When you have a meal plan in mind, you're less likely to wander around aimlessly trying to figure out what to buy. And make sure you never shop hungry. Cutting coupons that you receive in your Sunday newspaper seems like a thing of the past, but thanks to apps like Ibotta and Rakuten , consumers can receive rebates or cash-back on their grocery purchases.

Both Ibotta and Rakuten offer rebates on grocery items purchased from national chains like Walmart and Target. You can receive rebates on items purchased in-store or online, so you can use it regardless of how you're grocery shopping.

Moncel and Chase both recommend the Flipp App , which allows customers to enter their location and find coupons and sales for grocery stores in their area. By using the right card when checking out at the supermarket, you can end up saving a lot of money on groceries.

There many credit cards that have higher rewards on groceries such as the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express. See rates and fees. Cash Back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit or at Amazon.

com checkout. See rates and fees , terms apply. If you're looking for a card with no annual fee , you might consider the Freedom Flex or the Freedom Unlimited, as both offer a grocery benefit for the first year of card membership. If you want a card with rotating categories, you should opt for the Freedom Flex, but if you want a card with a flat cash-back rate, the Freedom Unlimited offers 1.

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There are some offers mentioned below that are no longer available. For chicken, sub in white beans and extra vegetables If you're not interested in cutting down on your meat consumption but still want to save money, you can also find meat sales at your local grocery stores and build your meal plan around what's on sale that week, says Chase.

Learn More. On Ibotta's secure site. Cost Free. Activate cash-back offers and clip digital coupons to get cash back on purchases.

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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! Chicken thighs are another great source of protein and are usually one of the cheapest foods to buy- even cheaper than chicken breasts.

You can cook them almost the same as you would chicken breasts, including cutting the meat from the bone to add it to soups or casseroles. Bologna is one of the cheapest foods to buy.

You can put it in sandwiches, dice it up and add it to salads, or even fry it up as a main dish. Bologna is also made in different ways, so you can try various brands to suit your taste.

Check the nutrition label before you buy, as some varieties can be high in fat and sodium. Hot dogs are one of the cheapest foods to buy that your kids will love, and you can cook them quickly for nights on the go.

You can enjoy hot dogs plain or dress them up with your favorite toppings. Canned fish, like tuna or salmon, is a cheap but nutritious option for your grocery list.

Canned fish is better to buy when broke, and you can make cheap meals like tuna salad or casserole in a flash. Canned chicken is an excellent option for those looking for the cheapest groceries that are also healthy. This protein-rich food can be used in various ways, from chicken salad sandwiches to casseroles.

While the quality and taste of canned chicken can vary, some brands offer a good product at a reasonable price. Anyone who has ever gone grocery shopping knows that dairy products are not some of the cheapest groceries to buy. Milk is a staple in many households, but it can be expensive at many grocery stores.

There are a few ways to save on milk for the budget-conscious shopper. Another way to save some money is to buy milk in larger containers and plan to use it all rather than waste it.

A gallon of milk costs less per ounce than a half-gallon, so buying more saves you more. When it comes to a cheap grocery list, there are a few essential items that you can permanently save some money on by opting for the cheaper option—for example, butter or margarine.

Margarine is typically cheaper than butter, though butter does have a richer taste. Use butter for some dishes that need that buttery flavor, but use margarine on others that have a lot of other seasonings to provide flavor. Plain yogurt is relatively inexpensive, making it one of the cheapest foods and an excellent option for budget-conscious shoppers.

Plain yogurt can be used in place of sour cream or mayonnaise in recipes or enjoyed as a healthy snack by adding honey and canned fruit to it. You can buy it in bulk to save money and have it on hand for other cheap meals on your list.

What makes cottage cheese one of the best cheap foods to buy? It can be used in dishes like dips, salads, sauces, and baked goods, such as muffins and pancakes.

Try pairing cottage cheese with whole-grain bread or crackers or adding it to your favorite soup or chili recipe for a budget-friendly meal.

