This ultimate list of the cheapese foods to buy when you're broke will help you save money and stick to a budget!
When you're on a tight budget, it can be tough to figure out what to eat.
You don't want to sacrifice your health by eating unhealthy foods, but you also don't want to break the bank by buying expensive groceries.
However, you don't have to spend an arm and a leg to eat healthy. If you get a little creative, you can make your budget go a long way.
I'll show you how!
That's why we've put together this list of the 41 cheapest foods to buy when you're broke!
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Cheapest Carb Sources to Buy
1. Rice
Rice is the most classic cheap food. It's filling, nutritious, and SUPER easy to make.
You can add some variety to your rice by cooking it with different spices or adding in some vegetables.
I recommend getting brown rice if you'd like to be on the healthier side.
Also a good thing to keep in a natural disaster kit or earthquake kit for emergencies!
It will last forever so buy it in bulk to save additional money!
Healthiest option: Go for the brown rice.
2. Potatoes
Potatoes are a cheap, filling food.
You can bake potatoes, fry them, or mash them.
The best part is, the last FOREVER.
I make so many wonderful things with potatoes!
Just grab a Onion Soup Mix packet and pour it on cut up potatoes, stick it in the oven, and you will look like a master chef. I promise.
Healthiest option: Opt for sweet potatoes!
3. Pasta
Another cheap food option is pasta.
Pasta is relatively inexpensive, and it's also very versatile. You can make a simple pasta dish, throw on some sauce with some veggies and you're good to go!
I ate pasta all through college because I needed to save money.
Healthiest option: Go for the brown rice pasta, chickpea pasta, or edamame pasta.
4. Top Ramen
If you're really broke, you can always choose Top Ramen.
Top Ramen is dirt cheap, easy to make, and it will fill you up.
I lived on Top Ramen through college because I was so broke.
Just be sure to add some vegetables to your Top Ramen to make it a bit more nutritious.
Healthiest option: Make your own top ramen with brown rice noodles and seasonings.
5. Oatmeal
Oatmeal is a cheap, healthy breakfast option.
In fact, I eat oatmeal every single day. I have for about 10 years.
I eat it plain with berries, throw it on top of a smoothie, or make baked goods with it!
You can also make oat flour out of it by blending it up.
You can buy oatmeal in bulk for a cheap price, and it will last you a long time. Just add some milk and fruit to your oatmeal to make it more delicious.
Healthiest option: Make sure it is just oats and nothing else added to it.
6. Quinoa
Quinoa is one of my favorite carb sources because it can be thrown into anything!
Make it a side dish or add it to salads and soups!
Healthiest option: Make it in bulk and then add it to your meals through out the week!
7. Tortillas
Tortillas are the best because you can make so many different things out of them!
I often make tacos, quesadillas and taco salad!
Healthiest option: I get whole wheat tortillas.
Cheapest Protein Source to Buy
8. Eggs
Eggs are a cheap, protein-rich food.
You can make a variety of dishes with eggs, from scrambled eggs to omelets.
I like to make scrambled eggs every morning with spinach. I then throw some salsa on top and it's a perfect breakfast!
Healthiest option: Go for egg whites!
9. Peanut Butter
Peanut butter is a cheap, nutritious food.
You can add peanut butter to toast, use it as a dip for fruits and vegetables, or just eat it by the spoonful.
It is so yummy that I could literally put it on anything!
Healthiest option: Go for almond butter or find peanut butter with just peanuts and nothing else added.
10. Beans
Beans are next on the list as the easiest and cheapest food to make that's also nutritious.
I always go for black beans and make sure I have a heap of cans on my shelf at all times. However, any kind of beans will offer a great protein source.
I throw beans into soups, tacos, salads, and casseroles.
They are such a great staple and also filled with protein!
Healthiest option: Black beans are my favorite healthy option.
Cheapest Meats to Buy
11. Canned Tuna
Canned tuna is pretty cheap and is a great source of protein.
You can add canned tuna to salads, pasta dishes, or sandwiches.
My favorite thing is to make a salad by getting a can of tuna and adding red onions, olives, cilantro, salt, and pepper. It's delicious!
