I’m a Frugal Shopper: Always Stock up on These 14 Affordable Foods When Grocery Shopping on a Budget

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When trying to cut down on our grocery budget, many of us often turn to classic budget meals. However, with once-cheap foods like pot roast and even chicken wings now becoming pricey delicacies, it begs the question: what foods are still affordable?

Here are 14 budget-friendly foods that will keep you fed without breaking the bank.

1. Potatoes

Woman peeling potato for cooking tasty bouillon at wooden table, top view.
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Potatoes are an affordable staple that you can do a ton of recipes with. Whether they’re boiled, mashed, or baked, potatoes are a delicious and filling addition to any budget grocery list.

2. Cabbage

Sliced cabbage on the table. To cut a young cabbage. Green cabbage. To grow cabbage. To cook food. Fresh vegetables. Radish and cabbage. To prepare the salad. Cabbage soup diet. Benefits of cabbage.
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Cabbage is not only cheap but also packed with nutrients. It can be thrown into a variety of dishes, from stir-fries to soups, adding volume and health benefits to your meals.

3. Pasta

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Pasta is a budget-friendly lifesaver that pairs well with almost anything. It’s quick to cook and can be the base for a range of tasty, low-cost dishes.

4. Eggs

Woman peeling boiled egg on wooden table, closeup
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Eggs are a cost-effective protein source, perfect for any meal of the day. They’re versatile enough to be turned into omelets, scrambled, boiled, or poached, making them a staple in economical eating.

5. Lentils

various kinds of legumes - beans, lentils, chickpeas, mung beans
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Lentils are both cheap and nutritious, perfect for bulking out meals like soups and stews. They’re a powerhouse of protein and fiber, keeping you full and satisfied on a budget.

6. Tortillas

Two fresh chicken and salad tortilla wraps on wooden cutting board with glasses in background
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Tortillas offer a budget-friendly base for wraps, tacos, and more. They’re a simple solution for turning whatever you have in the fridge into a tasty meal.

7. Chicken Thighs

Chicken Thighs
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Chicken thighs are more affordable than breasts and pack a flavor punch. They’re perfect for slow-cooked dishes, providing a juicy and cost-effective protein option.

8. Oatmeal

Rolled oats, healthy breakfast cereal oat flakes in bowl on wooden table
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Oatmeal is a low-cost breakfast choice that’s both filling and customizable with your favorite toppings. It’s a warm, comforting food that offers a healthy start to your day without breaking the bank.

9. Pork Chops and Shoulders

Italian prosciutto, cured pork meat on cutting board
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Pork chops and shoulders are wallet-friendly cuts that are perfect for slow cooking, resulting in tender, flavorful meals. They’re a great way to make a hearty dinner on a budget.

10. Ground Turkey Tacos

Delicious Crunchy Hard Shell Tacos made with the freshest ingredients including Ground Turkey, Lettuce, Chopped Tomatoes, Peppers and an assortment of Vegetables.
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Using ground turkey in tacos is a cheaper and healthier alternative to beef. It’s a lean protein that makes taco night both wallet-friendly and tasty.

11. Grits

buttered grits with biscuits in rustic setting top view.
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Grits are an inexpensive Southern classic that can be dressed up with cheese, butter, or shrimp. They’re a versatile dish that’s as suitable for breakfast as it is for dinner.

12. Beans and Rice

Black beans and rice dish.
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Beans and rice are a frugal combo that doesn’t skimp on nutrition or taste. Together, they provide a complete protein, making a simple, economical meal that’s also satisfying.

13. Ramen

Sapporo miso ramen in a bowl.
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Ramen is more than just a college staple; it’s a budget-friendly canvas for culinary creativity. With some added veggies and protein, it transforms into a nutritious, wallet-friendly feast.

14. Liver

Mutton Liver fry or Kaleji masala, popular Non vegetarian recipe from India and Pakistan. served dry or with curry in a bowl, karahi or plate.
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Liver is a budget-friendly meat that’s rich in nutrients. With the right recipe, this underrated ingredient can become a tasty, nutritious part of your meal plan.

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Many of today’s grandparents had parents or grandparents who lived through the Great Depression. They adopted many of the frugal living tips they learned and passed them on to their own children.

Grandkids sometimes think that they know everything and that their grandparents are out of touch with today’s world and reality. And while there might be a kernel of truth to that, grandparents still have a wealth of knowledge that can really help. They may need to be tweaked to fit the current world but they are still valuable.

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Even if you’re not poor, you sometimes feel that way, and you probably have some tricks and tips for coping with that. In this article, we’ve compiled several poor hacks that people utilize at least a few times a month or even a week. It’s always good to share these hacks; we hope some of them help!

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I’m super frugal, and one of my passions is sharing my frugal living tips with everyone.

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