System to save money? Booming economy? The good news is that there are some simple strategies you can implement to reduce your grocery spending while still enjoying great meals.

With a food budget and a system for making budget-friendly meals, you can make ends meet with extra to spare. The secret is knowing which food items deserve your hard earned money. Lower your food bill when you plan meals based on generally affordable ingredients.

A budget grocery list offers flexibility. I first created a cheap grocery list after we purchased our first home and money was tight. I started a spiral notebook and jotted down all the budget foods we enjoyed along with meal ideas to go with. In this way, I was never short of inspiration for cheap meals.

Your budget grocery list is nothing more than a list of generally affordable ingredients that you can turn to when you need to pivot.

If chicken breast is too expensive this week, what can you have instead? One of the easiest ways to save a little money is to build your grocery shopping list with the best cheap foods your household enjoys. Here are some of the cheapest groceries you can buy these days:. Protein is usually going to be the most expensive category in your local grocery store.

When you find a great price on foods you normally buy, buy extra to store for later. eggs — Eggs are great budget foods in baking, but also serve as a key protein element on their own or worked into casseroles, salads, or sandwiches.

canned beans — Add beans to soups, salads, chilis, and burritos in addition to serving them as a side dish. Add them to your list tout de suite.

lentils -Lentils are a hearty budget food, a cheap protein that you can add to soup and salads. You can also make homemade dal and save on restaurant food prices. dry split peas — A key ingredient in Instant Pot Split Pea Soup , split peas are another cheap plant protein.

canned chick peas — You can serve garbanzo beans in salads and soup, but you can also make your own Homemade Garlic Lime Hummus. Some cuts will be cheaper than others, but generally speaking pork will be cheaper than most chicken, beef, or fish.

Load up when you see a sale and stash the extra in the freezer. chicken legs and chicken thighs — Bone-in chicken legs and thighs tend to be the most affordable cuts of chicken. Compare prices at the store though!

I have seen situations when the boneless skinless breast was cheaper than chicken legs or quarters. Consider it as a viable option for soups, casseroles, and Chicken Salad Sandwiches. ground turkey — While ground beef is super easy to stretch, the price of beef can be too high for many budgets.

Ground turkey is a nice alternative, but make sure that the only other ingredient besides turkey is rosemary extract. This will ensure a very fresh clean flavor and not that weird ground turkey thing that turns people off.

canned tuna — Widely available and generally affordable, canned tuna has been a good cheap eat for generations. sausage — Bacon may be your preference, but bacon prices probably are not. Consider sausage as a more affordable alternative to bacon.

You can find it in all kinds of flavors, including turkey, pork, and even plant-based options. ham — Like its fresh pork counterpart, ham is going to be the more affordable lunch meat. marked down meats — Depending on where you shop, you may be able to keep any meat you like on the table by purchasing marked down meats.

Talk to your butcher about their manager specials and when they sell those items at a discount. Use or freeze these cuts prior to their best-by dates. It can be fried, scrambled, grilled, baked, and even worked into smoothies.

peanut butter — Peanut butter is another affordable plant protein, one of those budget foods that can jazz up smoothies, breakfast toast, and baked goods.

protein powder — While you might not consider protein powder a budget food, it can boost your baked goods and smoothies with protein that might be harder to come by otherwise.

Grains such as white rice, brown rice, oats, and pasta are cheap and filling. You will often, but not always, find the best deal in the bigger bags of grains.

Be sure to store them in airtight containers to prevent food waste. rice — Rice is key for breakfast, lunch, or dinner: in Cream Of Rice , Vegetable Fried Rice , or as a base for bowl meals. Rice is one of those no-brainer budget foods to add to your list of pantry staples.

oats — Use oats for Baked Oatmeal Cups, as oatmeal, or in granola. They are a powerhouse of fiber and super cheap to buy. It makes for a good cheap eat any night of the week. Ditch the msg-laden seasoning packet and make your ramen something more.

The noodles are super cheap and quick to fix. tortillas — You can do so many things with tortillas: pizza! and enchiladas! They are definitely a great addition to your budget grocery list.

There are so many things to do with flour! Bake bread, rolls, pizza, and so much more. 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.

Have you ever tried sardines? This salty tinned fish is rich in nutrients like omega-3 fats, zinc, and magnesium. Peanuts and peanut butter are mainly a source of healthy fats, but they do contain some protein and fiber too.

