Affordable grocery staples can help families manage their food budgets when grocery prices continue to rise. There are many everyday foods that are good value for money including dried beans and lentils, bananas, pasta, and frozen vegetables.
These are all simple ingredients that can be used in various recipes, which helps to make up a meal without spending too much time. Other things that help to minimize waste and save money are buying store-brand items, purchasing bulk packages, and proper food storage.
Making everyday grocery shopping easier while keeping your kitchen stocked, whether you're looking to make quick breakfasts, a filling dinner, or budget-friendly snacks, opting for grocery staples on a budget will make shopping easier.
Frozen Mixed Vegetables
Cheapness meets convenience in frozen mixed veggies. They're fairly cheap, and only the tiniest bits of something need to be thrown away. Dump what you need, put the rest back in the freezer, and you can add a handful of frozen mixed vegetables to rice, ramen, soup, pasta, casseroles, fried rice, pot pies, and just about everything else without having to buy a bunch of fresh ones.
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Bananas
Bananas stand out as one of those odd fresh foods that can look cheap even before you do the math on the price per serving. A bunch equals several breakfasts or snacks, needs no prep, and combines easily with other cheap staples like oats and peanut butter. And once they're too soft to eat on their own, they go well in smoothies or baked goods.
Peanut Butter
It is certainly pricier than the lowest-priced canned items, but a jar of peanut butter offers a lot of meals. You can add it to toast, oats, bananas, crackers, smoothies, and sandwiches to make them go further with minimal effort. Its durability also means that there is minimal chance of wasting any portion of it.
Popcorn Kernels
Snack aisles unexpectedly cost a lot, making plain popcorn even more appealing. A modest-sized bag yields pops of popcorn for a lot less than what you spend on bags of chips or single-serving microwave popcorn. You need a pot with a lid and a little oil – and a variety of seasonings to add flavor without adding an extra special snack.
Whole Chicken
A whole bird costs more than many dry staples on the grocery list, yet it makes multiple meals when cooked and utilized in its entirety. Roast the whole bird at least once and prepare sandwiches and casseroles with the leftovers, then use the bones for rich stock or broth for soups. Those who don't mind additional prep work can stretch fresh meat more than others.
Applesauce
Bulk jars of generic applesauce offer far more economical options than individual snack cups. They have a long shelf life, don't need to be washed or sliced, and double as a snack, a morning side dish, an ingredient for baking, or a quick fruit option when you're running low on fresh fruit. Unsweetened varieties may even serve double duty in recipes beyond just eating directly from the jar.
Dried Beans
Nothing beats the sheer volume of dry beans (black, white, kidney, pinto, etc.) on the grocery shelf. A package that looks meager initially expands to produce the equivalent of many portions after cooking. Use them in chilis, rice bowls, burritos, stews and any other dishes where a small amount of beans can make a meal much more substantial.
Lentils
Lentils provide much of the cost savings of dried beans without all the forethought. Many types of lentils cook quickly and don't require soaking, making them a more adaptable protein than beans for weeknight meals. They can stand alone in a soup or curry, supplement cooked meat in tacos or pasta sauce, or pair with rice for a meal that's downright cheap.
Ramen Noodles
You still can't go wrong with that simple pack of ramen when you aim to spend as little as possible as quickly as possible. Sure, it's not quite enough by itself - but that doesn't mean you have to leave it that way. Frozen veggies, an egg, some cooked chicken, cabbage, scallions, even a little peanut butter can make cheap noodles that much heartier.
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Store-Brand Pasta
Plain store-brand spaghetti, penne, elbows, and the like still provide a few helpings before they significantly impact your grocery bill. Additionally, pasta helps make costly additions go further since a small portion of meat, cheese, or sauce can flavor the whole pot. Having a variety of shapes in the pantry means you can adapt your meal to the cheap ingredients you have on hand.
Canned Beans
Canned beans cost more per serving, but their trouble-free convenience tilts in their favor. For a modest price on the shelf, you get cooked, drained, ready-to-eat protein and fiber that you can pour right into salads, tacos, chili, soup, or rice. They make sense when you're rushing through the door at dinner time, and time is of the essence.
Canned Tomato Sauce
A can of plain tomato sauce remains one of the most affordable building blocks in the pantry. It can contain seasonings and create pizza sauce or pasta sauce, chili, and soup, or serve as part of a casserole, but without the crazy-expensive jar of prepared sauce. Because it's so flexible, having several cans in the pantry allows this kitchen full of budget staples to go a long way towards a plate of food.
FAQs
1. What are the most affordable grocery staples?
Dried beans, lentils, pasta, rice, frozen vegetables, bananas, and popcorn kernels are affordable options that can help reduce grocery costs.
2. Which foods can help save money when grocery prices rise?
Foods such as dried beans, lentils, store-brand pasta, canned beans, and frozen vegetables can help stretch your grocery budget.
3. Are frozen vegetables cheaper than fresh vegetables?
Frozen vegetables can be more affordable than fresh vegetables, depending on the season, brand, and package size. They also last longer in the freezer and help reduce food waste.
4. How can I save money while grocery shopping?
Plan meals before shopping, compare unit prices, choose store-brand products, buy versatile ingredients, and store food properly to avoid waste.
5. What are the best pantry staples for budget-friendly meals?
Dried beans, lentils, pasta, canned tomato sauce, canned beans, and popcorn kernels are useful pantry staples for preparing affordable meals and snacks.