From Earl Grey to chamomile, there is a tea flavor for everyone. Tea is not only a great way to relax at the end of the day, but it can also help you stay hydrated and save some money on expensive sodas and coffees. When buying peanut butter, look for natural brands that contain only peanuts and salt as the main ingredients.

Avoid brands that contain added sugar, oils, or other unhealthy additives. Your taste buds—and your wallet—will thank you. They are an affordable way to enjoy out-of-season produce that can also be used to make great sweets.

Canned tomatoes are one of the best-canned items to buy when broke. They can be used to make homemade tomato soup, chili, pasta sauce, pizza sauce, and salsa. You can even blend canned tomatoes to make sauce rather than buying jarred sauces, saving you more money at many grocery stores.

Fruits and vegetables are the best cheap foods to buy, especially in season and from your local farms. With a little bit of meal planning, you can save some money on your grocery budget without sacrificing nutrition or taste. When it comes to putting together a cheap grocery list, you want to add apples to it!

They are one of the most affordable and cheap groceries when in season. Fresh apples can be eaten as a fresh fruit snack or added to a fruit salad, while cooked apples make a delicious and budget-friendly dessert like apple crisp.

When it comes to eating healthy foods on a tight budget, bananas are one of the best cheap foods to buy. They are packed with nutrients, including potassium, vitamin C, and dietary fiber, and they have a relatively low calorie count.

Oranges are one of the cheapest foods to buy for your grocery list, and you can eat them fresh, juice them, or even use them in recipes. Broccoli is one of the best picks for fresh vegetables, and I love them with pasta dishes and just as a simple side when roasted in the oven.

Spinach is an excellent cheap food that is a source of vitamins and minerals, including iron and calcium. Here are some meal ideas for incorporating spinach:. Iceberg lettuce is one of the cheapest groceries that you can buy.

Lettuce is a great way to get your daily dose of vegetables and is very versatile. You can also use it to make wraps more healthy. Carrots are versatile root vegetables that can be used in various dishes and have a slightly sweet taste that goes with so many things.

They are an excellent source of vitamin c for the kiddos too. Carrots are often used in a stir-fry with peppers, as it helps to retain their nutrients while also giving them a slightly crispy texture.

I like to cut them up small and roast them for an easy side dish. One of the most popular meal ideas for using peppers is stir fry, but you can add them to your pasta sauce or tacos or make stuffed peppers. You can get them in a pack of frozen vegetables to get a little bit of everything for a bunch of different meal ideas, or buy them fresh on their own.

Celery is also one of the most healthy cheap foods to buy — a great option for budget-minded shoppers. This crunchy, low-calorie vegetable contains nutrients like vitamin C, potassium, and fiber. Some of our favorites include sweet potato fries, green beans, and carrots.

Plus, you should grab a stir-fry mix for some variety. You can also save some money by buying frozen fruit instead of fresh fruit. Some brands add sugar or other ingredients to their frozen fruit, so be sure to read the label before you buy.

A few items will always be super cheap, no matter when you buy them. Potatoes fit the bill perfectly for an item to buy when broke and looking for cheaper foods with several meal ideas. You can do many things with potatoes. One meal idea is a baked potato with whatever you want on top of it, like cheese, broccoli, and chicken.

When it comes to stocking your pantry on a budget, proteins are often one of the most expensive items on your grocery list. Eggs can be used in a variety of dishes or by themselves. They are one of the cheapest foods to buy, especially when compared to other protein sources like meat or tofu.

Eggs can be boiled, scrambled, or made into an omelet, and they go well with various other ingredients. Add an egg to brown rice and vegetables to make a quick and healthy stir fry.

Ground meat is a cheap source of protein that can be used in a variety of dishes, from tacos to meatloaves, and it is typically very budget-friendly. When grocery shopping for ground beef , look for marked-down products close to their expiration date.

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

If you are looking for meal ideas, consider using sausage in a frittata, omelet, or quiche. You can also add it to pasta, rice, or soups. For example, you could slowly cook it in a crockpot or Instant Pot for pulled beef sandwiches or tacos or simply dice it for beef stew.

