Grocery List on a Budget: Cheap Foods to Buy When Money is Tight

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure for more information.

When your budget is tight and you are living paycheck-to-paycheck, a simple trip to the grocery store can be stressful.

Food is not a line item from your budget that you can cut! But you can make your money go a lot further at the grocery store by buying certain foods.

And it doesn’t mean sacrificing flavor or not eating healthy. Creating a grocery list on a budget before you go to the store can help.

A smart grocery list focuses on affordable staples, cheap proteins, and budget-friendly produce that give you the most nutrition for your money. 

You don’t need to buy expensive brands or specialty items to make good meals. Simple foods like rice, beans, eggs, and seasonal vegetables cost less and still taste great.

Plus, they are great for bulk meal planning and can last a long time.

This guide will show you which foods to buy, how to shop smarter, and ways to plan meals that work for your wallet.

You’ll learn how to fill your grocery cart with inexpensive ingredients and cheap foods that will help you make it through rough times and keep your family fed.

Let’s get started.

40 Cheapest Foods for a Grocery List on a Budget

Grocery shopping isn’t just about throwing some things in your cart, and paying.

There are a lot of tips and tricks to make your money go further at the grocery store. Buying bulk items that can be frozen, or pantry staples with a long shelf life. You can save money on food easily!

Buying items that allow you to make large meals and freeze part for later. Taking advantage of store cards and coupons. Or shopping at multiple stores. You can save a lot of money at the grocery store with a little effort.

Or if you want to opt for extreme frugality, you can grow your own food, one of our favorite frugal living tips from the past.

Below, we have listed 40 of the cheapest, most essential ingredients that you should have in your kitchen. 

We have organized these foods into 4 separate cheap foods categories:

• Cupboard Food
• Meat
• Dairy
• Fruit and Vegetables

So, here is our list of 40 cheapest foods and grocery list ideas to buy for broke months. 

Albert Banking & Money App

Get up to $1,000 Instantly!

Albert: The only all-in-one banking and money app you need. Automatic saving and investing. 20% cash back on purchases and more!

Manage Your Money!

Cheap Pantry Foods

Out of the 4 categories of groceries below, pantry items may be the most important group to focus on when you are trying to save money.

Cupboard foods including cereals, grains, nuts, herbs and spices, spreads, cooking oils, and canned meats are budget-friendly because they can be purchased in bulk since they won’t go bad for a long time.

Some of these foods won’t expire for several years!

Unlike fresh and frozen foods, ingredients that can be stored away for long periods of time will help you out in the long run. 

As long as you have cans of tuna, jars of hot dogs, and boxes of cereal, you’ll never go hungry. For easy grocery shopping and delivery, try Amazon Fresh.

More reading:

• 50 Cheap Gift Ideas
• 25 Money Saving Hacks
• 20 Time Saving Products You Need
• What is the 30-30-30-10 Budget

1. Beans

As long as you have a handful of canned beans in your cupboard, you will always have a meal for dinner. 

Whether you prefer baked beans or black beans, these cans are a staple ingredient that you should always have handy in your kitchen. Plus, the high protein in beans makes it a good staple food.

Average cost: $1.48 per 32-ounce bag

Meal Prepping can help you leverage these cheaper foods and be healthy at the same time. Here are some helpful items to make meal prepping easier:

• Snapware Plastic Meal Prep Food Storage This is a 5-piece set for only $12.99! Plus, they are BPA Free, Microwave, Freezer and Dishwasher Safe
• Ziploc Freezer Bags If you are planning out your meal prep for longer than a week these freezer bags will help
• Easy Lunch Boxes – 3 Compartment Bento These are perfect for keeping different parts of your meal separated but still in one container to take to work or school

2. Canned Fish

Fish is not only a tasty food, but it is so good for you! These cans are filled with Omega-3, protein, and plenty of vitamins. 

There are so many choices available, too. Canned tuna, salmon, sardines, anchovies, shellfish… the opportunities are endless!

Average cost: $0.68 per 5-ounce can

3. Cereal

When it comes to cereal boxes, you may be spending more than you should be, depending on the brand. Our advice? Don’t aim for the big brands: look for off-brands instead. 

If you live alone, one box of cereal can last a long time. If you have a large family, you may want to buy in bulk. This is a quick, simple breakfast that takes no effort to prepare.

Average cost: between $2 and $6 per box

4. Eggs

Eggs are a great source of protein and B vitamins, and they can be utilized in almost any recipe.

You may boil them up and eat them on their own, or use them as a component in a larger meal.

