When prioritizing what foods to buy with my grocery budget, potatoes are at the top of my list. READ: 16 ways to use leftover baked potatoes.

Although they aren't as cheap as white potatoes, sweet potatoes are still inexpensive. I love baking them, stuffing them with bbq, making sweet potato fries, or using them in a hash. There's a reason peasant food included cabbage and lots of it. It's so cheap and there is so much you can do with it.

Put it in vegetable soup , boil it , make an Italian ground beef and cabbage skillet , use it in a cabbage roll casserole , sauté it, or make a slaw. One cabbage can stretch for a couple of meals and it is packed with nutrition. They are one of the most economical vegetables in the grocery store and great for snacking or using in salads.

A bunch of celery is also a great versatile vegetable to buy. Use it in soups, casseroles, or stir fry. It is also a cheap snack to cut up at the beginning of the week to use for dipping in homemade sour cream dip or slathering in peanut butter.

If you have ever had a garden, you know how squash grows like crazy from one single plant. That is one reason it is so cheap in the store. Squash is excellent in the summer sautéd, fried, grilled, in a stir fry, or in a casserole. Zucchini is an excellent cheap nutritious vegetable in the summer.

Sauté it, fry it, make stuffed zucchini boats ,. Corn in the summer is dirt cheap. In the summer when fresh corn is not readily available and inexpensive, frozen corn is very cheap as well. Frozen peas should be a staple of every kitchen. Throw them in a pasta, put them in a soup, fried rice, or as an inexpensive side dish.

I love frozen peas! Fresh broccoli is fairly inexpensive, but frozen broccoli is even cheaper. The best part is that the broccoli is also already chopped for you which makes it super convenient.

Roast it, use it in a stir fry, or make broccoli cheddar soup. Frozen green beans are an absolute staple in my home. While canned green beans are also cheap, I prefer the crisp and freshness of the long thin frozen green beans.

Use them as a side dish like garlic green beans , in a soup, a stir fry, or Cowboy casserole. Frozen mixed vegetables are great to have on hand for casseroles, stir fry, fried rice, or a quick and easy side dish.

Spinach is an excellent versatile green. 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.

Some of our favorites include sweet potato fries, green beans, and carrots. Plus, you should grab a stir-fry mix for some variety. You can also save some money by buying frozen fruit instead of fresh fruit.

Some brands add sugar or other ingredients to their frozen fruit, so be sure to read the label before you buy. A few items will always be super cheap, no matter when you buy them. Potatoes fit the bill perfectly for an item to buy when broke and looking for cheaper foods with several meal ideas.

You can do many things with potatoes. One meal idea is a baked potato with whatever you want on top of it, like cheese, broccoli, and chicken. When it comes to stocking your pantry on a budget, proteins are often one of the most expensive items on your grocery list.

Eggs can be used in a variety of dishes or by themselves. They are one of the cheapest foods to buy, especially when compared to other protein sources like meat or tofu. Eggs can be boiled, scrambled, or made into an omelet, and they go well with various other ingredients.

Add an egg to brown rice and vegetables to make a quick and healthy stir fry. Ground meat is a cheap source of protein that can be used in a variety of dishes, from tacos to meatloaves, and it is typically very budget-friendly.

When grocery shopping for ground beef , look for marked-down products close to their expiration date. These products will be discounted and still fresh and safe to eat. One of the cheapest foods to buy is ground turkey. Plus, freeze ground turkey when you find good sales. Sausage is an affordable and delicious option for your cheap grocery list that can be used in everything from breakfast dishes to dinner casseroles.

If you are looking for meal ideas, consider using sausage in a frittata, omelet, or quiche. You can also add it to pasta, rice, or soups.

For example, you could slowly cook it in a crockpot or Instant Pot for pulled beef sandwiches or tacos or simply dice it for beef stew.

No matter how you prepare it, chuck roast is delicious and affordable meat to add to your meal-planning ideas! Chicken thighs are another great source of protein and are usually one of the cheapest foods to buy- even cheaper than chicken breasts. You can cook them almost the same as you would chicken breasts, including cutting the meat from the bone to add it to soups or casseroles.

Bologna is one of the cheapest foods to buy. You can put it in sandwiches, dice it up and add it to salads, or even fry it up as a main dish. Bologna is also made in different ways, so you can try various brands to suit your taste.

Check the nutrition label before you buy, as some varieties can be high in fat and sodium. Hot dogs are one of the cheapest foods to buy that your kids will love, and you can cook them quickly for nights on the go.