No matter how you prepare it, chuck roast is delicious and affordable meat to add to your meal-planning ideas! Ya know when you feel like your budget is stretched to its limits….

But after a lot of trial and error, I finally figured out how to make a cheap grocery shopping list, and I want to share these cheap food ideas with you! Plus, get tons of grocery list ideas, tips for healthy snacks, family meals, and how to buy nutrient-dense foods, and where you can grab your own master grocery list.

You are in control of how much you spend on groceries, so buying the cheapest groceries and cooking at home is a great way to completely transform how much money you can save.

You can also buy these cheap groceries to build a stockpile to prepare for emergencies, job loss, and any hard times you may experience. This budget grocery list is filled with pantry and freezer staples that would make great additions to your stockpile.

Try to find the cheapest supermarkets in your area, so that you can save money just by shopping there instead of somewhere pricier. I personally feel that the best grocery store to shop on a budget is Aldi.

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

That structure will help determine what you buy. Food just might be one of your biggest expenditures. The good news? Read next: How to Budget for Groceries. The biggest savings at the grocery store actually comes from the sale prices.

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

The best prices tend to be on the front and back pages. Pasta is filling and provides long-lasting energy. See: 30 Items To Reuse or Recycle More Often To Save Money in Rachel Cruze: 12 Ways To Cut Your Grocery Bill in Half.

Schedule a FREE consultation to see if you qualify for tax relief. 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.

Rice, Beans, Frozen Veggis, Carrots, Spring Onions. Add ground meat if you need meat jav-way.site › 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

What to Put on Your Budget Grocery List · Proteins · Grains · Baking Ingredients · Snacks · Produce · Pantry Staples · Dairy · Beverages. Sodas 25 Cheap Foods To Buy When You're Broke · Pasta · Pork Shoulder · Lentils · Pancakes · Oatmeal · Cabbage · Eggs · Chickpeas Cheapest Produce · Apples · Bananas · Oranges · Broccoli · Spinach · Iceberg Lettuce · Carrots · Peppers: Low-cost grocery items

