- Economical food supplies -
These include such ingredients as olive oil, flour, old-fashioned oats, nuts, seeds, frozen vegetables and fruit, dried herbs and spices, pasta, brown rice, stock cubes, and canned tomatoes, beans, and fish.
Find cheap and healthy recipes. Try to think of foods that are versatile yet nutritious. For example, combining foods in different bowls and creating different sauces and seasonings can add variety and interest to your meals. Brown rice topped with black beans, corn, salsa, and chili-lime seasoning or sauce creates an inexpensive and easy Mexican dish.
An easy switch-up could be to use the same rice, but with edamame, cubed chicken, and soy or stir-fry sauce for a balanced meal with an Asian flare.
Try to eliminate unhealthy foods from your list, such as soda, cookies, crackers, prepackaged meals, and processed foods. These foods are packed with unhealthy ingredients and offer little in the way of nutrition.
These junk foods can also often cost you much more than the price on the sticker. A poor diet can take a toll on your health and lead to increased medical and drug bills as well as reduced energy and productivity. Choose whole foods.
Convenience foods can save you time, but will cost you more. For example, buying a block of cheese and slicing or grating it yourself is cheaper than buying processed cheese slices or bags of grated cheese—and helps you avoid additives to prevent caking, etc.
Similarly, buying a head of lettuce and washing and chopping it yourself is cheaper than purchasing bagged salad—and will often stay fresher for longer.
Buy frozen fruits and vegetables. Frozen fruits and veggies are just as nutritious as their fresh counterparts and still taste good, but are often less expensive. They'll also last longer than fresh fruits and vegetables, preventing expensive food waste.
If you have freezer room, the largest frozen bags tend to offer the best value. When you shop at conventional grocery stores, the store or generic brand will often be cheaper than the name brand for the same quality product. Look for simple ways to save money throughout the day. Instead of picking up a morning coffee on your way to work or school, for example, make your coffee at home.
Instead of buying breakfast or lunch, prepare your own using leftovers or home-made salads, sandwiches, or boiled eggs. Buy in bulk. Buying non-perishable items, such as dried beans and canned fish, in bulk can save you money as well as shopping time.
If you have the space, you can store bulk-bought grains and cereals in airtight containers and freeze perishable items, such as meat and bread, in smaller portions to use as needed. Alternatively, you can split them with a friend—saving you both money. Shop for produce in season and buy by the bag.
When produce is in season it is at its cheapest, as well as its tastiest and most nutritious. Look for whole grains. Whole, unprocessed grains such as brown rice, oats, and quinoa are often less expensive than their processed alternatives sugar-laden cereals, white rice, and white bread and contain little to no harmful added sugar and refined flour.
Drink water instead of soda. While organically grown food reduces the potential health and environmental hazards posed by pesticides, genetically modified organisms, irradiation, and additives, it can often cost more than conventionally grown food. However, there can still be ways to enjoy the higher quality and stay within your budget:.
Opt for locally grown food. Some small local farmers use organic methods but aren't certified organic due to the cost involved. Be selective. Some fruits and vegetables have more chemical residue than others.
Generally, if you eat the skin such as apples, strawberries, cucumbers choose organic. For produce such as bananas, pineapple, or avocados, stick to cheaper, conventionally grown items.
Compare prices. Having an organic label on baked goods, desserts, and snacks might make them sound healthier, but even organic processed foods are still high in sugar, salt, fat, or calories.
Always read the labels carefully. The neighborhood grocery store is not the only place to shop. Sometimes other venues can offer significantly cheaper ways to purchase healthy food. Discount stores. Warehouse or club stores like Costco offer great bargains for seasonal produce, and foods such as chicken and cheese.
To avoid waste, freeze large portions in smaller, more manageable sizes. Search out Farmers' Markets. Many places host weekly farmers' markets where local farmers sell fresh food directly, often cheaper than the grocery store.
Towards the end of the market, some vendors sell remaining perishable items at a discount. Join a CSA community supported agriculture group. A CSA is a great way to have local, seasonal food delivered directly from a farmer. Buying clubs can also help make grocery shopping a more social experience.
Ethnic markets and corner stores are worth looking into. Many feature an impressive, affordable selection of fruits and vegetables, as well as other products.
Online retailers. There are plenty of websites available that offer grocery deliveries—which can save you plenty of time and in some cases also money. Some online retailers offer discounted rates over traditional grocery stores while others such as Thrive Market in the U.
also focus on healthy, non-processed foods. Always factor in any delivery charges or membership fees when comparing prices. Shop the perimeter of the store first. Eat a healthy snack before shopping.
Take advantage of sales. If you have the shelf or freezer space, stock up on staples or products that you use often when they go on sale.
