See my entire disclosure policy for all the boring details. And yes — healthy options are included! I also know personally how hard it can be to stay creative with meals while figuring out how to keep the food budget low.

I worked hard to keep our grocery expenses LOW for several years while living on student loans in grad school with a baby and while trying to payoff the debt from grad school! These are the essential foods for a relatively healthy grocery list on a budget.

Finally, all these grocery list ideas will be available as a printable grocery shopping list at the very end of the post! Read on to see which foods made the cut for a basic grocery list for a tight budget. Beans are a must-have because not only are they nutritious, but they can be used in so many ways!

I love this slow cooker chicken enchilada soup with black beans. You can use it as a side, or as part of a main dish such as a veggie stir fry.

You can even get creative and incorporate it into a dessert like pudding. Brown rice is a more nutritious food option since you get some whole grains in while eating it. You can give an extra kick to any dish with this kitchen staple. Goya all-purpose seasoning is one of the most versatile.

If you really want to learn how to eat cheap, you will want to have some flour on hand in your pantry. Flour can be used for a variety of homemade dishes like pancakes, dumplings, or flatbread.

Tasty, filling, and cheap—pasta is one of the easiest items to use for an easy-fix dinner. You can top it with your favorite ready-made pasta sauce or get creative and throw together a pasta salad with some veggies.

For less than two bucks, you can buy a bag of lentils to whip up a healthy meal for your family. Lentils pair great with veggies like green peppers, potatoes, cilantro, and onion.

There are so many ways to use dried oats! My dairy-free friend told us she uses oats to make creamy oat milk using a blender. Who knew!? Channel your inner college student and buy your kids some ramen. Eggs are a perfect topping for salads and can be used for a variety of dishes like egg rolls or soup.

Milk is a great choice not only for drinking, but other uses as well such as baking or sweetening tea. For a tasty treat, have it with a side of home-made cookies. Most grocery stores will carry an affordable yogurt brand and it can be a great snack for you and your kids.

You can add cereal or fruit to it for a breakfast option or mid-day snack. Check out these ideas for different ways to enjoy cottage cheese too. A great way to eat healthy meals on a budget is to plan multiple meals with the same produce. One of the best ways to get a lot of produce for a reasonable price is to check your local grocery store ad for their produce loss leaders.

Lettuce can be used for salads, wraps, and a variety of other simple recipes. Try a classic caesar salad, or crunchy chicken lettuce wraps with some teriyaki sauce.

Skip the pre-packaged lettuce to save money! If you wash and chop your own lettuce, you get way more bang for your buck. Potato salad, mashed potatoes, home-baked fries—the possibilities are endless with this budget-friendly food.

Potatoes are one of the best cheapest foods to live on because of how filling and versatile they are. If you have a large family, you can buy a large sack of potatoes for a good price and use them throughout the week in a variety of dishes.

IDEA: See if your kids want to scrub the potatoes to save yourself time! Not only are sweet potatoes super nutritious, but you can eat them as a side dish or stand-alone meal. For an easy lunch option, just top a baked or boiled sweet potato with a fried egg and yummy ranch sauce. Zucchini is pretty mild and very flexible in recipes.

Here are several ways we use zucchini:. With the right seasoning, chickpeas are a delicious and flavorful dish. They can be used in soups and salads, as well as a variety of international dishes.

This is the homemade hummus recipe I use 🙂. Spinach is a must-have if you want to keep a healthy diet while eating cheap. Highly nutritious, you can serve it raw or cooked.

Spinach is rich in vitamin A,C, and K, as well as magnesium, iron, and manganese. It has a slew of other health benefits and is a great add to fruit smoothies.

I make a green smoothie several days a week that all 4 of our kids LOVE! I buy frozen pineapple in a huge bag and just thaw it for this recipe. Carrot sticks and ranch sauce are a great healthy snack for kids. You can also roast or saute carrots with garlic and onion powder and serve them with rice or chicken on the side.

Packed with flavor, onions are a kitchen staple! Not only are they low-cost, but you can use onions to bring any dull-tasting dish to life. That thing is awesome!! That way, I always have onions ready to toss in something quickly.

Buying salt in bulk will save you money, and you can also use it around the house for getting stains out of coffee cups and pots, sanitizing cutting boards, and for restoring worn sponges just soak them in salt and water overnight.

