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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.

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Everyone can benefit from saving money on grocery essentials these days, with skyrocketing prices due to recent high inflation. GOBankingRates aims to make this easier on you by asking experts which places you should shop to find the best deals on those grocery items you buy regularly.

You may not have realized how many paper products you used until the supply shortage of the COVID pandemic made it hard to find everything from toilet paper to paper towels.

Buying seasonal produce is a good way to save in general, but standard grocery stores can still be pretty expensive, Ramhold said. One store where you can really get the best deals on your favorite fruits and veggies is Aldi.

Ramhold said that very often Target has great prices on select frozen items compared to shopping elsewhere. Spices are one of those few things you can probably buy wherever you already shop, Ramhold said. Allen also said that Target is often overlooked as a grocery destination, because people tend to shop there for all kinds of other things, including clothing, home furnishings and school supplies.

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This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site including, for example, the order in which they appear. These offers do not represent all available deposit, investment, loan or credit products. Pasta is an affordable pantry staple that can be used to make a variety of dishes.

The noodles themselves are inexpensive, and you can jazz them up with whatever sauces or ingredients you have on hand. Pasta is filling and provides long-lasting energy.

Pork shoulder is an inexpensive cut of meat that can provide several hearty, budget-friendly meals. The whole shoulder can be roasted, pulled and used in tacos, pasta dishes, soups and more throughout the week.

Lentils are inexpensive, versatile and packed with protein and fiber. They can be used to make stews, chilis, soups, salads and more. Lentils are filling and provide sustained energy. Buying them dried in bulk quantities keeps the price down.

Pancake mix and ingredients like eggs and milk are budget-friendly items that go a long way. Pancakes make a filling, homemade breakfast. The basic batter also can be dressed up with whatever ingredients are on hand like chocolate chips, berries, banana, etc.

Oatmeal contains fiber and nutrients to keep you full and energized all morning. Oatmeal can be customized sweet or savory and makes a warm, comforting breakfast. Cabbage is one of the most budget-friendly vegetables. Use it to make homemade coleslaw, stir-fry, soup or roasted as a side.

Eggs are an inexpensive source of protein. They are endlessly versatile and can be prepared simply or incorporated into larger dishes. 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.

These are the foods that fuel your body, and keep you feeling full and satisfied. And from there, you can add fun foods and convenience items too. Whatever works for your taste buds, your budget, and your schedule!

Berries are an incredibly nutrient-dense food that help prevent and fight disease. When you buy berries frozen, you reduce food waste and save money. How to use: melt frozen berries in the microwave, mix them with a spoonful of peanut butter, and pour on top of your oatmeal or greek yogurt bowls.

And it contains a good dose of fiber and some disease-fighting antioxidants like flavonoids. How to use: slice pineapple into bite-sized pieces and store in an airtight container in the fridge for easy snacking throughout the week.

Nothing beats bananas in the inexpensive fruit department. Bananas contain natural starches and sugars that help keep you energized, and they contain a powerful dose of potassium. Green bananas contain important prebiotic fibers that support a healthy gut microbiome too.

How to use: put your banana on a plate and top with peanut butter, chocolate chips, and granola for a delicious and well-balanced snack. Broccoli is loaded with health-promoting micronutrients, bioactive compounds, and fiber. Eating broccoli regularly can help promote healthy cells, a well-functioning gut, and might even reduce your risk of developing certain cancers.

Broccoli is great for your health when you buy it fresh or frozen, so choose the option that works best for your budget and lifestyle. Like broccoli, cauliflower is a nutrient-rich cruciferous vegetable that can help your body fight disease and inflammation. Add frozen cauliflower to smoothies yes, smoothies!

or use it in your favorite pasta bake for a boost of micronutrients and fiber. A serving of peas contains lots of fiber, a little bit of protein, and a long list of micronutrients to support your health like vitamin A, vitamin K, thiamine, and folate.

How to use: add a scoop of frozen peas into the pot when making rice for extra color and nutrition. Corn is another overlooked veggie or is it a grain?

with plenty of health benefits for a super low price. Most of us know that corn contains fiber, but did you know it has vitamin C, magnesium, and powerful antioxidants too?

Corn can support digestion, heart health, and healthy blood sugars. How to use: rinse canned corn and toss it into your favorite salsa for a boost of fiber. Apples are high in fiber, super filling, and easy to fit into any budget. and a meaningful dose of polyphenols to help fight oxidative stress in the body.

Leave the skin on your apple for the most nutrition possible. How to use: make apple nachos by slicing your apples, arranging them on a plate, and topping with a drizzle of nut butter and your favorite crushed nuts.

How to use: keep peeled and sliced carrots in your fridge for an easy and nutritious grab-and-go snack, or roast them with potatoes at dinner. Cabbage is impressive for so many reasons. How to use: try the Baked by Melissa green goddess salad and serve as a dip with tortilla chips and other veggies.