Healthiest option: Make sure the label says it's just tuna and water with no extra ingredients.
12. Ground Beef
Ground beef is actually pretty inexpensive.
You can use it to make burgers, tacos, or chili.
I make SO Much with ground beef/turkey. My favorite is to make healthy egg roll bowls or stuffed bell peppers. So yummy and so healthy!
Healthiest option: Go for 93% ground turkey. That's what I've always gotten for 15 years and it tastes nearly the same.
13. Chicken Breasts
Chicken breasts can be bought in bulk in places like Costco.
Buy in bulk and freeze them so you have them when you're ready!
You can bake them, fry them, or add them to soups and salads.
Healthiest option: If you're budget allows, splurge for the organic chicken.
14. Canned Chicken
Okay, I'll admit, I thought this was weird the first time I saw it.
However, canned chicken has allowed me to meal prep super easily when I'm short on time.
Not only is it super inexpensive, it's quick. Things that are quick help me avoid going out to eat so it's worth it.
I mix a can of chicken with some buffalo sauce and make a quesadilla!
Healthiest option: I get the one from Costco and I can't claim that it's super healthy, but again it's a time saver.
15. Tofu
Tofu is dirt cheap for the protein you can get from it.
I highly recommend getting tofu and making spring rolls or adding it to soup or grilling it on the stove!
Healthiest option: Just grill it on the stove with some chicken broth and spices!
16. Hot Dogs
Hot dogs are dirt cheap and can be so yummy!
They are a good source of protein and are extremely quick to make!
Healthiest option: Look for grass fed beef hot dogs.
Cheapest Shelf Items to Buy
17. Canned Soup
Canned soup is an inexpensive, easy-to-make food.
Just heat up a can of soup and you have a cheap, filling meal.
I love keeping these on hand at all times and also putting them in my emergency kit!
Healthiest option: Opt for canned soup that's made with natural ingredients. The fewer ingredients, the better.
18. Rice Paper
I love keeping rice paper on hand.
You can get it in the specialty section of a grocery store. It's usually like $2 for 50 rice paper sheets.
I just take some veggies, some tofu or shrimp, and roll them into the rice paper. It makes me some gorgeous (and yummy) spring rolls!
Healthiest option: Can't go wrong here. They are all typically made of the same things.
19. Bread
Bread is a cheap, versatile food.
You can make sandwiches with bread, toast it and eat it with peanut butter, or use it to make French toast.
I always keep some in the freezer so that it doesn't go bad and I can use it as I need it!
Healthiest option: Ezekiel bread or bread made from nuts/seeds.
20. Lentils
Lentils are another great shelf item to have on hand!
They can be thrown into anything and are a great carb source!
Healthiest option: Make sure they don't have any filler.
21. Flour
Flour is extremely inexpensive and you can basically make anything with it!
Always keep some on hand for those months that are really tight budget-wise!
Cheapest Vegetables to Buy
22. Frozen Vegetables
Frozen vegetables are a cheap, healthy option.
They are great because they will lost a really long time and require hardly any prep work. You can often even find ones that allow you to microwave them right from the bag!
You can add frozen vegetables to soups, stews, or pasta dishes.
Healthiest option: Make sure you buy ones that don't have extra fillers.
23. Corn
Corn is super cheap and a great carb source.
You can eat it by itself, add it to salads, or make homemade cornbread.
Healthiest option: Opt for organic if your budget allows!
24. Green Beans
Green beans are great because you can add them to salads, soups, or pasta dishes.
Healthiest option: Opt for organic if your budget allows!
25. Carrots
Carrots are a cheap, healthy option.
You can eat them as a snack, add them to salads, or make homemade carrot cake.
I always dip them in buffalo sauce or ranch for easy snacks at home!
Healthiest option: Opt for organic if your budget allows!
26. Tomatoes
Tomatoes are super cheap and so delicious!
Add them to a sandwich, make a soup, or eat them plain!
I eat them plain with basil, salt, pepper, and balsamic. So good and fresh!
Healthiest option: Opt for organic if your budget allows!
27. Lettuce
This list is not complete without lettuce.
