How to use: add cubed cantaloupe to your fruit salad for extra hydration and an affordable boost of health-promoting nutrients. Applesauce is a great snack for kids and an awesome on-the-go fruit source for adults too. How to use: add a scoop of unsweetened applesauce to your oatmeal bowl and top with your favorite nuts.

Cucumber is a crunchy and hydrating veggie, and an affordable way to up your intake of health-promoting foods. This high-water and low-calorie vegetable can support your kidney health, digestion, and weight. How to use: keep sliced cucumbers in your fridge and add a handful to lunches throughout the week.

Canned peaches contain many of the same nutrients as fresh like fiber, vitamin C, and vitamin A. Just look for canned peaches packed in juice instead of syrup for a lower sugar option.

How to use: drain canned peaches and add to a yogurt bowl with plain greek yogurt, honey, and crushed walnuts. Frozen brussels sprouts are the hidden gems of the freezer aisle. They contain beneficial antioxidants and vitamins to prevent disease and fight infection. And they can be roasted like any other fresh veggie for a delicious, warm, vegetable side dish.

How to use: to prevent frozen brussels sprouts from going soggy in the oven, roast them dry for about minutes, then coat with olive oil and seasonings before returning to the oven.

Prunes might be one of my all-time favorite fruits. How to use: top your favorite whole grain cracker with herbed goat cheese and sliced prunes for a sweet and salty snack.

Potatoes contain vitamins and minerals like potassium and vitamin C to keep your cells, organs, and metabolism well-functioning and happy.

How to use: roast potatoes in a tablespoon of olive oil, season with salt, garlic powder and, onion powder, and serve with your favorite veggies and protein. Regular potatoes are great, but sweet potatoes are a nutrient-dense and inexpensive choice too. Sweet potatoes contain the same beneficial fiber and satiating carbohydrates, with more vitamin A.

Sweet potatoes and regular potatoes contain powerful bioactive compounds to fight disease and inflammation in the body. How to use: finely chop a sweet potato and add it to a veggie-loaded breakfast hash with onions, bell pepper, and a sprinkle of feta cheese.

Did you know that brown and white rice are both healthy choices? Include whatever rice you love in your diet for a minimally processed, energizing carbohydrate to keep you full and help you stay consistent with food. How to use: top a scoop of your favorite rice with two fried eggs, a half avocado, and a drizzle of chili crunch for an energizing breakfast.

Or try my easy fried rice. If superfoods were real, oats would be one of them. This inexpensive pantry staple contains manganese, zinc, copper, and the unique soluble fiber, beta-glucan , with known health benefits. Eating oats regularly can protect against diabetes, heart disease, and certain cancers.

How to use: cook rolled oats in milk and top with fruit and nut butter for a protein-rich, high-fiber breakfast. Did you expect corn to make this list twice?!

This delicious whole grain makes one of my favorite high-fiber snacks as a dietitian: popcorn! Keep the lid on and shake the pot vigorously until kernels are done popping, and sprinkle with salt before serving.

Whole wheat pasta usually contains more fiber and nearly as much protein as legume-based varieties, for a fraction of the price. The texture is closer to white pasta too. How to use: serve pasta with a big scoop of zucchini noodles and top with your favorite ground turkey bolognese.

This high-fiber, nourishing staple is one of the cheapest and easiest options you can find at the store. How to use: toast two slices of whole wheat bread and top each with a tablespoon of peanut butter, ¼ cup of fresh berries, and a drizzle of honey.

Are you surprised Kraft Dinner makes the list? Stir in leftover rotisserie chicken and steamed broccoli for a filling bowl the whole family will love. Top with a sprinkle of grated cheddar. How to use: add a scoop of red lentils into your favorite soup and cook until soft.

Chickpeas also known as garbanzo beans are an awesome source of high fiber carbohydrates with a big boost of protein too.

Beans are very nutrient-dense and known to protect against disease. How to use: blend canned chickpeas with lemon, garlic, salt, and olive oil for any easy homemade hummus.

Canned beans are another inexpensive and versatile bean with plenty of filling fiber and protein. Black beans are great for balanced blood sugar too. How to use: mix a can of black beans into your ground beef or ground turkey for an extra boost of fiber and beneficial phytonutrients. There are lots of incorrect claims about soy being bad for your health and hormones.

