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One thing is for sure: not all foods are priced equally. It’s important to have a cheap grocery list for the best foods to buy when you’re broke. Because no matter the state of your finances, there is always a constant in your life, and that is the need to eat.
If you’re ready to master your grocery shopping because you’re low on funds or you want to lower your food bill, read on to uncover what the cheapest foods to buy are. Keep scrolling till the end of this list and you’ll also find cheap ideas for breakfasts and lunches/dinners to add to your weekly meal plan.
Why Buy Cheap Foods When Broke?
Food can be expensive, especially if you don’t have a plan or you buy the wrong kinds of food. The average American household spends $550 per month on food.
If your budget is low, or worse, funds are teetering on the red, you’ll need to make sure that you’re able to still eat comfortably. This is one of the biggest reasons to buy cheap food. If you’re living paycheck paycheck, cheap foods will help you get by and stretch every available dollar.
Cutting costs in your food budget can also help free up funds in other areas. You might want to save money to pay off debt or save money for your emergency fund or a big purchase. Finding affordable food items can make a huge difference to your budget.
Affordable Grocery List – Cheap Foods to Buy When Broke
If you’re gearing up for that next trip to the grocery store, focus on adding these cheap foods to your grocery list on a budget. You’ll not only be able to get more bang for your buck, these food items will also help you lower your food bill and save money every month.
Related: How to drastically cut expenses in your budget
Vegetables
1. Potatoes/Sweet Potatoes
Grab a pound of potatoes on your next visit to the grocery store. Regular potatoes are the cost-effective winner but sweet potatoes are far more nutritious in value with a slight increase in price. Both kinds of potatoes are versatile and can be used with almost any meal and in several forms – baked, mashed, etc.
2. Carrots
If you’re in need of a healthy snack that also has lots of Vitamin A, pick up a bag of carrots on your next grocery run. They are a great affordable snack and an easy ingredient to toss into soups or as a side (sauteed carrots anyone?).
3. Spinach
Spinach is one of the most popular greens as well as a great cheap food to buy. It’s incredibly versatile and can be used with almost any meal whether it’s blended into a smoothie, sauteed with vegetables or eaten as a salad.
4. Frozen Vegetables
Some people think that because it’s a frozen vegetable, it doesn’t have as many nutrients as its fresh counterpart. This is actually untrue as frozen vegetables are flash-frozen as soon as they’re picked, locking in those nutrients. Frozen vegetables are also cheaper and you don’t need to worry about wasting since you can just pop these little bags into the freezer and take them out when you need them.
5. Cabbage
Cabbage doesn’t sound flashy, but a good head of cabbage can go a long way when it comes to cheap ingredients to have on hand in the kitchen. This vegetable contains several vitamins and nutrients, and it’s super affordable. Use it for meals like stir fry, tacos, or even stews.
6. Cauliflower
Cauliflower is a great affordable option to pick up as it contains fiber and several B vitamins. Use it as a substitute for flour and carbier options to create tasty, balanced meals. Examples can include: cauliflower pizza crust, cauliflower rice, and more.
7. Onion
Onions are such a flavorful and cheap food for any list. Pick up an onion or two and use to add flavor to any meal. Shelf-life for onions, if stored properly in the fridge, can last for quite a while. You can throw them in the freezer to last even longer. Bonus tip: sautee anything with onions and your food will taste instantly better.
8. Lettuce
It’s easy to grab one of those pre-made salads at the grocery store since they have all of the toppings and they’re ready to go. Just know that they’re marked up at a cost, and it’s a lot cheaper to make your own. Lettuce is a great addition to your cheapest grocery list since it’s both simple and cheap. Use lettuce to make your own salads or use in meals like tacos or with sandwiches.
Dairy Products
9. Milk
Milk is one of the dairy products that you should try and keep on hand in your fridge as there are so many ways it finds use. It’s a great source of calcium, and it can be used in recipes for adding creaminess, baking, cereal, smoothies, and more. For those who might want milk but have an allergy or preference, check out a non-dairy option like almond milk, coconut milk or oat milk. What I love about the non-dairy options are that they stay fresh for long stretches of time outside of the fridge.
10. Eggs
Another cheap dairy item to have is eggs. Grab a carton of eggs, and you’ll automatically have a breakfast staple. You can also use them in cooking or baking other foods. Eggs are one of the cheapest foods to buy when you’re broke and also one of the most versatile. Just think of how many recipes you know of that have eggs required or all of the ways you can make an egg.
11. Yogurt
Yogurt is another versatile dairy option to add to your cheap grocery list. It can be used for mid-morning snacks, breakfast parfaits, in a smoothie for creaminess, or even as a substitute for sour cream if you grab the plain kind. It’s a great source of protein that will help you feel full longer, and it’s affordable for any budget.
Grains
12. Oatmeal / Oats
Oats or oatmeal is one of the top foods for anyone’s cheapest grocery list. It has lots of fiber to keep you full throughout the day. You can make traditional oatmeal, overnight oats, and many other recipes with this ingredient. It’s definitely a great staple to have in your pantry as it’s often found in healthy recipes that you might find on Pinterest.