You can enjoy hot dogs plain or dress them up with your favorite toppings. Canned fish, like tuna or salmon, is a cheap but nutritious option for your grocery list. Canned fish is better to buy when broke, and you can make cheap meals like tuna salad or casserole in a flash. Canned chicken is an excellent option for those looking for the cheapest groceries that are also healthy.

This protein-rich food can be used in various ways, from chicken salad sandwiches to casseroles. While the quality and taste of canned chicken can vary, some brands offer a good product at a reasonable price.

Anyone who has ever gone grocery shopping knows that dairy products are not some of the cheapest groceries to buy. Milk is a staple in many households, but it can be expensive at many grocery stores.

There are a few ways to save on milk for the budget-conscious shopper. Another way to save some money is to buy milk in larger containers and plan to use it all rather than waste it.

A gallon of milk costs less per ounce than a half-gallon, so buying more saves you more. When it comes to a cheap grocery list, 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.

Margarine is typically cheaper than butter, though butter does have a richer taste. Use butter for some dishes that need that buttery flavor, but use margarine on others that have a lot of other seasonings to provide flavor.

Plain yogurt is relatively inexpensive, making it one of the cheapest foods and an excellent option for budget-conscious shoppers. Plain yogurt can be used in place of sour cream or mayonnaise in recipes or enjoyed as a healthy snack by adding honey and canned fruit to it.

You can buy it in bulk to save money and have it on hand for other cheap meals on your list. What makes cottage cheese one of the best cheap foods to buy? It can be used in dishes like dips, salads, sauces, and baked goods, such as muffins and pancakes.

Try pairing cottage cheese with whole-grain bread or crackers or adding it to your favorite soup or chili recipe for a budget-friendly meal. Sour cream is a versatile dairy product that can be used in various dishes. While it is often used as a topping for baked potatoes, it can also be used in soups, stews, and casseroles.

In addition, sour cream can be mixed with other cheap foods even frozen vegetables to make a dip or spread. You pay for convenience with shredded and sliced cheeses, and you can do the same stuff with block cheese for a lower cost! With Capital One Shopping , you can save on your grocery list when you buy online.

Simply install the extension and start grocery shopping as usual. One helpful tool to help you save more money is Honey , a free app that you add to your browser.

It helps you save money on your groceries by looking for price drops and coupons for your food orders. Ibotta is another app to save money when you need to buy food. It offers cashback rewards on certain items, which can help you save money on your overall grocery bill. Ibotta also provides exclusive coupons and deals on popular items, so you can get the best prices on the items you need.

By signing up for Rakuten , you can instantly start receiving coupons and discounts on your groceries. Just like the other programs, Rakuten also offers a cashback program to earn money while you shop. Hopefully, my list of the cheapest food has given you some options for your next grocery trip.

By being mindful of your spending, you can further your budget and stock your pantry with some cheap foods. Take advantage of apps and websites that offer cash back, coupons, and discounts on cheap groceries to save even more money. Hi, I'm Brittany Kline! A organization, productivity, and home systems expert.

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Here are some of the most affordable options: Aldi: Aldi is a discount grocery store chain that offers high-quality products at affordable This list includes affordable, nutritious cheap foods that will help you meal plan and stay on a budget without sacrificing flavor. But first 21 Cheap Foods to Buy if You're Broke or on a Budget · Apples. · Bananas. · Beans. · Brown rice. · Chicken. · Corn tortillas. · Eggs. · Flour

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Budget-friendly grocery offers - Grains such as white rice, brown rice, oats, and pasta are cheap and filling. Think about what's already on your basic grocery list as well as Here are some of the most affordable options: Aldi: Aldi is a discount grocery store chain that offers high-quality products at affordable This list includes affordable, nutritious cheap foods that will help you meal plan and stay on a budget without sacrificing flavor. But first 21 Cheap Foods to Buy if You're Broke or on a Budget · Apples. · Bananas. · Beans. · Brown rice. · Chicken. · Corn tortillas. · Eggs. · Flour

One of the best ways to find cheap groceries is to create a budget-friendly, healthy grocery list and stick to it. By prioritizing seasonal items, frozen foods and certain cuts of meat and seafood, shopping strategically can help keep sticker shock to a minimum.

The key to locating cheap groceries is to create a system for shopping, and that begins before you even grab a cart. Start by identifying the closest supermarkets to you hello, high gas prices!

and cross check the cost of your favorite items online before you shop. Think about what you spend the most on and prioritize finding the best price for those items. The next step is to follow that quintessential shopping advice: Don't go to the grocery store hungry.

