A Geeky Gal’s Fan Convention Guide: Frugal Food on the Run

Let’s be honest, prepping for a con can be a lot of work, especially if it’s your first one. But you still have to eat! So, let me take some of that hard work out for you! I have compiled an amazing list of food and beverages based on your hotel situation. Plus this rundown contains tips for eating and keeping hydrated while you browse the dealers hall or sit in on your favorite panels. Screenshot these on your phone, or even better, print this article out and use it as your next shopping list. I tried to keep it easy and healthy!

Convention Must-Haves

These are all the things you absolutely must have at the con, no matter what.

water //
tea or coffee* //
hard candy //
gum //

Convention Must-Buys

Add these things to your cart before heading to the con. You’ll be glad you did.

reusable water bottle //
hand sanitizer //

Blessed with a Fridge

Aren’t you one of the lucky ones?

Uncrustables //
Lunchables //
Lean Pockets* //
microwave dinners* //
pre-made salads //
turkey/chicken slices //
carrots //
PB&J sandwiches //
jello //
cottage cheese //
cream cheese //
milk & cereal //
yogurt //
tuna & mayo sandwiches //
applesauce //
pudding //
pickles //
Wholly guacamole //
hummus //
string cheese //
salsa //
eggs //

No Fridge Required

No fridge? No problem! A Geeky Gal has got your back.

oranges //
apples //
potatoes* //
peanut butter //
Nutella //
dark chocolate //
muffins //
bagels (or bagel thins) //
bread //
pita pockets //
rice cakes //
crackers //
tuna pouches //
instant noodles* //
trail mix //
protein/granola bars //
jerky //
popcorn* //
nuts //
dried fruit //
pretzels //
dry cereal //
chips //
instant oatmeal/grits* //
canned soup*, //
condiment packets of ketchup, mustard, and mayo //
flavor packets for water //

Meal Prep like a (J-Pop) Star

See what I did there?

banana bread //
muffins //
roasted chickpeas //
DIY Lunchables //
trailmix //
chili cheese potatoes (use canned chili)* //
baked potatoes* //
mug meals* //
energy bites //
freezer sandwiches* //
no-bread roll ups //
sandwiches //
wraps //
pita sandwiches //
pancake bites //

*May require a coffee maker or microwave

Tips

Freeze about half the water in your water bottle, then fill it up with water before throwing it in your food bag to use as an ice pack. You can also freeze your yogurts to use as ice packs too!
Got Amazon Prime? Utilize Prime Pantry to get your groceries sent to your room!
For more meal ideas, search for “mug meals” or “microwave meals” on Pinterest.
If you plan on getting some of your meals outside of the hotel, look for Subway or an Asian restaurant. Order “light.”
For normal fast food restaurants or restaurants that aren’t very frugal, try taking half of your meal back to your room if you have a fridge and microwave. If taking back food isn’t possible, split a dish with your roomie!
Food trucks can be your best friend. Check them out if they’re available to you.
Feeling fancy? Bring a small crockpot to your hotel room for even better meals!

I have more posts on conventions and cosplay! If this is your very first convention, check out this post for general tips. For cosplay tips, check out this cool post (you’ll be glad you did). If you need a guide on buying your cosplay online, check out this helpful post. If it’s your very first time cosplaying, I recommend reading this post for more info!

Please leave a comment with your frugal food suggestions!

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