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.

If you need some hearty meal ideas to stretch your budget, check out my Stovetop Mac and Cheese and my Cheese Grits recipe.

Frozen items last much longer than fresh and can be portioned out, which means less waste in the long run. You can also save even more money by freezing your leftovers for another day. Frozen mixed vegetables like peas, carrots, corn, and beans , provide a good selection of different nutrients and are one of the most affordable bags of frozen veggies.

Berries can be added to a number of items including desserts, overnight oats, or cereals. I use berries in breakfast recipes like my Croissant Breakfast Casserole , as well as in sweet treats like my Strawberry Cake recipe.

Ground beef can be used to make a variety of meals, including chili , burritos , spaghetti bolognese sauce , and casseroles. You can save money by buying larger packs in bulk look for sales , portioning, and freezing them. dry split peas — A key ingredient in Instant Pot Split Pea Soup , split peas are another cheap plant protein.

canned chick peas — You can serve garbanzo beans in salads and soup, but you can also make your own Homemade Garlic Lime Hummus. Some cuts will be cheaper than others, but generally speaking pork will be cheaper than most chicken, beef, or fish. Load up when you see a sale and stash the extra in the freezer.

chicken legs and chicken thighs — Bone-in chicken legs and thighs tend to be the most affordable cuts of chicken.

Compare prices at the store though! I have seen situations when the boneless skinless breast was cheaper than chicken legs or quarters.

Consider it as a viable option for soups, casseroles, and Chicken Salad Sandwiches. ground turkey — While ground beef is super easy to stretch, the price of beef can be too high for many budgets.

Ground turkey is a nice alternative, but make sure that the only other ingredient besides turkey is rosemary extract. This will ensure a very fresh clean flavor and not that weird ground turkey thing that turns people off.

canned tuna — Widely available and generally affordable, canned tuna has been a good cheap eat for generations. sausage — Bacon may be your preference, but bacon prices probably are not. Consider sausage as a more affordable alternative to bacon.

You can find it in all kinds of flavors, including turkey, pork, and even plant-based options. ham — Like its fresh pork counterpart, ham is going to be the more affordable lunch meat.

marked down meats — Depending on where you shop, you may be able to keep any meat you like on the table by purchasing marked down meats. Talk to your butcher about their manager specials and when they sell those items at a discount. Use or freeze these cuts prior to their best-by dates.

It can be fried, scrambled, grilled, baked, and even worked into smoothies. peanut butter — Peanut butter is another affordable plant protein, one of those budget foods that can jazz up smoothies, breakfast toast, and baked goods. protein powder — While you might not consider protein powder a budget food, it can boost your baked goods and smoothies with protein that might be harder to come by otherwise.

Grains such as white rice, brown rice, oats, and pasta are cheap and filling. You will often, but not always, find the best deal in the bigger bags of grains.

Be sure to store them in airtight containers to prevent food waste. rice — Rice is key for breakfast, lunch, or dinner: in Cream Of Rice , Vegetable Fried Rice , or as a base for bowl meals. Rice is one of those no-brainer budget foods to add to your list of pantry staples.

oats — Use oats for Baked Oatmeal Cups, as oatmeal, or in granola. They are a powerhouse of fiber and super cheap to buy. It makes for a good cheap eat any night of the week. Ditch the msg-laden seasoning packet and make your ramen something more.

The noodles are super cheap and quick to fix. tortillas — You can do so many things with tortillas: pizza! and enchiladas! They are definitely a great addition to your budget grocery list.

There are so many things to do with flour! Bake bread, rolls, pizza, and so much more. Flour is a must-add to your budget grocery list. Baking at home is fun and can save you a lot of money compared to commercial or more expensive bakery items.