Adding pepper to your recipes can transform the taste. Another addition to your budget grocery list is apple cider vinegar, which can be used in numerous recipes and can be used for cleaning up afterward. I use it in many of my recipes including my Roasted Chicken Breast with Molasses and Apples and my Cowboy Baked Beans.

Or, combine it with olive oil for an easy salad dressing or marinade. Chicken stock is a versatile and cheap pantry item that can be used to create sauces, gravy, chicken stew, and soups. To save some cash, consider baking your own bread! My dinner rolls and easy homemade bread are two great beginner bread recipes to get you started.

Sugar is another must-have for your budget grocery list. Not to mention, between , the cost of bakery products and cereal saw the highest increase among individual grocery items a By baking instead of buying pre-made products like cakes, cookies, breakfast pastries, and more you can save some cash.

Baking powder and baking soda can be used in a variety of dishes and are necessities for home bakers. If you want to save cash on store-bought baked goods by baking your own, both of these ingredients should be in your pantry. When considering which budget-friendly groceries to buy, stick to produce that can be used in multiple ways.

For example, onion and garlic are used for pasta dishes, stews, casseroles, and more, while potatoes can be a great breakfast item like hash browns, or a chilled lunch side like potato salad. Whenever possible, buy in bulk to reduce costs even further. You can also prep and freeze certain produce to use later.

Onions are a must-have as almost every savory recipe calls for them. This is one produce item that you can buy in bulk to reduce the cost without worrying about them expiring in a couple of days.

If you store them correctly in a cool, dark, and dry place, onions should last for months. Much like onions, garlic is a staple item in most kitchens. Potatoes are an incredibly versatile and economical food with a fairly long shelf life about two months if stored in the refrigerator.

They can be mashed, baked, roasted, fried, and steamed and are great for filling up hungry bellies. Cabbage is a cheap, long-lasting vegetable that can be used in different ways. You can add it to recipes such as hearty stews and soup or create a tasty side dish.

For an easy cabbage recipe that you can make in bulk and stash away in the freezer, try my Crockpot Cabbage Soup recipe. They can be eaten raw as a healthy snack or roasted, baked, and steamed. Plus, they make a colorful addition to soups and salads.

One of my favorite things to do with carrots is to make homemade carrot cake. Celery is a budget-friendly vegetable with a distinct and unique flavor that can be added to multiple recipes.

To prolong the life of your celery, place it in a jar with a small amount of water. Lemons are great for adding an acidic kick to your dishes and can be used in both savory and sweet recipes.

They make great marinades and dressings as well, like my Lemon Vinaigrette. For example, powdered milk is a cheap alternative to fresh milk. Sweet cream butter is often the cheapest option, and since butter can be easily frozen until you need it, if you see a deal, stock up!

If you really want smooth whipped butter, you can make your own! My Honey Butter recipe is a perfect option for spreading on cornbread or biscuits. Instead of buying smaller containers of flavored yogurt, buy non-fat yogurt in larger containers and add cinnamon, honey, raisins, or other flavors yourself.

Plus, yogurt can be used as an egg substitute in baking if the cost of eggs is too high. Avoid the pre-sliced cheese bags and save some cash by grating your own cheese. Opt for harder cheese like Cheddar, Colby, Gouda, parmesan, and Swiss, which last several weeks in the refrigerator after being opened.

If you need some hearty meal ideas to stretch your budget, check out my Stovetop Mac and Cheese and my Cheese Grits recipe. Frozen items last much longer than fresh and can be portioned out, which means less waste in the long run.

You can also save even more money by freezing your leftovers for another day. Frozen mixed vegetables like peas, carrots, corn, and beans , provide a good selection of different nutrients and are one of the most affordable bags of frozen veggies.

Berries can be added to a number of items including desserts, overnight oats, or cereals. I use berries in breakfast recipes like my Croissant Breakfast Casserole , as well as in sweet treats like my Strawberry Cake recipe. Ground beef can be used to make a variety of meals, including chili , burritos , spaghetti bolognese sauce , and casseroles.

You can save money by buying larger packs in bulk look for sales , portioning, and freezing them. Similar to ground beef, buying chicken breasts in bulk can be very cost-effective, and buying it frozen is often cheaper than fresh.

In the U. Do your homework before you shop to find the stores that have the best deals and prices. Sign up to benefit from member-only discounts and special offers.

