Staple pantry items such as eggs, bread, and butter have been hit the hardest. Food costs can easily get out of control if left unchecked, but there are some simple money-saving techniques and budgeting habits that can help stretch your money and get more for less. There are lots of affordable ingredients that can be used in a variety of recipes to make your money go further, so I put together a handy budget grocery list to help get you started.

Before you go to the store, check through your cupboards to see what you actually need — and stick to your list!

Here are 30 essential budget groceries to help you save money in the kitchen. You can download a free PDF of the ultimate budget grocery list HERE! When grocery shopping on a budget, aim to focus on some key pantry items that can be used for multiple recipes and can remain on your shelves until you need them.

This creates a foundation for you to build upon with other ingredients. All-purpose flour is a go-to type of flour that can be used in multiple recipes and can even be used as bread flour in a pinch. Meals that are made using flour tend to be hearty and wholesome, which will leave you feeling satisfied and full.

For filling snacks and breakfast items, oats are cheap and easy to make. Rice is a must for a budget grocery list. If you need some recipe ideas, check out my Chicken and Rice Casserole , or my Dump and Bake Italian Meatball and Rice Casserole recipe.

Pasta is another filling food that can be used in a variety of different ways. They can be easily added to stews, chili, and soup, or you can use them for pizza and pasta sauce, lasagna, and DIY salsa. I regularly use canned tomatoes to make my Dump-and-Bake Salsa Chicken recipe.

Canned chickpeas can be used straight away, whereas dried chickpeas need to be prepared by soaking them overnight so they can expand and soften. Extra virgin olive oil is the least processed type, meaning it retains its vitamins and antioxidants, making it a healthier oil overall.

It can be used for all types of cooking as well as drizzling, dipping, seasoning, and marinating, and is great for DIY salad dressings as an alternative to pricey bottled dressings.

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

Buying salt in bulk will save you money, and you can also use it around the house for getting stains out of coffee cups and pots, sanitizing cutting boards, and for restoring worn sponges just soak them in salt and water overnight. Adding pepper to your recipes can transform the taste.

Another addition to your budget grocery list is apple cider vinegar, which can be used in numerous recipes and can be used for cleaning up afterward.

I use it in many of my recipes including my Roasted Chicken Breast with Molasses and Apples and my Cowboy Baked Beans. Or, combine it with olive oil for an easy salad dressing or marinade. Chicken stock is a versatile and cheap pantry item that can be used to create sauces, gravy, chicken stew, and soups.

To save some cash, consider baking your own bread! My dinner rolls and easy homemade bread are two great beginner bread recipes to get you started. Sugar is another must-have for your budget grocery list.

Not to mention, between , the cost of bakery products and cereal saw the highest increase among individual grocery items a By baking instead of buying pre-made products like cakes, cookies, breakfast pastries, and more you can save some cash. Baking powder and baking soda can be used in a variety of dishes and are necessities for home bakers.

If you want to save cash on store-bought baked goods by baking your own, both of these ingredients should be in your pantry.

When considering which budget-friendly groceries to buy, stick to produce that can be used in multiple ways. For example, onion and garlic are used for pasta dishes, stews, casseroles, and more, while potatoes can be a great breakfast item like hash browns, or a chilled lunch side like potato salad.

Whenever possible, buy in bulk to reduce costs even further. You can also prep and freeze certain produce to use later. Onions are a must-have as almost every savory recipe calls for them. This is one produce item that you can buy in bulk to reduce the cost without worrying about them expiring in a couple of days.

If you store them correctly in a cool, dark, and dry place, onions should last for months. Much like onions, garlic is a staple item in most kitchens. Potatoes are an incredibly versatile and economical food with a fairly long shelf life about two months if stored in the refrigerator.

They can be mashed, baked, roasted, fried, and steamed and are great for filling up hungry bellies. Cabbage is a cheap, long-lasting vegetable that can be used in different ways. You can add it to recipes such as hearty stews and soup or create a tasty side dish.

For an easy cabbage recipe that you can make in bulk and stash away in the freezer, try my Crockpot Cabbage Soup recipe. They can be eaten raw as a healthy snack or roasted, baked, and steamed.

Plus, they make a colorful addition to soups and salads. One of my favorite things to do with carrots is to make homemade carrot cake.

Celery is a budget-friendly vegetable with a distinct and unique flavor that can be added to multiple recipes. To prolong the life of your celery, place it in a jar with a small amount of water.