Our recommendation is to choose brown, free-range eggs and keep them refrigerated for a longer shelf life. You might even be able to get local, fresh eggs from someone with chickens for even cheaper than at the grocery store.

While this food does not last as long as the others in this list, since you can make so many different types of recipes with them they are an excellent food item to keep on hand.

Right now, eggs are a little more expensive than in the past, but these are still a good item for your grocery list since you can make several meals with one dozen.

Average cost: $3.59 per dozen

More Reading: Best Freebie Websites

5. Hot Dogs

Even though you will avoid eating a lot of processed meats if you’re attempting to follow a balanced diet, a couple of hot dogs once in a while is ok.

They’re delicious and quite adaptable! Add some chopped hot dogs on pasta, rice, or a basic sandwich. You’ve got yourself a dinner when you top it with your favorite condiment.

It is. an easy way to cheaply incorporate meat into your meals.

Average cost: $0.98 per 12-ounce package

6. Lentils

If you or your household aren’t huge lovers of beans, dry lentils could be a good, inexpensive food substitute. 

Lentils are high in potassium, fiber, and zinc, and can be used in a variety of dishes, such as soups and stews. You can even make your own healthy veggie burgers with them!

Average cost: $0.98 per 16-ounce bag

7. Oats 

As we previously mentioned, cereal can be pretty expensive, especially if you are going through multiple boxes per week.

Why not replace this breakfast option with some rolled oats?

Add some honey, chopped up fruit, or even a sprinkle of sugar for a tasty, nutritious alternative to cereal that is much cheaper.

Oats carry the added benefit of helping you stay full more throughout the day. You can try overnight oats recipes for breakfast but you can even eat oats for dinner!

Average cost: $1.76 per 18-ounce container

8. Pasta

Rivaling potatoes, pasta may just be the king of carbohydrates. This super food is the ultimate ingredient to use in so many meals.

While you can eat this product plain – although, we wouldn’t suggest this – it tastes so good topped with your favorite sauce, meats, and veggies.

And, best of all, it is a super cheap food you can buy when your budget is tight!

Average cost: $0.82 per 16-ounce box

9. Ramen Noodles

Next up, we have a fan favorite of college students around the world. Ramen noodles will always be the time-saving, tasty treat that saves us when we’re running low on funds.

The best part about ramen noodles is that you can eat them on their own, without any other ingredients, and they still taste great!

But, you can also spice them up with added spices, or even an egg on top for protein. Check out these 32 cheap Ramen noodle recipes.

Average cost: $0.35 to $0.55 per 3-ounce pack

10. Rice

Just like pasta, rice is another staple food that should always be stored in your kitchen cupboard. You can eat it alone, or pair it with a larger meal.

Brown rice is more nutritious than white rice, but it takes longer to prepare and costs more. In the appropriate conditions, white rice can last up to a year.

There are so many meals you can make with rice, the options are endless making it an ideal item for a grocery list on a budget.

Average cost: $1.37 per 32-ounce bag

11. Peanut Butter

Peanut butter is a particularly nutritious food when eaten in little amounts since it is high in good fats, niacin, vitamin E, and manganese.

As long as you have peanut butter, some jelly, and a couple slices of bread, you can always prepare yourself a good old-fashioned PB&J.

Or create a healthy, cheap snack of a banana with peanut butter and honey on it. There are also a ton of alternatives now to peanuts. Almond butter, cashew butter, plenty of healthy and allergen-free options.

Average cost: $1.57 per 18-ounce jar

12. Tortillas

Tortillas are such a versatile product, making them perfect for anyone on a budget. Can you think of something that wouldn’t taste good in a tortilla wrap?

Sweet or savory, breakfast or lunch… there is never a wrong time to grab a tortilla wrap and fill it up until it’s ready to burst.

Average cost: $1.69 per 10-count bag

13. Wholewheat Bread

This is a food product that you should always have in your pantry. Bread is yet another food item that works with any meal, sweet or savory.

You could have a slice of toast for breakfast, and then have some bread and butter to accompany a bowl of soup. The possibilities are endless!

Average cost: $1.48 per 20 ounces

14. Flour

If you are not a baker, you may be wondering why you would need flour in your cupboard.

Well, it is surprising how many recipes require flour, whether you need to thicken some sauce or coat some chicken.

Flour lasts a long time in a cupboard, but you can even store it in the freezer if you want to keep it fresh for longer.

Average cost: $2.24 per 10-pound bag

15. Powdered Milk

While powdered milk is initially more expensive, it will save you money in the long term, especially if you have a large family that consumes milk like there’s no tomorrow.