The truth is that minimally processed soy foods like tofu can protect your health and lower your risk of many diseases. Eating tofu has been associated with improved heart, bone, and brain health. Eggs are a quick and nutrient-rich staple with protein, vitamin D, folate, and selenium.

Although eggs are a cholesterol-containing food, more recent research suggests they can actually support your heart health.

Eggs are a filling food that can support weight loss too. How to use: scramble eggs and enjoy with whole grain toast and berries for a healthy 5-minute meal. Edamame are young soybeans and another great protein- and fiber-rich option on a budget. Edamame are usually sold frozen, and you can buy them shelled or in their pod.

How to use: microwave frozen, shelled edamame for up to two minutes and sprinkle with salt for a tasty well-rounded snack. Plain yogurt is a filling and protein-rich food that can be used in sweet or savory dishes. Although greek and skyr yogurts are highest in protein, regular yogurt is rich in calcium, vitamins, and minerals too.

Yogurts that contain active cultures can provide extra support for your gut health and microbiome. How to use: add a big scoop of yogurt to smoothies or mix it with ranch powder for an easy two-ingredient vegetable dip.

You might not think of cheese as a health-food, but it is actually a nutrient-dense option that can support your health… when eaten in moderation.

Hard cheeses like cheddar offer filling protein and fat, and they contain important micronutrients like calcium and fat-soluble vitamins. How to use: pair a few slices of cheddar cheese with whole grain crackers and apple slices for an energizing and well-balanced snack.

Lean ground beef is a nutritious and inexpensive staple. How to use: brown beef in a pan with seasonings of choice and drain the excess fat before adding to burrito bowls or taco soup. Poultry is a great alternative to beef if you want a lower fat option with high quality protein.

Turkey and chicken contain iron, zinc, phosphorus and b-vitamins to support healthy cells and metabolism. How to use: try this amazing recipe for ground chicken meatballs or use ground turkey in your favorite chili recipe instead of beef.

Milk contains important nutrients like calcium and phosphorus to support your bone health and help maintain a healthy weight. How to use: use milk as your liquid in smoothies for extra nutrition and to keep you full for longer. Canned tuna is a great low-calorie protein source, and a quick way to make any meal a whole lot more filling.

It contains fat-soluble vitamins and iron, and some heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids. Choose light tuna like skipjack for less mercury , and opt for tuna packed in water instead of oil. How to use: mix a can of tuna with mayonnaise, greek yogurt, celery, red onion, and lemon juice for a quick tuna salad sandwich or dip.

Have you ever tried sardines? This salty tinned fish is rich in nutrients like omega-3 fats, zinc, and magnesium. Peanuts and peanut butter are mainly a source of healthy fats, but they do contain some protein and fiber too.

How to use: melt tablespoons of peanut butter and drizzle on top of greek yogurt and berries, or try the viral magic shell yogurt. Camas - NE 3rd Avenue Carson City - North Carson Street Cave Junction - S. Redwood Highway Chambersburg - Lincoln Way E, Ste 2 Chehalis - Nw Louisiana Avenue Chico - Pillsbury Road Chula Vista - 3rd Avenue Citrus Heights - Greenback Lane Clearlake - Olympic Drive Cloverdale - Treadway Drive Clovis - Clovis Avenue Coatesville - E Lincoln Highway Coeur D Alene - W Neider Avenue Colville - S.

Main Street Compton - West Rosecrans Avenue Concord - Willow Pass Road Concord - Ygnacio Valley Road Coos Bay - Newmark Avenue Corvallis - Nw 9th Street Suite Costa Mesa - Newport Blvd Cottage Grove - Gateway Boulevard Crescent City - - 3rd Street Dallas - W Ellendale Avenue Davis - E 8th Street Suite B Dinuba - N.

Alta Avenue Downey - Firestone Blvd Duarte - Huntington Drive East Wenatchee - Valley Mall Parkway Easton - Nazareth Road Suite 12 El Cajon - N 2nd Street Elk Grove - Bond Rd Ellensburg - North Ruby Street Enumclaw - Roosevelt Avenue Escondido - E Valley Parkway Eugene - River Road Eureka - Commercial Street Everett - Evergreen Way Everett - Se Everett Mall Way Fairfield - Travis Boulevard Fallbrook - S.