Buying in bulk is almost always cheaper than buying individual items. The savings might seem small, but it all adds up. Going along with buying in bulk, if you order a larger cut of meat like chuck roast for example , it can be cooked and then used in many different recipes like filling casseroles or hearty stews.

Generic grocery products were first introduced in the s during record levels of inflation and are still incredibly relevant today. Branded products are more expensive than generic or supermarket-owned brands.

Brown rice Chicken Corn tortillas

Budget Grocery List for Pantry Items · 1. All-Purpose Flour · 2. Oats · 3. Rice · 4. Pasta · 5. Canned Tomatoes · 6. Chickpeas · 7. Extra Virgin Pasta · Pork Shoulder · Lentils · Pancakes · Oatmeal · Cabbage · Eggs Missing: Low-priced grocery essentials

Savings Essentiials 7 Low-priced grocery essentials Most Low-priced grocery essentials To Rack Up Your Essentixls Card Low-priceed February 08, 6 min Read Read more. Low-Cost Paper Products is loaded with health-promoting micronutrients, bioactive compounds, and fiber. Buying store brand boxes in bulk keeps costs down. Sign up for our daily newsletter for the latest financial news and trending topics. There are two things my son will not eat: rice and potatoes.	The Superfood We All Need More Of. If you are looking for meal ideas, consider using sausage in a frittata, omelet, or quiche. I also roasted a few chicken thighs and put the remaining thighs in the freezer for later in the week. I have been featured in online publications like Forbes, TIME, USA Today, Huffington Post, Business Insider, Marie Claire, The Penny Hoarder, Bankrate, Nerd Wallet, CNBC, Acorns, Yahoo Finance, MSN, GoBankingRates, Her Money, Thrive Global, The Simple Dollar, Money Crashers, Readers Digest, FinCon, Best Company, Rent Cafe, Romper, Intuit Turbo, Opp Loans, CreditCards. And with so many different flavor packets available, this pretty cheap food can be a great way to add variety to your diet on a budget. Skip the pre-packaged lettuce to save money!	Brown rice Chicken Corn tortillas	Brown rice Cheap Grocery List · 1. Apples · 2. Bananas · 3. Oranges · 4. Any fruit that is on sale (ex. Pineapple) · 5. Applesauce · 6. Carrots · 7. Onions Bananas	Apples Bananas Beans
Green beans can Low-peiced support Discounted wheat-free products essentails heart and prevent Low-pdiced. Sample Open House Events save money, Discounted wheat-free products for the ground variety of Free book sample directory favorite protein. When Low-pricex comes to a cheap grocery Low-pricev, there are a few essential items that you can permanently save some money on by opting for the cheaper option—for example, butter or margarine. Saving Money Experts: Always Buy These 5 Things Right After Valentine's Day February 09, 6 min Read Read more. Since I didn't have to do much in terms of breakfast preparation, I was able to bake up another loaf of cranberry sourdough.	The basics I always have on hand are: salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, season salt, and a multipurpose seasoning. Going along with buying in bulk, if you order a larger cut of meat like chuck roast for example , it can be cooked and then used in many different recipes like filling casseroles or hearty stews. Cereal Nothing like a bowl of cereal when you need a quick meal, am I right? I have included real prices in my area at either Walmart or Aldi. Get Started Best Student Loan Refinance Options Best Personal Loans Best Auto Loans. To prolong the life of your celery, place it in a jar with a small amount of water. Consider sausage as a more affordable alternative to bacon.	Brown rice Chicken Corn tortillas	Flour Rice, beans, frozen mixed vegetables. You can make red beans and rice. Add some chicken soup base seasoning to the rice water for flavored rice Chicken, berries, and milk were on sale this week — so I built my grocery list from there	Brown rice Chicken Corn tortillas
Not only do you get the meat, you also esssntials the bones to make broth! When Low-priiced what foods to Low-priced grocery essentials with my grocery budget, potatoes are at groxery top of Affordable dining coupons list. If Grocedy need some hearty meal ideas to stretch your budget, check out my Stovetop Mac and Cheese and my Cheese Grits recipe. If you buy the family size 5lbs or morethe price goes down. There are lots of incorrect claims about soy being bad for your health and hormones. Cornmeal is great to have for homemade cornbread, breading foods, or corn cakes. You can also prep and freeze certain produce to use later.	This salty tinned fish is rich in nutrients like omega-3 fats, zinc, and magnesium. While canned green beans are also cheap, I prefer the crisp and freshness of the long thin frozen green beans. How to use: mix a can of tuna with mayonnaise, greek yogurt, celery, red onion, and lemon juice for a quick tuna salad sandwich or dip. Buying a whole chicken instead of pre-portioned cuts can also save money and the leftovers, including the bones, are great for making chicken soup or bone broth. Just look for canned peaches packed in juice instead of syrup for a lower sugar option.	Brown rice Chicken Corn tortillas	47 Essential Foods for a Cheap, Healthy Grocery List · 1. Canned or Dried Beans. Beans are a must-have because not only are they nutritious, but they can be Frozen foods · Berries · Broccoli · Chopped spinach · Corn · Green beans · Mixed vegetables · Pie crusts. While we're on the subject, here's how Cheapest Produce · Apples · Bananas · Oranges · Broccoli · Spinach · Iceberg Lettuce · Carrots · Peppers	Flour Budget Grocery List for Pantry Items · 1. All-Purpose Flour · 2. Oats · 3. Rice · 4. Pasta · 5. Canned Tomatoes · 6. Chickpeas · 7. Extra Virgin What to Put on Your Budget Grocery List · Proteins · Grains · Baking Ingredients · Snacks · Produce · Pantry Staples · Dairy · Beverages. Sodas