How to use: melt tablespoons of peanut butter and drizzle on top of greek yogurt and berries, or try the viral magic shell yogurt. Peanuts contain health-promoting mono- and poly-unsaturated fats and plenty of important micronutrients like copper, vitamin E, and folate. How to use: add a handful of dry roasted, unsalted peanuts and chocolate chips to popcorn for a high fiber and heart-healthy snack.

I know, I know… canned chicken seems a little scary. How to use: add drained canned chicken, rinsed black beans, and shredded cheese to a tortilla and heat on the stove for a quick weeknight quesadilla. Cottage cheese is having a moment right now, and for good reason.

Cottage cheese is a great food for weight loss and fitness goals. How to use: try this high protein cottage cheese queso for a flavor-packed protein dip. Sunflower seeds are rich in healthy fats, fiber, and protein to help support your immunity, heart health, brain health, and more.

How to use: sprinkle sunflower seeds on salads for an extra boost of healthy fats and fiber. Chicken thighs are a lot cheaper than chicken breasts, and a bit more tasty too. Chicken thighs contain important nutrients like iron, niacin, and zinc.

Using this list of 52 affordable foods can help you save money on groceries. Use this list of 52 nourishing foods to build your next healthy grocery list on a budget.

And consider other tips from this article like cooking at home, shopping your cupboards, and eating more plant proteins to save extra money too. Your email address will not be published. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam.

Learn how your comment data is processed. Also, the government derived pyramid was designed to keep the medical and pharmaceutical industries rich and thriving.

It creates mucus and is the basis of inflammatory disease. Peanuts have a mold in them and should never be consumed. Peanuts create pancreatic cancer. Look it up. I could go on and on. Please do your research. Privacy Policy Design by Purr. Mobile Menu Trigger. Home » Nutrition » Healthy Eating » Healthy Grocery List on a Budget: 52 Affordable Foods.

by Miranda Galati, MHSc, RD on July 7, Grocery shopping has never been more expensive. Inexpensive fruits and vegetables Frozen berries Berries are an incredibly nutrient-dense food that help prevent and fight disease. Bananas Nothing beats bananas in the inexpensive fruit department.

Broccoli Broccoli is loaded with health-promoting micronutrients, bioactive compounds, and fiber. Frozen cauliflower Like broccoli, cauliflower is a nutrient-rich cruciferous vegetable that can help your body fight disease and inflammation.

Frozen peas A serving of peas contains lots of fiber, a little bit of protein, and a long list of micronutrients to support your health like vitamin A, vitamin K, thiamine, and folate. Canned corn Corn is another overlooked veggie or is it a grain?

Apples Apples are high in fiber, super filling, and easy to fit into any budget. Cabbage Cabbage is impressive for so many reasons. Frozen mixed vegetables Yes, frozen vegetables still count. Onions Onions have health benefits too!

Sauerkraut Sauerkraut is a fermented cabbage product that comes with a sour flavor and potential gut-health benefits. Raisins Raisins are delicious dried grapes that offer energizing carbs, gut-friendly fiber, and calcium.

Green beans Green beans are among the most underrated vegetables around. Frozen spinach You might be surprised to learn that frozen spinach contains even more nutrition than fresh!

Cucumber Cucumber is a crunchy and hydrating veggie, and an affordable way to up your intake of health-promoting foods. Frozen brussels sprouts Frozen brussels sprouts are the hidden gems of the freezer aisle. Prunes Prunes might be one of my all-time favorite fruits.

Sweet potatoes Regular potatoes are great, but sweet potatoes are a nutrient-dense and inexpensive choice too. Rice Did you know that brown and white rice are both healthy choices? Oats If superfoods were real, oats would be one of them.

Popcorn kernels Did you expect corn to make this list twice?! Whole wheat bread This high-fiber, nourishing staple is one of the cheapest and easiest options you can find at the store.

Canned chickpeas Chickpeas also known as garbanzo beans are an awesome source of high fiber carbohydrates with a big boost of protein too. Canned black beans Canned beans are another inexpensive and versatile bean with plenty of filling fiber and protein. Tofu There are lots of incorrect claims about soy being bad for your health and hormones.

Eggs Eggs are a quick and nutrient-rich staple with protein, vitamin D, folate, and selenium. Frozen edamame Edamame are young soybeans and another great protein- and fiber-rich option on a budget. Plain yogurt Plain yogurt is a filling and protein-rich food that can be used in sweet or savory dishes.

