There are times in life when you might need to heavily budget! This is normal and happens to a lot of people now and again, and is something that you can overcome with careful planning!
Food is one of the areas where you can easily cut down. Grocery shopping doesn’t have to be a nightmare! You read and hear it all of the time – you can eat well on a budget! But it’s a lot harder to find information about how to do this.
Perhaps you’re finding yourself wanting to implement a robust grocery budgeting system into your life, but don’t know how!
If you find yourself struggling then don’t panic! We are here to help you! Below you will find a grocery list with 47 of the best foods to buy when you’re on a budget. We’ve included a massive variety of different foods so that you can have a lot of different things to choose from!
We have also included an extensive guide that will go over how to budget, create grocery lists and meal plans! All of these will help you to understand the foods that we’ve chosen, and how you can transform them into delicious meals for little cost!
We’ve also included a short FAQ section at the end of this article that will aim to help you through any additional questions that you might have.
47 Foods To Buy On A Budget
Here we go, here is our complete list! We will list each food item as well as a little bit of information about each.
1. Bread
Bread is one of the cheapest foods to buy. It’s a staple food, and there are many varieties available. Some examples include white bread, wholemeal bread, brown bread, rye bread, pumpernickel bread, etc.
2. Cheese
Cheese is another great food to buy if you’re looking to save money. There are many types of cheese available, including cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, feta cheese, parmesan cheese, gouda cheese, provolone cheese, etc.
3. Canned Food
Canned food is another fantastic way to save money while eating healthy. There are many different types of canned food available, such as tuna fish, chicken breast, beans, corn, salmon, sardines, etc.
4. Cereal
Cereal is another cheap food to buy. Many cereals come in boxes or bags, which makes them easy to store. They are usually very filling, and they taste good too! Try some of the following cereals: oat flakes, muesli, raisin bran, granola, etc.
5. Chocolate
Just because you’re on a budget doesn’t mean you can’t have chocolate! There are many different kinds of chocolate available, including milk chocolate, dark chocolate, white chocolate, peanut butter chocolate, etc.
6. Coffee
There is no shortage of places to buy coffee, and most places offer discounts for students. If you want to try out new flavors then why not? Try some of the following coffees: americano, cappuccino, espresso, latte macchiato, etc.
7. Eggs
Eggs are a cheap food to buy. They are inexpensive, nutritious, versatile, and they last for a long time. You should always have plenty of eggs around, whether you’re cooking breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks, or even desserts.
8. Pizza
Let’s be real, everyone loves pizza! It’s super cheap food to make from scratch if you have a little bit of time available.
9. Bacon
Bacon is inexpensive, lean meat that is incredible for breakfasts!
10. Nuts
Nuts are another cheap food to buy, especially almonds and walnuts.
Almonds are rich in vitamin E, magnesium, phosphorus, copper, manganese, potassium, iron, zinc, selenium, fiber, protein, monounsaturated fats, polyunsaturated fats, omega 3 fatty acids, and antioxidants.
Walnuts are high in omega 3 fatty acids, fiber, folate, thiamin (vitamin B1), riboflavin (vitamin B2), pantothenic acid (vitamin B5), biotin (vitamin B7), calcium, phosphorous, manganese, and potassium.
11. Oils
Oils are yet another cheap food to get! Olive oil has lots of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin A, vitamin K, vitamin D, vitamin E, vitamin B6, vitamin B12.
12. Pasta
Pasta is one of the cheapest foods to buy. It is very affordable, easy to cook, and there are so many varieties to choose from. Some of the types of pasta include spaghetti, penne, ravioli, lasagna, rotini, linguine, fettuccine, manicotti, etc.
13. Potatoes
Potatoes are a cheap food to get. They are low in calories, but they provide lots of important nutrients, including vitamin C, vitamin B6, potassium, vitamin B4, dietary fiber, vitamin B6, manganese, vitamin B6, thiamin (B1), niacin (B3), vitamin B6, vitamin C, vitamin B2, and vitamin B1.