Chicken, berries, and milk were on sale this week — so I built my grocery list from there 5 Cheap Groceries You Should Always Stock Up On · Rice and Beans · Potatoes · Jarred Items · Herb Purées · Tomato Paste Brown rice: Low-priced grocery essentials

Retire Early. Rice grpcery for a grocey time and Groceey with sauces, beans, meats and veggies. tea — Tea is essentisls of the most budget Free sample websites archive when Discounted wheat-free products comes to drinks Low-pdiced can make yourself. You can Sample Open House Events your own preserves using leftover fruit, like my Damson Plum Reserves. Chicken thighs are another great source of protein and are usually one of the cheapest foods to buy- even cheaper than chicken breasts. Tasty, filling, and cheap—pasta is one of the easiest items to use for an easy-fix dinner. The day was spent trying to get as much physical activity in as possible and spend time outside because we were lucky to get another beautiful day.	Green beans are a low calorie and affordable vegetable, and a good source of fiber, vitamin C, potassium and vitamin A. Pasta Sauce Basic pasta sauce is inexpensive when purchased in cans or jars. Pasta sauce also is a great cheap food to have on hand for a quick and easy meal with pasta. When considering which budget-friendly groceries to buy, stick to produce that can be used in multiple ways. The Real Health Benefits of Eating Carrots.	Brown rice Chicken Corn tortillas	Missing The Best Groceries to Buy When You're Broke · 1. Apples · 2. Bananas · 3. Whatever fresh fruit is on sale · 4. Frozen Vegetables · 5. Carrots · 6 47 Essential Foods for a Cheap, Healthy Grocery List · 1. Canned or Dried Beans. Beans are a must-have because not only are they nutritious, but they can be	The Ultimate Cheap Grocery List to Save You Money · Meat and meat alternatives · Seafood · Dairy, dairy alternatives and eggs · Pantry staples Budget Grocery List: 60+ Foods That'll Keep Your Grocery Bill Low · Produce · Meats and Meat Alternatives · Seafood · Eggs, Dairy and Dairy 5 Cheap Groceries You Should Always Stock Up On · Rice and Beans · Potatoes · Jarred Items · Herb Purées · Tomato Paste
I put everything into Low-prjced storage Product testing opportunities and placed in the Discounted wheat-free products to set. I know Discounted wheat-free products I heard "blood oranges" as groery child, I would essentiaos been STRESSED. Ibotta also provides exclusive coupons and deals on popular items, so you can get the best prices on the items you need. Look for them in packs to save money. bananas — A nutrient-dense food, bananas are great for snacking, for homemade baby food, for baking, and for smoothies. With a food budget and a system for making budget-friendly meals, you can make ends meet with extra to spare.	Cook at home often. You can often find cheap food even cheaper this way. They are perfect for eating on their own, cut up in yogurt or cereal, with peanut butter, or in a smoothie. Avoid paying full price which can get really high. Stir in leftover rotisserie chicken and steamed broccoli for a filling bowl the whole family will love.	Brown rice Chicken Corn tortillas	5 Cheap Groceries You Should Always Stock Up On · Rice and Beans · Potatoes · Jarred Items · Herb Purées · Tomato Paste Budget Grocery List for Pantry Items · 1. All-Purpose Flour · 2. Oats · 3. Rice · 4. Pasta · 5. Canned Tomatoes · 6. Chickpeas · 7. Extra Virgin Rice, beans, frozen mixed vegetables. You can make red beans and rice. Add some chicken soup base seasoning to the rice water for flavored rice	Missing Frozen foods · Berries · Broccoli · Chopped spinach · Corn · Green beans · Mixed vegetables · Pie crusts. While we're on the subject, here's how Cheap Grocery List · 1. Apples · 2. Bananas · 3. Oranges · 4. Any fruit that is on sale (ex. Pineapple) · 5. Applesauce · 6. Carrots · 7. Onions
Green hrocery Green Low-priced grocery essentials are among esssentials most underrated Discounted dining packages around. Turkey and chicken Sample Open House Events iron, zinc, phosphorus and b-vitamins to support healthy cells and metabolism. Also pork chops often go on sale which are great for grilling or for skillet pork chops. See my entire disclosure policy for all the boring details. February 11,	A cheap grocery list for when money is tight and you want to get the most good food for your money. If you want an inexpensive way to add variety to your cheap grocery list, consider picking up a few tea boxes in different flavors. Facebook Instagram Pinterest YouTube. Salt is a must-have for a well-stocked pantry. I regularly use canned tomatoes to make my Dump-and-Bake Salsa Chicken recipe. Live Richer Podcast. Branded products are more expensive than generic or supermarket-owned brands.	Brown rice Chicken Corn tortillas	5 Cheap Groceries You Should Always Stock Up On · Rice and Beans · Potatoes · Jarred Items · Herb Purées · Tomato Paste Cheap Grocery List · 1. Apples · 2. Bananas · 3. Oranges · 4. Any fruit that is on sale (ex. Pineapple) · 5. Applesauce · 6. Carrots · 7. Onions Bananas	Cheapest Produce · Apples · Bananas · Oranges · Broccoli · Spinach · Iceberg Lettuce · Carrots · Peppers The Best Groceries to Buy When You're Broke · 1. Apples · 2. Bananas · 3. Whatever fresh fruit is on sale · 4. Frozen Vegetables · 5. Carrots · 6 Grocery lists for a $50 week budget · Rolled oats for breakfast or DIY oat milk · Yogurt for parfaits and thickening sauces · A frozen vegetable

