Van Life Grocery Haul | Cheap and Easy $1 VanLife Meals
Van Life Grocery Haul | Cheap and Easy $1 VanLife Meals
Food food food. One of our priorities during the van build was to create a nice kitchen that would allow us the freedom to cook any food that we wanted! This makes us eat in the van rather than going to restaurants and that way we save a ton of money! We also really enjoy cooking. We have developed a few core, basic meals that we eat nearly every single day in the box truck. Those foundational meals allow us to not spend a lot of money on food while also being able to eat a lot of delicious food. We love our van life cooking setup and the groceries that we have found to use during #vanlife.
We buy nearly all of our groceries at Target and Costco and then get the rest at other grocery stores during our travels. We don’t always have access to those specific stores, so we really like to stock up when we do have access. Let us know if there are other grocery stores we should explore!
Watch us build the van: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DPabmYqCZeo&list=PLJl6csUnIh3vx_nAp1YOMv_F_0I-onLIG
Follow our adventures on these other platforms:
Our TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@projecttoday?lang=en
Podcast on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/project-today/id1449911219
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/projecttoday_/
CAMERA GEAR
Camera – https://amzn.to/2YPCvi0
Lens – https://amzn.to/2YPtdme
GoPro – https://amzn.to/2O9nrtn
Drone – https://amzn.to/3tyToM3
Gimbal – https://amzn.to/3tyKiie
iPhone Gimbal – https://amzn.to/2MYwaOC
TOOLS
Drill – https://amzn.to/3i7LNxi
Jig Saw – https://amzn.to/336GtpR
Circular Saw – https://amzn.to/2Yeq4wu
Kreg Pocket Hole Jig – https://amzn.to/2YLVoCY
EXTERIOR
Maxxair Roof Vent Fans – https://amzn.to/3hOChz0
Windows from RecPro
Gym Parts List available in a comment on this video: https://youtu.be/CJiRHqNdcIE
KITCHEN
Camp Chef Oven – https://amzn.to/3jpy99j
Dometic CRX-110U Fridge
Wood Stain – https://amzn.to/3bUwJTV
Polyurethane – https://amzn.to/2KwgCRg
Wood Conditioner – https://amzn.to/2LTnQiR
Sink – https://www.lowes.com/pd/MR-Direct-23-in-x-17-88-in-Stainless-Steel-Single-Bowl-Undermount-Commercial-Residential-Kitchen-Sink/1000883108
INTERIOR
Mattresses – https://www.ikea.com/us/en/p/morgedal-foam-mattress-firm-dark-gray-30277389/
Lights – https://amzn.to/34S7pKv
Dimmer for Lights – https://amzn.to/34V7JIv
Knobs – https://amzn.to/35Ylnuk
Handles – https://amzn.to/39TkO6c
Outlets – https://amzn.to/3mMBZvd
Upper Cabinets – https://www.ikea.com/us/en/p/knoxhult-wall-cabinet-with-doors-white-10372269/
INSULATION
Low-E (EZ-Cool) Insulation – https://amzn.to/3lpxiHI
Great Stuff Gaps and Cracks – https://amzn.to/3kW9Txt
XPS – https://amzn.to/39W16Ir (We bought much larger pieces than this from local hardware store)
ELECTRICAL
Batteries – https://amzn.to/3mNoH1u
Charge Controller – https://amzn.to/3mQ1Geq
Inverter – https://amzn.to/34Sug8C
Battery Monitor – https://amzn.to/34UZThV
Breakers – https://amzn.to/34ZxuYh
System Switch – https://amzn.to/360VU2K
Fuse Block – https://amzn.to/3mQTXws
Bus Bar – https://amzn.to/2TTLbS5
Fuse Kit – https://amzn.to/326nDOn
The rest of the electric products we used are in the description of this video: https://youtu.be/BNcYkpA8ZgY
MISC
Propane Solenoid Valve – https://amzn.to/3epxiEL
Drawer Slides – https://amzn.to/2TzWA9j
Gorilla Wood Glue – https://amzn.to/31Vin0i
Irwin Clamps – https://amzn.to/2HAKOc0
3M 78 – https://amzn.to/2EuGOrY
Silicone II – https://amzn.to/3iXRA9n
Bread Knife – https://amzn.to/3joW8H2
Note: Some of these links are Amazon Affiliate links, so we will receive a commission if you purchase products using these links. It won’t change the final price of the item for you at all! This is a great way to help support our channel if you are planning on purchasing any of these products. Thanks!
This is is an overview of the products, but on each video from our build series, we have the specific products required to do that project. Here is that video playlist: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DPabmYqCZeo&list=PLJl6csUnIh3vx_nAp1YOMv_F_0I-onLIG
0:00 Costco
2:36 Target
7:56 Trader Joe’s
9:27 Price Breakdown
10:56 Cost of our Simple VanLife Meals
oh man shorts. that warm weather looks nice!
I thought your new video wasn’t showing, hope you guys are ok 🤗
Hi Guys, is there a reason why you haven’t dropped a video for almost 2 weeks? Love watching your videos!!
hope you guys are ok…. missing you ❣️ ❣️ ❣️
You’ve got an instant pot, why not buy dried beans and cook them in the instant pot?
Are you in Palo Alto or Mountain View?
In the midst of the pandemic, you guys are so lucky. Enjoy your everyday life. Your simplicity and honesty are so charming. Take care always and can’t wait for your next adventure. Hugs and kisses from me (Peter) all the way from the Philippines.
