14 Grocery Items That Are Still Cheap (Even With Rising Food Prices)

Between rising costs and shrinking package sizes, grocery shopping can feel tougher on your wallet than ever. The good news is that some pantry staples and fresh items are still affordable, and filling your cart with them instead of the ones that cost more can lower your grocery bill.

You’ll find plenty of wallet-smart choices, from protein-rich basics to produce that stretches across multiple meals. These simple staples make it easy to eat well while keeping your budget in check.

1. Dried Beans and Lentils

A single bag of dried beans feeds a family for days at just a few bucks per pound. Load them up with protein and fiber, then turn them into anything from soups to salads with whatever spices are hanging out in your cupboard.

2. Whole Chicken

Sure, spending a little money on a whole chicken might feel like you’re spending more money, but you’re getting so much more meat for your dollar.

One whole chicken stretches into several dinners, and with the leftover bones, you can make homemade broth.

3. Potatoes

Potatoes remain one of the most filling foods for your money. A five-pound bag typically runs less than what you’d spend on a coffee drink and is versatile enough to make for breakfast or as a side.

Load a potato up with toppings and a cheap protein like sausage or ground turkey, and you have a cheap meal.

4. Frozen Vegetables

Store-brand frozen veggies like peas, green beans, and corn are many times cheaper than fresh and keep for longer. Toss them straight into stir-fries, soups, or pasta dishes without any prep work when weeknight cooking feels overwhelming.

5. Oats

Old-fashioned oats keep you full for hours thanks to all that fiber, and they end up costing just pennies per bowl. Toss them in smoothies, bake them into cookies, or mix them into meatloaf when you need to stretch the ground beef a little further.

6. Pasta

Pasta is one of the most budget-friendly staples you can buy. Stock up when it’s on sale, and you’ll always have the perfect base for quick weeknight dinners that keep everyone happy.

Pasta sauce is also affordable and worth stocking up on as well when you see a good sale.

7. Canned Tuna

A few cans of tuna are an inexpensive way to get protein, and they’ll keep in your pantry until you need them. Use them for pasta salads, quick tuna melts, or a simple mix with mayo and crackers for a filling lunch.

8. Cabbage

This veggie packs serious nutrition while staying incredibly wallet-friendly all year long. One head transforms into multiple stir-fries, fresh slaws, hearty soups, or those stuffed cabbage rolls that make everyone ask for seconds.

9. Eggs

After those crazy-expensive days a while back, eggs have dropped back down to surprisingly reasonable prices. Use them to make breakfast scrambles, weeknight fried rice, or those weekend pancakes that make everyone happy.

10. Bananas

Bananas consistently rank among the cheapest fruits around, no matter what season you’re shopping. They’re perfectly portioned for grab-and-go snacks, blend beautifully into morning smoothies, and those overripe ones sitting on your counter make the most amazing banana bread.

11. Popcorn Kernels

Skip those pricey microwave bags and buy kernels in bulk for a snack that runs just pennies per serving. Perfect for at-home movie nights!

12. Canned Tomatoes

Canned tomatoes often taste better in cooked dishes than fresh tomatoes since they’re picked at peak ripeness, and they won’t break your grocery budget. Keep crushed, diced, and whole varieties around for pasta sauces, soups, and casseroles.

13. Rice

A large bag provides dozens of servings for just a few dollars, making rice one of the smartest pantry investments around. It plays nicely with almost any cuisine style and soaks up flavors from whatever proteins and vegetables you’re working with.

14. Peanut Butter

Peanut butter is full of good fats and protein that’ll keep you full for longer. It’s not just for PB&J, try it in stir-fry sauces, morning smoothies, or those no-bake energy balls when you need something that actually keeps you full.