Take full advantage of an abundance of produce by swapping in-season ingredients for those close in flavour and texture in recipes. Swiss chard can be substituted for spinach, for example. Minced green onions can take the place of chives, and most berries are interchangeable as the summer progresses.

Find more food-swap ideas in our handy guide to substituting produce. Tip: Display washed and ready-to-eat fruit in a bowl, and place it in a high-traffic zone.

Your family will reach for these seasonal gems instead of packaged snacks. Ground beef, pork, chicken and turkey A package of ground meat is a meal-planning superstar and a home-economics essential pick.

Brown some ground meat for DIY family tacos, or drop homemade meatballs into a simmering tomato sauce. Shape it into patties for grilled hamburgers, or spice up ground meat for Middle East—inspired kofta kebabs. Tip: Leftover ground turkey, chicken or pork mixed with sage, salt, pepper and brown sugar makes delicious sausage-style breakfast patties.

You only need a small bottle of luscious extra-virgin olive oil because a little goes a long way. Drizzle it over salads, pastas or pizzas right before serving, or pour a little in a saucer as a dip for crusty bread.

Tip: To keep your extra-virgin olive oil at its peak, store the bottle in a cool, dark place away from the stove. Real vanilla extract Real vanilla extract is worth the splurge for its intense aroma and flavour. In addition to using it in cakes and cupcakes, you can mix real vanilla extract into French toast batter, add a drop to brewed coffee for a vanilla-infused morning cup of joe, or pour a capful into a pot of porridge sweetened with maple syrup.

When used just a little at a time, even a small bottle can last for months. Tip: Add a drop or more, to taste to plain yogourt, stir well and top with fresh fruit for a quick dessert.

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. dry active yeast — Store bread is pricy, unless you buy it on clearance. Baking your own bread is the way to go! Start with something easy like Everything Hamburger Buns and work yourself up to a sandwich loaf, like Sourdough Rye Bread.

Shopping in the snack aisle can jack your bill up tremendously. Avoid impulse purchases and make your own snacks and treats at home. popcorn — Popcorn is a great snack that costs just a few pennies per serving! You can even make your own microwave popcorn. This caramel corn recipe is currently on repeat at my house.

Raisins and dried cranberries are generally affordable and a little goes a long way. saltine crackers — Many crackers can be incredibly expensive, but soda crackers are long lasting and generally the cheapest on the shelf. Fresh fruit and veggies are an important component to a healthy diet.

You can often find good deals on fresh produce if you buy items that are in season. Remember canned or frozen fruit and veggies are a great option as well. canned crushed tomatoes — Crushed tomatoes are a key component in Marinara Sauce. Why buy canned pasta sauce when you can make your own in minutes.

canned tomato paste — Likewise, tomato paste is an important ingredient to pizza sauce which is so much more affordable to make at home. canned tomato sauce — Having canned tomato sauce on hand makes for easy soups, stews, casseroles, and pasta dishes.

cabbage — Cabbage is one of the longer lasting vegetables. Whether you buy it shredded or whole, make sure cabbage is on your budget grocery list.

bananas — A nutrient-dense food, bananas are great for snacking, for homemade baby food, for baking, and for smoothies. carrots — Another long lasting vegetable that is generally affordable, carrots are a staple to keep on hand for snacks, roasting, baking, and soup-making. They generally last long and can be used in so many dishes.

celery — One of the main components in stir-fries, veggie platters, and mirepoix, celery is typically a good cheap eat that will last you awhile in the fridge.

onions — Onions are a building block of almost any savory recipe. Buy them in bulk, and load up when you see a sale. garlic — Garlic packs a lot of flavor for a small price. It comes in a number of forms.

Compare prices to see what works best for you. Even garlic powder can come in handy. Merissa has been blogging about and living the simple life since and has internationally published 2 books on the topic.

You can send her a message any time from the Contact Page. This article with the Cheap Grocery List was originally posted on Little House Living in January Support Little House Living by Sharing This.

Your email address will not be published. You did so much work for these lists — thanks! Something to try is finding out if there is a community-sponsored or other small scale farm near you, and asking if you can exchange volunteer work for produce. There is one in our region and it has a store.

In addition to selling, they also provide groceries to those with reduced incomes, even for some who cannot afford groceries. Because of their kindness and community awareness, grocery stores and markets in the area will often send their overstock.

The volunteer work includes packing orders, sorting, helping in the store, and tidying up. When the various items are on sale, is when I stock up!!

Then, over the next few months, I can meal plan. It feels good to always feed my family at the lowest possible food cost, per pound!

Skip to content This post may contain affiliate links. Table of Contents Toggle. Previous Previous. Next Continue. Leave a Reply Cancel reply Your email address will not be published. Start Here Toggle child menu Expand.

Aldi is probably your best bet for inexpensive food. They have gluten free and organic choices if that's something you need. There is a Some categories that I found to be cheap in some grocery stores were: Fresh fruits and vegetables, grocery staples, and packaged foods and Missing

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Budget-friendly grocery deals - The Ultimate Cheap Grocery List to Save You Money · Meat and meat alternatives · Seafood · Dairy, dairy alternatives and eggs · Pantry staples Aldi is probably your best bet for inexpensive food. They have gluten free and organic choices if that's something you need. There is a Some categories that I found to be cheap in some grocery stores were: Fresh fruits and vegetables, grocery staples, and packaged foods and Missing

Something to try is finding out if there is a community-sponsored or other small scale farm near you, and asking if you can exchange volunteer work for produce.

There is one in our region and it has a store. In addition to selling, they also provide groceries to those with reduced incomes, even for some who cannot afford groceries. Because of their kindness and community awareness, grocery stores and markets in the area will often send their overstock.

The volunteer work includes packing orders, sorting, helping in the store, and tidying up. When the various items are on sale, is when I stock up!!

Then, over the next few months, I can meal plan. It feels good to always feed my family at the lowest possible food cost, per pound! Skip to content This post may contain affiliate links.

Table of Contents Toggle. Previous Previous. Next Continue. Leave a Reply Cancel reply Your email address will not be published. Start Here Toggle child menu Expand. DIY Toggle child menu Expand. About Toggle child menu Expand. Toggle Menu Close. Search for: Search. FREE Frugal Quick Start Guide!

Diving into frugal and simplistic living? 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. Check Out: 8 Best New Items at Five Below in January. 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.

Related: 11 Pantry Items To Buy at Dollar Tree. You can add vegetables or meat for a more hearty, well-balanced meal. And with so many different flavor packets available, this pretty cheap food can be a great way to add variety to your diet on a budget.

Flour is one of the most versatile ingredients you can buy when broke. Add it to your cheapest groceries list to help you stretch your budget further.

Four is perfect for making your own bread, pizza dough, pastries, etc. 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.