Not all cereal is cheap of course, but if you look for the store-brand you can always find some varieties that are very inexpensive. Store-brand pretzels are relatively cheap sometimes just a dollar for a bag and make a great snack option, especially if you have kids.

A well-stocked pantry should always include some basic baking goods like:. Make those inexpensive chicken thighs taste extra good by using some basic, inexpensive spices like chili powder, garlic powder, etc.

And a hanging spice rack like this is great for storing them! Now what? You may also be interested in: How to Meal Plan on a Tight Budget. Note: Grocery prices are constantly changing, so some of the prices in the articles below have already changed.

However, all of these meal plans are very frugal, even with rising prices. Want to get better at meal planning regularly? Check out my Meal Planner and Recipe Binder. What are some of your favorite cheap foods to buy on a budget?

Any favorite recipes? Please share in the comments! Looking for more ways to save at the grocery store? Check out this post for 15 ways to save money on groceries! Apples Apples are one of the cheaper fruit options and are one of the staple favorite foods in our home.

Bananas Bananas are another inexpensive fruit option. Frozen Vegetables Frozen green beans, peas, etc. Carrots Carrots are a staple around here. Healthy and cheap, they make the perfect snack!

Lettuce Buy it uncut and unwashed if you want to save money! Thankfully they are very economical. Potatoes I generally find that a big bag of Russet potatoes is the cheapest option. Whatever fresh vegetables are on sale Check the ad for your local store to see what fresh produce is on sale!

Whole Chicken Cooking a whole chicken and deboning it is a bit of extra work but it will save you money on your groceries! Chicken Breasts Chicken breasts are not the cheapest cut of chicken but if you stretch them ie: one chicken breast cut up with tons of veggies for stir fry they can be quite cost effective.

Chicken Thighs Chicken thighs or chicken drumsticks are usually pretty inexpensive and are very flavorful. Canned Tuna Who else grew up eating tuna fish sandwiches?

Smoked Sausage Smoked sausage is a great meat to keep on hand for quick meals. Eggs Eggs can be a great cheap source of protein.

Lentils Again, another great, cheap protein option! Brown Rice Brown rice is a great alternative to white rice with a lot of health benefits and is still a great cheap food. Bread While the very cheapest bread is not going to have the most nutritional value, watch for markdowns on nicer loaves made with whole grains.

Tortillas Store-brand tortillas are typically pretty inexpensive and you can use them for all sorts of meals.

Pasta At a dollar or less a box in my area pasta is a great way to add something filling to your meal without spending a lot of money. Pasta Sauce I always like to have a few jars of pasta sauce in my pantry. Peanut Butter Peanut butter is an absolute staple in our home. Canned Tomatoes Canned tomatoes are definitely an important pantry staple.

Cereal Nothing like a bowl of cereal when you need a quick meal, am I right? Pretzels Store-brand pretzels are relatively cheap sometimes just a dollar for a bag and make a great snack option, especially if you have kids.

Basic Spices Make those inexpensive chicken thighs taste extra good by using some basic, inexpensive spices like chili powder, garlic powder, etc. Read this. Chicken salad sandwiches Tuna sandwiches Roasted chicken Leftover chicken or tuna on salad Ground beef fried rice Chicken fried rice Stir fry Creamed chicken add shredded chicken to a simple white sauce, serve on rice or toast Teriyaki chicken Chicken soup make the broth from the leftover chicken carcass, add cooked rice or spaghetti noodles to make it more filling White chili you can use whatever kind of beans you have, just cook them first Roasted veggies and chicken thighs Spaghetti Beans and rice use this recipe to get perfectly cooked brown rice every time!

Pin Previous Post: « Vacation Budget Planner Worksheet Free Printable. Join the community! Sign up here to get my weekly emails and keep up to date with what's going on here on the blog!