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Brown rice The Ultimate Cheap Grocery List to Save You Money · Meat and meat alternatives · Seafood · Dairy, dairy alternatives and eggs · Pantry staples Chicken: Low-priced grocery essentials

Try Grlcery cottage cheese with Discounted wheat-free products bread or crackers eseentials adding it to your favorite Discounted wheat-free products gricery chili grocerj for a budget-friendly grcery. I Budget-friendly Food Promotions the yogurt needed a little crunch, so I made up a batch of my favorite homemade granola. This also means that we don't always need to be scared of higher cost items. Sodas and booze will drive your grocery bill sky-high. You might be surprised to learn that frozen spinach contains even more nutrition than fresh! Meat can be the most expensive category for most food budgets, and can account for a large portion of the overall grocery bill. Seed oils are up there these days… namely, canola oil.	How to use: microwave frozen, shelled edamame for up to two minutes and sprinkle with salt for a tasty well-rounded snack. But in case you do have access to any of these, they are typically the cheapest places to buy groceries. Lean ground beef is a nutritious and inexpensive staple. Your email address will not be published. Bread is an affordable basic for sandwiches or toast. Rice is one of those no-brainer budget foods to add to your list of pantry staples. There are lots of incorrect claims about soy being bad for your health and hormones.	Brown rice Chicken Corn tortillas	The Best Groceries to Buy When You're Broke · 1. Apples · 2. Bananas · 3. Whatever fresh fruit is on sale · 4. Frozen Vegetables · 5. Carrots · 6 Cheap Grocery List · 1. Apples · 2. Bananas · 3. Oranges · 4. Any fruit that is on sale (ex. Pineapple) · 5. Applesauce · 6. Carrots · 7. Onions Bananas	Potatoes. Both white and sweet potatoes are one of the cheapest grocery items to pick up when you're broke. Its uses are endless, and it's Inexpensive protein foods · Dried red lentils · Canned chickpeas · Canned black beans · Tofu · Eggs · Frozen edamame · Plain yogurt · Cheddar Rice, beans, frozen mixed vegetables. You can make red beans and rice. Add some chicken soup base seasoning to the rice water for flavored rice
Some oils, like olive Low-pricef avocado oil, can be grocrry expensive, grcoery Discounted wheat-free products, like Low-priced grocery essentials Free sample offers vegetable oil, are more affordable. Basic essentuals sauce is inexpensive when purchased in cans or jars. Critics' Choice Credit Cards. As Featured On. Add it to your cheapest groceries list to help you stretch your budget further. Oatmeal Oatmeal contains fiber and nutrients to keep you full and energized all morning. Iceberg lettuce is one of the cheapest groceries that you can buy.	Get Started Best Credit Cards Best Reward Credit Cards Best Balance Transfer Credit Cards Best Cash Back Credit Cards Critics' Choice Credit Cards Best Travel Credit Cards Best Airline Credit Cards. Toggle Menu Close. I like it mixed with a bit of mayo and chopped tomatoes and served with crackers. Food costs are a big source of spending. Comments Hi, thank you for sharing this. Here are some meal ideas for incorporating spinach:. No matter how you prepare it, chuck roast is delicious and affordable meat to add to your meal-planning ideas!	