I’ve done the research for you and put together a list of 40 affordable food items that will help you save money on your grocery bill. Check out these simple food staples and start planning your meals for the week ahead.
40 Cheapest Food Items That’ll Save Your Grocery Budget
I work hard to save money on on grocery bill, but I know many people think buying cheap means being processed and “bad” foods.
Cheap foods don’t always mean unhealthy. Food prices fluctuate, but things like canned fruits and vegetables, plus other pantry staples are fairly affordable and plenty nutritious.
This list includes affordable, nutritious foods that will help you meal plan and stay on a budget without sacrificing flavor.
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Cheapest Pantry Staples
Some of the cheapest groceries have a long shelf life and can be used in multiple recipes, like brown rice, black beans, and oats.
If you’re looking for some ideas for cheap meals to prep, plenty of recipes use these 19 pantry staples as their main ingredients.
1. Favorite Condiments
Just like spices, condiments can make any meal taste gourmet! They’re cheap, easy to find, and can make cheap foods taste great.
My go-to’s are Korean BBQ sauce, hot sauce, and tahini, but your options are endless for condiments to improve any meal. You’re bound to find something for even the pickiest eater!
Sauces from the local grocery store are great for quick meals on crazy nights. For example, if you buy a $5 rotisserie chicken from a local supermarket, shred it and add barbecue sauce to make pulled chicken sandwiches.
2. Pasta
Pasta is an expensive food to buy when broke, as a couple of bucks isn’t bad for your grocery bill. It’s filling and easily dressed up or down with homemade sauce and inexpensive vegetables.
Consider buying frozen vegetables to add to your pasta dishes. Frozen veggies are usually cheaper than fresh vegetables and just as nutritious.
One way I save money and time is by making a big batch of pasta at the beginning of the week and reheating leftovers for a quick, delicious meal (or a few!) later in the week.
3. Rice
White or brown rice can stretch your budget and is a versatile ingredient in meal planning because it makes dishes go further and fill you up.
I buy white or brown rice in bulk to get it cheaper, and then we have plenty to last you for a month or more.
4. Popcorn
Popcorn is a great snack and a family favorite for us! A single bag of popcorn is usually less than a dollar, making it an affordable option for a tight budget.
Plus, popcorn is low in calories and fat, making it an excellent choice for losing weight or maintaining weight. So I don’t feel guilty having popcorn for our weekly movie nights or splitting a bag for snack!
5. Generic Cereal
Regarding food spending, generic cereal is better for saving money. Generic is typically cheaper than name-brand cereal and can still provide good nutritional value with good taste.
Generic cereals are often made with the same grains and other ingredients as name-brand cereals to be just as healthy. In my house, it’s perfect for breakfast, brinner, or snacks on the go!
6. Canned Beans/Lentils
If you’re looking for ways to eat healthy on a budget, don’t forget about canned beans!
Chili beans, black beans, kidney beans, and more are packed with protein, fiber, and more, and they can be used in a wide variety of recipes.
A can of black beans typically costs less than $1, making for cheap, delicious meals like Shredded beef and black bean chili or easy side dishes.
7. Ramen Noodles
Ramen noodles are instant noodles made from wheat flour, salt, and water and typically feature a flavoring packet.
They’re a staple of college students and budget-minded eaters everywhere, and they aren’t any less healthy than most pasta dishes.
Ramen is cheap and easy to buy or make, but it’s also highly versatile. It can be used in soups and stir-fries, with added vegetables or meat, for a more hearty, well-balanced meal.
8. Bread
Whether you’re feeding a family or trying to make every dollar count for more, bread is a must-buy when broke.
A loaf of bread provides dozens of servings, and of course, I use it for everything from sandwiches and croutons to bread pudding and French toast.
9. Flour
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. It’s one of the easiest ingredients to find on sale, and save money by making other staples yourself!
10. Oats/Oatmeal
Oats are one of the cheapest food additions to any diet, and it’s more than just a breakfast food.
They’re packed with tons of nutritional value, with fiber, protein, and antioxidants that are great for breakfast, lunch, and snacks in my house!
They’re also very versatile: I enjoy oatmeal with peanut butter and jelly, add them to baked goods like muffins or cookies, or even use it as a topping for savory dishes like chicken or fish.
11. Peanut Butter
Peanut butter should be on everyone’s cheapest grocery list! It’s an easy way to add protein, healthy fats, and vitamins and minerals to your diet.
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.
12. Canned Fruits
Next time you’re at the local grocery store buying cheap foods, pick up some canned fruit. Your taste buds—and your wallet—will thank you.
Canned fruit is a necessity if you’ve got kids who love fruit but don’t want to pay for off-season prices. They are an affordable way to enjoy out-of-season produce that can also be used to make great sweets.
13. Canned Tomatoes
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.
Cheapest Produce
Fruits and vegetables are the best cheap foods to buy, especially in season and from your local farms. I’ve saved a lot by sticking to local farmer’s markets!
With a little bit of meal planning, you can save some money on your grocery budget without sacrificing nutrition or taste.
14. Apples
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.
They can also be cooked down into homemade applesauce, which our girls love.
15. Bananas
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.
Best of all, bananas are very inexpensive, especially when compared to other types of fruit!
16. Oranges
Oranges are one of the staples on my grocery list, and you can eat them fresh, juice them, or even use them in recipes.
They’re inexpensive and available year-round and are a fan favorite for our kids to grab and snack on something quickly.
17. Broccoli
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.