Footer Let's connect! Mom life is better with friends. Oh, and coffee too. Bloglovin Facebook Instagram Pinterest. One of the biggest ways that we overspend on groceries? Food waste! Before your next grocery store trip, make sure to do an inventory of everything that you currently have on hand.

Just because you have leftovers does not mean that you have to eat the same thing for every single meal. The leftover pulled pork you have would be great on nachos or on a baked potato. Have fun with it and get creative! Fresh produce can be some of the most expensive things at the store.

Although the frozen section may not look as appealing as the colorful produce section, the nutritional benefits are the same. A win-win situation if you ask me! I love having frozen mixed vegetables on hand to quickly throw into stir frys or soups. Must like their frozen counterparts, canned foods are packaged at their nutritional peak and many of those nutrients are retained through the canning process.

The best part? My local farmers market runs incredible deals on fresh produce just before closing up for the day. Do you love a ribeye steak but hate the price? While there are certainly more prime cuts, if you are marinating or slow cooking, you may be able to save money by choosing a more traditionally tough or fatty portion.

Many grocery stores will have sections set aside for food that is nearing its expiration date. These items, most often found in the meat and dairy sections, are great options to save a little extra money, especially if you are shopping for ingredients for a meal that same day or the next!

Although receiving extra emails from your local supermarket may be one more item you send to your spam folder, in many cases, joining the loyalty program is free and comes with tons of perks. There are numerous cash back apps that make saving money on your grocery bill a breeze. Apps like Ibotta and Fetch Rewards offer coupons and cash back on everyday grocery items when you scan your receipts.

Or, use apps like KCL or Flipp to find and organize digital coupons and savings from the retailers that you shop at most often! For common ingredients, such as rice, beans, or nuts, buying in bulk can not only save you and the planet from unnecessary packaging, but also big money!

Tip: Check out the spice section of your local supermarket, especially if you are looking for a unique spice or seasoning. Buying just the right amount for a recipe will prevent you from spending money on an expensive jar that will just gather dust in the back of your pantry!

I know the stores in my area that have the best deals for specific items. I really love the Standard Baggu —it comes in tons of colors and folds up into a neat little pouch. Shopping on a strict budget may seem like doing the impossible, but when you only have a certain amount to spend each week, there are certain items that you should be prioritizing.

Rather than purchasing groceries that can only be used for one dish, think creatively and use your ingredients for multiple meals.

Tip : Think ahead and plan your weekly trip with the entire month in mind. A frozen vegetable stir fry for adding to soups, rice dishes, or eating on their own. Tinned protein think: chicken or tuna to add bulk and nutrients to dishes like salads and stir fry.

Purchase carbohydrates in bulk, such as noodles, rice, or quinoa for added fiber. Romaine lettuce to add crunch to meals, serve as a salad, or create lettuce wraps with.

If you have a bit more money to work with each week, you can expand your menu to include fresh produce, dairy, and snack options, along with the items above. Shredded cheese to add to tacos, sandwiches, or just to munch on. A pound of ground beef or turkey for tacos or spaghetti sauce. This is great for a healthy snack or to add to salads.

Choose something versatile, like onions, sweet potato, bell peppers, or zucchinis. Fresh bread for sandwiches, bread crumbs, or even french toast. Having a cheap grocery list can sometimes feel like a professional sport.

Next time you run to the supermarket, refer back to this list so that you can save some of your hard-earned coin. Happy shopping! Cart 0. Lifestyle Wellness Food Fitness Travel Shop About Contact. Cheap pantry staples to always have on hand While I have days when my refrigerator is empty aside from coffee creamer and a Brita water pitcher, I always like to make sure I have a stocked pantry full of goodies.

Beans dried or canned I love to add a can of beans to a pound of ground turkey to make it stretch a bit further. Rice Rice is a chameleon in the kitchen. Pasta Is there anything more comforting or delicious than a bowl of warm, buttered pasta? Instant mashed potatoes Instant potatoes have come a long way from the grainy glop you may remember from childhood.

