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A must-have list for the cheapest groceries to buy.
It is no secret that food is the biggest budget-buster.
In 2018, the average U.S. household food expenditure amounted to approximately $7,923. That is approximately $21.70 per day or $7.23 per meal!
But you don’t have to be like the average American. With the cheapest grocery list that you will learn today, you will cut your food expenses significantly.
What Is A Cheap Grocery List
A cheap grocery list is made up of food items that do not blow your budget. These are typically your staple foods.
However, do note that this list consists of cheaper food items that are not necessarily healthy.
Basic Grocery List Categories
When planning your grocery list, you have to know the basic grocery categories. This will help you stay organized. It will also help you avoid temptation when you are at the grocery store.
1) Bread And Grains
This list will include your pasta, bread, all-purpose flour, rice, tortillas, breakfast cereal, and other starch. These are usually the least expensive and most versatile ingredients in your kitchen.
Buy them in bulk if you can and store them in a tightly sealed container or a heavy-duty storage bag.
2) Meat And Fish
Meat and fish can be expensive but they are essential in the kitchen (if you’re not vegetarian). However, there are ways to reduce your meat and fish like buying in bulk, choosing leaner meat, or cut and grind at home.
4) Beverages
Beverages are a must-have in every household. That includes your water, coffee, tea, soft drinks, and others.
5) Dairy
Dairies do not last long but they are a must in your kitchen. Just make sure you use them before they expire. This includes your eggs, milk, butter, yogurt, cheese, mayo, and others.
6) Snacks
Snacks are good to have to get you through until your next meal. You can find snacks that are really cheap, most are less than a dollar.
7) Frozen
Frozen fruits and vegetables are good to keep on hand. They’re always ready to add to your salad, soup, casserole, pasta dish, and more. And you do not have to worry about them getting stale and rotten.
8) Canned/Jarred
Canned and jarred items are very convenient and inexpensive. Although they are not as nutritious as the fresh or frozen ones, they can still be a lifesaver, especially when you are on a tight budget.
9) Condiments
Condiments are essential to giving life to your food because they give your food flavors. It includes your oils, vinegar, herbs, spices, and sauces. Herbs and spices also have a long shelf life so stock up whenever you can.
10) Fruits
Fresh fruits are part of a well-balanced diet. They provide you with the nutrition that your body needs. However, if you are not careful, it can eat up your budget.
11) Vegetables
Just like fresh fruits, fresh vegetables are also part of a well-balanced diet. However, if you are not careful, it can eat up your budget. Here are some tips on how to save on fruits and vegetables.
12) Miscellaneous
This would include other things that you might need.
Cheapest Groceries To Buy
Here are the food items per category that are low-cost and budget-friendly.
1) Dry Or Baking Goods
✔️ OATMEAL
✔️ QUINOA
✔️ RICE
✔️ CORNMEAL
✔️ CEREAL
✔️ PASTA
✔️ POPCORN
✔️ MACARONI AND CHEESE
✔️ RAMEN NOODLES
✔️ LOAF BREAD
2) Canned Or Jarred Goods
✔️ CANNED BLACK BEANS
✔️ CANNED TOMATOES
✔️ CANNED SALMON
✔️ CANNED TUNA
✔️ CHICKEN STOCK
✔️ CREAM OF WHEAT
✔️ SALSA
✔️ CANNED PUMPKIN
✔️ PEANUT BUTTER
✔️ PEANUTS
✔️ CANNED SOUP
✔️ PASTA SAUCE
3) Dairy
✔️ EGGS
✔️ CHEESE
✔️ MILK
✔️ YOGURT
✔️ COTTAGE CHEESE
✔️ CHEESE
✔️ BUTTER
4) Frozen Foods