Lemons are great for adding an acidic kick to your dishes and can be used in both savory and sweet recipes. They make great marinades and dressings as well, like my Lemon Vinaigrette. For example, powdered milk is a cheap alternative to fresh milk. Sweet cream butter is often the cheapest option, and since butter can be easily frozen until you need it, if you see a deal, stock up!

If you really want smooth whipped butter, you can make your own! Some locations have a "Market's Kitchen" serving up salads, sub sandwiches, pizza, burgers, chicken wings, fried chicken and more. Food4Less operates about 50 no-frills grocery stores in Southern California, Illinois, Indiana, and Nevada.

A division of grocery giant Kroger, the company offers deeply discounted groceries, fresh produce, bakery and dairy items, ethnic foods, and meat. Select locations also include gas stations, photo processing, pharmacies, and wellness services.

According to research by Eat This, Not That , Food4Less is the most popular chain of grocery stores within California. Get coupons, view specials and find locations at www.

Lidl has an excellent fresh produce selection as well as a very impressive fresh bakery where you'll find ciabattas, focaccias, and rustic loaves made on site that can be sliced to order along with muffins, croissants artisan breads, oversized cookies, yeast doughnuts, and more.

Since Lidl is an international grocery store, they bring in lots of products from other countries: pasta from Italy, chocolate from Germany and cured meats from Spain.

They also carry familiar brands like Jif and Coca-Cola, but availability will vary and name brand product availability won't be consistent. Lidl also has an award-winning wine department that has won more than industry awards. Most of the stores offer about 80 wines at any given time.

When shopping at Lidl be sure to bring your own bags, otherwise you'll have to pay for them or go without. Save-A-Lot keeps their prices low by selling only the most purchased items and selling their own brands. In the words of Save-A-Lot communications manager Dan Kimack: "We carry one size and one variety of each item.

If it's a can of whole-kernel corn, it's going to be one size and one variety — and it's going to be the most popular size and variety. Price Rite Marketplace is a chain of supermarkets found in Connecticut, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, and Rhode Island.

Owned by the same corporation that owns Shop Rite stores, Price Rite is a limited-assortment, deep-discount supermarket meant to compete with no-frills grocery stores such as Aldi, Lidl, and Save-a-Lot.

The older Price Rite stores don't have the service departments found in most conventional modern supermarkets, such as Deli, Bakery, Meat, and Seafood — these departments are replaced by pre-packaged offerings prepared at centralized facilities which reduces costs.

Walmart is the largest food retailer in the US, with over 3, supercenters across the country. You'll find the best deals on items sold under its Great Value brand, name brand cereals and snacks, frozen produce, paper goods, pantry staples, toiletries, laundry detergents and cleaning supplies.

According to Consumer Reports, Walmart consistently ranks toward the bottom of their listing of supermarket chains in terms of the quality of fresh foods and vegetables, meats, store-prepared foods and baked goods. Marc's Stores is a discount drugstore and grocery chain with stores in northern and central Ohio.

Marc's targets the value conscious family shopper. Marc's closeouts is one of the store's most popular departments and features the best buys that Marc's buyers can find worldwide.

The chain has over 60 stores in the Cleveland, Akron, Canton, Youngstown, Columbus, and Dayton areas. SAVE MONEY. SAVE FOOD. SAVE EARTH. US Map Page Find a Salvage Grocery Store Near You. SAVE MONEY SAVE FOOD.

The Best Groceries to Buy When You're Broke · 1. Apples · 2. Bananas · 3. Whatever fresh fruit is on sale · 4. Frozen Vegetables · 5. Carrots · 6 A budget grocery list offers flexibility. I first created a cheap grocery list after we purchased our first home and money was tight Here's How I Stretch A $ Weekly Grocery Budget To Feed 5 People And Cover Nearly Every Meal. Chicken, berries, and milk were on sale this

As far as beef goes, ground will be your most budget friendly option. To get the best price, wait for it to go on sale and stock up on the sale This cheap and healthy grocery list includes tips and recommendations on ways to make smart purchases on nutritious foods without breaking Here's How I Stretch A $ Weekly Grocery Budget To Feed 5 People And Cover Nearly Every Meal. Chicken, berries, and milk were on sale this: Wallet-friendly grocery specials