13. Bread
One of the most affordable food items is bread. You can buy it for under $3 for an entire loaf that will last you for a week or longer, depending on whether you’re shopping for yourself or a family. Bread is a great inexpensive ingredient for breakfasts, lunches or dinners. You can make toast in the mornings or sandwiches for lunch or dinner.
14. Rice
One of my favorite foods on a budget is rice. It’s such a versatile food that can complement any meal well. It also leaves you feeling full for a long time after eating. If you’re looking for a healthier option add brown rice to your cart. Otherwise, white rice is generally a cheaper option between the two and generally stores longer than brown rice.
15. Tortillas
Tortillas are another great item to keep on hand in your pantry or fridge. These are great ingredients for quick meals as they’re versatile and easy to prepare in different ways. Use for quesadillas, breakfast burritos, or make your own homemade chips or tostadas. There are even different types of tortillas to choose from like spinach or whole grain that offer more nutritional benefits.
Fruits
While shopping, you’ll also want to know how to find cheap fruit for your grocery list on a budget. Some fruits can be overly expensive, especially in the off-season. However, there are a few tried and true fruit options that you can grab when money is tight or if you’re trying to save money. The best cheap fruit options will be for the fruit that is in season. This is when it’s cheap and also the freshest and most nutritious.
16. Bananas
Bananas are one of the cheapest foods to add to your shopping list since they are available pretty much year round. They can be a great snack to take on the go or used within a smoothie or healthy recipe (two ingredient oatmeal banana cookies, anyone?). Bananas provide lots of potassium and are a great food to buy to save money on groceries.
17. Apples
Apples are another great staple to pick up while at the store. Depending on the type of apple, they are super affordable and provide a lot of value. In many stores you can grab a bag of apples for less than $3! These make for a great snack, breakfast item, and they can even be used in desserts. Gala apples are a great choice as well as granny smith for something a little more sour.
18. Oranges
Looking to grab a fruit that is high in vitamin C? Look no further than oranges. This fruit is a great addition to the list of foods to buy when you’re broke. Seasonally, oranges are more available and cheaper during the summer months, but you can find them throughout the year.
19. Watermelon
If it’s during the summer months and you’re looking for a great fruit to add to your cheap grocery list, check out watermelon. High in Vitamin C and a great refreshing snack to munch on throughout the day, watermelon is easily one of my favorite fruits to have on hand.
20. Frozen Berries
Berries are great to eat nutritionally but not many stay fresh for long periods of time. Buying frozen berries is one of my favorite ways to add different berries to my cart. They’re great for smoothies and breakfast bowls. Frozen berries not only are able to maintain their nutritional value but also last longer than their non-frozen counterparts.
Proteins
21. Canned Tuna/Salmon
There are several recipes to make using either canned tuna or canned salmon. True to form, I just made salmon patties this past weekend. Both canned meats are healthier options for a pantry staple, so it’s really more of a preference to choose between them. I prefer salmon because it’s high in Omega 3’s. Some recipes to make include: salmon patties, tuna patties or even a tuna sandwich.
22. Chuck
Maybe you still want steak even if you don’t necessarily have the budget for prime rib. This is where chuck steak comes in. It’s a cheaper alternative to the more expensive cuts of meat. It’s a lot tougher than these other cuts but it is a great addition to stews, slow cooked meals, and more. Chuck steak is great on the grill with a good marinade.
23. Chicken
One of my favorite proteins to keep on hand with any cheap groceries list is chicken. Not all chicken types are priced the same though so it’s important to distinguish between the cheaper variety. Whole chicken, chicken thighs or drums, or any chicken that is on sale are great picks for your list. If it’s on sale, buy and freeze it if you don’t think you’ll use it right away. Chicken is a great addition, as it’ll pair well with any recipe you make.
24. Ground turkey
Ground beef isn’t what you would classify the cheapest option for your grocery list on a budget. Try ground turkey instead. Oftentimes ground turkey is considered the “healthier” version and can be priced lower than ground beef. Check for sales as this will save you money as well. You can use it as a healthier alternative in recipes like burgers, tacos, and more!
Canned Foods and Dry Foods
25. Beans
Beans are one of the best ingredients that you can add to your pantry. I mean, they are pantry heroes. Not only is there a variety of types of beans but they are filled with fiber and protein. It’s a great meat substitute. Some of my favorite types of beans include: black, pinto, and kidney beans. Spice them up and add to your meal or eat plain, whichever you prefer.
26. Lentils
Another great inexpensive protein to have in your pantry are lentils. Lentils are filled with protein, promoting that full feeling where you don’t have to keep eating more to feel satisfied. Use them in soups, curries, or even as a side to an entree. These are great meal replacers like beans and are a great value for your money.
27. Broth
Grab chicken or beef broth the next time you’re looking for an item to add to your grocery list on a budget. You can use broth in recipes, with slow cooker meals, and even to make stew with a bunch of hodge podge ingredients that you have on hand. It stores in your pantry so you don’t even have to refrigerate it until you want to use it.