Prepare your own milk at home, and you will notice the money saved over time. Thank us later!

Average cost: $4.48 per 12.6-ounce container

16. Spices

If you don’t already have spices in your kitchen, what are you doing?! No one wants to eat an unseasoned chicken, and every meal deserves a sprinkling of salt and pepper, at least.

There are so many choices to pick from, but we believe that every kitchen should have some salt and pepper. We also recommend grabbing some mixed herbs and spices.

Average cost: Varies

17. Sugar

A bag of sugar, or, at the absolute least, a sugar substitute, should be kept in every modest kitchen cabinet.

Sometimes, a simple cup of tea can keep hunger pangs at bay. With just a single spoonful of sugar, you can get that boost that you need to get through your day.

Average cost: $5.00 per 10-pound bag

18. Saltine Crackers

Crackers are a great ingredient to have handy in your kitchen, no matter your age or living situation. 

You can crunch them up and use them in several recipes, or you can simply pick one out of the packet for a quick snack. Add them to soup to bulk up a cheap at-home meal.

Either way, you won’t regret having a pack of crackers at home.

Average cost: $1.23 per 16-ounce package

Cheapest Meats to BUy for Budget Grocery List

If you are vegetarian or vegan, you can skip past this section. If you are a person who enjoys a meaty diet, however, this is a section for you.

One of the ideal budget-friendly things about meat as a grocery item is the fact that you can buy it in bulk and freeze it.

Sometimes when meat is close to an expiration date, grocery stores will put it on a deep discount which means you can buy a ton of it and simply freeze it for later!

Provided that you have a freezer, you will be able to keep meat for a handful of months. In a refrigerator, however, most meats start to go bad after a couple of days.

Meat is an excellent source of protein, and depending on the type of meat you choose, it can also give a variety of additional health advantages. 

Poultry has been shown to reduce the risk of heart disease and cholesterol, while red meat is high in iron.

More Reading: How to Eat Out on a Budget

19. Chicken

You simply cannot go wrong with chicken when looking for the greatest cheap food products to buy when you’re broke.

It’s nutritious, healthy, and delicious. Chicken is delicious in stews, soups, pasta dishes, and even accompanied by french fries.

Plus it is an easy freezable item so if you find chicken on sale, you can buy it in bulk and save it for later.

Average cost: $0.97 per pound of whole chicken

20. Ground Beef

Taco Tuesday?

Ground beef is an absolute must for anyone trying to save money. Think about it – what can’t you make with ground beef?

Packed with protein and iron, ground beef is always a good decision for lunch or dinner.

Average cost: $3.55 per pound

21. Stew Meat

On a cold winter evening, nothing sticks to your ribs like a delicious, hearty stew. It’s the ideal dinner, especially when paired with some salty butter on warm crusty bread. And, it is easy on your food budget.

To make the perfect stew, combine as many delectable ingredients as you desire.

Average cost: $5.96 per pound

22. Bologna

Fill your sandwiches with it, or break it up and toss it into a pasta dish. When it comes to using up a pack of bologna, the possibilities are endless!

I love a good fried bologna sandwich.

Average cost: $2.00 per 16-ounce package

23. Turkey

Whoever said that turkey was only for Thanksgiving? This delectable poultry can be used for so many healthful meaty dishes.

Turkey is lean and so it falls more into the healthy foods category. Plus, it is one of the cheap foods you can opt for when it comes to meat.

Tip: if you want to save your money as much as you can, stock up on whole turkeys or ground turkey during the holiday season. This is when their prices are the lowest!

Freeze them of course so they last though.

Average cost: $2.58 per pound

Inexpensive Dairy Groceries

Dairy is a fantastic source of calcium, which is a healthy, essential part of your diet. Even though you are shopping groceries on a budget, it doesn’t mean you can’t have a healthy grocery list!

Although dairy products tend to last a little longer than meat, you will still need to be careful about how much you buy in one go as they do have an expiration date.

Milk, for example, will go bad after a week, so there is no point in buying more than one carton (unless you have a large family to feed).

Milk and dairy foods are linked to an expanding sample of research that links them to a variety of health benefits, from blood pressure control and bone health to newer correlations like lowering the risk of developing diabetes disease.

24. Cheese

When you want to save dollars on groceries, avoid the pre-shredded or pre-sliced cheese and prepare your own!

Slice the block with a cheese grater or a kitchen knife, then store it in the fridge for another time.