Main Avenue Federal Way - Pacific Hwy S Ferndale - Labounty Dr. Raymond Ave. Gardnerville - Us Highway n, Ste. Hayward - West Harder Road Hemet - East Florida Avenue Hillsboro - South First Avenue Hines - Hwy 20 N. Hollister - Tres Pinos Road Huntington Beach - Beach Blvd. Imperial Highway Irvine - Barranca Parkway Island City - Island Avenue Jackson - 9 No.

State Highway Junction City - Highway 99 East Kenmore - Ne Bothell Way Suite Kennewick - West 4th Avenue Kent - th Avenue Se Kent - Pacific Hwy S King City - SW th Avenue Klamath Falls - S 6th Street La Habra - W Whittier Blvd La Mirada - Imperial Highway,suite B La Pine - Us, Suite La Puente - Workman Mill Road Lacey - Martin Way E Lake Elsinore - Central Avenue Lake Forest - El Toro Road Lakeport - South Main Street Lakewood - Pacific Highway Sw Lakewood - Woodruff Avenue Lancaster - Lincoln Highway East Lancaster - Spring Valley Road Lebanon - S Santiam Highway Lewiston - Thain Road Lincoln City - NW Highway Suite Livermore - Railroad Avenue Lodi - S.

Cherokee Lane, Ste Lompoc - E. Ocean Avenue Long Beach - E. Cleveland Avenue Madras - Sw Hwy 97 Mammoth - 37 Old Mammoth Road Manheim - Lancaster Road rt 72 Manteca - E. Yosemite Avenue Maple Valley - Maple Valley Blk Diamond Marina - Reservation Road Marysville - b State Avenue McKinleyville - Central Ave McMinnville - NE Highway 99W Mechanicsburg - 85 Gateway Drive Medford - 35 East Stewart Avenue Merced - West Main Street Milpitas - W Calaveras Boulevard Milwaukie - SE McLoughlin Boulevard Modesto - Prescott Road Modesto - Oakdale Road Monroe - Butler Avenue Moorpark - Los Angeles Ave.

Moses Lake - N Stratford Road Mount Vernon - Riverside Drive Napa - W. Imola Avenue National City - Highland Avenue New Cumberland - Old York Rd New Holland - West Main Street Newark - Newark Boulevard Ste.

Coast Hwy Novato - South Novato Boulevard Oak Harbor - Ne Koetje Street Oakdale - N Yosemite Avenue Oakhurst - Junction Drive Oakland - Broadway Oakley - Main Street Oceanside - College Boulevard Olympia - Harrison Avenue Nw Omak - Engh Rd Ontario - South Euclid Ave Ontario - Southwest 4th Avenue Orange - East Chapman Avenue Orangevale - Greenback Lane Oregon City - Molalla Avenue Orland - South Street Oroville - Oroville Dam Blvd.

E Oxnard - N. According to the Christian Science Monitor, there are certain cuts and types of meat that will always be more affordable than others. When it comes to dry and canned goods to stock up on for your pantry, there are a ton of affordable options and a lot that are super healthy, too , as ThriftyFrugalMom points out.

Plus, a lot of these ingredients are perfect for making cheap staples yourself — things like bread and soup that are hearty and incredibly versatile. The best thing about frozen food is that it lasts forever, meaning it will never, ever go to waste.

The downside? And as a Yahoo! Here are some super cheap, very healthy freezer staples to stock up on. Starbucks Has Two New Valentine's Day Drinks. Why Are Girl Scout Cookies Discontinued? Frog Cupcakes.

Rolled oats. tbh oatmeal packets from places like Aldi are cheap too, but I need to control my sugar · Pasta · Dry beans · Eggs · Bananas · Rice fair-wind.club › What-s-a-good-grocery-list-when-you-re-broke Stock your pantry. Pasta, nuts, cans of tomatoes, dried fruit, things that can be turned into meals with minimal effort. You don't have to do it

Video

Discounted grocery essentials - What to Put on Your Budget Grocery List · Proteins · Grains · Baking Ingredients · Snacks · Produce · Pantry Staples · Dairy · Beverages. Sodas Rolled oats. tbh oatmeal packets from places like Aldi are cheap too, but I need to control my sugar · Pasta · Dry beans · Eggs · Bananas · Rice fair-wind.club › What-s-a-good-grocery-list-when-you-re-broke Stock your pantry. Pasta, nuts, cans of tomatoes, dried fruit, things that can be turned into meals with minimal effort. You don't have to do it

For our full Privacy Policy, click here. Banking Learn Savings Accounts Checking Accounts Certificate of Deposit Money Market Accounts Credit Unions Interest Rates Reviews. Get Started Best Banks Best High Yield Savings Accounts Best Checking Accounts Best CD Rates Best Online Banks. Best National Banks Best Money Market Accounts Best Premium Checking Accounts Best Regional Banks Best Neobanks.

