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Tax Calculator. Our Mission. Advertiser Disclosure. 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.

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One of the best ways to find cheap groceries is to create a budget-friendly, healthy grocery list and stick to it. By prioritizing seasonal items, frozen foods and certain cuts of meat and seafood, shopping strategically can help keep sticker shock to a minimum. The key to locating cheap groceries is to create a system for shopping, and that begins before you even grab a cart.

Start by identifying the closest supermarkets to you hello, high gas prices! and cross check the cost of your favorite items online before you shop.

Think about what you spend the most on and prioritize finding the best price for those items. The next step is to follow that quintessential shopping advice: Don't go to the grocery store hungry. You're much more likely to make impulse and unhealthy purchases if you do, so shop after a meal or grab a healthy snack before heading to the store.

And remember: The cheapest groceries are not always the most nutritious; consider spending slightly more for foods that are filling and nutrient-dense. For tips and recommendations for a more economical shopping experience, see below for advice from the experts at the Good Housekeeping Institute Nutrition Lab.

Fruit and vegetables are among the groceries with the largest price jumps lately , but you can still find affordable produce by buying seasonally. Purchasing when produce is abundant helps lower the cost and will all but assure the best taste and highest levels of nutrition.

Seasonal Fruits. Seasonal Vegetables. Another way to save money on produce is to opt for fruit and vegetables that have a longer shelf-life. For example, to help extend your grocery dollars, choose apples over berries or carrots or celery over leafy greens. Generally, some of the cheapest fruit and vegetables year-round tend to be bananas, apples, oranges, broccoli, cauliflower, carrots and sweet potatoes.

Meat can be the most expensive category for most food budgets, and can account for a large portion of the overall grocery bill. To save money, opt for the ground variety of your favorite protein. Ground beef, chicken or turkey are super versatile, easily frozen and can be used in many different recipes.

Larger cuts of meat will usually cost less per pound, but they may require marinating, braising and slow cooking to bring out the tenderness. If you do prefer to include cheaper cuts of meat, consider including:.

Buying a whole chicken instead of pre-portioned cuts can also save money and the leftovers, including the bones, are great for making chicken soup or bone broth. 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. Read: 7 Must-Buy Grocery Items at Aldi in January. 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.

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Carrots, potatoes and bananas are usually cheap and can be prepared in a variety of ways. Get seasonings from the dollar store. They're usually Looking for frugal grocery list for under $/month max grocery budget · Rolled oats. tbh oatmeal packets from places like Aldi are cheap too Budget Grocery List: 60+ Foods That'll Keep Your Grocery Bill Low · Produce · Meats and Meat Alternatives · Seafood · Eggs, Dairy and Dairy

Budget-friendly groceries - Currently, the cheapest supermarkets are Aldi, Walmart, Target, Trader Joe's, Food4Less, Costco (good for bulk buying), WinCo, and Lidl. Tip 3 Carrots, potatoes and bananas are usually cheap and can be prepared in a variety of ways. Get seasonings from the dollar store. They're usually Looking for frugal grocery list for under $/month max grocery budget · Rolled oats. tbh oatmeal packets from places like Aldi are cheap too Budget Grocery List: 60+ Foods That'll Keep Your Grocery Bill Low · Produce · Meats and Meat Alternatives · Seafood · Eggs, Dairy and Dairy

In fact, onions are a great source of quercetin and sulfur compounds, which can help lower your risk of developing cancer, heart disease, and diabetes. Onions also add lots of flavor with a boost of nutrition and very few calories. How to use: add a few chopped onions to your tray of roasted vegetables for an easy side dish at dinner.

Oranges contain folate and other vitamins too, and they offer the unique antioxidants hesperidin and naringenin.

Oranges have a long list of bioactive compounds that keep your cells healthy, fight infection and disease, and help your body function at its best.

How to use: toss a full orange in your purse and pair with an easy protein like greek yogurt for a balanced on-the-go snack. Sauerkraut is a fermented cabbage product that comes with a sour flavor and potential gut-health benefits.