Tortilla Aside from the obvious burritos, tacos, quesadillas, oh my! Dried fruit Here is another item that you can use for tons of different applications. Quick oats Oats give you a huge dosage of fiber, and you can use them in so many different ways.

Grocery Shopping List. Weekly Shopping List. Which fresh fruits and vegetables should you be buying? Bananas An individual banana usually costs around a quarter. Celery Celery sticks are perfect for sweet and savory snacks.

Apples At first glance of the price tag, apples may not seem like the cheapest fruit at the store. Bell peppers Colorful bell peppers are a perfect veggie to add bulk to any meal.

Onions Onions are another ingredient that adds flavor to every dish and are usually pretty cheap! Save money on produce When it comes to produce, however, I suggest purchasing items in bulk. This Old Fashioned Gnocchi Potato Soup Is Perfect For Winter Nights.

Save money on snacks We all still want to eat well in between meals. Popcorn Skip the potato chips and reach for popcorn instead. Cheese and crackers Who said a cheese board had to be fancy? Nuts You can find nuts for pretty cheap at the supermarket.

Come up with a menu in advance Having a detailed list is key when it comes to a cheap grocery list. Do A Fridge and Pantry Inventory One of the biggest ways that we overspend on groceries? Think of creative ways to utilize leftovers Just because you have leftovers does not mean that you have to eat the same thing for every single meal.

Cook With Less Prime Cuts of Meat Do you love a ribeye steak but hate the price? Look For Discounts On Food That Is Close To Its Expiration Date Many grocery stores will have sections set aside for food that is nearing its expiration date.

Currently, the cheapest supermarkets are Aldi, Walmart, Target, Trader Joe's, Food4Less, Costco (good for bulk buying), WinCo, and Lidl. Tip 3 Fresh fruits like apples, bananas and oranges are known for being incredibly affordable. Plus, according to the USDA, if you're looking for Here Are The Cheapest Grocery Stores In America · Aldi · SOPA Images//Getty Images · Lidl · WinCo Foods · Market Basket · Trader Joe's · Food4Less

Cost-effective grocery options - If you're looking to cut down on your supermarket spending (who isn't?), these popular chains offer the best bang for your buck Currently, the cheapest supermarkets are Aldi, Walmart, Target, Trader Joe's, Food4Less, Costco (good for bulk buying), WinCo, and Lidl. Tip 3 Fresh fruits like apples, bananas and oranges are known for being incredibly affordable. Plus, according to the USDA, if you're looking for Here Are The Cheapest Grocery Stores In America · Aldi · SOPA Images//Getty Images · Lidl · WinCo Foods · Market Basket · Trader Joe's · Food4Less

Walmart has long been known as a place where it's possible to snag cheap groceries. But why are the store's products so cheap compared to other, similar stores? There are a variety of factors that contribute to the cheaper-than-average prices.

Low operational costs are one such strategy, but so is lack of competition. Often, you'll find Walmarts in places where there aren't many other retailers to compete with. In smaller towns and more rural areas, Walmart may be one of the few places in town where it's possible to snag groceries.

Because the local population depends on the store, Walmart has a reliable customer base. This customer loyalty means that they don't have to charge quite as much for its food and other products.

However, some of the chain's affordability factor comes from the fact that it doesn't pay its employees very much. Human Rights Watch has outlined major issues with Walmart's labor practices , including encouraging employees to work off the clock and refusing to grant overtime.

Lidl is a grocery chain that was founded in Germany but can now be found in various towns and cities across the U. Like so many of the other chains on this list, this store keeps its prices low by limiting its name brand offerings and providing customers with store brands instead.

Additionally, it tends to stock products that people use on a regular basis — think pasta, canned tomato paste, and produce staples like cabbage and carrots — that often move in and out of the store pretty quickly. There aren't many products that are going to sit on the shelf for a long time, which means that the company isn't waiting around for a return on investment.