Be smart about coupons. Your body relies on protein for many of its functions. Affording some meat and fish sources of protein, though, can put a real strain on your food budget. By making a few dietary adjustments, you can save money and still enjoy plenty of protein in your diet. Purchase less expensive cuts of meat by comparing the price per pound on different options.
Try using chicken thighs rather than breasts, or stewing beef rather than a prime cut of steak to make tasty casseroles, soups, stews, and stir-fries. Bulk out meat dishes with other ingredients. Add rice, pasta, fresh or frozen vegetables, beans, or whole grains to meat to make delicious, filling meals.
Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links. Grocery prices have risen by Staple pantry items such as eggs, bread, and butter have been hit the hardest. Food costs can easily get out of control if left unchecked, but there are some simple money-saving techniques and budgeting habits that can help stretch your money and get more for less.
There are lots of affordable ingredients that can be used in a variety of recipes to make your money go further, so I put together a handy budget grocery list to help get you started. Before you go to the store, check through your cupboards to see what you actually need — and stick to your list!
Here are 30 essential budget groceries to help you save money in the kitchen. You can download a free PDF of the ultimate budget grocery list HERE! When grocery shopping on a budget, aim to focus on some key pantry items that can be used for multiple recipes and can remain on your shelves until you need them.
This creates a foundation for you to build upon with other ingredients. All-purpose flour is a go-to type of flour that can be used in multiple recipes and can even be used as bread flour in a pinch. Meals that are made using flour tend to be hearty and wholesome, which will leave you feeling satisfied and full.
For filling snacks and breakfast items, oats are cheap and easy to make. Rice is a must for a budget grocery list. If you need some recipe ideas, check out my Chicken and Rice Casserole , or my Dump and Bake Italian Meatball and Rice Casserole recipe.
Pasta is another filling food that can be used in a variety of different ways. They can be easily added to stews, chili, and soup, or you can use them for pizza and pasta sauce, lasagna, and DIY salsa. I regularly use canned tomatoes to make my Dump-and-Bake Salsa Chicken recipe.
Canned chickpeas can be used straight away, whereas dried chickpeas need to be prepared by soaking them overnight so they can expand and soften. Extra virgin olive oil is the least processed type, meaning it retains its vitamins and antioxidants, making it a healthier oil overall.
It can be used for all types of cooking as well as drizzling, dipping, seasoning, and marinating, and is great for DIY salad dressings as an alternative to pricey bottled dressings. Lentils are great for stews, soups, curries, and salads.
Salt is a must-have for a well-stocked pantry. Beyond sprinkling it on just about everything, you can use it for DIY seasoning on meat and vegetables, preserving items, and pickling although pickling salt is recommended for the latter, which can be used as table salt if you want.
Buying salt in bulk will save you money, and you can also use it around the house for getting stains out of coffee cups and pots, sanitizing cutting boards, and for restoring worn sponges just soak them in salt and water overnight.
Adding pepper to your recipes can transform the taste. Another addition to your budget grocery list is apple cider vinegar, which can be used in numerous recipes and can be used for cleaning up afterward.
I use it in many of my recipes including my Roasted Chicken Breast with Molasses and Apples and my Cowboy Baked Beans. Or, combine it with olive oil for an easy salad dressing or marinade. Chicken stock is a versatile and cheap pantry item that can be used to create sauces, gravy, chicken stew, and soups.
To save some cash, consider baking your own bread! My dinner rolls and easy homemade bread are two great beginner bread recipes to get you started. Sugar is another must-have for your budget grocery list. Not to mention, between , the cost of bakery products and cereal saw the highest increase among individual grocery items a 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.
Here are a few other simple tips from our experts to food shop on a budget:. Even in tough times, it's possible to find affordable and healthy groceries with a few smart strategies.
The best ways include buying in bulk when items are on sale, shopping seasonally and loading up on pantry staples. Compare prices online when you can look for coupons while you're there and stick to grocery stores nearby.
With a little planning, your meals will be healthy and nutritious without breaking the bank. And if you need a week off, consider ordering from one of the more affordable cheap meal delivery services.
She holds a bachelor's degree in journalism from Miami University of Ohio and a master's degree in clinical nutrition from NYU. Prior to Good Housekeeping , she worked at one of the largest teaching hospitals in New York City as a cardiac transplant dietitian.
She has authored numerous chapters in clinical nutrition textbooks and has also worked in PR and marketing for food company start-ups. What to Eat for Breakfast to Feel Your Best. Why You Should Eat a Banana Every Single Day. These High-Carb Foods Are Seriously Good for You.
The Superfood We All Need More Of. The Real Health Benefits of Eating Carrots. What You Need to Know About Collagen Supplements.
