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. 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. While nothing beats the real thing, you can find dozens of different flavors at the store, and they will last in your pantry much longer.

Eat these as a side dish or add a tablespoon to sauces or soups to act as a thickener. 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! 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.

Pasta Popcorn Generic Cereal

Affordable grocery products - Cooking Oil Pasta Popcorn Generic Cereal

Let's take a look at where you should be shopping for the best value buys. If you want to save money on your groceries, there's perhaps no better store to shop at than Aldi. You'll find Aldi locations across the country and overseas, all of which guarantee competitive prices compared to the other grocery stores in your area.

So, how do they do it? There are a few ways the chain keeps its prices so low. First of all, Aldi doesn't carry many name-brand products. Instead, the chain focuses on selling its own store-brand products.

These items are often cheaper but many report that these goods are nearly identical to the name-brand versions of the same products, which makes it a no-brainer to shop here if you're trying to save money but don't want to sacrifice when it comes to taste.

Additionally, Aldi stores tend to be smaller than the average supermarket, which means the selection is more limited and the staff is streamlined. Since you have to bag your own groceries and take your own cart back to the store, you don't have to pay for those services through the price of your groceries.

Sure, the shopping experience at Aldi is a little different than what you may be used to at other grocery chains, but the low prices are totally worth it in our book. Trader Joe's is another one of those super-popular, more affordable grocery chains that customers tend to flock to on a regular basis.

If you like the feel of Aldi but are in the market for more specialty products, you may want to make your way to Trader Joe's. The store is similar to Aldi in that it doesn't offer many brand-name products, instead stocking its own unique offerings.

Some of these products have become cult favorites amongst Trader Joe's shoppers , so you're not sacrificing much in terms of quality by shopping at this store. Additionally, the chain keeps its operational costs low by building smaller stores that require fewer staff members to manage.

Since it doesn't offer coupons and run ads, you're not paying for all those extra incentives and advertisements. Rather, customers know that they're almost always getting a pretty decent deal when they decide to shop at Trader Joe's. There are currently locations in 42 states plus Washington D. and if you live in an urban or suburban area, chances are you've got a Trader Joe's somewhere near you.

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. Potatoes are very versatile and affordable.

They can be prepared mashed, baked, fried or roasted and included in many different meals to add bulk and nutrients and to fill you up. Canned tuna is an inexpensive source of lean protein to keep on hand.

It can be used to make tuna salad, included in pasta dishes, mixed into salads or eaten straight out of the can in a pinch. They keep a long time in the freezer. Rice is a pantry staple that provides energy and fills you up.

Rice keeps for a long time and goes with sauces, beans, meats and veggies. Basic pasta sauce is inexpensive when purchased in cans or jars. Transforming pasta into a tasty meal is as easy as heating up some sauce and tossing with noodles.

Add protein or veggies if you have any. Black beans provide protein and fiber. Black beans can be used in tacos, burritos, salads, soups and more. Bread is an affordable basic for sandwiches or toast. Opt for whole wheat when possible for added nutrients. Even plain bread provides carbohydrates for energy.

Bananas are one of the cheapest fruits. Keeping bananas on hand prevents grabbing a more expensive snack when hungry. Heather Taylor contributed to the reporting for this article. February 12, Read more. Saving Money. February 09, February 08, Savings Advice.

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Pasta Pasta is an affordable pantry staple that can be used to make a variety of dishes. Pork Shoulder Pork shoulder is an inexpensive cut of meat that can provide several hearty, budget-friendly meals. Make Your Money Work for You. Lentils Lentils are inexpensive, versatile and packed with protein and fiber.

Pancakes Pancake mix and ingredients like eggs and milk are budget-friendly items that go a long way. Oatmeal Oatmeal contains fiber and nutrients to keep you full and energized all morning. Cabbage Cabbage is one of the most budget-friendly vegetables. Eggs Eggs are an inexpensive source of protein.

Chickpeas Canned chickpeas are packed with plant-based protein and fiber. Peanut Butter Peanut butter is packed with protein and healthy fats, and a jar goes a long way.

Yogurt Yogurt is an affordable option that provides protein and calcium. Fresh Fruit In-season fresh fruits like bananas and apples are usually available at low cost.

Frozen Fruit Keeping a stash of frozen fruit means you can always have berries, mangos, etc. Sweet Potatoes Sweet potatoes are inexpensive, versatile and nutritious.

Breakfast Bars Pre-packaged breakfast bars are inexpensive and portable, and they provide protein and fiber to start the day off right. Granola Bars Granola bars contain whole grains, protein and other nutrients.

Pre-Made Breakfast Bowls Pre-made breakfast bowls offer an affordable way to get a hearty, balanced morning meal with protein, grains and fruit without the restaurant price tag. Frozen Breakfast Burritos Frozen breakfast burritos offer an inexpensive way to enjoy a hot breakfast sandwich at home.

