16 Cheap Groceries To Buy to Feed Your Family

Feeding a family on a budget doesn’t mean sacrificing flavor, but it does mean getting strategic about what goes in your cart.

When I’m shopping with a tight budget in mind, I always reach for versatile, affordable staples that can stretch across multiple meals throughout the week.

Stocking up on these items makes it easy to stretch your grocery budget and always have what you need for satisfying homemade meals and snacks for your family.

1. Oatmeal

A canister of oats is a cheap staple that’ll stretch your grocery budget. Beyond the obvious bowl of oatmeal, you can use oats in homemade granola bars, blend them into smoothies for extra fiber, or use them in baking recipes.

2. Chicken Thighs or Drumsticks (With Skin)

Chicken thighs and drumsticks are always on my list because they’re cheaper than chicken breasts and stay so much juicier.

If you prefer to eat chicken without the skin, buying it with the skin and removing it is still a cost-effective option.

3. Beans (Dried or Canned)

Beans are a protein powerhouse that cost pennies per serving and work in everything from tacos to soups to grain bowls. Dried beans take more time but cost even less, while canned versions are a weeknight lifesaver when you need dinner on the table fast.

4. Corn Tortillas

I always keep a stack of corn tortillas on hand because they make endless easy meals like quick quesadillas, breakfast tacos, or tostadas. They are cheaper than bread, very versatile, and freeze well, too.

5. Pasta and Noodles

Pasta is the ultimate budget stretcher that fills everyone up without costing much at all. I like to keep a variety on hand so I can quickly make pasta dishes or add it to soups and casseroles whenever needed.

6. Canned Tomatoes (or Tomato Sauce/Paste)

Canned tomatoes are the backbone of so many budget-friendly meals, from pasta sauce to chili to soup.

Sometimes I even use them to make my own pasta sauce; a can of crushed tomatoes or tomato paste can turn basic ingredients into something that tastes like it simmered for hours.

7. Rice

A big bag of rice gives you dozens of servings for just a few dollars and pairs with practically anything you’re cooking. It soaks up sauces beautifully, bulks up stir-fries, and turns leftover chicken into fried rice the next day.

8. Ground Turkey

Ground turkey costs less than ground beef and works just as well in tacos, pasta sauces, and casseroles. It’s leaner too, so you’re getting more meat and less grease in the pan.

9. Potatoes

Potatoes are filling, cheap, and endlessly adaptable. I make my own hash browns and fries, and my family loves them.

I’ll even turn them into a whole meal by loading a baked potato with protein and whatever toppings I have on hand.

10. Canned Tuna or Chicken

These pantry staples are perfect for when you need a cheap protein fast but don’t have time to cook from scratch. Canned tuna or chicken works well in casseroles, salads, and sandwiches.

11. Frozen Vegetables

Frozen veggies are just as nutritious as fresh ones, and they won’t go bad before you get around to using them. Toss them into stir-fries, add them to soups, or steam them as a side.

12. Peanut Butter

Peanut butter is always a lifesaver in my house; it works for quick lunches and easy snacks that everyone actually eats. I spread it on toast, stir it into oatmeal, or spread some on bananas or apples.

13. Italian Sausage

A little Italian sausage goes a long way in adding big flavor to pasta dishes, soups, and skillet meals. You don’t need much to make a meal taste flavorful, and it’s often on sale at the grocery store.

14. Carrots

Carrots are one of the cheapest vegetables you can buy, and they last for weeks in the fridge. Roast them with olive oil and salt, shred them into slaw, or toss them into any soup or stew for natural sweetness.

15. Bananas

Bananas are the most affordable fresh fruit and are perfect for snacking, smoothies, or topping cereal. When they get too ripe, I sometimes make a batch of banana bread for a treat my family loves.

16. Flour

A bag of all-purpose flour goes a long way in my kitchen. I use it to make homemade bread, biscuits, pancakes, and even pizza dough for just a couple of dollars. Baking from scratch saves me money and tastes better than store-bought.