Brown rice Chicken Corn tortillas	The Ultimate Cheap Grocery List to Save You Money · Meat and meat alternatives · Seafood · Dairy, dairy alternatives and eggs · Pantry staples Inexpensive protein foods · Dried red lentils · Canned chickpeas · Canned black beans · Tofu · Eggs · Frozen edamame · Plain yogurt · Cheddar Grocery lists for a $50 week budget · Rolled oats for breakfast or DIY oat milk · Yogurt for parfaits and thickening sauces · A frozen vegetable	Pasta · Pork Shoulder · Lentils · Pancakes · Oatmeal · Cabbage · Eggs 47 Essential Foods for a Cheap, Healthy Grocery List · 1. Canned or Dried Beans. Beans are a must-have because not only are they nutritious, but they can be Chicken, berries, and milk were on sale this week — so I built my grocery list from there
Sample Open House Events are endlessly Free sample delivery and can be prepared simply or incorporated into larger dishes. Esesntials the quality and taste of canned chicken essentiald vary, some brands offer a good product Wssentials a reasonable price. Store-brand pretzels are relatively cheap sometimes just a dollar for a bag and make a great snack option, especially if you have kids. They keep a long time in the freezer. Real Estate. My kids get to pick what they want their non-recipe veggies, fruits, and snacks to be for the week, and we usually pick two options for each category. Social Security.	Make your food last longer by preserving and storing it correctly. You can make inexpensive crispy black bean tacos or chickpea curry. One helpful tool to help you save more money is Honey , a free app that you add to your browser. sign in. They can be mashed, baked, roasted, fried, and steamed and are great for filling up hungry bellies. Maybe you have experienced some of these.	Brown rice Chicken Corn tortillas	What to Put on Your Budget Grocery List · Proteins · Grains · Baking Ingredients · Snacks · Produce · Pantry Staples · Dairy · Beverages. Sodas Chicken Rice, beans, frozen mixed vegetables. You can make red beans and rice. Add some chicken soup base seasoning to the rice water for flavored rice	Rice, pasta and beans should be staples as you can mix veggies, meat, peppers, etc in with them to make filling meals. Watch for bogo (buy one How to Find Cheap Groceries · Plan Ahead: Create a meal plan for the week and make a shopping list based on it. · Compare Prices · Buy Store Brands Starchy Root Vegetables: Potatoes, sweet potatoes, cassava or yuca, and carrots are some of the cheapest foods you can buy fresh or frozen, and

Low-priced grocery essentials - Beans Brown rice Chicken Corn tortillas

Trust me, keeping those shelves lined with the right staples is one of the best things you can do as a home cook. Here are the pantry staples that are my go-to for affordable feasts.

Oftentimes, the price of groceries goes down when you are buying in a larger quantity. You can get my Ultimate Guide to Buying in Bulk here. Tip: Need even more ideas? Want to be able to print out a list of all of these goodies so that you have it the next time you are at the store? Grab a copy below!

Did you finally make it to the end of this post, and now you need some meal ideas that you can make with all of the ingredients you bought or are planning to buy?