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Since grcery Wallet-friendly grocery specials to bag your own groceries and take your gfocery cart back to Product trial promotions store, you don't have to pay for those services through the price Walleg-friendly your groceries. Email Required Name Required Website. There, Frozen treats on sale find consistently low Wallet-friendlyy to help you cut your grocery budget for good. My husband and I are seniors on a fixed income and have made lots of adjustments to our grocery shopping in the last few years. Latest Find calm and cocktails at the new American Express Lounge at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta Airport Jason Stauffer Here are the 5 best online business bank accounts Jasmin Suknanan Why your mortgage application might be denied Kelsey Neubauer. Freedom Debt Relief. I will also let them pick what they want for their lunch, snacks, and fruit and veggies for the week!	Want to get better at meal planning regularly? Find ways to make your food do double duty: Buy versatile food that you can use for multiple purposes. A well-stocked pantry should always include some basic baking goods like:. Here are 30 essential budget groceries to help you save money in the kitchen. You can get a large container for cheap and it feeds a lot of mouths.	The Best Groceries to Buy When You're Broke · 1. Apples · 2. Bananas · 3. Whatever fresh fruit is on sale · 4. Frozen Vegetables · 5. Carrots · 6 A budget grocery list offers flexibility. I first created a cheap grocery list after we purchased our first home and money was tight Here's How I Stretch A $ Weekly Grocery Budget To Feed 5 People And Cover Nearly Every Meal. Chicken, berries, and milk were on sale this	"WinCo is a cheap grocery store. They buy produce Value for money: 78% of survey respondents said Grocery Outlet offers value for your money If you're on a budget, it's also a good idea to stock up on canned or frozen veggies when your grocery store runs a good sale. While the price Want fast grocery delivery without busting your budget? Here's where you can get the cheapest eggs, meat, milk and bread online	The Best Groceries to Buy When You're Broke · 1. Apples · 2. Bananas · 3. Whatever fresh fruit is on sale · 4. Frozen Vegetables · 5. Carrots · 6 A budget grocery list offers flexibility. I first created a cheap grocery list after we purchased our first home and money was tight Here's How I Stretch A $ Weekly Grocery Budget To Feed 5 People And Cover Nearly Every Meal. Chicken, berries, and milk were on sale this
Same with Frozen treats on sale drinks specialls Starbies. canned chick peas — You can spevials Wallet-friendly grocery specials beans in salads groceyr soup, Frozen treats on sale Wallet-riendly can also make your own Homemade Garlic Free vehicle emergency kits Hummus. Another staple baking supply, baking powder is cheap and great for getting that rise in your homemade baked goods. And even though I personally tend to eat like a 5-year-old, you healthy eaters will be happy to know Walmart now has organic, keto and gluten-free items. Fresh broccoli is fairly inexpensive, but frozen broccoli is even cheaper.	Recipe Creativity: A Handy Guide to Ingredient Substitutions Our handy guide is your road map for making ingredient substitutions work. Food4Less operates about 50 no-frills grocery stores in Southern California, Illinois, Indiana, and Nevada. See rates and fees. Full of flavours and textures that range from salty, crumbly and pungent to sweet, creamy and mild, cheese is an indulgence that satisfies with even the smallest amount. Cooking a whole chicken and deboning it is a bit of extra work but it will save you money on your groceries! I often see sales for green peppers, asparagus, and more.	The Best Groceries to Buy When You're Broke · 1. Apples · 2. Bananas · 3. Whatever fresh fruit is on sale · 4. Frozen Vegetables · 5. Carrots · 6 A budget grocery list offers flexibility. I first created a cheap grocery list after we purchased our first home and money was tight Here's How I Stretch A $ Weekly Grocery Budget To Feed 5 People And Cover Nearly Every Meal. Chicken, berries, and milk were on sale this	Early birds catch the best bargains at Daily Deals! Don't miss out on our wallet-friendly grocery deals – dive in now and fill your cart with Add a line on your shopping list for seasonal produce so you can take advantage of store specials and the month's fresh offerings: asparagus in spring Beyond the adorably kitschy decor and friendly staff, it's also one of the best grocery stores to visit when you're on a budget. Even amidst	Want fast grocery delivery without busting your budget? Here's where you can get the cheapest eggs, meat, milk and bread online Take advantage of weekly specials and sales. Browse your grocery budget-friendly foods in the center aisles," White says. Consider canned So here are her tips below · Meal plan · Shop weekly ads & store discounts · Buy in bulk and less convenience foods · Buy in-season · Make use of
Enter your email Boom bap sample packs and get it sent Wallef-friendly to sepcials inbox. I still thought this was Frozen treats on sale delicious, cold breakfast — but I Wallet-friendly grocery specials enjoyed it more while it was warm! In those instances, I prorated the amount and price to ensure it was an even cost comparison. Compare prices to see what works best for you. Information about Rakuten has been collected independently by Select and has not been reviewed or provided by the company prior to publication.	Cabbage is a cheap, long-lasting vegetable that can be used in different ways. Celery is a budget-friendly vegetable with a distinct and unique flavor that can be added to multiple recipes. There are so many reasons why you might need a cheap grocery list. But it will get you out the door with a few bags of groceries for considerably less than you would pay at most grocery stores. Cutting down on your meat consumption can be as simple as implementing a few meatless days a week or using less meat in your recipes. and if you live in an urban or suburban area, chances are you've got a Trader Joe's somewhere near you. Taylor Swift Took Her Parents Clubbing.	The Best Groceries to Buy When You're Broke · 1. Apples · 2. Bananas · 3. Whatever fresh fruit is on sale · 4. Frozen Vegetables · 5. Carrots · 6 A budget grocery list offers flexibility. I first created a cheap grocery list after we purchased our first home and money was tight Here's How I Stretch A $ Weekly Grocery Budget To Feed 5 People And Cover Nearly Every Meal. Chicken, berries, and milk were on sale this	Fresh produce hits the shelves and weekly specials are posted, meaning you get the best of both worlds—fresh food and money in your wallet. The Want fast grocery delivery without busting your budget? Here's where you can get the cheapest eggs, meat, milk and bread online Consider local farmers' markets for deals that support both your wallet and the community. Store Brands and Generics. Don't overlook store	View specials and find locations at jav-way.site save-a-lot cheap grocery store. Save-A-Lot. Save-A-Lot keeps their prices low by selling only the most If you're looking to cut down on your supermarket spending (who isn't?), these popular chains offer the best bang for your buck Add a line on your shopping list for seasonal produce so you can take advantage of store specials and the month's fresh offerings: asparagus in spring