Brown Rice vs. White Rice: Which is Better? Avocado Vs. Olive Oil. Skip to Content Product Reviews Life Health Food Beauty. sign in. Best Flower Delivery V-Day Gifts For Kids V-Day Gifts For Women V-Day Gifts For Men Amazon Valentine's Gifts. Amy Fischer M. Contributing Writer.
Trying to feed fpod family nutritious Thrifty pantry deals Discounted daily essentials breaking Thrifty pantry deals bank can be a suppplies bit of a struggle, but guess what—it doesn't have to fooe We've compiled Econlmical list of Ecconomical cheap and healthy foods to help you keep those grocery bills down. Andrea has worked in several healthcare settings including clinical, public health and long-term care. Andrea believes in achieving optimal health by incorporating healthier eating habits into your lifestyle and making healthy eating fun! When she's not running after her two boys, she enjoys creating content to encourage self-love and promote body positivity.
- Economical food supplies -
These items are often cheaper but many report that these goods are nearly identical to the name-brand versions of the same products, which makes it a no-brainer to shop here if you're trying to save money but don't want to sacrifice when it comes to taste. Additionally, Aldi stores tend to be smaller than the average supermarket, which means the selection is more limited and the staff is streamlined.
Since you have to bag your own groceries and take your own cart back to the store, you don't have to pay for those services through the price of your groceries. Sure, the shopping experience at Aldi is a little different than what you may be used to at other grocery chains, but the low prices are totally worth it in our book.
Trader Joe's is another one of those super-popular, more affordable grocery chains that customers tend to flock to on a regular basis. If you like the feel of Aldi but are in the market for more specialty products, you may want to make your way to Trader Joe's. The store is similar to Aldi in that it doesn't offer many brand-name products, instead stocking its own unique offerings.
Some of these products have become cult favorites amongst Trader Joe's shoppers , so you're not sacrificing much in terms of quality by shopping at this store.
Additionally, the chain keeps its operational costs low by building smaller stores that require fewer staff members to manage.
Since it doesn't offer coupons and run ads, you're not paying for all those extra incentives and advertisements. Rather, customers know that they're almost always getting a pretty decent deal when they decide to shop at Trader Joe's.
There are currently locations in 42 states plus Washington D. and if you live in an urban or suburban area, chances are you've got a Trader Joe's somewhere near you. Walmart has long been known as a place where it's possible to snag cheap groceries. But why are the store's products so cheap compared to other, similar stores?
There are a variety of factors that contribute to the cheaper-than-average prices. Low operational costs are one such strategy, but so is lack of competition. Often, you'll find Walmarts in places where there aren't many other retailers to compete with.
In smaller towns and more rural areas, Walmart may be one of the few places in town where it's possible to snag groceries. Because the local population depends on the store, Walmart has a reliable customer base. This customer loyalty means that they don't have to charge quite as much for its food and other products.
However, some of the chain's affordability factor comes from the fact that it doesn't pay its employees very much. Human Rights Watch has outlined major issues with Walmart's labor practices , including encouraging employees to work off the clock and refusing to grant overtime.
Lidl is a grocery chain that was founded in Germany but can now be found in various towns and cities across the U. Like so many of the other chains on this list, this store keeps its prices low by limiting its name brand offerings and providing customers with store brands instead.
Additionally, it tends to stock products that people use on a regular basis — think pasta, canned tomato paste, and produce staples like cabbage and carrots — that often move in and out of the store pretty quickly. There aren't many products that are going to sit on the shelf for a long time, which means that the company isn't waiting around for a return on investment.
Plus, it takes less labor to run a Lidl than it would to operate a larger, more expansive grocery store. Fewer products means less need for a ton of workers, and the fact that the store displays its products in the boxes they're shipped in is just one of the ways the store cuts its labor costs.
For those with big families or just a lot of roommates , shopping at Costco seems like a no-brainer. The chain cuts down on costs by keeping its stores relatively simple — you'll notice the bare-bones design that's more about utility and function than it is about style and ambiance.
Meat and protein plus many prepackaged items are cheaper than average at Costco, even when you're opting for brand name items over the in-house Kirkland brand. If you know you're going to use these products anyway or you just remember to freeze them before you use them , doing a monthly shop at Costco might just save you some of your hard-earned cash.
Of course, we can't forget about the membership costs — you have to have a Costco card to shop at the retailer. But the savings you'll accumulate throughout the calendar year should more than make up for that cost. If you're lucky enough to live in the Northeast, you may just have a Market Basket near you.
The regional grocery chain is a fan favorite for those who love to save money on their grocery bill because of its surprisingly low prices. One of the main ways the company keeps its prices so low is by making sure it stays debt-free.