Average cost: $1.83 per 8-ounce block

25. Butter

We’ve already mentioned bread in this list, so how could we not mention its partner in crime?

You can use this product to cook other recipes, or simply use it to spread on a crusty slice of bread. All we know is that we couldn’t live without this dairy product.

Average cost: $2.98/16-ounces

26. Whole Milk

Milk is a kitchen essential, whether you live alone, or you have a family to feed. You can drink it, mix it with other ingredients, or use it as an additive to a recipe.

Average cost: $2.73 per gallon

27. Yogurt

Forget the single size pre-flavored containers, and go for the bigger containers of vanilla or plain yoghurt to save a lot of money at the grocery store.

The larger tubs will last longer, and taste just as good, if not better, than the smaller tubs.

You can also save money by adding your own frozen fruit and toppings!

Average cost: $1.84 per 32-ounces

Cheap Grocery List Fruits And Vegetables

Last, but certainly not least, are some delicious and inexepensive fruit and veggies to fill up your fridge. 

Some fruit and veg spoils faster than others, such as cabbage, spinach, and other leafy greens.

Some of these products last longer when placed in the fridge, while others will be okay in a fruit bowl.

It is so important to incorporate these nutritious foods into your diet!

Fruit and vegetables contain so many vitamins and minerals that will keep you fit and healthy. Plus, they taste great!

28. Potatoes

In the words of Samwise Gamgee: boil ‘em, mash ‘em, stick ‘em in a stew! Potatoes are super versatile, and are an all-time favorite.

And since they are super cheap, probably one of the most ideal grocery list on a budget items on here!

Inexpensive and filling, potatoes are an ideal cheap food to buy. You can use them in so many ways, a baked potato loaded with cheese, bacon and sour cream is a meal in itself and probably costs all off $1.00!!

Average cost: $0.33 per pound

29. Apples

Is there anything more satisfying than biting into a crisp, juicy apple?

Because these fruits are inexpensive, you may experiment with different varieties without breaking the budget, and there are many to pick from.

You can use apples in a lot of recipes, from breakfast oatmeal to healthy salads.

Average cost: $1.32 per pound

30. Bananas

Bananas are a good source of potassium and fiber, and you can get a bunch for a low price at any time of year. You can eat them plain or use them to make delectable treats. 

Average cost: $0.53 per pound

31. Butternut Squash

While there are several varieties of squash to choose from, a butternut squash is always a great option. They taste great, and can be cooked into so many different types of recipes. 

Try this Butternut Squash Soup recipe for a comforting favorite.

Average cost: $1.18 per pound

32. Cabbage

When stored properly, a decent head of cabbage will outlast almost any other vegetable.

Cover cabbage in dampened paper towels and store it in a ziplock bag to keep it. Make a few openings in the container and place it in the freezer compartment.

Average cost: $0.78 per pound

33. Canned Tomatoes

Canned tomatioes can last up to 18 months on the shelf, so you should definitely grab several cans in bulk!

Average cost: $0.74 per 14.5-ounce can

34. Carrots

Tip: If you want to save the most money, buy huge, unpeeled carrots. Baby carrots are nothing more than ordinary carrots that have been pared down to a stump. The only difference is they cost a lot more that way!

Average cost: $0.69 per pound

35. Celery

Celery is on our list of cheap foods to buy when you’re broke, since it helps to keep your blood sugar constant, allowing you to feel satisfied for an extended amount of time.

Average cost: $1.32 per pound

36. Citrus Fruits

Vitamin C is abundant in oranges, lemons, limes, and grapefruits, and they taste delicious! Take a handful of these delectable fruits.

Average cost: $1.37 per pound of oranges

37. Frozen Vegetables

Usually, frozen vegetable packages can simply be thrown straight into the microwave and cooked according to the label instructions. So easy!

Average cost: $0.84/12-ounce bag

38. Onions

Onions are a low-cost approach to boost the flavour of any meal.

Tip: if you can, buy them in bulk and keep them cool and dry separate from potatoes, which might cause them to decay more quickly.

Average cost: $0.55 per pound

39. Raw Spinach

Spinach is nutritious and satisfying, and it can be eaten fresh or cooked. Plus, when you cook it, it does that magical thing where it shrinks in half – how fun is that?

Average cost: $1.98 per 10-ounce bag

40. Zucchini

When everyone has more zucchini on their hands than they know what to do with, the greatest time to buy zucchini is in the middle to late summer.

To use throughout the year, peel, slice, and freeze.

Average cost: $0.98 per pound

Cut Your Phone Bill in Half!