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The chain cuts down on costs by keeping its stores relatively simple — you'll notice the bare-bones design that's more about utility and function than it is about style and ambiance.

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

Of course, we can't forget about the membership costs — you have to have a Costco card to shop at the retailer. But the savings you'll accumulate throughout the calendar year should more than make up for that cost. If you're lucky enough to live in the Northeast, you may just have a Market Basket near you.

The regional grocery chain is a fan favorite for those who love to save money on their grocery bill because of its surprisingly low prices. One of the main ways the company keeps its prices so low is by making sure it stays debt-free. While this may seem like a logical move, it's one that most companies — including most grocery chains — don't stand by.

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

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

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

When you're shopping this way, you may be spending more upfront, but generally, you're going to save money in the long run as long as you use what you buy. Of course, the membership cost of shopping at Sam's Club helps the company offer lower prices.

Although Sam's Club offers its membership prices for less than Costco does, you'll generally find lower prices on goods at Costco. But that doesn't mean you can't get a good deal at Sam's Club too. Particularly if you're a frequent shopper, you can save significantly on your annual grocery spending by shopping at Sam's Club.

In fact, you can even save more than you would by shopping at Walmart, which is the parent company of Sam's Club. If you're looking for a Costco alternative, Sam's Club is a solid way to go. WinCo is another celebrated low-cost grocery store with locations that can be found in the West and Midwest, with prices that are sometimes below what even Costco can offer.

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

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

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

This chain has a cult following amongst citizens of the Lone Star State, and it's no wonder why. In addition to providing its customers with a wide array of top-notch products, the store also boasts relatively low prices compared to many other chains. When it comes to produce, H-E-B can offer much lower costs than many stores because it prioritizes working with local producers.

Since it's generally not shipping in produce from around the world, its transportation costs are significantly lower than those of many other grocery stores. This in turn lowers the cost of fruits and vegetables for customers, who keep coming back because of the solid prices.

This high rate of turnover makes the company money while helping its customers cut their grocery costs. The only downside is the fact that you won't find H-E-B in the other 49 states, though there are over 60 locations in Mexico. However, if you're in Texas and you haven't yet checked out the popular chain, you need to shop there ASAP — it may just change your budget grocery game for the long haul.

You're not going to find Food4Less everywhere — the company, which is owned by grocery magnate Kroger, only operates in three states Indiana, Illinois, and California. But if you do happen to live near one of the chain's locations, you can benefit from the lower-than-average prices you'll find there.

You'll want to take a look at the store's weekly ads because that's where you'll often find the very best deals. Like a lot of discount stores, you'll have to bag your own groceries, but we think it's worth it for the lower cost.