Best Banks. Latest on Mortgage. Top Money Experts. Money Resolutions. Investing Learn Stocks Bonds Cryptocurrency Brokerages Funds Investing Strategy Reviews. Get Started Best Investments Best Mutual Funds Best Stocks for Beginners Cheap Stocks to Buy Now Best Cryptocurrency to Invest In Next Big Cryptocurrency.

Real Estate. Crypto on the GO. Get Started Best Credit Cards Best Reward Credit Cards Best Balance Transfer Credit Cards Best Cash Back Credit Cards Critics' Choice Credit Cards Best Travel Credit Cards Best Airline Credit Cards.

Credit Check Credit Build Credit Repair Credit Build Credit Fast. GEN Z: The Future of Finance. Loans Learn Home Loans Student Loans Personal Loans Auto Loans. Get Started Best Student Loan Refinance Options Best Personal Loans Best Auto Loans.

Retirement at Any Age. Retirement Learn k s IRAs Social Security Retirement Planning. Get Started k s for Beginners IRAs for Beginners IRAs vs. Get Started Create a Budget Manage Debt Apply for a Mortgage Live Richer Podcast Create a Financial Plan.

Tax Guide. Best Banks Financially Savvy Female Economy Explained Top Money Experts Retirement at Every Budget Jobs and Side Gigs What's the State of US Real Estate. Live Richer Podcast. Retirement Calculator. Gas Calculator. Mortgage Calculator. Tax Calculator. Our Mission.

Advertiser Disclosure. Pasta Pasta is an affordable pantry staple that can be used to make a variety of dishes. Pork Shoulder Pork shoulder is an inexpensive cut of meat that can provide several hearty, budget-friendly meals.

Make Your Money Work for You. Lentils Lentils are inexpensive, versatile and packed with protein and fiber. Pancakes Pancake mix and ingredients like eggs and milk are budget-friendly items that go a long way.

Oatmeal Oatmeal contains fiber and nutrients to keep you full and energized all morning. Cabbage Cabbage is one of the most budget-friendly vegetables. Eggs Eggs are an inexpensive source of protein.

Chickpeas Canned chickpeas are packed with plant-based protein and fiber. Peanut Butter Peanut butter is packed with protein and healthy fats, and a jar goes a long way. Yogurt Yogurt is an affordable option that provides protein and calcium. Fresh Fruit In-season fresh fruits like bananas and apples are usually available at low cost.

Frozen Fruit Keeping a stash of frozen fruit means you can always have berries, mangos, etc. Sweet Potatoes Sweet potatoes are inexpensive, versatile and nutritious. Breakfast Bars Pre-packaged breakfast bars are inexpensive and portable, and they provide protein and fiber to start the day off right.

Granola Bars Granola bars contain whole grains, protein and other nutrients. Pre-Made Breakfast Bowls 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 Frozen breakfast burritos offer an inexpensive way to enjoy a hot breakfast sandwich at home. Potatoes Potatoes are very versatile and affordable.

Canned Tuna Canned tuna is an inexpensive source of lean protein to keep on hand. Rice Rice is a pantry staple that provides energy and fills you up.

Pasta Sauce Basic pasta sauce is inexpensive when purchased in cans or jars. Black Beans Black beans provide protein and fiber. Bread Bread is an affordable basic for sandwiches or toast. Bananas Bananas are one of the cheapest fruits. More From GOBankingRates I'm a Shopping Expert: 9 Items I'd Never Put in My Grocery Cart You Can Get These 3 Debts Canceled Forever 8 Signs You'll Retire Wealthy 4 Reasons You Should Be Getting Your Paycheck Early, According to An Expert.

Share This Article:. Learn More On How To Save Money. Related Content Shopping Surprising Habits of the Wealthy: Why the Rich Love Shopping at Costco February 12, 6 min Read Read more. Saving Money 7 Big Buys To Budget for in February 09, 6 min Read Read more.