Keep these grocery items on hand:. sugar — Since baking your own is almost always cheaper than buying it pre-made, have some sugar on hand. baking soda — Likewise with the leavening. salt — Salt is a necessary nutrient for life, but also a great seasoning for meat, veggies, and baked goods.

baking powder — Baking powder is required for a number of baked goods, but remember you can make your own baking powder if need be.

dry active yeast — Store bread is pricy, unless you buy it on clearance. Baking your own bread is the way to go! Start with something easy like Everything Hamburger Buns and work yourself up to a sandwich loaf, like Sourdough Rye Bread. Shopping in the snack aisle can jack your bill up tremendously.

Avoid impulse purchases and make your own snacks and treats at home. popcorn — Popcorn is a great snack that costs just a few pennies per serving! You can even make your own microwave popcorn. This caramel corn recipe is currently on repeat at my house.

Raisins and dried cranberries are generally affordable and a little goes a long way. saltine crackers — Many crackers can be incredibly expensive, but soda crackers are long lasting and generally the cheapest on the shelf.

Fresh fruit and veggies are an important component to a healthy diet. You can often find good deals on fresh produce if you buy items that are in season. Remember canned or frozen fruit and veggies are a great option as well.

canned crushed tomatoes — Crushed tomatoes are a key component in Marinara Sauce. Hot dogs are one of the cheapest foods to buy that your kids will love, and you can cook them quickly for nights on the go.

You can enjoy hot dogs plain or dress them up with your favorite toppings. Canned fish, like tuna or salmon, is a cheap but nutritious option for your grocery list. Canned fish is better to buy when broke, and you can make cheap meals like tuna salad or casserole in a flash.

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, some brands offer a good product at a reasonable price.

Anyone who has ever gone grocery shopping knows that dairy products are not some of the cheapest groceries to buy. Milk is a staple in many households, but it can be expensive at many grocery stores. There are a few ways to save on milk for the budget-conscious shopper. Another way to save some money is to buy milk in larger containers and plan to use it all rather than waste it.

A gallon of milk costs less per ounce than a half-gallon, so buying more saves you more. When it comes to a cheap grocery list, there are a few essential items that you can permanently save some money on by opting for the cheaper option—for example, butter or margarine.

Margarine is typically cheaper than butter, though butter does have a richer taste. Use butter for some dishes that need that buttery flavor, but use margarine on others that have a lot of other seasonings to provide flavor.

Plain yogurt is relatively inexpensive, making it one of the cheapest foods and an excellent option for budget-conscious shoppers. Plain yogurt can be used in place of sour cream or mayonnaise in recipes or enjoyed as a healthy snack by adding honey and canned fruit to it.

You can buy it in bulk to save money and have it on hand for other cheap meals on your list. What makes cottage cheese one of the best cheap foods to buy? 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. 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 cheap foods even frozen vegetables to make a dip or spread. You pay for convenience with shredded and sliced cheeses, and you can do the same stuff with block cheese for a lower cost!

With Capital One Shopping , you can save on your grocery list when you buy online. Simply install the extension and start grocery shopping as usual. One helpful tool to help you save more money is Honey , a free app that you add to your browser.

It helps you save money on your groceries by looking for price drops and coupons for your food orders. Ibotta is another app to save money when you need to buy food.

It offers cashback rewards on certain items, which can help you save money on your overall grocery bill. Ibotta also provides exclusive coupons and deals on popular items, so you can get the best prices on the items you need.

By signing up for Rakuten , you can instantly start receiving coupons and discounts on your groceries. Just like the other programs, Rakuten also offers a cashback program to earn money while you shop. 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. Take advantage of apps and websites that offer cash back, coupons, and discounts on cheap groceries to save even more money.