How to use: add a scoop of sauerkraut to your favorite salad for an extra acidic punch. Raisins are delicious dried grapes that offer energizing carbs, gut-friendly fiber, and calcium.

They can help keep your heart, belly, and bones healthy. How to use: pair ¼ cup of raisins with ¼ cup of unsalted nuts for a heart-healthy and balanced blood sugar snack.

Zucchini contains vitamin A, manganese, vitamin C, and antioxidants to support your health and lower disease risk.

How to use: add finely chopped zucchini to soups and stews for a veggie boost that no one will detect! Green beans are among the most underrated vegetables around. Green beans are a low calorie and affordable vegetable, and a good source of fiber, vitamin C, potassium and vitamin A.

Green beans can help support a healthy heart and prevent disease. How to use: toss green beans with olive oil and salt, and cook in the air fryer for minutes at F for a flavor-packed, healthy side. You might be surprised to learn that frozen spinach contains even more nutrition than fresh!

You can add it to cooked meals like pasta or soups, or use it for a veggie-boost in smoothies! How to use: defrost and drain frozen spinach before adding into a quiche or frittata.

Cantaloupe is super hydrating and offers vitamin A, vitamin C, and potassium. How to use: add cubed cantaloupe to your fruit salad for extra hydration and an affordable boost of health-promoting nutrients. Applesauce is a great snack for kids and an awesome on-the-go fruit source for adults too.

How to use: add a scoop of unsweetened applesauce to your oatmeal bowl and top with your favorite nuts. Cucumber is a crunchy and hydrating veggie, and an affordable way to up your intake of health-promoting foods. This high-water and low-calorie vegetable can support your kidney health, digestion, and weight.

How to use: keep sliced cucumbers in your fridge and add a handful to lunches throughout the week. Canned peaches contain many of the same nutrients as fresh like fiber, vitamin C, and vitamin A. Just look for canned peaches packed in juice instead of syrup for a lower sugar option.

How to use: drain canned peaches and add to a yogurt bowl with plain greek yogurt, honey, and crushed walnuts. Frozen brussels sprouts are the hidden gems of the freezer aisle. They contain beneficial antioxidants and vitamins to prevent disease and fight infection.

And they can be roasted like any other fresh veggie for a delicious, warm, vegetable side dish. How to use: to prevent frozen brussels sprouts from going soggy in the oven, roast them dry for about minutes, then coat with olive oil and seasonings before returning to the oven. Prunes might be one of my all-time favorite fruits.

How to use: top your favorite whole grain cracker with herbed goat cheese and sliced prunes for a sweet and salty snack. Potatoes contain vitamins and minerals like potassium and vitamin C to keep your cells, organs, and metabolism well-functioning and happy.

How to use: roast potatoes in a tablespoon of olive oil, season with salt, garlic powder and, onion powder, and serve with your favorite veggies and protein. Regular potatoes are great, but sweet potatoes are a nutrient-dense and inexpensive choice too.

Sweet potatoes contain the same beneficial fiber and satiating carbohydrates, with more vitamin A. Sweet potatoes and regular potatoes contain powerful bioactive compounds to fight disease and inflammation in the body.

How to use: finely chop a sweet potato and add it to a veggie-loaded breakfast hash with onions, bell pepper, and a sprinkle of feta cheese. Did you know that brown and white rice are both healthy choices?

Include whatever rice you love in your diet for a minimally processed, energizing carbohydrate to keep you full and help you stay consistent with food. How to use: top a scoop of your favorite rice with two fried eggs, a half avocado, and a drizzle of chili crunch for an energizing breakfast.

Or try my easy fried rice. If superfoods were real, oats would be one of them. This inexpensive pantry staple contains manganese, zinc, copper, and the unique soluble fiber, beta-glucan , with known health benefits.

Eating oats regularly can protect against diabetes, heart disease, and certain cancers. How to use: cook rolled oats in milk and top with fruit and nut butter for a protein-rich, high-fiber breakfast.

Did you expect corn to make this list twice?! This delicious whole grain makes one of my favorite high-fiber snacks as a dietitian: popcorn! Keep the lid on and shake the pot vigorously until kernels are done popping, and sprinkle with salt before serving.