Plus, it takes less labor to run a Lidl than it would to operate a larger, more expansive grocery store. Fewer products means less need for a ton of workers, and the fact that the store displays its products in the boxes they're shipped in is just one of the ways the store cuts its labor costs.

For those with big families or just a lot of roommates , shopping at Costco seems like a no-brainer. The chain cuts down on costs by keeping its stores relatively simple — you'll notice the bare-bones design that's more about utility and function than it is about style and ambiance.

Meat and protein plus many prepackaged items are cheaper than average at Costco, even when you're opting for brand name items over the in-house Kirkland brand. If you know you're going to use these products anyway or you just remember to freeze them before you use them , doing a monthly shop at Costco might just save you some of your hard-earned cash.

Of course, we can't forget about the membership costs — you have to have a Costco card to shop at the retailer. But the savings you'll accumulate throughout the calendar year should more than make up for that cost.

If you're lucky enough to live in the Northeast, you may just have a Market Basket near you. The regional grocery chain is a fan favorite for those who love to save money on their grocery bill because of its surprisingly low prices.

One of the main ways the company keeps its prices so low is by making sure it stays debt-free. While this may seem like a logical move, it's one that most companies — including most grocery chains — don't stand by.

Another way Market Basket offers such competitive prices is by offering pretty much the same goods at all of its locations. Because of this strategy, it can buy in bulk, ensuring a lower wholesale price.

It can then pass those savings on to its customers, who keep going back to the store to take advantage of those low prices. One of the main benefits of shopping at Market Basket is the fact that you can get a lot of your favorite name-brand products for significantly cheaper than you would find them at other grocery stores.

If you've never gone to a Market Basket before and you happen to live near one, you have to check it out — you may just be shocked at how low the prices are. Like Costco, Sam's Club is a membership grocery store with a focus on selling products in bulk.

When you're shopping this way, you may be spending more upfront, but generally, you're going to save money in the long run as long as you use what you buy. Of course, the membership cost of shopping at Sam's Club helps the company offer lower prices. Although Sam's Club offers its membership prices for less than Costco does, you'll generally find lower prices on goods at Costco.

But that doesn't mean you can't get a good deal at Sam's Club too. Particularly if you're a frequent shopper, you can save significantly on your annual grocery spending by shopping at Sam's Club. In fact, you can even save more than you would by shopping at Walmart, which is the parent company of Sam's Club.

If you're looking for a Costco alternative, Sam's Club is a solid way to go. WinCo is another celebrated low-cost grocery store with locations that can be found in the West and Midwest, with prices that are sometimes below what even Costco can offer. But why is the chain so cheap?

First of all, the chain buys a lot of its products directly from producers. By not going through a wholesale middleman, WinCo can get those products for less money, and it then passes those savings on to its customers.

But the store has another tactic under its belt: It doesn't accept credit cards. Oftentimes, processing credit cards can be expensive for a store, and by only accepting other forms of payment, WinCo doesn't have to pay that premium price.

The upside? You don't need a membership to shop at WinCo like you do at stores like Costco and Sam's Club. The downside is that you'll have to remember to bring a form of payment that's not a credit card. Ask any Texan what their favorite grocery stores are, and chances are that they'll mention H-E-B.

This chain has a cult following amongst citizens of the Lone Star State, and it's no wonder why. In addition to providing its customers with a wide array of top-notch products, the store also boasts relatively low prices compared to many other chains.

When it comes to produce, H-E-B can offer much lower costs than many stores because it prioritizes working with local producers. Since it's generally not shipping in produce from around the world, its transportation costs are significantly lower than those of many other grocery stores.

This in turn lowers the cost of fruits and vegetables for customers, who keep coming back because of the solid prices. This high rate of turnover makes the company money while helping its customers cut their grocery costs.