Sour cream is a versatile dairy product that can be used in various dishes. While it is often used as a topping for baked potatoes, it can also be used in soups, stews, and casseroles.

In addition, sour cream can be mixed with other cheap foods even frozen vegetables to make a dip or spread. You pay for convenience with shredded and sliced cheeses, and you can do the same stuff with block cheese for a lower cost!

With Capital One Shopping , you can save on your grocery list when you buy online. Simply install the extension and start grocery shopping as usual.

One helpful tool to help you save more money is Honey , a free app that you add to your browser. It helps you save money on your groceries by looking for price drops and coupons for your food orders.

Ibotta is another app to save money when you need to buy food. It offers cashback rewards on certain items, which can help you save money on your overall grocery bill. Ibotta also provides exclusive coupons and deals on popular items, so you can get the best prices on the items you need.

By signing up for Rakuten , you can instantly start receiving coupons and discounts on your groceries. Just like the other programs, Rakuten also offers a cashback program to earn money while you shop. Hopefully, my list of the cheapest food has given you some options for your next grocery trip.

By being mindful of your spending, you can further your budget and stock your pantry with some cheap foods. Take advantage of apps and websites that offer cash back, coupons, and discounts on cheap groceries to save even more money.

Hi, I'm Brittany Kline! A organization, productivity, and home systems expert.

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 As grocery prices increase, a budget grocery list is crucial for saving money. Here's my essential grocery list for shopping on a budget 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

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Discounted groceries for budget shoppers - From tomato paste to beans, here are the cheap grocery items chefs recommend always keeping on hand for delicious and affordable meals 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 As grocery prices increase, a budget grocery list is crucial for saving money. Here's my essential grocery list for shopping on a budget 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

By baking instead of buying pre-made products like cakes, cookies, breakfast pastries, and more you can save some cash. Baking powder and baking soda can be used in a variety of dishes and are necessities for home bakers. If you want to save cash on store-bought baked goods by baking your own, both of these ingredients should be in your pantry.

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

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

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

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

They can be eaten raw as a healthy snack or roasted, baked, and steamed. Plus, they make a colorful addition to soups and salads.

One of my favorite things to do with carrots is to make homemade carrot cake. Celery is a budget-friendly vegetable with a distinct and unique flavor that can be added to multiple recipes. To prolong the life of your celery, place it in a jar with a small amount of water. Lemons are great for adding an acidic kick to your dishes and can be used in both savory and sweet recipes.

They make great marinades and dressings as well, like my Lemon Vinaigrette. For example, powdered milk is a cheap alternative to fresh milk. Sweet cream butter is often the cheapest option, and since butter can be easily frozen until you need it, if you see a deal, stock up! If you really want smooth whipped butter, you can make your own!

My Honey Butter recipe is a perfect option for spreading on cornbread or biscuits. Instead of buying smaller containers of flavored yogurt, buy non-fat yogurt in larger containers and add cinnamon, honey, raisins, or other flavors yourself. Plus, yogurt can be used as an egg substitute in baking if the cost of eggs is too high.

Avoid the pre-sliced cheese bags and save some cash by grating your own cheese. Opt for harder cheese like Cheddar, Colby, Gouda, parmesan, and Swiss, which last several weeks in the refrigerator after being opened.

If you need some hearty meal ideas to stretch your budget, check out my Stovetop Mac and Cheese and my Cheese Grits recipe. Frozen items last much longer than fresh and can be portioned out, which means less waste in the long run. You can also save even more money by freezing your leftovers for another day.

Frozen mixed vegetables like peas, carrots, corn, and beans , provide a good selection of different nutrients and are one of the most affordable bags of frozen veggies.

Berries can be added to a number of items including desserts, overnight oats, or cereals. I use berries in breakfast recipes like my Croissant Breakfast Casserole , as well as in sweet treats like my Strawberry Cake recipe.

Ground beef can be used to make a variety of meals, including chili , burritos , spaghetti bolognese sauce , and casseroles. You can save money by buying larger packs in bulk look for sales , portioning, and freezing them.