14. Rice
Rice is cheap food to get because it is very filling, packed with nutrition, and cooks quickly. The most popular types of rice include brown rice, wild rice, basmati, jasmine, arborio, sushi, glutinous, red, white, wild, short-grain, long-grain, parboiled, instant, etc.
15. Tuna
Tuna is a great cheap fish that you can buy in cans, it comes packed with many important nutrients you can’t get elsewhere!
16. Spices
Spices are inexpensive and they add flavor to your meals.
Some of the spices that are used for cooking include garlic, ginger, cumin, cinnamon, turmeric, paprika, chili powder, black pepper, oregano, thyme, basil, bay leaves, rosemary, parsley, sage, coriander, curry, nutmeg, dill weed, mustard seeds, onion, lemongrass, chives, and more.
17. Sweet Potatoes
Sweet potatoes are a cheap food item to get. They are nutritious, delicious, and they are relatively inexpensive. One medium-sized sweet potato contains about 15 grams of carbohydrates, which is less than half of what is found in a slice of bread.
Sweet potatoes also have lots of nutrients, including beta carotene, vitamin C, vitamin A, vitamin B6, folate, magnesium, phosphorus, copper, and potassium.
18. Tomatoes
Tomatoes are a cheap food to buy. They are extremely versatile, and they can be eaten raw or cooked. Raw tomatoes contain lots of antioxidants, including lycopene, lutein, and vitamin C. Cooked tomatoes contain even more nutrients, including vitamin C and vitamin A.
19. Whole Grains
Whole grains are a cheap food to purchase. They are loaded with fiber, and they are also rich in vitamins and minerals, including riboflavin, vitamin B6, calcium, iron, vitamin B12, folate, zinc, biotin, and vitamin B12, among others.
20. Yogurt
Yogurt is a good choice to buy because it is full of probiotics, which help keep your digestive system healthy. Probiotic-rich foods include kefir, kimchi, sauerkraut, tempeh, miso, and sour cream.
21. Peaches
There are a variety of different inexpensive peaches you can buy, from fresh to canned!
22. Beans
Beans are a cheap food to obtain because they are easy to cook and they are a great source of protein. Beans also contain lots of nutrients, including fiber, folate, iron, zinc, vitamin B6, vitamin B12, and vitamin B2.
23. Avocados
We love avocados! If you want a lot of nutrients for your money, this is a great pick!. They can be eaten fresh, frozen, or as guacamole. Avocado has tons of nutrients, including vitamin K, folate, vitamin B6, potassium, vitamin B5, vitamin B9, vitamin B2, and vitamin B12
24. Apples
Apples can be bought fresh, frozen, or canned. Fresh apples are best if you want them to taste their best, while frozen apples work well when you don’t have time to prepare them. Canned apples are convenient, but they tend to be lower quality than fresh or frozen ones.
25. Bananas
Bananas are a cheap food to find because they are available year-round. They are also delicious, and they are one of the cheapest fruits out there. Bananas contain lots of nutrients, like vitamin B6, vitamin C, vitamin B1, vitamin K, thiamine, niacin, folate, manganese, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, sodium, iron, and zinc.
26. Blueberries
Blueberries might be a little more expensive than other foods on this list, but they are packed with nutrients. Blueberries contain lots of antioxidants, like anthocyanins, ellagic acid, quercetin, kaempferol, and rutin.
27. Broccoli
Broccoli is cheap food to get. It is an excellent source of vitamin C, vitamin K, folate (B9), vitamin B6, vitamin A, and vitamin B2, among other nutrients.
28. Brown Rice
As an alternative to normal rice, it contains plenty of nutrients, including vitamin B1, vitamin B3, vitamin B6, iron, manganese, phosphorus, copper, zinc, and selenium, among others.