It's pretty cheap and you can add it to anything!
Making salads is a great way to save money while still getting nutritious foods!
Healthiest option: Opt for organic if your budget allows!
28. Onions
Onions are extremely cheap and give any food some extra flavor!
Add them to soups, salads, sandwiches, etc!
Healthiest option: Organic onions.
Cheapest Fruits to Buy
29. Oranges
Oranges are so very good for you and are very inexpensive.
You can make orange juice, add it to smoothies, or just eat it as a snack!
Healthiest option: Organic oranges!
30. Apples
Apples are one of the cheapest and healthiest fruits you can buy.
They also last forever! (I keep them in the fridge)
You can eat them as a snack, add them to your breakfast oatmeal, or make a homemade applesauce.
I eat one almost every day. You know what they say…an apple a day keeps the doctor away!
Tip: Slice up an apple and put it in a bowl, add cinnamon, and microwave for a minute…talk about a healthy and yummy dessert!
Healthiest option: Opt for organic if your budget allows!
31. Bananas
Bananas have got to be the cheapest fruit out there and yet they are the most filling!
You can eat them as a snack, add them to smoothies, or bake them into banana bread.
I LOVE making banana bread and I also freeze them to add to my smoothies every day.
Healthiest option: Opt for organic if you can!
32. Grapes
Grapes have so much water in them that they fill you up so much!
I have even gone some days where I just eat grapes and I don't feel hungry at all. (Don't try that without a professional)
They are cheap and super filling!
Healthiest option: Look for organic!
33. Watermelon
Okay, they may be pricier up front, but watermelon will last you a LONG time.
They are high in carbs and have lots of water so they will fill you up!
Healthiest option: Look for organic!
Cheapest Dairy Sources to Buy
34. Milk
Milk is a pretty cheap and can be very nutritious.
You can drink it by itself, use it in cereal, or make homemade smoothies. You can also put it in your coffee!
Healthiest option: I always get almond milk. It's the same price and I feel it's better for my gut.
35. Cheese
Cheese is a cheap, protein-rich food.
You can add it to sandwiches, salads, or pasta dishes.
Buy it in bulk in places like Costco, it lasts quite a while!
Healthiest option: Use a little bit on your meals so that it goes a longer way!
36. Yogurt
Yogurt is a great source of protein and can be great for your gut health.
You can eat it by itself, add it to cereal, or make homemade smoothies.
Healthiest option: I get 0% Fage greek yogurt or a coconut milk yogurt.
Cheapest Snacks to Buy
37. Larabar
Larabars are one of my absolute favorite snacks.
You can eat them as a snack or add them to your breakfast oatmeal or crumble them on top of jello/yogurt.
I eat one almost every single day.
They have clean, natural ingredients and are usually $1 each.
Healthiest option: Opt for the bars that only have 4-5 ingredients (all things you can pronounce).
38. Hummus
Hummus is a cheap, healthy dip. You can eat it with vegetables or use it as a spread for sandwiches.
Healthiest option: Look at the ingredients and buy ones that have ingredients you recognize.
39. Rice Cakes
I love rice cakes as a snack because you can just add peanut butter or almond butter for a delicious treat!
I also like to sprinkle them on smoothies or just eat plain!
Healthiest option: Opt for plain brown rice cakes.
40. Saltine Crackers
I can't even describe how much I love saltines.
It's not normal.
I think they are so yummy and such a great healthy snack that's also super cheap!
Healthiest option: Get the whole wheat saltines.
41. Nuts
Nuts are a great source of protein and are relatively cheap.
They will fill up your belly and keep you full longer!
Cheapest Foods to Buy on a Budget
From pantry staples like rice and beans to cheap protein sources like eggs, there are plenty of options for cheap, healthy meals. And best of all, these foods won't cost you an arm and a leg!
So next time you're feeling broke, be sure to check out this list of cheap eats.
You don't have to spend a lot of money to eat healthy foods. There are plenty of cheap, nutritious options out there.
What are some of your favorite cheap foods to eat when you're on a budget? Let us know in the comments below! And be sure to check out our other blog posts for more money-saving tips and tricks.
Happy eating!
🙂
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