Similar to ground beef, buying chicken breasts in bulk can be very cost-effective, and buying it frozen is often cheaper than fresh. In the U. Do your homework before you shop to find the stores that have the best deals and prices. Sign up to benefit from member-only discounts and special offers.

Buying in bulk is almost always cheaper than buying individual items. The savings might seem small, but it all adds up. Going along with buying in bulk, if you order a larger cut of meat like chuck roast for example , it can be cooked and then used in many different recipes like filling casseroles or hearty stews.

Generic grocery products were first introduced in the s during record levels of inflation and are still incredibly relevant today. Branded products are more expensive than generic or supermarket-owned brands. Often cheaper brands have the same ingredients as big brands but are half the price.

Supermarkets constantly run promotions to compete with other leading retailers, so take advantage of BOGO buy one get one sales and other discounts whenever you can. Get the most out of your supermarket shopping by clipping coupons.

Get a copy of the weekly newspaper in the mail and spend time finding deals that are relevant to you. Cut out and save the coupons for your next shop. Alternatively, there are digital coupons that can be found on relevant shopping apps.

You can check popular sites like Pillsbury. com, BettyCrocker. com, and Coupons. Not only will using your leftovers save you money, but it also helps to reduce food waste. 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. fresh citrus — Prices of citrus will vary throughout the year, but having a lime, lemon, or orange on hand can add acidic flavor to any number of dishes.

Watch prices and when you see them on sale, enjoy! fresh green chiles — Buy your chiles fresh instead of canned to add heat to your cooking while spending less money. Focus on in-season, on-sale vegetables whenever possible.

Green peppers are usually cheaper than red or yellow, but you may see sales on a regular basis. Watch for marked down produce as well. frozen vegetables — In lieu of fresh, on sale veg, stock up on frozen vegetables. They are generally just as nutritious as fresh and the prep work is already done for you!

applesauce cups — Apples have become rather pricey of late, and while homemade applesauce is the better item, it can be expensive. canned pumpkin — Available all year round, canned pumpkin can be used in sweet and savory. potted herbs — Fresh herbs can elevate a dish like nothing else.

Growing your own herbs is a great way to do it! Cooking at home is often the best thing you can do to save money on food. Having a pantry stocked with basic staples will make it easier for you to cook at home.

If you just need a few teaspoons, head to a natural foods store and buy just what you need from their bulk jars. neutral cooking oil — While olive oil adds great flavor to sautes and salads, it does bring some flavor with it. vinegar — Vinegar brings much needed acid to sauces, dressings, and marinades.

ketchup — Keep to the standards when it comes to condiments, like ketchup. You can make spicy ketchup yourself. And as a former ketchup snob, I can verify that generic tastes just fine!

mustard — The same goes for mustard. Choose regular and maybe Dijon. Then dress them up with seasonings or honey as your whim suits you. Prioritize which is important to you, buy them whole, and then slice, spear, or chop them yourself.

Skip the flavored varieties and make your own Homemade Chipotle Mayo or Herbed Mayonnaise. soy sauce — Soy sauce is another budget food condiment that brings a lot of flavor to the table. It can be used to doctor up a number of sauces and dressings, eliminating the need to buy the pricier commercial bottles.

honey — Honey is a tasty sweetener for drinks as well as baked goods and morning oatmeal. Be sure to buy it in a size you will easily use to avoid its crystallizing too much before you can use it. The dairy department can hold some great deals. Be sure to watch the sales and stock up with you see a good price on your favorite brands.

butter — Butter knows how to bring the flavor to baked goods, especially Chocolate Butterhorn Pastry. Avoid paying full price which can get really high.

Discounted groceries for budget shoppers - From tomato paste to beans, here are the cheap grocery items chefs recommend always keeping on hand for delicious and affordable meals 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 As grocery prices increase, a budget grocery list is crucial for saving money. Here's my essential grocery list for shopping on a budget 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

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.

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. 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.

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.

fresh citrus — Prices of citrus will vary throughout the year, but having a lime, lemon, or orange on hand can add acidic flavor to any number of dishes.