Hahah chase you’re eating better than you did last year. Hahaha but I swear, you and pb&j. Meat is more expensive but would add more space in the truck, more stink in the trash, I’m no vegan or vegetarian but maybe I’ll ask a friend for more recipes, she makes an awesome vegan chili. I can’t see your rice and beans without thinking of dave ramsey hahaha
You guys are inspiring me to go back to being a vegetarian. It’s such a healthy lifestyle. Looking forward to your next video. 👋
ARE YOU TOO BUSY TO ANSWER A SIMPLE QUESTION: DYLAN, HOW DO YOU AND GIRLFRIEND MAINTAIN A HEALTHY RELATIONSHIP WITH YOU GONE & LIVING AWAY FROM TOWN OR WHEREEVER???? 🙂
Card game- pinochle! Have you ever heard of it? Takes a specific pinochle deck- lots of strategy and fun. A northern/Midwest game. Loved the video!
PS have you ever asked Target manager to give you a discount on a CASE of your favorite beans? Just a thought!
4:34 the pasta sides are a good cheap, fast meal for hikers and campers. No refrigerator needed, if you just use water
Have you guys considered buying dried black beans in bulk? You could cook a few days worth in your insta-pot and then store in fridge. It would cost less and you could control the sodium that’s in the canned versions.
Hey guys… thought you were going to post once or twice a week. ???
Edit: guessing you aren’t doing this as planned. Too bad ☹️ Unsubscribed.
Where are you guys?
I hope you guys are Safe and Happy. See you soon maybe. Cheers guys.
You guys do eat cheap. How does one actually survive without ice-cream? Thank God Olie is not there so you can use his cabinet. Great editing as always, love the cabinet clips best.
Good Morning Guys. Are things going ok, we’ve missed you. We hope that you’re not leaving us yet. You’ve so much to still do.
Thinking is this now project yesterday? Miss you guys… No updates. X
Loved the detail in your video with the meal cost breakdown.
Wondering if either of you guys have a favorite junk food? PBJ & chips don’t count. 🙂
Rewatching this for cheap and easy meal ideas 😀
i really need to know why olive isn’t there . I was really excited to see olive working out everyday in the gym that he built .PS I’m a big fan of working out @project today
Hopefully they are ok 👌
Maybe they have decided to take a different path and are keeping well.
Love this guy’s. The adventure so exciting.
How do you do the money? Do you have one bank card for any van expenses?
Be vegan!!
Where have you been missed watching your vids can’t wait for a new one
Miss your updates. Hope you two are doing great in your traveling. Hope to see your next update.
Lol. All I can think is that’s a lot of beans which I know means y’all must be gassing up the inside of that truck. lol. 😂💨
How did I know it would be Chase riding the grocery cart? Also why refrigerate maple syrup? A full fridge uses less energy?!! You guys are so precise there must be a rational answer…Also not finished viewing but assume Dylan (sp?) did the excel spreadsheets! Luv you guys!
In New Zealand it’s pronounced "tomatoes" 😆
Looks like a lot of changes happening. Their tiktok gives updates. There must be a reason they didn’t say anything here so you can look it up if wondering
Been missing your adventures. Hope everything is okay.
Your videos are all wonderful. Greetings from Ireland 🇮🇪 🇺🇸
Where have my boyfriends gone!!! Did the price of gas get you?
I hope you guys are out there having too much fun to slow down and post a video! Looking forward to hearing the stories.
Can u believe i could name what u guys have for breakfast lunch and dinner before u even announce it! Lol
Didn’t realize you started making videos again.
Hey guys! I’m living the vanlife too! I’ve been doing it for 2 months now! One of the things I eat most in my minivan (cheaper to buy, cheaper to drive) is peanut butter banana wraps. So I take a tortilla, cover it in peanut butter, cover that in granola, then put half a banana on one end, and a line of honey next to the banana, sprinkle cinnamon over it, roll it up, and it makes a great snack!! It’s light, healthy, and filling! Sometimes I make a PBJ with it, so just tortilla, peanut butter, banana, and line of jam, plus the granola for a nice crunch. There are other ways to mix it up, depending on your base ingredients, but it’s always SO good.
OK we know why Oliver took a break now. He saw the Food Menu. 🤣 What about to drink? Only water? What about power ade, gatorade or juices?
Hey guys, where are you?
Not sure if you guys answered this yet… but do you guys have travel goals for the year? Or just some end goals from living in the truck? So curious!!
so you’re Vegan?
Where are you?
Are you guys okay?
Oats 💪💪
What hair gel do you guys use? Genuinely curious
Hope you guys are ok!!! Give us an update soon.
Anyone know what happened to their video uploads? Hope they are safe and still exploring.
Y’all are very cost-conscious in buying your meals for the month👍& you don’t skip meals which too often people on a budget do. I don’t think I could eat such a limited variety of foods, nor would I ever pay $1.28 for an apple😬. Keeping your food budget under $200 a month is excellent! It’s about what I spend a month for myself, but I straddle between being a vegetarian and a carnivore! My pantry looks like I’m feeding, at least, 6 people a day… (Food insecurities as a child).
You’re right when it comes to buying your food by the month rather than shopping week to week, it is much less expensive. Since y’all are satisfied with your meals you’re doing a great job at monthly grocery shopping!
Hey are you too ok?