Cheddar cheese You might not think of cheese as a health-food, but it is actually a nutrient-dense option that can support your health… when eaten in moderation. Ground beef Lean ground beef is a nutritious and inexpensive staple.

Ground turkey or chicken Poultry is a great alternative to beef if you want a lower fat option with high quality protein. Canned tuna Canned tuna is a great low-calorie protein source, and a quick way to make any meal a whole lot more filling.

Sardines Have you ever tried sardines? Peanut butter Peanuts and peanut butter are mainly a source of healthy fats, but they do contain some protein and fiber too.

Canned chicken I know, I know… canned chicken seems a little scary. Cottage cheese Cottage cheese is having a moment right now, and for good reason. Chicken thighs Chicken thighs are a lot cheaper than chicken breasts, and a bit more tasty too.

More tips to save money on healthy foods Using this list of 52 affordable foods can help you save money on groceries. Try these additional tips to save money on food: Plan your meals and snacks at the start of each week. This will help you spend and waste less. Make a grocery list before shopping.

Avoid buying unnecessary extras by making and sticking to your list. Shop your cupboards first. Do a solid scope of your cupboards, fridge, and freezer before finalizing your plan and list. 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. What to Eat for Breakfast to Feel Your Best.

Why You Should Eat a Banana Every Single Day. These High-Carb Foods Are Seriously Good for You. The Superfood We All Need More Of. The Real Health Benefits of Eating Carrots. What You Need to Know About Collagen Supplements.

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Rice, Beans, Frozen Veggis, Carrots, Spring Onions. Add ground meat if you need meat balla.info › What-are-some-surprisingly-cheap-grocery-items Some categories that I found to be cheap in some grocery stores were: Fresh fruits and vegetables, grocery staples, and packaged foods and

Low-cost grocery items - Generally, some of the cheapest fruit and vegetables year-round tend to be bananas, apples, oranges, broccoli, cauliflower, carrots and sweet Rice, Beans, Frozen Veggis, Carrots, Spring Onions. Add ground meat if you need meat balla.info › What-are-some-surprisingly-cheap-grocery-items Some categories that I found to be cheap in some grocery stores were: Fresh fruits and vegetables, grocery staples, and packaged foods and

Market Basket is one of the smaller chains on this list, but their savings make it one of the most affordable places to shop in the U. A recent study provided by the customer data firm dunnhumby revealed that the New England-based chain was the "top grocery retailer for inflationary times.

For over years, Market Basket has maintained the fierce loyalty of their customers for the high quality food at low prices. You can find anything from international cheeses, freshly squeezed juices, to even handmade sushi without racking up a massive grocery bill.

Trader Joe's is one of our go-to spots for affordable essentials, some of the best frozen food around, and unique snacks.

Beyond the adorably kitschy decor and friendly staff, it's also one of the best grocery stores to visit when you're on a budget. Even amidst the current egg-price hike, the cartons at Trader Joe's remain inexpensive.

While some items can get more expensive than at standard grocery stores the produce section can get costly if you're feeding a big family , their private label goods deliver on quality without sacrificing affordability.

If you need shopping inspiration, check out our favorite items here. When you're hunting for low-cost, high quality groceries, Food4Less is an obvious choice. It's literally in the name. Owned by Kroger, this no-frills grocery chain sacrifices a few amenities to save you money.

From bagging your own groceries to using the steep discounts offered in their weekly ads, you're sure to find what you need and pay less.

Unlike some of these other affordable grocery stores, Food4Less offers at-home delivery, a pharmacy, and a wide variety of household essentials. But there's a catch: they have locations, but they're only in California, Illinois, and Indiana.

What grocery stores in your area have the lowest prices? Let us know in the comments. What Is Hop Water?

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. Use an air popper or make stovetop popcorn.

A jar of peanut butter stretches a long way for sandwiches, snacks or stirred into oatmeal or smoothies. It's another frugal protein source and kid friendly. Flour is very inexpensive per pound and can be used in so many ways. Make pancakes or waffles, biscuits , tortillas, bread , homemade desserts, use as a thickener for gravy, or bread chicken tenders.

Yeast is not a necessity, but if you want to make your own bread products, it is recommended. Try my pizza dough or whole wheat bread. 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. 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.