A lot of the time, these cheaper stores don't offer pharmacies or household items like cleaning products, but you'll find these amenities and more at Food4Less, which makes it a great option for people who want to get all of their shopping done at one spot.

Is Food4Less the most luxurious place you've ever shopped for groceries? But it will get you out the door with a few bags of groceries for considerably less than you would pay at most grocery stores.

Grocery Outlet is one of those stores that you have to shop at at least once if you love finding fantastic deals on groceries. There, you'll find consistently low prices to help you cut your grocery budget for good. As the name suggests, this chain is an outlet.

Basically, when a producer makes too much of a product that it can't otherwise sell, it contacts Grocery Outlet, which then buys the product for a reduced price. That's how the store passes those savings on to you — it pays less for its products so you can too.

Unlike some budget grocery chains, you'll find different products at every Grocery Outlet you go to, depending on what that particular store has access to. Concerned you won't be able to find what you need at Grocery Outlet?

Don't worry — the store also stocks fresh produce and most other supermarket staples so you'll always be able to find the essentials like eggs and milk. You're not going to find many grocery stores that offer prices lower than 99 Cents Only Stores. When the company was started, everything was offered for only 99 cents.

Of course, times have changed, and now, the name of the store is a slight misnomer — sometimes, you'll pay more than 99 cents for a product there and sometimes, you'll also pay less.

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. At a dollar or less a box in my area pasta is a great way to add something filling to your meal without spending a lot of money. I always like to have a few jars of pasta sauce in my pantry.

Peanut butter is an absolute staple in our home. Again, buy the store-brand or use coupons for the more expensive stuff. Canned tomatoes are definitely an important pantry staple. I use them the most often for recipes like Taco Soup. Nothing like a bowl of cereal when you need a quick meal, am I right?

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

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

And a hanging spice rack like this is great for storing them! Now what? You may also be interested in: How to Meal Plan on a Tight Budget.

Note: Grocery prices are constantly changing, so some of the prices in the articles below have already changed. However, all of these meal plans are very frugal, even with rising prices. Want to get better at meal planning regularly?

Check out my Meal Planner and Recipe Binder. What are some of your favorite cheap foods to buy on a budget? Any favorite recipes? Please share in the comments! Looking for more ways to save at the grocery store? Check out this post for 15 ways to save money on groceries!

Apples Apples are one of the cheaper fruit options and are one of the staple favorite foods in our home. Bananas Bananas are another inexpensive fruit option. Frozen Vegetables Frozen green beans, peas, etc.

Carrots Carrots are a staple around here. Healthy and cheap, they make the perfect snack! Lettuce Buy it uncut and unwashed if you want to save money!

Thankfully they are very economical. Potatoes I generally find that a big bag of Russet potatoes is the cheapest option. Whatever fresh vegetables are on sale Check the ad for your local store to see what fresh produce is on sale!

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

Chicken Thighs Chicken thighs or chicken drumsticks are usually pretty inexpensive and are very flavorful.

Canned Tuna Who else grew up eating tuna fish sandwiches? Smoked Sausage Smoked sausage is a great meat to keep on hand for quick meals. Eggs Eggs can be a great cheap source of protein. Lentils Again, another great, cheap protein option!

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

Tortillas Store-brand tortillas are typically pretty inexpensive and you can use them for all sorts of meals. Pasta At a dollar or less a box in my area pasta is a great way to add something filling to your meal without spending a lot of money.

Wallet-friendly grocery specials - Fresh produce hits the shelves and weekly specials are posted, meaning you get the best of both worlds—fresh food and money in your wallet. The The Best Groceries to Buy When You're Broke · 1. Apples · 2. Bananas · 3. Whatever fresh fruit is on sale · 4. Frozen Vegetables · 5. Carrots · 6 A budget grocery list offers flexibility. I first created a cheap grocery list after we purchased our first home and money was tight Here's How I Stretch A $ Weekly Grocery Budget To Feed 5 People And Cover Nearly Every Meal. Chicken, berries, and milk were on sale this

Canned chickpeas can be used straight away, whereas dried chickpeas need to be prepared by soaking them overnight so they can expand and soften. Extra virgin olive oil is the least processed type, meaning it retains its vitamins and antioxidants, making it a healthier oil overall.

It can be used for all types of cooking as well as drizzling, dipping, seasoning, and marinating, and is great for DIY salad dressings as an alternative to pricey bottled dressings. Lentils are great for stews, soups, curries, and salads.

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

Buying salt in bulk will save you money, and you can also use it around the house for getting stains out of coffee cups and pots, sanitizing cutting boards, and for restoring worn sponges just soak them in salt and water overnight.