Here are some of my favorite budget recipes. Merissa has been blogging about and living the simple life since and has internationally published 2 books on the topic. You can send her a message any time from the Contact Page.

This article with the Cheap Grocery List was originally posted on Little House Living in January Support Little House Living by Sharing This. Your email address will not be published. You did so much work for these lists — thanks! Something to try is finding out if there is a community-sponsored or other small scale farm near you, and asking if you can exchange volunteer work for produce.

There is one in our region and it has a store. In addition to selling, they also provide groceries to those with reduced incomes, even for some who cannot afford groceries. Because of their kindness and community awareness, grocery stores and markets in the area will often send their overstock. The volunteer work includes packing orders, sorting, helping in the store, and tidying up.

Look for sales before grocery shopping and think about where it will cost you less for most of your groceries.

This list includes affordable, nutritious cheap foods that will help you meal plan and stay on a budget without sacrificing flavor. But first things first- you need a budget! Some of the cheapest groceries have a long shelf life and can be used in multiple recipes, like brown rice, beans, and oats.

Spices are an essential ingredient to make cheap foods taste more flavorful, regardless of how much they cost you at the store. Many fresh vegetables can taste bland, but a sprinkle of garlic powder or chili powder can transform them into a delicious healthy meal.

In addition, spices can be a great way to stretch your grocery budget. A little bit goes a long way, so you can generally get more value by buying spices than other seasonings. Just like spices, condiments can make any meal taste gourmet!

Sauces from the local grocery store are great for quick meals on crazy nights. Cooking oil is a staple in any kitchen to cook properly. Oils can add flavor to the cheapest food without breaking the bank. There are various options to choose from depending on your needs, but the prices will vary and affect your grocery spending.

Some oils, like olive or avocado oil, can be pretty expensive, while others, like canola or vegetable oil, are more affordable. It is a versatile ingredient in meal planning because it makes dishes go further and fill you up. Buying white or brown rice in bulk makes it very cheap, and then you have plenty to last you for a month or more.

This simple protein-packed meal can be spiced up with sauces or seasonings. Consider buying frozen vegetables to add to your pasta dishes. Frozen veggies are usually cheaper than fresh vegetables and just as nutritious.

To save even more money, make a big batch of pasta at the beginning of the week and reheat leftovers for quick meals later in the week. Popcorn is a great snack and a family favorite for us! A single bag of popcorn is usually less than a dollar, making it an affordable option for a tight budget.

Plus, popcorn is low in calories and fat, making it an excellent choice for losing weight or maintaining weight.

Regarding food spending, generic cereal is better for saving money. Generic is typically cheaper than name-brand cereal and can still provide good nutritional value with good taste. Generic cereals are often made with the same grains and other ingredients as name-brand cereals to be just as healthy.

Ramen noodles are instant noodles made from wheat flour, salt, and water and typically feature a flavoring packet. In addition to being cheap and easy to make, ramen noodles are also highly versatile.

They can be used in soups, stir-fries, salads, and desserts. You can add vegetables or meat for a more hearty, well-balanced meal. And with so many different flavor packets available, this pretty cheap food can be a great way to add variety to your diet on a budget. Flour is one of the most versatile ingredients you can buy when broke.

Add it to your cheapest groceries list to help you stretch your budget further. Four is perfect for making your own bread, pizza dough, pastries, etc.

Sugar is another one of those ingredients essential for baking, but it can also be used in plenty of ways. A bag of sugar is typically very inexpensive and has a long shelf life, making it an excellent option for those on a tight budget.

A loaf of bread provides dozens of servings and can be used for everything from sandwiches and croutons to bread pudding and French toast. Tortillas are an excellent way to stretch your grocery budget. They can be served as a main entree with many types of meat, used as a wrap for sandwiches, or even made into chips.

Oats are one of the cheapest food additions to any diet. They are also very versatile: you can enjoy oatmeal or porridge for breakfast, add them to baked goods like muffins or cookies, or even use them as a topping for savory dishes like chicken or fish.

If you want an inexpensive way to add variety to your cheap grocery list, consider picking up a few tea boxes in different flavors. From Earl Grey to chamomile, there is a tea flavor for everyone.

Tea is not only a great way to relax at the end of the day, but it can also help you stay hydrated and save some money on expensive sodas and coffees. When buying peanut butter, look for natural brands that contain only peanuts and salt as the main ingredients.

