl at breakfast (35 g), two tins of tuna salad at lunch (50 g), chicken breast at dinner (45 g), cottage cheese as snack (20 g). Total: 150 g at very low cost.

Is cheap protein as good as expensive protein?

Yes — tinned tuna has the same amino acid profile as fresh tuna. Eggs are one of the highest-quality protein sources regardless of price. Protein quality matters (complete amino acids), not cost. All proteins listed here are nutritionally excellent.

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