I know it’s one of the so-so foods for kids, which I think is crazy, but if you put a little bit of cheese on them or add them to mac and cheese, they’ll woof it down for sure!
18. Spinach
Spinach is an excellent, inexpensive food that is a source of vitamins and minerals, including iron and calcium.
Many people avoid it because they don’t know all it can be used for! I add spinach to smoothies, make it with garlic and soy sauce as a side dish, and toss it into pasta and rice dishes for more nutrition.
19. Iceberg Lettuce
Iceberg lettuce is one of the cheapest groceries that you can buy. It’s super cheap and is an excellent source of nutrients, and it even has vitamin C.
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.
20. Carrots
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.
21. Peppers
Peppers are a cheap food to buy and go into many different meals, like stir fries, stuffed peppers, and more. I even add them to pasta sauce for a stronger taste, yum!
You can get them in a pack of frozen vegetables to get a little bit of everything for a bunch of delicious meal ideas or buy them fresh on their own.
22. Onions
Onions are a staple in many dishes, and they’re also a cheap and easy way to add flavor to meals. Onions are so cheap and healthy because they’re low in calories and high in nutrients.
I think even a little onion adds a lot of flavor to dishes; I’m a huge fan of adding caramelized onions to sandwiches, soups, vegetable medleys, and more.
23. Cucumbers
Cucumbers are one of the cheapest veggies you can buy, especially if you purchase them at a farmer’s market (last summer, I got 5 for $1!).
One cucumber typically costs less than $1, and they’re an easy way to add more flavor and veggies to your salad or snack on them with some good dips.
24. Celery
Celery is also a great option for budget-minded shoppers. So next time you’re at the grocery store, don’t pass up the celery!
This crunchy, low-calorie vegetable contains nutrients like vitamin C, potassium, and fiber. You can add them to salads (don’t forget chicken salad), homemade soups, and even omelets for some extra crunch.
25. Frozen Vegetables
If you’re on a budget, frozen vegetables are typically cheaper than fresh, they last longer. I can easily bake them on a sheet pan with some seasonings to eat with any meal.
Some of our favorites include sweet potato fries, green beans, and carrots. Plus, you should grab a stir-fry mix for some variety.
26. Frozen Berries
You can also save some money by buying frozen fruit instead of fresh fruit. Since they’re already frozen, you don’t have to worry about them going bad before you can use them.
Just check the label to make sure you’re getting 100% fruit. Some brands add sugar or other ingredients to their frozen fruit, so be sure to read the label before you buy.
27. Potatoes
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.
Cheapest Proteins
When it comes to stocking your pantry on a budget, proteins are often one of the most expensive items on your grocery list.
But there are plenty of ways to get your protein fix without breaking the bank.
28. Ground Beef
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.
Just cook it quickly, and plan what you’ll use it for like sloppy joes or burritos with brown rice.
29. Ground Turkey
Ground turkey is leaner than ground beef, so overall, it’s a healthier option to avoid more fats and calories.
Like beef, you can make tacos and meatloaf- it’s all the same meal ideas with a little bit of a healthier twist.
30. Sausage
Sausage is an affordable and delicious option for your cheap grocery list that can be used in everything from cheap 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.
31. Chuck Roast
Chuck roast is a cut of beef that is typically less expensive than other cuts of beef, making it great if you’re on a budget and looking for different meal ideas.
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.
32. Chicken Thighs or Drumsticks
Chicken thighs are another great source of protein and are usually one of the cheapest meats to buy- even cheaper than chicken breasts.
I think chicken thighs are more flavorful and juicier, making them an excellent option for various recipes, especially slow cooker recipes!
33. Bologna
Bologna is an inexpensive lunch meat, perfect for 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.
34. Hot Dogs
Hot dogs are a mixed bag, but I know we buy them because our kids love them, and I can cook them quickly for nights on the go.
You can enjoy hot dogs plain or dress them up with your favorite toppings. They’re an easy protein to add to mac and cheese, fried rice, and omelets for something different!
35. Canned Fish
Canned fish, like tuna or salmon, is a cheap but nutritious option for your grocery list. It’s a great source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids.
Canned fish is better to buy when broke, and you can make cheap meals like tuna salad or casserole in a flash.
36. Canned Chicken
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, I think Aldi and other store brands do a good job at a reasonable price.
Cheapest Dairies
Anyone who has ever gone grocery shopping knows that dairy products are not some of the cheapest groceries to buy.
But there are ways to save some money on dairy without sacrificing quality or taste.
37. Plain Yogurt
Plain yogurt is relatively inexpensive, making it one of the cheapest foods and an excellent option for budget-conscious shoppers.
You can buy it in bulk to save money and have it on hand for other cheap meals on your list; it’s a great substitute for source cream or mayo in many recipes or can be a healthy snack with honey and canned fruit.
38. Cottage Cheese
Cottage cheese is rich in protein and calcium and can be a good source of vitamins A and B12.
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.
39. Sour Cream
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 inexpensive foods (even frozen vegetables) to make a dip or spread.
40. Block Cheese
Block cheese is another top pick on my grocery list because it’s more adaptable and cost-effective than pre-shredded or grated food.
You pay for convenience with shredded and sliced cheeses, and you can do the same stuff with block cheese for a lower cost!
Final Verdict
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.
And don’t forget, even when things still seem expensive at grocery stores, there are ways to save!
Take advantage of apps and websites that offer cash back, coupons, and discounts on cheap groceries to save even more money.
Plan a Week of Dinners in Minutes — Without Overspending or Overthinking It.
Join over 50,000 other savvy moms who’ve simplified dinner time!