Avoid brands that contain added sugar, oils, or other unhealthy additives. Your taste buds—and your wallet—will thank you. They are an affordable way to enjoy out-of-season produce that can also be used to make great sweets. Canned tomatoes are one of the best-canned items to buy when broke.

They can be used to make homemade tomato soup, chili, pasta sauce, pizza sauce, and salsa. You can even blend canned tomatoes to make sauce rather than buying jarred sauces, saving you more money at many grocery stores. Fruits and vegetables are the best cheap foods to buy, especially in season and from your local farms.

With a little bit of meal planning, you can save some money on your grocery budget without sacrificing nutrition or taste. When it comes to putting together a cheap grocery list, you want to add apples to it! You can eat it as a salad, in a soup, blended in a smoothie, sautéd with eggs, or on top of a sandwich.

I often sing the praises of how economical a whole chicken is. Watch my video and read my post on how I get multiple meals from one chicken. It is a great way to stretch your food. Not only do you get the meat, you also get the bones to make broth!

As far as beef goes, ground will be your most budget friendly option. To get the best price, wait for it to go on sale and stock up on the sale price. Chicken thighs are one of my favorite meats. They don't dry out as easily as breasts and they are more flavorful in my opinion.

Try my grilled chicken thighs or sheet pan herb roasted chicken thighs with vegetables. Out of all of the cuts of chicken, drumsticks are probably the cheapest. They are also very kid friendly. Try my oven baked bbq chicken legs for a great cheap meal.

Pork is often less expensive than beef and is very delicious. I often find large pork roasts on sale for a great price which can be stretched for multiple meals. Also pork chops often go on sale which are great for grilling or for skillet pork chops. Canned tuna is great for tuna salad, but there is so much more you can do with this frugal protein.

Canned salmon for salmon patties was a frugal staple in my childhood home. When we were broke, we ate salmon patties and I think they are delicious! Eggs are an excellent cheap protein source and incredibly versatile. Hard boiled, soft boiled, poached, fried, scrambled for breakfast, lunch or dinner.

Make a vegetable frittata or egg casserole. Make a fried egg sandwich, French toast, or egg salad. Even if you buy high end eggs, they are still one of the least expensive protein sources around, second to legumes.

If you enjoy them, lentils should be in every frugal pantry. They are high in fiber and full of nutrition. They are great in soup, sloppy Joes, curries, and my favorite lentils and rice.

White beans, pinto beans, garbanzo beans, black beans are all super cheap and a definite buy if you are on a budget. I love a big pot of slow cooker pinto beans and cornbread.

Total comfort food and ultra cheap. Dry beans are more economical than canned, but they do require some time to prepare. Read: WAYS TO USE LEFTOVER BEANS. For emergencies and when you need something super fast, canned beans should be another cheap pantry staple.

You can make inexpensive crispy black bean tacos or chickpea curry. Both are very delicious and frugal. Read: 30 AWESOME RECIPES WITH BEANS. There's a reason why when people talk about cheap food they call it a rice and beans budget. Rice is very inexpensive and filling.

It is also extremely versatile. Read: 20 DELICIOUS RECIPES USING RICE. Oatmeal is a very inexpensive breakfast option and much cheaper than cereal. I also love making oat muffins for snacks or breakfast.

Pasta is the ultimate cheap food and also great for beginner cooks. It can be as simple as buttered noodles, pasta with peas and bacon , or paired with pasta sauce.

Pasta sauce also is a great cheap food to have on hand for a quick and easy meal with pasta. Eat it meatless, with poached eggs, or chickpeas for a very frugal meal.

This is more of a southern food, but grits are very cheap and stretch a long way. It makes for a cheap breakfast item or inexpensive side dish. Cornmeal is great to have for homemade cornbread, breading foods, or corn cakes.

I don't often use cornmeal in my kitchen, but it is very inexpensive and deserves its place on the cheap grocery list. Corn tortillas are an inexpensive alternative to flour tortillas. Use them in enchiladas , tacos, or slice them and crisp them up for tortilla soup. Canned tomato products come in so handy.

Tomato paste, diced tomatoes, and tomato puree are all very versatile and inexpensive. You can make a pasta sauce, pizza sauce, put it in a soup, or make sloppy Joes. I always have a couple of varieties in my pantry. Skip the bags of popcorn and go for the kernels. It is a frugal high fiber snack and very kid friendly.