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Rice, Beans, Frozen Veggis, Carrots, Spring Onions. Add ground meat if you need meat Missing Starchy Root Vegetables: Potatoes, sweet potatoes, cassava or yuca, and carrots are some of the cheapest foods you can buy fresh or frozen, and

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Low-priced food items - Cheapest Produce · Apples · Bananas · Oranges · Broccoli · Spinach · Iceberg Lettuce · Carrots · Peppers Rice, Beans, Frozen Veggis, Carrots, Spring Onions. Add ground meat if you need meat Missing Starchy Root Vegetables: Potatoes, sweet potatoes, cassava or yuca, and carrots are some of the cheapest foods you can buy fresh or frozen, and

canned tomato sauce — Having canned tomato sauce on hand makes for easy soups, stews, casseroles, and pasta dishes.

cabbage — Cabbage is one of the longer lasting vegetables. Whether you buy it shredded or whole, make sure cabbage is on your budget grocery list. bananas — A nutrient-dense food, bananas are great for snacking, for homemade baby food, for baking, and for smoothies.

carrots — Another long lasting vegetable that is generally affordable, carrots are a staple to keep on hand for snacks, roasting, baking, and soup-making. They generally last long and can be used in so many dishes. celery — One of the main components in stir-fries, veggie platters, and mirepoix, celery is typically a good cheap eat that will last you awhile in the fridge.

onions — Onions are a building block of almost any savory recipe. Buy them in bulk, and load up when you see a sale. garlic — Garlic packs a lot of flavor for a small price.

It comes in a number of forms. Compare prices to see what works best for you. Even garlic powder can come in handy. fresh citrus — Prices of citrus will vary throughout the year, but having a lime, lemon, or orange on hand can add acidic flavor to any number of dishes.

Watch prices and when you see them on sale, enjoy! fresh green chiles — Buy your chiles fresh instead of canned to add heat to your cooking while spending less money. Focus on in-season, on-sale vegetables whenever possible. Green peppers are usually cheaper than red or yellow, but you may see sales on a regular basis.

Watch for marked down produce as well. frozen vegetables — In lieu of fresh, on sale veg, stock up on frozen vegetables. They are generally just as nutritious as fresh and the prep work is already done for you! applesauce cups — Apples have become rather pricey of late, and while homemade applesauce is the better item, it can be expensive.

canned pumpkin — Available all year round, canned pumpkin can be used in sweet and savory. potted herbs — Fresh herbs can elevate a dish like nothing else. Growing your own herbs is a great way to do it! Cooking at home is often the best thing you can do to save money on food.

Having a pantry stocked with basic staples will make it easier for you to cook at home. If you just need a few teaspoons, head to a natural foods store and buy just what you need from their bulk jars. neutral cooking oil — While olive oil adds great flavor to sautes and salads, it does bring some flavor with it.

vinegar — Vinegar brings much needed acid to sauces, dressings, and marinades. ketchup — Keep to the standards when it comes to condiments, like ketchup. You can make spicy ketchup yourself. And as a former ketchup snob, I can verify that generic tastes just fine!

mustard — The same goes for mustard. Choose regular and maybe Dijon. Then dress them up with seasonings or honey as your whim suits you.

Prioritize which is important to you, buy them whole, and then slice, spear, or chop them yourself. Skip the flavored varieties and make your own Homemade Chipotle Mayo or Herbed Mayonnaise.

soy sauce — Soy sauce is another budget food condiment that brings a lot of flavor to the table. It can be used to doctor up a number of sauces and dressings, eliminating the need to buy the pricier commercial bottles.

honey — Honey is a tasty sweetener for drinks as well as baked goods and morning oatmeal. Be sure to buy it in a size you will easily use to avoid its crystallizing too much before you can use it. The dairy department can hold some great deals.

Be sure to watch the sales and stock up with you see a good price on your favorite brands. butter — Butter knows how to bring the flavor to baked goods, especially Chocolate Butterhorn Pastry. Avoid paying full price which can get really high.

plain yogurt — Plain yogurt is a budget food that can double for sour cream and buttermilk in recipes, but is also so much cheaper than the flavored varieties at the store.

Buying a larger tub will also be more budget-friendly than the single serve cups. evaporated milk — If the price of fresh milk is giving you sticker shock, consider using evaporated milk.

It can be diluted to use as milk or used straight from the can as a substitute for cream. cottage cheese — Cottage cheese is a protein-rich budget food that you can include in baking, smoothies, casseroles, and for snacking.