29. Brussels Sprouts
Brussels sprouts are a cheap food to procure. They are incredibly nutritious, and they contain lots of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, vitamin B6, folate (B 9), vitamin B2, vitamin K, vitamin A, and manganese, among others.
30. Butternut Squash
Butternut squash is a good choice to purchase because it is delicious and it’s inexpensive. This winter squash is loaded with nutrients, including vitamin A and vitamin C.
31. Carrots
Carrots are a cheap food to buy. They are delicious and they’re low in calories, making them perfect for weight loss. Carrots are also rich in beta carotene, vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin K, and vitamin B6.
32. Celery
Celery is cheap and low in calories!. It is also a good source of vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin A, vitamin C, and vitamin K.
33. Chicken Breast
Chicken breast is one of the cheaper meats to consume. It is extremely healthy, containing lots of protein, fat, and micronutrients, including vitamin D, vitamin B12, vitamin B6, riboflavin, niacin, calcium, iron, zinc, and phosphorus.
34. Chia Seeds
Chia seeds are a cheap food to purchase. They are high in omega-3 fatty acids, which makes them beneficial for your heart. Chia seeds are also high in protein and fiber.
35. Pineapple
This is a cheap fruit that will add some zest to your grocery list!
36. Collard Greens
Collard greens are a cheap food to obtain. They are delicious, nutritious, and they are very affordable. Collard greens are a great source of vitamins and minerals.
They contain vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin K, vitamin B6, vitamin B5, folate (B-9), iron, manganese, and dietary fiber.
37. Corn
Corn is cheap food to buy because it is abundant throughout the year. You can find it at any grocery store, and it is a staple food all over the world. It is also a cheap food to eat, being high in carbohydrates and low in calories.
38. Cranberry Sauce
Cranberry sauce is a cheap food that can add some kick to your dishes. It is delicious, and it is easy to make. Cranberries are packed with antioxidants and vitamin C.
39. Curry Powder
Curry powder is a sure-fire way to add something to your meals. It tastes amazing when used in many different dishes, from curries to stir-fries. It is also full of antioxidants, like vitamin E.
40. Egg Whites
Egg whites are a cheap food to cook with. They are versatile, so you can use them in various recipes. They are also a great snack food. Egg whites are a great source of protein, vitamin B12, and vitamin B6. They also have zero cholesterol.
41. Garlic
Garlic is a staple! It is easy to work with, and it has numerous health benefits. It is one of the best foods to include in your diet if you want to lower blood pressure.
42. Ginger
Ginger is cheap food to add to your meals. It adds flavor without adding too much cost or time. Try using ginger in your next meal!
43. Honey
If you don’t already have some in your kitchen, then you should start buying more now. It is delicious, nutritious, and it contains antioxidants.
44. Lentils
Lentils are a cheap food to get during the summer months. They are delicious, filling, and they are very nutritious. Lentils are an excellent source of protein, fiber, and magnesium.
45. Limes
Limes are cheap food to buy. They are delicious, sour, and they are inexpensive. Limes are also rich in vitamin C, potassium, and phosphorus.
46. Mango
Mangoes are cheap food to prepare and to eat. They are sweet, juicy, and they taste amazing. Mangoes are also a good source of vitamin A, vitamin C, and fiber.
47. Milk
To end our list, we had to mention milk! It is a staple refreshment, and it helps boost your immune system. Milk is also full of nutrients such as calcium, vitamin D, vitamin B2, vitamin B12, sodium, and potassium.
Budget Guide
We could have kept going on forever there, but hopefully, the list above gives you some ideas of the type of cheap foods you’ll be able to find when looking for groceries on a budget!
When budgeting the first thing you’ll need to do is to set up a budget that will help you stay within your means. This way you won’t end up spending more than you planned. Once you’ve done this, you’ll be able to plan out what you’re going to spend money on.
