Finding bargains at the grocery store can be difficult these days! However, there are a number of inexpensive foods foods to buy on a budget that can help you stretch your grocery budget. Here are 22 cheap groceries that will help you save money.
Why would you need to buy cheap groceries?
There are a number of reasons why you may want or need to tighten your grocery budget. Food budgets have more flexibility than other necessities like utilities and rent, so when money is tight, trimming the grocery budget can be a good way to save money.
Pasta
Pasta is inexpensive and filling. It can be used to make everything from a pot of spaghetti to pasta salad.
Beans
Whether you're using canned beans or dry beans, beans are a great option for budget-minded shoppers! They are full of fiber and protein, and they can be used to bulk up chili, soup, and casseroles.
Rice
Rice is another inexpensive staple. It can be combined with any number of beans, meats, and veggies for easy meals. It can also be used to make rice pudding!
Spaghetti sauce
Spaghetti sauce can be used for more than spaghetti! It can sub as a pizza sauce, be turned into an easy tomato soup, and more!
Potatoes
Potatoes pack a big bang for the buck! Baked potatoes make a great side, and they're also a great way to repurpose leftovers into a new meal (leftover chili + potatoes = a delicious new meal).
Seasonal fruit and vegetables
Seasonal fruits and vegetables are not only healthy, but they can be some of the best bargains around!
Chicken pieces
Chicken legs and skin-on chicken thighs are some of the best bargains in the meat departments.
Rotisserie chickens
Rotisserie chickens are an easy way to stretch your grocery budget. The chicken can make an easy and inexpensive main dish, or the meat can be used in dishes that call for cooked chicken.
Oats
Buying a quick oats instead of oatmeal packets is a great way to save money. The preparation is pretty much the same, and it's easy to add any number of flavorings (like a pinch of brown sugar) to plain quick oats.
Eggs
Eggs are another protein-packed bargain. With the rise in meat prices, eggs can be a good alternative source of protein. They can be scrambled, fried, or hard boiled and used in salads or as snacks.
Frozen vegetables
Frozen vegetables can be an easy and inexpensive alternative to fresh vegetables.
Yogurt
Yogurt is another inexpensive staple. It can be used in recipes or eaten as a snack or a meal. To get the best buy, look for larger cartons of yogurt rather than individual cups.
Peanut butter
A jar of peanut butter can be used in so many ways beyond pb&js! Mix it into your oats for a protein boost at breakfast or make a quick homemade peanut sauce to mix with your pasta.
Bread
Toast and sandwiches make easy meals! Turn any leftover bread into croutons, breadcrumbs, or bread pudding.
Carrots
Carrots are inexpensive, and they keep relatively well.
Cucumbers
Cucumbers are another inexpensive choice.
Apples
Apples can be eaten as a snack, spread with peanut butter for a quick lunch, or baked for a simple dessert.
Green peppers
Green peppers can be a great snack, can be used to add more veggies to soups or casseroles, or they can be stuffed for a healthy and filling dinner.
Tortillas
Tortillas can be used in any number of ways! They can be used as wraps, turned into burritos, quesadillas, and more!
Salad blends
Large containers of salad blends can be a great bargain! Use them to bulk up wraps or sandwiches or as the base for a salad.
Bananas
Bananas are one of the best buys in the produce section! Not only are they great snacks, but they're also delicious frozen!
Applesauce
Big jars of applesauce can be a great bargain!
Salsa
Salsa is so much more than just a dip for chips! It can be added to chicken or casseroles to help add veggies and seasoning.
These are just a few of the many cheap groceries that can help stretch your budget! What are some of your favorite inexpensive foods? Share in the comments below!
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