Whole wheat pasta usually contains more fiber and nearly as much protein as legume-based varieties, for a fraction of the price. The texture is closer to white pasta too. How to use: serve pasta with a big scoop of zucchini noodles and top with your favorite ground turkey bolognese.

This high-fiber, nourishing staple is one of the cheapest and easiest options you can find at the store. How to use: toast two slices of whole wheat bread and top each with a tablespoon of peanut butter, ¼ cup of fresh berries, and a drizzle of honey.

Are you surprised Kraft Dinner makes the list? Stir in leftover rotisserie chicken and steamed broccoli for a filling bowl the whole family will love. Top with a sprinkle of grated cheddar.

How to use: add a scoop of red lentils into your favorite soup and cook until soft. Chickpeas also known as garbanzo beans are an awesome source of high fiber carbohydrates with a big boost of protein too.

Beans are very nutrient-dense and known to protect against disease. How to use: blend canned chickpeas with lemon, garlic, salt, and olive oil for any easy homemade hummus. Canned beans are another inexpensive and versatile bean with plenty of filling fiber and protein.

Black beans are great for balanced blood sugar too. How to use: mix a can of black beans into your ground beef or ground turkey for an extra boost of fiber and beneficial phytonutrients.

There are lots of incorrect claims about soy being bad for your health and hormones. The truth is that minimally processed soy foods like tofu can protect your health and lower your risk of many diseases. Eating tofu has been associated with improved heart, bone, and brain health.

Eggs are a quick and nutrient-rich staple with protein, vitamin D, folate, and selenium. Although eggs are a cholesterol-containing food, more recent research suggests they can actually support your heart health. Eggs are a filling food that can support weight loss too. How to use: scramble eggs and enjoy with whole grain toast and berries for a healthy 5-minute meal.

Edamame are young soybeans and another great protein- and fiber-rich option on a budget. Edamame are usually sold frozen, and you can buy them shelled or in their pod.

How to use: microwave frozen, shelled edamame for up to two minutes and sprinkle with salt for a tasty well-rounded snack. Plain yogurt is a filling and protein-rich food that can be used in sweet or savory dishes. Although greek and skyr yogurts are highest in protein, regular yogurt is rich in calcium, vitamins, and minerals too.

Yogurts that contain active cultures can provide extra support for your gut health and microbiome. How to use: add a big scoop of yogurt to smoothies or mix it with ranch powder for an easy two-ingredient vegetable dip.

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. Hard cheeses like cheddar offer filling protein and fat, and they contain important micronutrients like calcium and fat-soluble vitamins.

How to use: pair a few slices of cheddar cheese with whole grain crackers and apple slices for an energizing and well-balanced snack. Lean ground beef is a nutritious and inexpensive staple. How to use: brown beef in a pan with seasonings of choice and drain the excess fat before adding to burrito bowls or taco soup.

Poultry is a great alternative to beef if you want a lower fat option with high quality protein. Turkey and chicken contain iron, zinc, phosphorus and b-vitamins to support healthy cells and metabolism. How to use: try this amazing recipe for ground chicken meatballs or use ground turkey in your favorite chili recipe instead of beef.

Milk contains important nutrients like calcium and phosphorus to support your bone health and help maintain a healthy weight. How to use: use milk as your liquid in smoothies for extra nutrition and to keep you full for longer. Canned tuna is a great low-calorie protein source, and a quick way to make any meal a whole lot more filling.

It contains fat-soluble vitamins and iron, and some heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids. Choose light tuna like skipjack for less mercury , and opt for tuna packed in water instead of oil.

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.

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Also, the government derived pyramid was designed to keep the medical and pharmaceutical industries rich and thriving. 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.

Always join the reward program 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.

Use Coupon and Cash back Apps There are numerous cash back apps that make saving money on your grocery bill a breeze. Shop around I know the stores in my area that have the best deals for specific items. Grocery Budget List. Weekly Spending Tracker.