Consumer Cellular provides the same cell service as the big guys but with no contract. Plans as low as $20 a month! Make the switch today and save hundreds.

Switch and Save Today!

Cheap Meals That Cost $10 Or Less

It might be challenging to figure out what inexpensive meals to make on a regular basis, whether you’re a college student living alone for the first time, or a parent with children to feed.

Below, we have listed a handful of cheap meal ideas that contain all the nutrients that a person needs to stay fit and healthy. 

You don’t have to be the greatest chef in the world to whip up these recipes: all you need is a kitchen, some simple ingredients, and a little patience! And, not a lot of money.

Mac And Cheese

This classic TV dinner is the favorite of many families across the country. It is so easy to throw together, and may even result in leftovers! 

Ingredients

• Pasta (preferably elbow macaroni)
• Block of cheese
• Cream cheese
• Butter
• Milk
• Salt and pepper

Cheese Omelette

Only two ingredients needed for one recipe – how could you refuse? You could even add in some extra ingredients for added flavors, including bacon, spinach, and/or onions.

Ingredients

• Eggs
• Cheese
• Any of your favorite ingredients: green pepper, bacon, avocado, tomotoes

Chicken Fajitas

Fajitas are not only delicious, but they’re super fun to provide as a family dinner. Simply lay out all the cooked ingredients, and let everyone dig in and fill up their own tortilla wraps!

Ingredients

• Chicken
• Onion
• Bell peppers
• Tortillas
• Fajita spices (chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin)
• Salt

Spaghetti Carbonara

This was a recipe that was believed to have been created by working class families who only had a handful of simple ingredients at home, including eggs and bacon and not a lot of money for food.

The result was a tasty meal that is a family favorite to this day. And, if you have a little extra money, you can use ground beef to add some meatballs!

Ingredients

• Pasta (preferably spaghetti)
• Pancetta or bacon
• Garlic
• Eggs
• Cheese (preferably parmesan) 
• Black pepper

Beef Stew

Any type of stew is perfect for anyone who is struggling financially, or doesn’t have much time on their hands.

Simply throw the ingredients into a pot, and let the stove do the rest of the work!

Ingredients

• Stew meat
• Red wine
• Celery
• Carrots
• Onions
• Parsnips or potatoes
• Broth

Black Beans And Rice

Who said rice and beans had to be boring? While this is a fairly simple meal to make, it is healthy, nutritious, and most importantly, filling.

And it is made up of two of the cheapest foods to buy when broke.

Ingredients

• Rice
• Canned tomatoes
• Onion
• Black beans
• Oregano
• Garlic powder

The Cheapest Places To Shop When You’re Broke

You should browse around for the top discounts on the cheapest foods in order to get the most bang for your buck. 

When going budget grocery shopping, it’s important to think about your location, since it can have a considerable impact on your budget!

Fruit, for example, can be quite costly if purchased from your neighborhood convenience shop. You can save money by driving just a little further.

No matter where you live, it is likely that there will be many discount grocery stores in your surrounding area.

Plus, you might be able to save even more money by buying some items at one store and other items somewhere else.

If there’s a special deal at Kroger on paper products but Aldi has cheaper meat, then visit both stores to save the maximum amount. I frequently buy items at Target like meat because of the coupons they offer. (Click here to find out when coupons expire)

Have a look around, and see if you can find a cheap grocery store like WinCo, Food4Less, or even a local The Dollar Tree. 

Other options of grocery stores include CostCo, Trader Joe’s, and Walmart for finding cheap foods and a budget grocery list.

Final Thoughts on a Budget Grocery List

If you are living on a tight budget, there are ways to save money on food. Planning ahead, shopping at different stores, and creating a grocery list on a budget can help your money go further.

Try these helpful tips for living below your means for more help on a budget and how to save money.

RELATED SMART MONEY POSTS:

Thrifty Living Tips

How Much a Year is $15 an Hour?

Is CardCash Legit?

$18 an Hour is How Much Per Year?

Lexington Law Review

7 Best Credit Repair Companies

Step-by-Step to Buying a House

How Much is $30 an Hour Per Year?

Why Can’t I Save Money?

Why You Should Avoid the 100 Envelope Challenge and What to Do Instead

HERE ARE MY FAVORITE BUDGETING AND SAVING APPS:

Rakuten for cash back on shopping. Use this link to make a $30 welcome bonus.

Acorns which takes your spare change from purchases and invests it for you to help you make even more money.

Personal Capital for money management. Get a money dashboard, free analysis and personalized wealth advice.