Saving Money Experts: Always Buy These 5 Things Right After Valentine's Day February 09, 6 min Read Read more. Shopping Dollar Tree: 7 Best New Arrivals in February February 08, 6 min Read Read more. Savings Advice 7 Expenses Most Likely To Rack Up Your Credit Card Bill February 08, 6 min Read Read more.

Shopping 5 Things Americans Overspend On February 09, 6 min Read Read more. Saving Money 5 Hobbies Almost Anyone Can Afford February 09, 6 min Read Read more. Savings Advice Why Suze Orman Never Eats Out and Hates Setting Spending Limits February 09, 6 min Read Read more.

We've been independently researching and testing products for over years. If you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more about our review process. Get to the checkout line of any grocery store these days and you may be shocked to see the amount at the bottom of your receipt.

One of the best ways to find cheap groceries is to create a budget-friendly, healthy grocery list and stick to it. By prioritizing seasonal items, frozen foods and certain cuts of meat and seafood, shopping strategically can help keep sticker shock to a minimum.

The key to locating cheap groceries is to create a system for shopping, and that begins before you even grab a cart. Start by identifying the closest supermarkets to you hello, high gas prices! and cross check the cost of your favorite items online before you shop. Think about what you spend the most on and prioritize finding the best price for those items.

The next step is to follow that quintessential shopping advice: Don't go to the grocery store hungry. You're much more likely to make impulse and unhealthy purchases if you do, so shop after a meal or grab a healthy snack before heading to the store.

And remember: The cheapest groceries are not always the most nutritious; consider spending slightly more for foods that are filling and nutrient-dense. For tips and recommendations for a more economical shopping experience, see below for advice from the experts at the Good Housekeeping Institute Nutrition Lab.

Fruit and vegetables are among the groceries with the largest price jumps lately , but you can still find affordable produce by buying seasonally. Purchasing when produce is abundant helps lower the cost and will all but assure the best taste and highest levels of nutrition.

Seasonal Fruits. Seasonal Vegetables. Another way to save money on produce is to opt for fruit and vegetables that have a longer shelf-life. For example, to help extend your grocery dollars, choose apples over berries or carrots or celery over leafy greens.

Generally, some of the cheapest fruit and vegetables year-round tend to be bananas, apples, oranges, broccoli, cauliflower, carrots and sweet potatoes. Meat can be the most expensive category for most food budgets, and can account for a large portion of the overall grocery bill.

To save money, opt for the ground variety of your favorite protein. Ground beef, chicken or turkey are super versatile, easily frozen and can be used in many different recipes. 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. Similar to ground beef, buying chicken breasts in bulk can be very cost-effective, and buying it frozen is often cheaper than fresh.

In the U. Do your homework before you shop to find the stores that have the best deals and prices. Sign up to benefit from member-only discounts and special offers. Buying in bulk is almost always cheaper than buying individual items.

The savings might seem small, but it all adds up. Going along with buying in bulk, if you order a larger cut of meat like chuck roast for example , it can be cooked and then used in many different recipes like filling casseroles or hearty stews.

Generic grocery products were first introduced in the s during record levels of inflation and are still incredibly relevant today. Branded products are more expensive than generic or supermarket-owned brands.

Often cheaper brands have the same ingredients as big brands but are half the price. Supermarkets constantly run promotions to compete with other leading retailers, so take advantage of BOGO buy one get one sales and other discounts whenever you can. Get the most out of your supermarket shopping by clipping coupons.

Get a copy of the weekly newspaper in the mail and spend time finding deals that are relevant to you. Cut out and save the coupons for your next shop.

Alternatively, there are digital coupons that can be found on relevant shopping apps. You can check popular sites like Pillsbury. com, BettyCrocker. com, and Coupons. Not only will using your leftovers save you money, but it also helps to reduce food waste. Make your food last longer by preserving and storing it correctly.

Common methods of food preservation include freezing, chilling, salting, sugaring, canning, and vacuum packing. Experiment with different methods and find one that works for you. You can make your own preserves using leftover fruit, like my Damson Plum Reserves. Creating wholesome and affordable meals for your family is easier than you think.

The following recipes only require a small number of ingredients, making them great budget-friendly meals for your whole family to enjoy:. Read More. Your email address will not be published. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Wonderful information. Thanks for all your work composing the lists. I enjoy your Sunday post and keeping up with your family.