This is great for a healthy snack or to add to salads fresh veggies. Choose something versatile, like onions, sweet potato, bell peppers, or zucchinis Fresh bread for sandwiches, bread crumbs, or even french toast Nuts that you can add to a salad or eat by the handful Having a cheap grocery list can sometimes feel like a professional sport.

Healthy Eating Claire Kudika January 4, Nutrition Comment. Facebook 0 Twitter LinkedIn 0 Reddit Tumblr Pinterest 0 0 Likes. Workouts Liv Birdsall January 5, Fitness.

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Budget-friendly groceries - Currently, the cheapest supermarkets are Aldi, Walmart, Target, Trader Joe's, Food4Less, Costco (good for bulk buying), WinCo, and Lidl. Tip 3 Carrots, potatoes and bananas are usually cheap and can be prepared in a variety of ways. Get seasonings from the dollar store. They're usually Looking for frugal grocery list for under $/month max grocery budget · Rolled oats. tbh oatmeal packets from places like Aldi are cheap too Budget Grocery List: 60+ Foods That'll Keep Your Grocery Bill Low · Produce · Meats and Meat Alternatives · Seafood · Eggs, Dairy and Dairy

Looking for budget-friendly meals that are low-carb? Check out this post. Apples are one of the cheaper fruit options and are one of the staple favorite foods in our home.

The kids have them for a snack almost daily! Bananas are another inexpensive fruit option. Look for markdowns on bananas that are slightly over-ripe and freeze them to use in banana bread and smoothies.

However, depending on the time of year you can score other fruits for great deals: oranges and other citrus in the winter gotta get in that vitamin c! Always check your local grocery store ads to see where you can get the best deal!

Frozen green beans, peas, etc. Buy it uncut and unwashed if you want to save money! But be sure to prep and wash it so that it actually gets eaten! I like to keep it on hand for making soup. I generally find that a big bag of Russet potatoes is the cheapest option. Check the ad for your local store to see what fresh produce is on sale!

I often see sales for green peppers, asparagus, and more. Cooking a whole chicken and deboning it is a bit of extra work but it will save you money on your groceries!

I like to cook whole chickens in my crockpot. 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 or chicken drumsticks are usually pretty inexpensive and are very flavorful. Change Your Life Chicken is a fabulous recipe for chicken thighs! Who else grew up eating tuna fish sandwiches? I like it mixed with a bit of mayo and chopped tomatoes and served with crackers.

I like to wait for a good sale and then stock up! Smoked sausage is a great meat to keep on hand for quick meals. A little can go a long way in dishes like a breakfast casserole for example, making it very cost effective, especially if you purchase it on sale.

Hotdogs could also be used in similar ways! Eggs can be a great cheap source of protein. I say can because lately in my area the price of eggs has more than doubled. So, take this one with a grain of salt and be sure to check your local prices for eggs. Brown rice is a great alternative to white rice with a lot of health benefits and is still a great cheap food.

I cook my brown rice with this method and it turns out perfectly every time! I use them often for oatmeal, baked oatmeal , granola , cookies, muffins, and even in meatloaf! While the very cheapest bread is not going to have the most nutritional value, watch for markdowns on nicer loaves made with whole grains.

Check the different stores around you to see which ones have a markdown cart in their bakery section — many of them do! Store-brand tortillas are typically pretty inexpensive and you can use them for all sorts of meals. 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. Financially Savvy Female.

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This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site including, for example, the order in which they appear. These offers do not represent all available deposit, investment, loan or credit products. Pasta is an affordable pantry staple that can be used to make a variety of dishes.

The noodles themselves are inexpensive, and you can jazz them up with whatever sauces or ingredients you have on hand. Pasta is filling and provides long-lasting energy. Pork shoulder is an inexpensive cut of meat that can provide several hearty, budget-friendly meals.

The whole shoulder can be roasted, pulled and used in tacos, pasta dishes, soups and more throughout the week. Lentils are inexpensive, versatile and packed with protein and fiber.

They can be used to make stews, chilis, soups, salads and more. Lentils are filling and provide sustained energy. 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.