25 Dirt Cheap Foods That’ll Help You Survive Until Payday

If you’re staring at an almost-empty fridge with a few days left until payday hits, don’t panic, we’ve got you covered. These dirt cheap foods will prevent you from going hungry while you wait for your next paycheck to clear.

When you’re trying to stretch a tight grocery budget, every dollar counts, which is why knowing the most frugal foods to put in your cart is so important.

1. Rice

A massive bag of rice costs just a few dollars and can feed you for weeks. Mix it with whatever vegetables or protein you have on hand, or simply season it with butter and salt for a comforting side dish that fills you up.

2. Eggs

Egg prices have come down somewhat, which makes them affordable again. They remain one of the cheapest protein sources available, especially given their versatility. They’re not just for breakfast, either; use them to make filling dinners.

3. Sausage

A package of cheap sausage adds smoky, savory flavor that makes basic ingredients like rice or pasta feel like a complete meal. Slice one link into multiple servings, and it stretches much further than you’d expect while packing a serious flavor punch.

4. Kraft Mac and Cheese

A box of mac and cheese typically costs around $1-2 and provides comfort food that actually fills you up. Jazz it up with whatever you have on hand, like hot dogs, frozen vegetables, or even some leftover meat, to make it feel like a real meal.

5. Beans

Beans pack serious protein and fiber for pennies per serving, making them one of the best bargains in the grocery store. Soak them overnight and simmer with basic seasonings for a hearty base that works in everything from tacos to soups.

6. Cheap Vegetables

Basic vegetables like onions, carrots, celery, and cabbage are inexpensive but add crucial nutrition and bulk to your meals. Buy whatever’s on sale that week and toss them into soups, stir-fries, or pasta dishes to make your meals more filling and colorful.

7. Canned Tuna or Sardines

Canned fish provides lean protein that keeps well in your pantry for months. Mix it with pasta or rice, use it in a casserole, make tuna salad sandwiches, or eat it straight from the can when you need a quick protein hit that actually fills you up.

8. Potatoes

Whether you bake, mash, or fry them, potatoes are incredibly versatile and dirt cheap. A five-pound bag gives you countless meal options. Load up a baked potato with a cheap protein like ground turkey, cheese, and seasoning, and it’s filling enough to be dinner when money is tight.

9. Hamburger Helper

A box of Hamburger Helper typically costs $1-2 and turns a small amount of ground meat into a full family meal. Even if you skip the meat entirely and just use the pasta and seasoning packet, it’s still a filling dinner that tastes way better than plain noodles.

10. Bananas

Bananas are usually the cheapest fruit in the produce section. They’re perfect for breakfast, snacks, or even baking into bread when they get too ripe to eat fresh.

11. Oats

Old-fashioned oats cost next to nothing and keep you full for hours. Cook them with water or milk, then add whatever you have on hand, like honey, fruit, nuts, or yogurt.

12. Frozen Vegetables

Frozen veggies often cost less than fresh, and they won’t go bad sitting in your freezer. They’re already prepped and ready to toss into pasta, rice dishes, or soups.olor.

13. Lentils

Unlike other dried legumes, lentils cook quickly without soaking, and they’re loaded with protein. They work in everything from curries to hearty stews, and they’re so cheap you’ll wonder why you didn’t discover them sooner.

Throw them in spaghetti in place of ground beef, which is sometimes pricey; this is one of the cheapest dinners out there.

14. Bread

A basic loaf of bread opens up endless possibilities for cheap, filling meals. Toast it for breakfast, make sandwiches with whatever you have, or turn stale pieces into breadcrumbs or French toast.

15. Spam

Spam gets a bad rap, but it’s a shelf-stable protein that works in everything from fried rice to breakfast scrambles. It’s easy to stretch into multiple meals, and it adds salty, savory flavor that makes simple dishes more satisfying.

16. Apple Sauce

A big jar of applesauce works for breakfast paired with protein. Plus, it makes a delicious snack with a little bit of cinnamon on top. It’s cheaper than fresh apples and lasts much longer, plus it’s naturally filling thanks to all that fiber.

17. Peanut Butter

A jar of peanut butter provides protein and healthy fats that keep hunger away longer than most snack foods. Spread it on bread, stir it into oatmeal, or eat it straight from the jar when you need quick energy.

18. Ramen Noodles

Instant ramen costs just pennies per pack and transforms into a surprisingly filling meal. Add a soft-boiled or scrambled egg to it to make it even more satisfying.

19. Flour

A bag of all-purpose flour can be used to make homemade bread, pancakes, and other baked goods for pennies per serving. Even if you’re not much of a baker, simple pancakes or flatbread can stretch your food budget significantly.

20. Hot Dogs

Hot dogs might not be gourmet, but they’re an incredibly cheap source of protein. Slice them into pasta, fry them with eggs, or just grill them up for a quick meal.

21. Milk & Dairy-Free Milk

A gallon of milk provides protein, calcium, and calories that help stretch other foods further. Use it in oatmeal, cereal, cooking, or enjoy a glass plain.

If you don’t do dairy, dairy-free milks can be a good budget option too, and many times the shelf-stable ones end up being cheaper than the ones in the refrigerated section.

22. Canned Soup

A can of soup costs just a dollar or two and makes an instant meal when you’re too tired or broke to cook from scratch. Choose hearty varieties like minestrone or chicken noodle, and serve with crackers or bread to make it more filling.

23. Tortillas

A pack of tortillas is incredibly cheap and turns any leftovers into a proper meal. Wrap up scrambled eggs for breakfast, make quesadillas with whatever cheese you have, or use them as a base for budget-friendly tacos or burritos.

24. Canned Chili

A can of chili provides hearty protein and flavor for just a few dollars. Serve it over rice or baked potatoes to stretch it further, or eat it plain with some tasty toppings.

25. Pasta

Basic pasta transforms with just olive oil, garlic, and whatever cheese you have in the fridge. It always feels satisfying, even when you’re working with the simplest ingredients. Jarred pasta sauce is cheap when you grab it on sale, too.