While this may seem like a logical move, it's one that most companies — including most grocery chains — don't stand by. Another way Market Basket offers such competitive prices is by offering pretty much the same goods at all of its locations.
Because of this strategy, it can buy in bulk, ensuring a lower wholesale price. It can then pass those savings on to its customers, who keep going back to the store to take advantage of those low prices. One of the main benefits of shopping at Market Basket is the fact that you can get a lot of your favorite name-brand products for significantly cheaper than you would find them at other grocery stores.
If you've never gone to a Market Basket before and you happen to live near one, you have to check it out — you may just be shocked at how low the prices are. Like Costco, Sam's Club is a membership grocery store with a focus on selling products in bulk.
When you're shopping this way, you may be spending more upfront, but generally, you're going to save money in the long run as long as you use what you buy. Of course, the membership cost of shopping at Sam's Club helps the company offer lower prices.
Although Sam's Club offers its membership prices for less than Costco does, you'll generally find lower prices on goods at Costco. But that doesn't mean you can't get a good deal at Sam's Club too. Particularly if you're a frequent shopper, you can save significantly on your annual grocery spending by shopping at Sam's Club.
In fact, you can even save more than you would by shopping at Walmart, which is the parent company of Sam's Club. If you're looking for a Costco alternative, Sam's Club is a solid way to go. WinCo is another celebrated low-cost grocery store with locations that can be found in the West and Midwest, with prices that are sometimes below what even Costco can offer.
But why is the chain so cheap? First of all, the chain buys a lot of its products directly from producers. By not going through a wholesale middleman, WinCo can get those products for less money, and it then passes those savings on to its customers.
But the store has another tactic under its belt: It doesn't accept credit cards. Oftentimes, processing credit cards can be expensive for a store, and by only accepting other forms of payment, WinCo doesn't have to pay that premium price. You can download a free PDF of the ultimate budget grocery list HERE!
When grocery shopping on a budget, aim to focus on some key pantry items that can be used for multiple recipes and can remain on your shelves until you need them. This creates a foundation for you to build upon with other ingredients.
All-purpose flour is a go-to type of flour that can be used in multiple recipes and can even be used as bread flour in a pinch. Meals that are made using flour tend to be hearty and wholesome, which will leave you feeling satisfied and full.
For filling snacks and breakfast items, oats are cheap and easy to make. Rice is a must for a budget grocery list. If you need some recipe ideas, check out my Chicken and Rice Casserole , or my Dump and Bake Italian Meatball and Rice Casserole recipe. Pasta is another filling food that can be used in a variety of different ways.
They can be easily added to stews, chili, and soup, or you can use them for pizza and pasta sauce, lasagna, and DIY salsa. I regularly use canned tomatoes to make my Dump-and-Bake Salsa Chicken recipe. Canned chickpeas can be used straight away, whereas dried chickpeas need to be prepared by soaking them overnight so they can expand and soften.
Extra virgin olive oil is the least processed type, meaning it retains its vitamins and antioxidants, making it a healthier oil overall. It can be used for all types of cooking as well as drizzling, dipping, seasoning, and marinating, and is great for DIY salad dressings as an alternative to pricey bottled dressings.
Lentils are great for stews, soups, curries, and salads. Salt is a must-have for a well-stocked pantry. Beyond sprinkling it on just about everything, you can use it for DIY seasoning on meat and vegetables, preserving items, and pickling although pickling salt is recommended for the latter, which can be used as table salt if you want.
Buying salt in bulk will save you money, and you can also use it around the house for getting stains out of coffee cups and pots, sanitizing cutting boards, and for restoring worn sponges just soak them in salt and water overnight.
Adding pepper to your recipes can transform the taste. Another addition to your budget grocery list is apple cider vinegar, which can be used in numerous recipes and can be used for cleaning up afterward.
I use it in many of my recipes including my Roasted Chicken Breast with Molasses and Apples and my Cowboy Baked Beans. Or, combine it with olive oil for an easy salad dressing or marinade.
Chicken stock is a versatile and cheap pantry item that can be used to create sauces, gravy, chicken stew, and soups. To save some cash, consider baking your own bread! My dinner rolls and easy homemade bread are two great beginner bread recipes to get you started. Sugar is another must-have for your budget grocery list.
Not to mention, between , the cost of bakery products and cereal saw the highest increase among individual grocery items a 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.
Supples I Ecoonmical to my Econokical with some cheap store-bought supplies that Wallet-friendly meal kits actually use and cook Economkcal even in normal times. And what I'm talking about here is - Economical food supplies regular groceries, not the specialty long-term packed emergency survival food kits. I think this approach works well for a medium-term approach to cheap survival food. Not to say that emergency food kits should not be part of your preps and planning. You might even find a few buckets stashed away in an unused bedroom closet in my farmhouse.
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