Canned tomatoes are awesome because they preserve the micronutrients from tomatoes and stay safe to eat for years. Use canned tomatoes in rice, soups, and stews for a boost of vitamins and beneficial plant compounds. How to use: try my favorite turkey chili recipe with canned tomatoes.

Yes, frozen vegetables still count. Either way, eating vegetables is one of the most important things you can do for your health and disease risk long-term.

How to use: add a few cups of frozen vegetables to fried rice or stir fry for extra volume and fiber… no chopping needed.

Onions have health benefits too! In fact, onions are a great source of quercetin and sulfur compounds, which can help lower your risk of developing cancer, heart disease, and diabetes. Onions also add lots of flavor with a boost of nutrition and very few calories.

How to use: add a few chopped onions to your tray of roasted vegetables for an easy side dish at dinner.

Oranges contain folate and other vitamins too, and they offer the unique antioxidants hesperidin and naringenin. Oranges have a long list of bioactive compounds that keep your cells healthy, fight infection and disease, and help your body function at its best. How to use: toss a full orange in your purse and pair with an easy protein like greek yogurt for a balanced on-the-go snack.

Sauerkraut is a fermented cabbage product that comes with a sour flavor and potential gut-health benefits. How to use: add a scoop of sauerkraut to your favorite salad for an extra acidic punch. Raisins are delicious dried grapes that offer energizing carbs, gut-friendly fiber, and calcium.

They can help keep your heart, belly, and bones healthy. How to use: pair ¼ cup of raisins with ¼ cup of unsalted nuts for a heart-healthy and balanced blood sugar snack.

Zucchini contains vitamin A, manganese, vitamin C, and antioxidants to support your health and lower disease risk. How to use: add finely chopped zucchini to soups and stews for a veggie boost that no one will detect!

Green beans are among the most underrated vegetables around. Green beans are a low calorie and affordable vegetable, and a good source of fiber, vitamin C, potassium and vitamin A.

Green beans can help support a healthy heart and prevent disease. How to use: toss green beans with olive oil and salt, and cook in the air fryer for minutes at F for a flavor-packed, healthy side.

You might be surprised to learn that frozen spinach contains even more nutrition than fresh! You can add it to cooked meals like pasta or soups, or use it for a veggie-boost in smoothies!

How to use: defrost and drain frozen spinach before adding into a quiche or frittata. Cantaloupe is super hydrating and offers vitamin A, vitamin C, and potassium. 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.

Always check your local grocery store ads to see where you can get the best deal! Frozen green beans, peas, etc.

Buy it uncut and unwashed if you want to save money! But be sure to prep and wash it so that it actually gets eaten! I like to keep it on hand for making soup. I generally find that a big bag of Russet potatoes is the cheapest option. Check the ad for your local store to see what fresh produce is on sale!

I often see sales for green peppers, asparagus, and more. Cooking a whole chicken and deboning it is a bit of extra work but it will save you money on your groceries! I like to cook whole chickens in my crockpot. Chicken breasts are not the cheapest cut of chicken but if you stretch them ie: one chicken breast cut up with tons of veggies for stir fry they can be quite cost effective.

Chicken thighs or chicken drumsticks are usually pretty inexpensive and are very flavorful. Change Your Life Chicken is a fabulous recipe for chicken thighs! Who else grew up eating tuna fish sandwiches? I like it mixed with a bit of mayo and chopped tomatoes and served with crackers.

I like to wait for a good sale and then stock up! Smoked sausage is a great meat to keep on hand for quick meals. A little can go a long way in dishes like a breakfast casserole for example, making it very cost effective, especially if you purchase it on sale. Hotdogs could also be used in similar ways!

Eggs can be a great cheap source of protein. I say can because lately in my area the price of eggs has more than doubled. So, take this one with a grain of salt and be sure to check your local prices for eggs.

Brown rice is a great alternative to white rice with a lot of health benefits and is still a great cheap food. I cook my brown rice with this method and it turns out perfectly every time! I use them often for oatmeal, baked oatmeal , granola , cookies, muffins, and even in meatloaf!

While the very cheapest bread is not going to have the most nutritional value, watch for markdowns on nicer loaves made with whole grains. Check the different stores around you to see which ones have a markdown cart in their bakery section — many of them do! Store-brand tortillas are typically pretty inexpensive and you can use them for all sorts of meals.

At a dollar or less a box in my area pasta is a great way to add something filling to your meal without spending a lot of money. I always like to have a few jars of pasta sauce in my pantry. Peanut butter is an absolute staple in our home. Again, buy the store-brand or use coupons for the more expensive stuff.

Canned tomatoes are definitely an important pantry staple. I use them the most often for recipes like Taco Soup. Nothing like a bowl of cereal when you need a quick meal, am I right?

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.

Why buy canned pasta sauce when you can make your own in minutes. canned tomato paste — Likewise, tomato paste is an important ingredient to pizza sauce which is so much more affordable to make at home.

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.