And a hanging spice rack Low-cost grocery items this is great Low-cot storing them! Leave grodery Reply Cancel reply Car cleaning product samples Low-cost grocery items address will not be published. A win-win gorcery if Low-coat ask me! While you can easily find canned tomato paste at most supermarkets, Aquilino prefers the kind available in a tube. This high-water and low-calorie vegetable can support your kidney health, digestion, and weight. Cheese and crackers Who said a cheese board had to be fancy? Not only are they a favorite at my house, they are incredibly cheap and versatile.	Potatoes are an incredibly versatile and economical food with a fairly long shelf life about two months if stored in the refrigerator. The good news? As you can see, you can still buy healthy food, such a fresh fruits, whole grains, and nut butters to make a ton of healthy meals. Please do your research. Check out these simple food staples and start planning your meals for the week ahead.	Rice, Beans, Frozen Veggis, Carrots, Spring Onions. Add ground meat if you need meat jav-way.site › 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	Generally, some of the cheapest fruit and vegetables year-round tend to be bananas, apples, oranges, broccoli, cauliflower, carrots and sweet 21 Cheap Foods to Buy if You're Broke or on a Budget · 1. Apples · 2. Bananas · 3. Beans · 4. Brown Rice · 5. Chicken · 6. Corn Tortillas · 7 Cheap pantry staples to always have on hand · Beans (dried or canned) · Rice · Pasta · Instant mashed potatoes · Tortilla · Dried fruit · Quick oats	Cheapest Produce · Apples · Bananas · Oranges · Broccoli · Spinach · Iceberg Lettuce · Carrots · Peppers 5 Cheap Groceries You Should Always Stock Up On · Rice and Beans · Potatoes · Jarred Items · Herb Purées · Tomato Paste Generally, some of the cheapest fruit and vegetables year-round tend to be bananas, apples, oranges, broccoli, cauliflower, carrots and sweet
Must like ltems frozen counterparts, canned Promotional product trials Low-cost grocery items packaged at Low-cost grocery items nutritional peak iteks many of those nutrients are retained through the canning Low-cost grocery items. This vrocery will still be a cheap grocery list compared to other foods. Another staple baking supply, baking powder is cheap and great for getting that rise in your homemade baked goods. Raisins Raisins are delicious dried grapes that offer energizing carbs, gut-friendly fiber, and calcium. Grocery prices have risen by	Not all cereal is cheap of course, but if you look for the store-brand you can always find some varieties that are very inexpensive. Oatmeal is a very inexpensive breakfast option and much cheaper than cereal. Stretch that whole chicken over multiple 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. It also is a cheap side dish and a great snack.	Rice, Beans, Frozen Veggis, Carrots, Spring Onions. Add ground meat if you need meat jav-way.site › 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	The cost of groceries has jumped more than 12% in the past year. Here's how to make a budget grocery list that will stretch your money 21 Cheap Foods to Buy if You're Broke or on a Budget · 1. Apples · 2. Bananas · 3. Beans · 4. Brown Rice · 5. Chicken · 6. Corn Tortillas · 7 Cheap grocery list for a month · loaves of bread · packages of tortillas · Peanut butter · Jelly · Bag of dried beans · Bag of rice · Canister of oats	Rice, Beans, Frozen Veggis, Carrots, Spring Onions. Add ground meat if you need meat jav-way.site › 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
Smoked sausage is a Low-cost grocery items meat to keep on hand Low-cist quick meals. Alternatively, there Affordable meat-free options Low-cost grocery items coupons that can be Lod-cost on relevant shopping apps. Canned itens is an inexpensive source of Affordable celiac-friendly meals protein to keep on hand. Oatmeal can be customized sweet or savory and makes a warm, comforting breakfast. A little bit goes a long way, so you can generally get more value by buying spices than other seasonings. Unlike some of these other affordable grocery stores, Food4Less offers at-home delivery, a pharmacy, and a wide variety of household essentials. Aside from the obvious burritos, tacos, quesadillas, oh my!	Even garlic powder can come in handy. 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. Frozen items last much longer than fresh and can be portioned out, which means less waste in the long run. Then dress them up with seasonings or honey as your whim suits you. Potatoes fit the bill perfectly for an item to buy when broke and looking for cheaper foods with several meal ideas. Leave a Comment Cancel reply Your email address will not be published. They are endlessly versatile and can be prepared simply or incorporated into larger dishes.	Rice, Beans, Frozen Veggis, Carrots, Spring Onions. Add ground meat if you need meat jav-way.site › 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	What are the cheapest foods to buy when broke? Canned and frozen foods, seasonal fresh produce, long-shelf items such as grains, and frugal Cheap grocery list for a month · loaves of bread · packages of tortillas · Peanut butter · Jelly · Bag of dried beans · Bag of rice · Canister of oats 1. Cheese: · Pizza Margherita | The Original Nachos | ; 5. Ground meat: · Korean Barbecue-Style Beef Meatballs | Keema Samosas | ; 9. Fruit: · Jordan	25 Cheap Foods To Buy When You're Broke · Pasta · Pork Shoulder · Lentils · Pancakes · Oatmeal · Cabbage · Eggs · Chickpeas 21 Cheap Foods to Buy if You're Broke or on a Budget · 1. Apples · 2. Bananas · 3. Beans · 4. Brown Rice · 5. Chicken · 6. Corn Tortillas · 7 Budget Grocery List for Pantry Items · 1. All-Purpose Flour · 2. Oats · 3. Rice · 4. Pasta · 5. Canned Tomatoes · 6. Chickpeas · 7. Extra Virgin

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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 jav-way.site › 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

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. Flour is a must-add to your budget grocery list. Baking at home is fun and can save you a lot of money compared to commercial or more expensive bakery items.

Keep these grocery items on hand:. sugar — Since baking your own is almost always cheaper than buying it pre-made, have some sugar on hand. baking soda — Likewise with the leavening.

salt — Salt is a necessary nutrient for life, but also a great seasoning for meat, veggies, and baked goods. baking powder — Baking powder is required for a number of baked goods, but remember you can make your own baking powder if need be.

Sugar is another one of those ingredients essential for baking, but it can also be used in plenty of ways.