✔️ FROZEN MIXED BERRIES
✔️ MIXED VEGETABLES
✔️ CORN
✔️ GREEN BEANS
✔️ EDAMAME
✔️ FROZEN MEATBALLS
5) Meat And Fish
✔️ WHOLE CHICKEN
✔️ FLANK STEAK
✔️ LAMB CHOPS
✔️ CHUCK ROAST
✔️ GROUND TURKEY
✔️ PORK
✔️ GROUND BEEF
✔️ HOT DOGS
✔️ TOFU
✔️ CATFISH
✔️ SARDINES
6) Fruits
✔️ BANANAS
✔️ ORANGES
✔️ APPLES
✔️ KIWI
✔️ CANTALOUPE
✔️ WATERMELON
✔️ GRAPES
7) Vegetables
✔️ CAULIFLOWER
✔️ CABBAGE
✔️ ONIONS
✔️ WHOLE CARROTS
✔️ BABY CARROT
✔️ CELERY STALKS
✔️ LETTUCE HEADS
✔️ SPINACH
✔️ PEPPERS
✔️ KALE
✔️ GARLIC
✔️ BROCCOLI
✔️ LENTILS
✔️ ZUCCHINI
✔️ SWEET POTATOES
8) Beverage
✔️ COFFEE
✔️ TEA
9) Pantry Staples
✔️ SUGAR
✔️ YEAST
✔️ BAKING SODA
✔️ FLOUR
✔️ COCOA POWDER
✔️ DRIED MILK
✔️ BAKING POWDER
✔️ OILS
10) Condiments
✔️ VINEGAR
✔️ SOY SAUCE
✔️ BOUILLON POWDER
✔️ SPICES
How Do You Make A Grocery List On A Budget
1) Take Inventory
Go through your cupboard, fridge, and pantry and take note of what you already have. Also, make a list of items that need replenishing.
2) Create A Weekly Meal Plan
Using your list, plan out your meals for the week. You can use this free weekly meal planner.
3) Create Your List
List down the food items that you will need that you don’t already have.
4) Organize Your List
To make shopping easier and quicker, organize your list by sections or by aisle.
5) Look Up Coupons
Save money by looking up coupons. Use Ibotta if you haven’t yet. If you found a deal on the items you need frequently, stock up.
6) Double Check Your List
Before you head out, take a quick look at your list and make sure you have everything you need.
7) Keep A Running List
Keeping a running list in your kitchen or on your mobile phone will help you keep track of items that you have run out of or are close to needing to be replenished.
What Is A Cheap Grocery List For A Month
Setting up your grocery list for a month will depend on your monthly food budget. Decide on how much you can afford to spend on food.
The USDA publishes a recommended monthly budget, which consist of the Thrifty, Low-Cost, Moderate-Cost, and Liberal Food Plans.
Each of these represents a nutritious diet at a different cost. You can use them as a guide to creating your food budget.
In October 2020, a family of 2 (19-50y/o) should plan to spend $402.20/month under the Thrifty plan. You can learn more here.
What Are The Most Famous Grocery Shopping Hacks
Food can be expensive but there are tips that you can do to keep your cost down.
1) Use Ibotta
Ibotta is an app that rewards you for grocery shopping. No need to print coupons. All you need is your mobile phone and your receipt.
2) Buy In Bulk
Buying in bulk can save you money. After all, it means less packaging and less waste. However, if you’re not careful, you will also waste money. Consider only buying in bulk for your staple food items.
3) Buy In Season
When a produce is in season, the supply is high. As a result, prices will be reduced. Therefore, it is the best time to stock up.
For more grocery saving tips, check out how to save money on groceries and household items.
Free Grocery List Template
To help you plan your cheapest grocery list, download our free grocery list template.
Final Thoughts On The Cheap Grocery Shopping List
While it is true that food cost can take away a huge chunk of your monthly budget, it is also possible to keep a tight budget and still have food on the table for your family.
Are you ready to use the cheapest grocery list to save money?
Saving Money Related Articles:
- 7 Rebate Apps To Save On Groceries
- How To Meal Plan On A Budget
- 101 Ways to Save Money
- How To Save Money On Groceries And Household Items
- How To Use Apps To Save Money On Groceries