Adding pepper to your recipes can transform the taste. Another addition to your budget grocery list is apple cider vinegar, which can be used in numerous recipes and can be used for cleaning up afterward. I use it in many of my recipes including my Roasted Chicken Breast with Molasses and Apples and my Cowboy Baked Beans.

Or, combine it with olive oil for an easy salad dressing or marinade. Chicken stock is a versatile and cheap pantry item that can be used to create sauces, gravy, chicken stew, and soups. To save some cash, consider baking your own bread! My dinner rolls and easy homemade bread are two great beginner bread recipes to get you started.

Sugar is another must-have for your budget grocery list. Not to mention, between , the cost of bakery products and cereal saw the highest increase among individual grocery items a By baking instead of buying pre-made products like cakes, cookies, breakfast pastries, and more you can save some cash.

Baking powder and baking soda can be used in a variety of dishes and are necessities for home bakers. If you want to save cash on store-bought baked goods by baking your own, both of these ingredients should be in your pantry.

When considering which budget-friendly groceries to buy, stick to produce that can be used in multiple ways. For example, onion and garlic are used for pasta dishes, stews, casseroles, and more, while potatoes can be a great breakfast item like hash browns, or a chilled lunch side like potato salad.

Whenever possible, buy in bulk to reduce costs even further. You can also prep and freeze certain produce to use later. Onions are a must-have as almost every savory recipe calls for them.

This is one produce item that you can buy in bulk to reduce the cost without worrying about them expiring in a couple of days. If you store them correctly in a cool, dark, and dry place, onions should last for months. Much like onions, garlic is a staple item in most kitchens. Potatoes are an incredibly versatile and economical food with a fairly long shelf life about two months if stored in the refrigerator.

They can be mashed, baked, roasted, fried, and steamed and are great for filling up hungry bellies. Cabbage is a cheap, long-lasting vegetable that can be used in different ways. You can add it to recipes such as hearty stews and soup or create a tasty side dish. For an easy cabbage recipe that you can make in bulk and stash away in the freezer, try my Crockpot Cabbage Soup recipe.

They can be eaten raw as a healthy snack or roasted, baked, and steamed. Plus, they make a colorful addition to soups and salads. One of my favorite things to do with carrots is to make homemade carrot cake. Celery is a budget-friendly vegetable with a distinct and unique flavor that can be added to multiple recipes.

To prolong the life of your celery, place it in a jar with a small amount of water. Lemons are great for adding an acidic kick to your dishes and can be used in both savory and sweet recipes. They make great marinades and dressings as well, like my Lemon Vinaigrette.

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. Consider cutting costs even further by implementing Meatless Monday or meatless dinners a few nights a week.

Swap out meat for healthy plant-based meat alternatives such as tofu, tempeh, beans and legumes, as your protein source. The cost of fresh seafood may also vary seasonally. According to the Seafood Nutrition Partnership , fresh Alaskan salmon is less expensive during the summer when the fish are more abundant.

Other popular choices that may be worth buying seasonally include Albacore tuna in season July-October and halibut in season March-November. Other ways to save money on seafood:.

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

However, all of these meal plans are very frugal, even with rising prices. Want to get better at meal planning regularly? Check out my Meal Planner and Recipe Binder. What are some of your favorite cheap foods to buy on a budget? Any favorite recipes? Please share in the comments! Looking for more ways to save at the grocery store?

Check out this post for 15 ways to save money on groceries! Apples Apples are one of the cheaper fruit options and are one of the staple favorite foods in our home.

Bananas Bananas are another inexpensive fruit option. Frozen Vegetables Frozen green beans, peas, etc. Carrots Carrots are a staple around here. Healthy and cheap, they make the perfect snack! Lettuce Buy it uncut and unwashed if you want to save money! Thankfully they are very economical. Potatoes I generally find that a big bag of Russet potatoes is the cheapest option.

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

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

Smoked Sausage Smoked sausage is a great meat to keep on hand for quick meals. Eggs Eggs can be a great cheap source of protein. Lentils Again, another great, cheap protein option! Brown Rice Brown rice is a great alternative to white rice with a lot of health benefits and is still a great cheap food.

Bread While the very cheapest bread is not going to have the most nutritional value, watch for markdowns on nicer loaves made with whole grains. Tortillas Store-brand tortillas are typically pretty inexpensive and you can use them for all sorts of meals.

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

Canned Tomatoes Canned tomatoes are definitely an important pantry staple.

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