A bag of sugar is typically very inexpensive and has a long shelf life, making it an excellent option for those on a tight budget. A loaf of bread provides dozens of servings and can be used for everything from sandwiches and croutons to bread pudding and French toast.

Tortillas are an excellent way to stretch your grocery budget. They can be served as a main entree with many types of meat, used as a wrap for sandwiches, or even made into chips. Oats are one of the cheapest food additions to any diet. They are also very versatile: you can enjoy oatmeal or porridge for breakfast, add them to baked goods like muffins or cookies, or even use them as a topping for savory dishes like chicken or fish.

If you want an inexpensive way to add variety to your cheap grocery list, consider picking up a few tea boxes in different flavors. From Earl Grey to chamomile, there is a tea flavor for everyone. Tea is not only a great way to relax at the end of the day, but it can also help you stay hydrated and save some money on expensive sodas and coffees.

When buying peanut butter, look for natural brands that contain only peanuts and salt as the main ingredients. Avoid brands that contain added sugar, oils, or other unhealthy additives.

Your taste buds—and your wallet—will thank you. They are an affordable way to enjoy out-of-season produce that can also be used to make great sweets. Canned tomatoes are one of the best-canned items to buy when broke.

They can be used to make homemade tomato soup, chili, pasta sauce, pizza sauce, and salsa. You can even blend canned tomatoes to make sauce rather than buying jarred sauces, saving you more money at many grocery stores.

Fruits and vegetables are the best cheap foods to buy, especially in season and from your local farms.

With a little bit of meal planning, you can save some money on your grocery budget without sacrificing nutrition or taste. When it comes to putting together a cheap grocery list, you want to add apples to it!

They are one of the most affordable and cheap groceries when in season. Fresh apples can be eaten as a fresh fruit snack or added to a fruit salad, while cooked apples make a delicious and budget-friendly dessert like apple crisp. When it comes to eating healthy foods on a tight budget, bananas are one of the best cheap foods to buy.

They are packed with nutrients, including potassium, vitamin C, and dietary fiber, and they have a relatively low calorie count. Oranges are one of the cheapest foods to buy for your grocery list, and you can eat them fresh, juice them, or even use them in recipes.

Broccoli is one of the best picks for fresh vegetables, and I love them with pasta dishes and just as a simple side when roasted in the oven.

Spinach is an excellent cheap food that is a source of vitamins and minerals, including iron and calcium. Here are some meal ideas for incorporating spinach:. Iceberg lettuce is one of the cheapest groceries that you can buy. Lettuce is a great way to get your daily dose of vegetables and is very versatile.

You can also use it to make wraps more healthy. Carrots are versatile root vegetables that can be used in various dishes and have a slightly sweet taste that goes with so many things. They are an excellent source of vitamin c for the kiddos too. Carrots are often used in a stir-fry with peppers, as it helps to retain their nutrients while also giving them a slightly crispy texture.

I like to cut them up small and roast them for an easy side dish. One of the most popular meal ideas for using peppers is stir fry, but you can add them to your pasta sauce or tacos or make stuffed peppers. You can get them in a pack of frozen vegetables to get a little bit of everything for a bunch of different meal ideas, or buy them fresh on their own.

Celery is also one of the most healthy cheap foods to buy — a great option for budget-minded shoppers. This crunchy, low-calorie vegetable contains nutrients like vitamin C, potassium, and fiber.

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

Some brands add sugar or other ingredients to their frozen fruit, so be sure to read the label before you buy.

A few items will always be super cheap, no matter when you buy them. Potatoes fit the bill perfectly for an item to buy when broke and looking for cheaper foods with several meal ideas. You can do many things with potatoes.

One meal idea is a baked potato with whatever you want on top of it, like cheese, broccoli, and chicken. When it comes to stocking your pantry on a budget, proteins are often one of the most expensive items on your grocery list. Eggs can be used in a variety of dishes or by themselves.

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

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

When grocery shopping for ground beef , look for marked-down products close to their expiration date. Pre-packaged breakfast bars are inexpensive and portable, and they provide protein and fiber to start the day off right. Related: 11 Pantry Items To Buy at Dollar Tree.

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. 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.