And it will melt better, too. Parmesan — A little goes a long way to add flavor when it comes to Parmesan. Buy it in a block to grate yourself or get the green can variety for the biggest bang for your buck.

dry milk powder — Dry milk comes in handy when the price of fresh milk is out of sight. Sodas and booze will drive your grocery bill sky-high. Same with bottled drinks and Starbies. Avoid the extra cost by making your favorite beverages yourself.

Hard-boiled eggs also make a convenient high-protein snack. Canned chickpeas are packed with plant-based protein and fiber. Rinse and toss them into salads, grain bowls, soups and hummus, or eat them right out of the can.

You can also save the liquid from the can and use it as a cheap egg replacer in baked goods. Peanut butter is packed with protein and healthy fats, and a jar goes a long way. Peanut butter can be spread on bread and fruit or eaten by the spoonful for an instant protein boost. Yogurt is an affordable option that provides protein and calcium.

Buying plain yogurt in large containers is most economical. Yogurt can be topped with affordable granola or fruit for a balanced breakfast or snack. Check Out: 8 Best New Items at Five Below in January.

In-season fresh fruits like bananas and apples are usually available at low cost. Fruit provides important vitamins and fiber and gives an energy boost. Keeping a stash of frozen fruit means you can always have berries, mangos, etc. Frozen fruit is nutritious and more affordable.

Sweet potatoes are inexpensive, versatile and nutritious. Roast them with olive oil or make them into fries, add to soups and stews, or mash them as a side.

Pre-packaged breakfast bars are inexpensive and portable, and they provide protein and fiber to start the day off right. Related: 11 Pantry Items To Buy at Dollar Tree. Granola bars contain whole grains, protein and other nutrients.

They provide energy on the go and keep you satisfied between meals. Buying store brand boxes in bulk keeps costs down. Pre-made breakfast bowls offer an affordable way to get a hearty, balanced morning meal with protein, grains and fruit without the restaurant price tag.

Frozen breakfast burritos offer an inexpensive way to enjoy a hot breakfast sandwich at home. They have eggs, cheese, meat, and veggies wrapped up for convenience.

Potatoes are very versatile and affordable. They can be prepared mashed, baked, fried or roasted and included in many different meals to add bulk and nutrients and to fill you up. Canned tuna is an inexpensive source of lean protein to keep on hand.

The selection of items is curated to keep the essentials in stock, instead of the added expense of keeping every variety and brand on the shelf.

Their private label brands also have a Love It Guarantee , which means if a product doesn't meet your standards you can get your money back and exchange the item for something else. This big-box store has all of the appeal of members-only clubs like Costco or Sam's Club , but without the expensive fees.

WinCo Foods boasts locations across the West Coast, and is almost entirely employee-owned—which means their staff receive better wages and benefits. And yet the prices are still low.

WinCo purchases directly from farmers and manufacturers and has a large quantity of bulk foods, which means their prices undercut many other low-cost retailers. Another way to cut costs is by not accepting credit cards for payment. But fear not: they do allow payment with debit cards and federal food assistance cards.

Market Basket is one of the smaller chains on this list, but their savings make it one of the most affordable places to shop in the U. A recent study provided by the customer data firm dunnhumby revealed that the New England-based chain was the "top grocery retailer for inflationary times.

For over years, Market Basket has maintained the fierce loyalty of their customers for the high quality food at low prices. You can find anything from international cheeses, freshly squeezed juices, to even handmade sushi without racking up a massive grocery bill. Trader Joe's is one of our go-to spots for affordable essentials, some of the best frozen food around, and unique snacks.

Beyond the adorably kitschy decor and friendly staff, it's also one of the best grocery stores to visit when you're on a budget. Even amidst the current egg-price hike, the cartons at Trader Joe's remain inexpensive. While some items can get more expensive than at standard grocery stores the produce section can get costly if you're feeding a big family , their private label goods deliver on quality without sacrificing affordability.

If you need shopping inspiration, check out our favorite items here. When you're hunting for low-cost, high quality groceries, Food4Less is an obvious choice.