20 Cheap Pantry Staples Frugal People Swear By

Some ingredients stick around because they’re cheap, versatile, and consistently useful. These are the pantry staples frugal people swear by when money’s tight, but you still need to get food on the table.

Stocking up on just a few inexpensive essentials can stretch your grocery budget further than you’d think. Whether you’re cooking from scratch or trying to avoid takeout, these basics are a smart way to save money.

1. Chocolate Chips

They’re not just for cookies; chocolate chips can be melted into sauces, stirred into pancakes, or added to trail mix. A single bag goes a long way for both baking and snacking.

2. Canned Tomatoes

From sauces to soups, canned tomatoes bring acidity and richness to countless meals. They’re a year-round workhorse that costs far less than fresh and lasts much longer.

3. Dried Lentils

These cook quickly without soaking and make hearty stews, dals, or veggie burgers. A one-pound bag can feed a family multiple times for just a few dollars.

4. Bread Crumbs or Panko

Use them to coat meat, bind meatballs, or top casseroles for a satisfying crunch. They add texture and stretch ingredients further in recipes that might otherwise need more protein.

5. Bouillon Cubes

Just one cube can transform water into a base for soup, grains, or sauces. They’re compact, shelf-stable, and a fraction of the cost of boxed broth.

6. Canned Tuna or Salmon

Packed with protein, canned tuna or salmon is perfect for sandwiches, pasta dishes, or fish patties. They’re far cheaper than fresh seafood and just as versatile in a pinch.

7. Cocoa Powder

A spoonful adds deep flavor to baked goods, oatmeal, or even chili. It lasts forever in the pantry and can be used to make hot cocoa when craving something sweet.

8. Canned Vegetables

While fresh is nice, canned veggies are ready to eat, budget-friendly, and don’t spoil. Green beans, corn, and peas all bring quick fiber and color to meals.

9. Pasta

Dirt cheap, fast to cook, and endlessly adaptable, pasta is a dinner standby for good reason. It pairs well with nearly any sauce or leftovers in the fridge.

10. Flour

Flour opens the door to baking, thickening sauces, and making bread, tortillas, or pancakes from scratch. A small bag can be used for dozens of recipes.

11. Cream of Mushroom, Chicken, and Onion Soup

These canned soups double as quick sauces and binders for casseroles and crockpot meals. Their savory base adds instant flavor to meals without much effort or cost.

12. Seasonings and Spices

Even the simplest dish gets a boost from a little garlic powder, paprika, or Italian seasoning. Buying a few spices upfront helps make basic meals taste a lot better.

13. Canned Chicken

Quick to use and easy to store, canned chicken fills tacos, soups, salads, or sandwiches with minimal prep. It’s a reliable protein when fresh meat isn’t an option.

14. Cornmeal

From cornbread to a coating for fried foods, cornmeal is a pantry MVP you should always have on hand. It’s inexpensive and shelf-stable for months.

15. Soy Sauce

A little goes a long way in stir-fries, marinades, or sauces. Its salty, savory punch elevates rice and noodles without needing much else.

16. Oats

Oats are incredibly cheap and fill you up fast, whether in breakfast bowls, cookies, or homemade granola. They also double as a binder in meatloaf or veggie burgers.

17. Dry Yeast

With flour and water, yeast makes everything from sandwich bread to pizza dough possible. One small packet can yield several loaves or pizza crusts.

18. Shelf-Stable Milk

Great for baking or emergencies, boxed milk lasts months unopened. It saves a last-minute trip to the store when you’re out of fresh dairy.

19. Dried Beans

Soaked and simmered, they’re cheaper than canned and come in bulk for big savings. Pinto, black, and navy beans all serve as a base for soups, salads, or mains.

20. Canned Fruit

Canned fruit adds flavor to yogurt, oatmeal, or desserts without peeling or chopping. Look for options packed in juice to cut down on added sugar.