Reading Time: 10 minutes Food Costs Keep Climbing! Stock Up on These 18 Cheap & Versatile Staples (With Video)
This post may contain affiliate links. Read the disclosure.
Have you ever looked at your grocery bill and felt a little overwhelmed? I’ve been there too. As someone who loves good food but also wants to save money, I’ve learned a thing or two about eating well without breaking the bank.
In this article, I’ll share 18 affordable foods that can help you create delicious, budget-friendly meals. Before we get started, I want to mention that I try to follow these tips in my own life.
I’ve found that focusing on these versatile, inexpensive foods has really helped me save money without sacrificing taste or nutrition. If you’re interested in more budget-friendly meals, check out my post about affordable meal ideas!
What are your go-to budget-friendly foods? Do you have any tips for eating well on a budget? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments!
We also created a video that is at the end.
Table of Contents
1. Eggs: The Incredible, Edible Budget-Saver
Eggs are a true kitchen superhero. Costing about $2-$3 per dozen, they’re cheap, packed with protein, and incredibly versatile. You can scramble them, make omelets, frittatas, or use them in baking.
I often whip up a quick omelet for breakfast or add a fried egg to leftover rice for a simple dinner. With eggs in your fridge, you’ll always have a quick and affordable meal option.
Related: How to Eat Better And Save Money
2. Potatoes: The Filling, Flexible Favorite
Potatoes are like a blank canvas for meals. At around $0.50-$1 per pound, they’re filling, cheap, and adaptable to many dishes. You can mash them, bake them, roast them, or use them in soups and stews.
They’re delicious mashed with a bit of butter or roasted with herbs. Potatoes are a budget-friendly staple that can bulk up any meal and keep you satisfied.
Related: 17 Organic Food Myths That Many People Are Wrong About
3. Rice: The Global Grain
Rice is a staple in many cultures for good reason. Costing about $0.70-$1 per pound, it’s affordable, filling, and pairs well with just about anything. It’s great in stir-fries, as a side dish, in soups, or as a base for bowls.
I often use it as a foundation for stir-fries or mix it with beans for a simple, protein-packed meal. Rice is a fantastic way to stretch your food budget further.
Related: 20 Foods Many People Believe Are Healthy, But They Are Wrong
4. Beans: The Protein-Packed Penny-Saver
Beans are a game-changer for budget eating. At around $1-$2 per pound for dried beans or $0.50-$1 per can, they’re packed with protein and fiber, making them both nutritious and filling. They work well in soups, stews, salads, and as a protein source in vegetarian dishes.
I prefer buying dried beans and cooking them in big batches, but canned beans are great for quick meals too. They’re an excellent way to add protein to your diet without spending much money.
Related: 13 Healthy Foods That Most People Think Are Gross
5. Noodles: The Quick and Easy Option
Noodles are a lifesaver on busy nights. Costing about $1-$2 per pound, they cook quickly and pair well with all sorts of sauces and veggies. They’re great in pasta dishes, soups, stir-fries, and casseroles.
I always keep a few types on hand for easy meals. Noodles can be the base for many budget-friendly dishes.
Related: 29 Snacks You (And Your Kids) Should Avoid, Even Though They Taste Great
6. Soups: The Comforting Money-Saver
Soups are perfect for using up leftover veggies and stretching your grocery budget. You can find canned soups for around $1-$3, or make them at home for even less. They’re easily customizable with various ingredients like vegetables, beans, and grains.
I enjoy making big batches of homemade soup and freezing portions for quick meals later. Soups are comforting, filling, and can be incredibly cost-effective, especially when made at home.
Related: How to Eat Better without spending too much
7. Tortillas: The Wrap-It-Up Wonder
Tortillas are incredibly versatile. At about $1-$3 per pack, they’re an affordable way to create a variety of meals. You can use them for tacos, wraps, quesadillas, and even as a base for pizzas.
They’re great for wrapping up leftovers or making quick quesadillas. I sometimes use them as a base for quick DIY pizzas. With a pack of tortillas in your pantry, you’ll always have a quick meal solution at your fingertips.
🙋♀️If you like what you are reading, then click like and subscribe to my newsletter. We share tips to waste less time and money.
8. Simple Bread: The Everyday Essential
A loaf of simple bread can go a long way. Costing around $1-$3 per loaf, it’s perfect for sandwiches, toast, and as a side with soups and salads.
It’s also great for soaking up soup or making French toast for a special breakfast. Bread is a staple that can help make your meals more filling and satisfying without costing much.
Related: No-Fuss Baking: Simple Bread Recipes for Every Taste and Diet
9. Oatmeal: The Hearty Breakfast Bargain
Oatmeal is my go-to for a cheap, filling breakfast. At about $1-$2 per pound, it’s a great value. It’s not just for breakfast either, you can use it in baking or even as a base for savory dishes.
I like to jazz it up with different toppings like fruit, nuts, or a spoonful of peanut butter. It’s a great way to start your day on a budget.
Related: Fast, Healthy Breakfasts Five Minutes Or Less
10. Chicken: The Versatile Protein
While meat can be pricey, chicken is one of the more affordable options. Whole chickens cost around $1-$2 per pound, whole chicken breasts are about $3-$4 per pound. It works well in stir-fries, casseroles, soups, and salads.