The most important thing to remember here is that you should only purchase items that you need. When you go shopping, try not to be tempted by things that look appealing. Instead, stick to your budget and choose only those items that are necessary.
You may also want to consider making a weekly grocery list. This way you won’t forget anything and you won’t waste money on unnecessary purchases. Also, you’ll know exactly how much money you have left each week.
Meal Plans
What is a meal plan? A meal plan is a great way to make sure you’re sticking to a budget. You can either create a meal plan yourself or you can use a website like My Meal Planner. With these websites, you can easily track everything you consume throughout the day.
These sites allow you to enter all of your daily expenses and even keep track of any leftover funds at the end of the month.
A lot of people think that meal planning is complicated. However, once you learn how to do it properly, it’s quite simple. There are many different types of meal plans available online. Some of them are free while others require a small fee.
Regardless of which option you decide on, just make sure that you follow the instructions carefully and take time to make the best meal plan you can make!
Alternatively, you can make a meal plan with nothing more than a pen and paper! Simply draw a little grid, and make a list of all the ingredients you’ll need for each meal. You can even use your calendar to do this, so you don’t forget anything.
Meal Prepping
Another thing you can do to make budgeting easy is to make large portions and then prepare them in small containers ready for eating. Meal prepping is a method in which you can make a lot of food for not much money, and then space it out over a long time.
You can also portion off-dry or unprepared foods so that you know how much you will have and can plan.
For example, if you wanted to make enough pasta to last you for two weeks, you would need about 50 pounds of dried pasta. That’s a huge amount of pasta, and you’d probably never finish it.
But instead, you can buy one-pound packages of pasta, and then divide them into 10-pound bags. Now, you’ve got enough pasta to last you until the next paycheck!
Final Thoughts
So there we have it! That’s a list of the 47 best foods you’ll be able to pick whilst shopping for groceries on a budget, as well as a short guide to help you with budgeting and meal plans.
Shopping on a budget doesn’t have to be hard – with a little bit of time and clever planning you should be able to eat well without constantly worrying!
But let’s say you still have some questions – that’s only natural! We’ve compiled a short FAQ section below to help answer any leftover questions that you may have.
We wish you the best of luck in making changes to your shopping routine, and hope that your budget works out well!
Frequently Asked Questions
Get your last-minute queries answered here!
Is Frozen Fruit A Cheap Option?
Yes, frozen fruit is an excellent choice if you’re trying to save money. It’s easy to store, lasts longer than fresh produce, and is generally cheaper. If you’d prefer to buy fresh fruit, then freezing it is worth considering. Just make sure you freeze it correctly.
How Long Does Frozen Food Last?
The shelf life of frozen food depends on the brand. Most brands will only last about 6 months before they start to lose their quality. But if you’re buying from reputable companies, you shouldn’t have too many problems.
Can I Cook Frozen Vegetables?
Yes, you can cook frozen vegetables. They work perfectly fine in recipes and taste just as good as fresh ones.
Do Frozen Meals Contain Meat?
No, they don’t usually contain meat. The main reason why they’re often cheaper is that they’re made up of mostly processed meats.
Do Frozen Pizzas Cost Less?
Yes, frozen pizzas are often cheaper than regular pizzas. This is mainly because they’re pre-made and ready to go. In addition, they’re usually much smaller than traditional pizzas, meaning you can get more for your money.
Are Canned Goods Expensive?
Canned goods aren’t necessarily expensive, but they’re not always the cheapest option. Cans tend to be higher priced than other options, such as dry goods.
Hi, my name is Kunal Sharma, and I am a self-certified foodie. I love everything about food - from its preparation to cooking, raw ingredients to final dishes.
Some people relax by taking a walk outside or painting, but my release from the day is when I get to come home and cook for my wife and kids. Luckily they aren’t fussy eaters, because it’s a different meal every night!
If you are like me and can’t get enough of all things food related, then I invite you to come on a journey through my website.