Potatoes Potatoes are very versatile and affordable. Canned Tuna Canned tuna is an inexpensive source of lean protein to keep on hand.

Rice Rice is a pantry staple that provides energy and fills you up. Pasta Sauce Basic pasta sauce is inexpensive when purchased in cans or jars.

Black Beans Black beans provide protein and fiber. Bread Bread is an affordable basic for sandwiches or toast. Bananas Bananas are one of the cheapest fruits. More From GOBankingRates I'm a Shopping Expert: 9 Items I'd Never Put in My Grocery Cart You Can Get These 3 Debts Canceled Forever 8 Signs You'll Retire Wealthy 4 Reasons You Should Be Getting Your Paycheck Early, According to An Expert.

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Affordable grocery products - Cooking Oil Pasta Popcorn Generic Cereal

Buying them dried in bulk quantities keeps the price down. Pancake mix and ingredients like eggs and milk are budget-friendly items that go a long way.

Pancakes make a filling, homemade breakfast. The basic batter also can be dressed up with whatever ingredients are on hand like chocolate chips, berries, banana, etc. Oatmeal contains fiber and nutrients to keep you full and energized all morning. Oatmeal can be customized sweet or savory and makes a warm, comforting breakfast.

Cabbage is one of the most budget-friendly vegetables. Use it to make homemade coleslaw, stir-fry, soup or roasted as a side. Eggs are an inexpensive source of protein. They are endlessly versatile and can be prepared simply or incorporated into larger dishes.

Hard-boiled eggs also make a convenient high-protein snack. Canned chickpeas are packed with plant-based protein and fiber. Rinse and toss them into salads, grain bowls, soups and hummus, or eat them right out of the can. You can also save the liquid from the can and use it as a cheap egg replacer in baked goods.

Peanut butter is packed with protein and healthy fats, and a jar goes a long way. Peanut butter can be spread on bread and fruit or eaten by the spoonful for an instant protein boost.

Yogurt is an affordable option that provides protein and calcium. Buying plain yogurt in large containers is most economical. Yogurt can be topped with affordable granola or fruit for a balanced breakfast or snack. In-season fresh fruits like bananas and apples are usually available at low cost.

Fruit provides important vitamins and fiber and gives an energy boost. Keeping a stash of frozen fruit means you can always have berries, mangos, etc.

Frozen fruit is nutritious and more affordable. Sweet potatoes are inexpensive, versatile and nutritious. Roast them with olive oil or make them into fries, add to soups and stews, or mash them as a side.

Pre-packaged breakfast bars are inexpensive and portable, and they provide protein and fiber to start the day off right. Granola bars contain whole grains, protein and other nutrients. They provide energy on the go and keep you satisfied between meals.

Buying store brand boxes in bulk keeps costs down. Pre-made breakfast bowls offer an affordable way to get a hearty, balanced morning meal with protein, grains and fruit without the restaurant price tag. Frozen breakfast burritos offer an inexpensive way to enjoy a hot breakfast sandwich at home.

They have eggs, cheese, meat, and veggies wrapped up for convenience. Potatoes are very versatile and affordable. They can be prepared mashed, baked, fried or roasted and included in many different meals to add bulk and nutrients and to fill you up.

Canned tuna is an inexpensive source of lean protein to keep on hand. It can be used to make tuna salad, included in pasta dishes, mixed into salads or eaten straight out of the can in a pinch. They keep a long time in the freezer.

Rice is a pantry staple that provides energy and fills you up. Rice keeps for a long time and goes with sauces, beans, meats and veggies. Basic pasta sauce is inexpensive when purchased in cans or jars. Transforming pasta into a tasty meal is as easy as heating up some sauce and tossing with noodles.

Add protein or veggies if you have any. Black beans provide protein and fiber. Black beans can be used in tacos, burritos, salads, soups and more. Bread is an affordable basic for sandwiches or toast. Opt for whole wheat when possible for added nutrients.

Even plain bread provides carbohydrates for energy. Bananas are one of the cheapest fruits. Keeping bananas on hand prevents grabbing a more expensive snack when hungry.

Heather Taylor contributed to the reporting for this article. February 12, Read more. Saving Money. February 09, February 08, Savings Advice. February 11, Get advice on achieving your financial goals and stay up to date on the day's top financial stories. By clicking the 'Subscribe Now' button, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.

You can click on the 'unsubscribe' link in the email at anytime. Sign up for our daily newsletter for the latest financial news and trending topics. For our full Privacy Policy, click here. Banking Learn Savings Accounts Checking Accounts Certificate of Deposit Money Market Accounts Credit Unions Interest Rates Reviews.

Get Started Best Banks Best High Yield Savings Accounts Best Checking Accounts Best CD Rates Best Online Banks. Best National Banks Best Money Market Accounts Best Premium Checking Accounts Best Regional Banks Best Neobanks. Best Banks. 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.

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.

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