Low-cost grocery items - Generally, some of the cheapest fruit and vegetables year-round tend to be bananas, apples, oranges, broccoli, cauliflower, carrots and sweet Rice, Beans, Frozen Veggis, Carrots, Spring Onions. Add ground meat if you need meat balla.info › What-are-some-surprisingly-cheap-grocery-items Some categories that I found to be cheap in some grocery stores were: Fresh fruits and vegetables, grocery staples, and packaged foods and

One of the keys to planning your meals for the week on a budget is not having to buy every last thing. You probably have some meals already hiding in your pantry, fridge, and freezer.

Read Next: Learn How to Save Money This Month with a Pantry Challenge. The idea is just to start assigning meals to the days of the week. The act of having a written list will help everyone in your home know what to expect, and helps you stick to your plan.

These are the beginnings of your healthy grocery list. Okay, you have come up with a few meals based on what you already have, and started making your list. Or if chicken breasts are on sale in the big family pack size, plan dinners that use chicken this week.

Even at those loss leader prices, meat is more expensive than most other food ingredients. Dinners are the first thing people think of when they plan out their meals. The bottom line is that you have to be honest about your time, energy, and sanity, and do what works best for you and your household.

Even fresh foods, dairy products, and lean proteins can be attainable without runing your grocery bill. I really hope this list of the cheapest foods to buy on a budget has inspired you to save money on groceries! Just by buying more affordable or cheaper groceries, you can have more room in your budget to pay your bills and live within your means.

With some forward thinking and a bit of planning, you can save yourself a ton of money and grief! Skip to content 1. Previous Previous. Next Continue. Similar Posts. Home Toggle child menu Expand. Seasonal Toggle child menu Expand.

Christmas Toggle child menu Expand. 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.

Aside from the obvious burritos, tacos, quesadillas, oh my! My current favorite use of a tortilla is a peanut butter and jelly roll up. Here is another item that you can use for tons of different applications.

Toss into a salad or eat by the handful. I particularly love raisins and dried apricots. Oats give you a huge dosage of fiber, and you can use them in so many different ways. Make your own oat milk, create a new granola combination, make cookies or protein bites, or use it on its own for a hearty breakfast.

Add them to soups, use as a ground beef substitute, or make your own dal with them. A one pound bag also costs less than two dollars and will last you a long time.

The produce section usually comes with a hefty price tag. An individual banana usually costs around a quarter. You can also break off a few bananas from the bunch if you do not want to buy half a dozen at once.

Celery sticks are perfect for sweet and savory snacks. Dip into ranch or smother with peanut butter—the choice is yours. You can also break individual stalks of celery off of a bunch just like you can with bananas.

Roast in the oven for a delicious side dish or eat straight from the fridge. At first glance of the price tag, apples may not seem like the cheapest fruit at the store. However, you can usually get several apples per pound, making the cost per apple much lower. Colorful bell peppers are a perfect veggie to add bulk to any meal.

Not only will they add delicious flavor, they will also provide texture to any dish. Onions are another ingredient that adds flavor to every dish and are usually pretty cheap! When it comes to produce, however, I suggest purchasing items in bulk. Pre-cut fresh fruits and veggies usually come with a much higher price tag, and you can prepare your produce at home for a fraction of the cost.

You may also find that frozen fruits and vegetables are most convenient for your meal prep and last longer, too! This old fashioned potato soup recipe adds gnocchi, shredded chicken, and bacon for a hearty dinner idea ready in under an hour.

These easy meal prep recipes will give you weekly meal inspiration to make for healthy breakfast, lunch, or dinners for you or your family.

We all still want to eat well in between meals. Fun and delicious snacks are much easier to make affordable than you may think. Skip the potato chips and reach for popcorn instead.

Microwave popcorn is usually less expensive per bag than regular chips. You can get even thriftier by buying kernels and popping your own corn on the stove. Who said a cheese board had to be fancy? These usually ring up at less than five dollars.

You can find nuts for pretty cheap at the supermarket. Bonus points if you buy them in bulk for extra savings. Be sure to check out your pantry when you want to munch between meals.

With a little creativity, you should have plenty of goodies on hand to help tide you over. Here are a few more helpful hints to keep your budget in check. Having a detailed list is key when it comes to a cheap grocery list. I particularly love this adorable meal planner notepad you can use for every meal.

It also includes a section to write your weekly shopping list. 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!

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