You're much more likely to make impulse and unhealthy purchases if you do, so shop after a meal or grab a healthy snack before heading to the store. And remember: The cheapest groceries are not always the most nutritious; consider spending slightly more for foods that are filling and nutrient-dense.

For tips and recommendations for a more economical shopping experience, see below for advice from the experts at the Good Housekeeping Institute Nutrition Lab. Fruit and vegetables are among the groceries with the largest price jumps lately , but you can still find affordable produce by buying seasonally.

Purchasing when produce is abundant helps lower the cost and will all but assure the best taste and highest levels of nutrition. Seasonal Fruits. Seasonal Vegetables. Another way to save money on produce is to opt for fruit and vegetables that have a longer shelf-life.

For example, to help extend your grocery dollars, choose apples over berries or carrots or celery over leafy greens. Generally, some of the cheapest fruit and vegetables year-round tend to be bananas, apples, oranges, broccoli, cauliflower, carrots and sweet potatoes.

Meat can be the most expensive category for most food budgets, and can account for a large portion of the overall grocery bill. To save money, opt for the ground variety of your favorite protein.

Ground beef, chicken or turkey are super versatile, easily frozen and can be used in many different recipes. Larger cuts of meat will usually cost less per pound, but they may require marinating, braising and slow cooking to bring out the tenderness.

If you do prefer to include cheaper cuts of meat, consider including:. 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.

Consider cutting costs even further by implementing Meatless Monday or meatless dinners a few nights a week. Swap out meat for healthy plant-based meat alternatives such as tofu, tempeh, beans and legumes, as your protein source.

The cost of fresh seafood may also vary seasonally. According to the Seafood Nutrition Partnership , fresh Alaskan salmon is less expensive during the summer when the fish are more abundant.

Other popular choices that may be worth buying seasonally include Albacore tuna in season July-October and halibut in season March-November. Other ways to save money on seafood:.

Whether you prefer dairy or non-dairy, you can find competitive prices due to the sheer number of products on the market. While non-dairy milks may be more expensive than dairy, some non-dairy brands offer shelf stable options that can be bought in bulk when they're on sale.

Just note that many dairy and non- dairy milks and yogurts contain added sugars and sometimes saturated fats.

Always check the label before purchasing. More ways to save:. When it comes to cheap groceries, pantry staples are the big winners. This category includes dry and canned goods such as flour, oatmeal, chicken stock, nuts, nut butters and seeds.

Plus, get tons of grocery list ideas, tips for healthy snacks, family meals, and how to buy nutrient-dense foods, and where you can grab your own master grocery list. You are in control of how much you spend on groceries, so buying the cheapest groceries and cooking at home is a great way to completely transform how much money you can save.

You can also buy these cheap groceries to build a stockpile to prepare for emergencies, job loss, and any hard times you may experience.

This budget grocery list is filled with pantry and freezer staples that would make great additions to your stockpile. Try to find the cheapest supermarkets in your area, so that you can save money just by shopping there instead of somewhere pricier. I personally feel that the best grocery store to shop on a budget is Aldi.

As you can see, you can still buy healthy food, such a fresh fruits, whole grains, and nut butters to make a ton of healthy meals. The very first step in making your cheap grocery list is knowing how much you can actually spend. Having a budget boils down to simply having a plan. That structure will help determine what you buy.

Food just might be one of your biggest expenditures. The good news? Read next: How to Budget for Groceries. The biggest savings at the grocery store actually comes from the sale prices. While I love coupons and rebate apps like Ibotta , the sales are where the biggest discounts are.

Related: How does Ibotta work? A Review and Tutorial of My Favorite Rebate App. Well the joke is on them if we go and buy almost entirely stuff on sale! Pro-tip: If there are a few different stores in your area, check out ALL of their sales ads to decide which store has your favorite stuff on sale.

The best prices tend to be on the front and back pages. You can even search by item, such as chicken breasts, to compare what stores have it on sale. While shopping, write down the cost of each item on your list. For the items you buy often , start keeping a list of the best prices you see.

You know that really convenient cut up fruit, and those individually packaged pretzels? Fruits and vegetables are SO much cheaper and more delicious! The good news for you? You just save money automatically!

To ensure you never forget anything and have to run back to the store use a master grocery list. Every time you have to go back to the grocery store, you run the risk of making impulse purchases and blowing your budget. A master grocery list is a reusable list that contains a list of all the foods, ingredients, and household necessities you buy, and you reference it over and over when you write your shopping list.

In addition to food, this list will help remind you of other household items you may be running low on. Trust me, I love using coupons.

But the danger comes when you buy things just because you have a coupon.