I often use ground chicken in spaghetti sauce for a budget-friendly meat option. Buying whole chickens and learning to cut them up yourself can save even more money.
Chicken is versatile enough to work in a wide variety of dishes, making it a great choice for budget-conscious meat lovers.
Related: 12 Foods That Spoil Quickly And Tricks To Make Them Last Longer
11. Lentils: The Protein-Packed Powerhouse
Lentils are a fantastic budget food. At about $1-$2 per pound, they’re cheap, full of protein and fiber, and cook quickly. They’re great in soups, stews, salads, and as a meat substitute in various recipes.
I often use them in soups or as a meat substitute in tacos. Lentils are a great way to add nutrition to your meals without spending much money.
Related: Dietician Shares 12 Foods You Can Eat A Lot Of Without Getting Fat
12. Canned Tomatoes: The Pantry Staple
Canned tomatoes are a must-have in my pantry. At around $1 per can, they’re an affordable way to add flavor to many dishes. They’re essential for sauces, soups, stews, and casseroles.
They’re great for making quick pasta sauces or adding flavor to soups and stews. With a few cans of tomatoes on hand, you’ll always have the base for a flavorful, budget-friendly meal.
Related: Expert Panel Shares The Truth About 13 Controversial Foods
13. Carrots: The Crunchy, Colorful Veggie
Carrots are cheap, nutritious, and last a long time in the fridge. At about $0.80-$1 per pound, they’re a great value. You can eat them raw as snacks, roast them, steam them, or use them in soups and stews.
I enjoy snacking on them raw or roasting them with a bit of olive oil and herbs. They’re a great way to add color, nutrition, and crunch to your meals without spending much.
Related: Manage Meals Easier With These Meal-Prepping Tips, From A Mom
14. Cabbage: The Crispy, Crunchy Bargain
Cabbage is often overlooked, but it’s super cheap and versatile. Costing around $0.50-$0.70 per pound, it’s a real bargain. You can use it in salads, stir-fries, soups, and as a side dish.
I like using it in slaws, stir-fries, or even as a low-carb wrap for fillings. It’s a budget-friendly way to add volume and nutrition to your meals.
Related: 12 Kitchen Hacks that Reduce Food And Financial Waste
15. Apples: The Fruity Favorite
Apples are a great affordable fruit option. At about $1-$2 per pound, they’re reasonably priced and versatile. You can eat them raw as snacks, bake them, or use them in salads and desserts.
They’re perfect for snacking, but also great in salads or baked for a simple dessert. Apples are a tasty way to satisfy your sweet tooth without breaking the bank.
Related: Struggling To Shed Weight? 11 Filling Foods That Help Curb Appetite
16. Bananas: The Grab-and-Go Fruit
Bananas are probably the cheapest fruit out there, costing around $0.50-$0.60 per pound. You can eat them raw as snacks, use them in baking, or add them to smoothies.
They’re great for quick snacks or adding natural sweetness to oatmeal or smoothies. With bananas, you can have an affordable, nutritious snack anytime.
Related: Stop! Don’t Throw Bananas Away! 21 Ripe Bananas Recipes
17. Canned Tuna: The Protein in a Can
Canned tuna is a budget-friendly way to add protein to your meals. At about $1-$2 per can, it’s an affordable protein source. It’s great in salads, sandwiches, casseroles, and pasta dishes.
I like mixing it with a bit of mayo for a quick sandwich filling or adding it to pasta dishes. It’s a convenient and affordable way to boost the protein content of your meals.
🙋♀️If you like what you are reading, then click like and subscribe to my newsletter. We share tips to waste less time and money.
18. Frozen Vegetables: The Convenient Choice
Frozen veggies are a lifesaver. Costing around $1-$2 per pound, they’re often cheaper than fresh and last longer. They’re perfect for stir-fries, soups, casseroles, and as side dishes.
I always keep a few bags in my freezer for quick meal additions. They’re an easy way to ensure you always have vegetables on hand without worrying about spoilage.
Let’s Eat Smart and Save
We also created this video of our favorite cheap and versatile foods.
Eating well on a budget isn’t about restriction, it’s about creativity and smart choices. These 18 affordable foods offer endless possibilities for tasty, nutritious meals that won’t empty your wallet.
Remember, smart shopping and meal planning go hand in hand with using budget-friendly ingredients. While it’s okay to splurge occasionally on pricier items, focusing on these versatile staples can significantly reduce your grocery bills.
Start with a few of these budget-friendly options and see how they work for you. You might be surprised at how much you can save without sacrificing flavor or nutrition.
🙋♀️If you like what you just read, then subscribe to my newsletter and follow us on YouTube.👈
- How Often Should You Clean Your Kitchen Appliances? – Experts Weigh In
- Michaels Printable Coupons and Promo Codes 2024
- Side Hustle Guide For Beginners: How To Earn Money On The Side (With Video)
- 30 Ways to Save on Prescription Medications
- 🛑Throw Away These 10 Common Cleaners, Here Are Their Safer Alternatives Instead!💪