The only downside is the fact that you won't find H-E-B in the other 49 states, though there are over 60 locations in Mexico. However, if you're in Texas and you haven't yet checked out the popular chain, you need to shop there ASAP — it may just change your budget grocery game for the long haul.

You're not going to find Food4Less everywhere — the company, which is owned by grocery magnate Kroger, only operates in three states Indiana, Illinois, and California.

They also stay fresh for a long time. According to Aquilino, herb purées, such as basil and cilantro, can even stay fresh for weeks at a time.

So don't be afraid to open up that tube. Aquilino also suggests stocking up on tomato paste. There are numerous ways to cook with tomato paste including topping fish and making barbeque sauce. While you can easily find canned tomato paste at most supermarkets, Aquilino prefers the kind available in a tube.

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Cost-effective grocery options - If you're looking to cut down on your supermarket spending (who isn't?), these popular chains offer the best bang for your buck Currently, the cheapest supermarkets are Aldi, Walmart, Target, Trader Joe's, Food4Less, Costco (good for bulk buying), WinCo, and Lidl. Tip 3 Fresh fruits like apples, bananas and oranges are known for being incredibly affordable. Plus, according to the USDA, if you're looking for Here Are The Cheapest Grocery Stores In America · Aldi · SOPA Images//Getty Images · Lidl · WinCo Foods · Market Basket · Trader Joe's · Food4Less

All-purpose flour is a go-to type of flour that can be used in multiple recipes and can even be used as bread flour in a pinch. Meals that are made using flour tend to be hearty and wholesome, which will leave you feeling satisfied and full. For filling snacks and breakfast items, oats are cheap and easy to make.

Rice is a must for a budget grocery list. If you need some recipe ideas, check out my Chicken and Rice Casserole , or my Dump and Bake Italian Meatball and Rice Casserole recipe. Pasta is another filling food that can be used in a variety of different ways. They can be easily added to stews, chili, and soup, or you can use them for pizza and pasta sauce, lasagna, and DIY salsa.

I regularly use canned tomatoes to make my Dump-and-Bake Salsa Chicken recipe. Canned chickpeas can be used straight away, whereas dried chickpeas need to be prepared by soaking them overnight so they can expand and soften.

Extra virgin olive oil is the least processed type, meaning it retains its vitamins and antioxidants, making it a healthier oil overall. It can be used for all types of cooking as well as drizzling, dipping, seasoning, and marinating, and is great for DIY salad dressings as an alternative to pricey bottled dressings.

Lentils are great for stews, soups, curries, and salads. Salt is a must-have for a well-stocked pantry. Beyond sprinkling it on just about everything, you can use it for DIY seasoning on meat and vegetables, preserving items, and pickling although pickling salt is recommended for the latter, which can be used as table salt if you want.

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. 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.

Among the cheapest staples are dried and canned beans — they're also easy to prepare and provide a great source of plant-based protein and fiber, two very important nutrients that are often only available in more costly foods. Grains like brown rice and oatmeal also score high in cost-effectiveness and nutrition.

Frozen foods can be stored in your freezer for months. Again, consider buying in bulk when frozen products are on sale. Items worth stocking up on include:. More ways to save money on groceries. Here are a few other simple tips from our experts to food shop on a budget:. Even in tough times, it's possible to find affordable and healthy groceries with a few smart strategies.

The best ways include buying in bulk when items are on sale, shopping seasonally and loading up on pantry staples. Compare prices online when you can look for coupons while you're there and stick to grocery stores nearby.

With a little planning, your meals will be healthy and nutritious without breaking the bank. And if you need a week off, consider ordering from one of the more affordable cheap meal delivery services. She holds a bachelor's degree in journalism from Miami University of Ohio and a master's degree in clinical nutrition from NYU.

Prior to Good Housekeeping , she worked at one of the largest teaching hospitals in New York City as a cardiac transplant dietitian. She has authored numerous chapters in clinical nutrition textbooks and has also worked in PR and marketing for food company start-ups.

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