28. Peanut Butter
Another great pantry food to have on hand is peanut butter. Not only do many recipes call for peanut butter, but I find that it also makes an awesome snack that you can eat with apples or celery. Peanut butter will fill you up and keep you full until your next meal. Almond butter is a little extra but you can splurge if you prefer this healthier spread.
29. Pasta
While Pasta might not be the healthiest option to add to your cheap grocery list, it does make for an easy meal. Grab a box of whole grain pasta if you’re looking for a more nutritional or balanced option. Pasta is a great option as it can store for up to two years in your pantry. It’s great for macaroni salads, pasta salads, pasta, and mac and cheese (your inner child will smile here). It’s a great source of carbs that is cheap and long lasting.
30. Pasta Sauce
What’s pasta without pasta sauce? You can use pasta sauce as a base for that cauliflower pizza crust (or any pizza crust you prefer). You can whip up some lasagna or settle on regular pasta. It’s incredibly easy to have on hand and stores for long periods of time. You can even switch out pasta sauce for tomato sauce in your pantry if you’re good at spicing up your sauces.
31. Cereal
While some cereals are excessively sugary, there are still many multi-grain or healthier options to choose from. Opt for these cereals that will benefit you nutritionally and keep you full in the mornings. Cereal is an easy breakfast and it’s also a great portable option on the go. The best part is that cereal is super affordable and you can even buy in bulk at warehouse stores like Costco.
Cheap Grocery List: What should you eat when you’re broke?
You might find yourself in the situation of having a pantry full or fridge full of cheap foods from the grocery store, but how do you create a meal plan from it? What kinds of creative meals can you whip up? Here’s a few ideas for cheap meals to make on a budget. This isn’t an extensive list, but hopefully it’s a helpful one for reference.
Cheap Foods Breakfast Ideas
Breakfast is labeled the most important meal of the day. But sometimes you just stare into your fridge or cabinets wondering what on earth to make in the mornings. Here’s a list of cheap foods to make for breakfast that will save you money and start your day off right.
- Eggs and Toast
- Oatmeal
- Banana and peanut butter
- Breakfast quesadilla
- Hard boiled eggs and toast
- Yogurt parfait
- Smoothie
- Apple with peanut butter and granola
- Egg sandwich
- Breakfast burritos (with egg, meat, potatoes, cheese)
Cheap Lunch and Cheap Dinner Ideas
Figuring out what to eat for lunch or dinner can be just as much of a struggle as breakfast. You’re going through your busy day and then suddenly your stomach is growling. What do you fix for food? How do you quickly prepare something when you can’t even focus enough to think because you’re so hungry? Check out these cheap lunch and dinner options for easy to make meals that satisfy your stomach and your budget.
- Roasted Chicken
- Chicken fried rice
- Stir Fry
- Chicken salad sandwiches
- Tuna sandwiches
- Tacos
- Quesadillas
- Sloppy Joes
- Meatloaf
- Salad
- Sandwiches
- Pulled pork (BBQ)
Where to Buy Cheap Foods When Broke
So where is the cheapest place to buy groceries? It depends on the area that you live in and what stores are around. If you have an Aldi or Lidl, check out these stores for unbeatable grocery prices. Trader Joe’s is another great store to look into when you’re cutting costs and finding affordable groceries without sacrificing quality or variety.
For buying food in bulk or at warehouse discount pricing check out Costco or stores like Walmart.
Do some research before heading off to the store to check on pricing. Note which store offers the cheapest price and plan to shop accordingly. Sometimes you need to shop at different stores for different items. Don’t be afraid of heading to more than one store to shop your food list.
Meal Planning When You Are Broke
One of the best and most effective ways to save money on groceries when you’re broke is to meal plan. It might not be exciting or something that you’re used to doing, but it will keep you on a necessary shopping and cooking schedule.
Planning what you buy ahead of time for all of your meals can help you cut costs of buying unnecessary groceries at the store. Items that you think you’ll use but never do. Or snacks to eat when you grocery shop without a plan and with an empty stomach.
If meal planning isn’t something you’re good at don’t fret. There are plenty of plans out there that are pre-set for you to grab and use. Try a simple and affordable meal plan such as the $5 Meal Plan. This plan offers extremely affordable meals and takes the guess work out of grocery lists and recipe calendars. You’ll be saving money and eating variety rather than trying to eat ramen or a PB&J every night as a quick substitute.
One of the biggest drains to your budget can often be the money you spend on food. The best way to keep your grocery budget from getting carried away is to have a handy list of items that you can look for when funds are low or money is tight. These 31 items are the cheapest grocery list items to buy when you’re broke. They can be used in many different meals for variety and simplicity.
Saving money on groceries every month will free up funds for other areas in your life like saving more money, saving for a big purchase, for retirement, or any other major financial goals that you might have. It can also be a great way to cut funds in an already tight budget.
What are the items that you would add to your cheap grocery list when you’re broke? Do you have any specific recipes that you make when money is tight? I’d love to hear in the comments below!
Related: Budgeting tips for beginners