According to USDA research, food prices are up 28% since 2019. Rising operating costs and supply chain disruptions have all contributed to this. While this is expected to slow in the next year, many Americans are still feeling the pinch at the grocery store. It may be necessary to change the way you shop to make your money stretch further. Here are 7 budget-friendly foods you should stock up on if money is tight.
1. Pasta
Pasta is probably the most versatile and budget-friendly food you can buy at the grocery store. Usually under $1, it’s an easy staple to stock up on. Plus, there are so many dishes you can create to add variety to your meals. Also, it’s great to have on hand when you’re in a pinch.
2. Beans
Beans are another great item to stock up on when money’s tight. You can use beans to bulk up meals like taco meat. If you mash up some beans in your meat mixture, no one will know the difference. Plus, you’ll save money on buying more ground meat. Beans are rich in protein so it’s a nutritious way to stretch your dollar. Bean soup or chili will keep you feeling full for hours.
3. Frozen Vegetables
Frozen vegetables are another budget-friendly food. Store-brand frozen veggies and sale items can be very affordable. Plus, frozen veggies usually come in more varieties than canned veggies. Veggies are a healthy way to round out a meal when money is tight.
4. Potatoes
Potatoes are easy to stock up on and are very inexpensive. If money is tight, potato soup is delicious and affordable. With so many preparations for potatoes, you can’t go wrong. Russets are the cheapest variety of potatoes and are the best for baking. For the most part, you can find russets for $.60 to $1 per pound.
5. Canned Fruits and Veggies
Canned fruits and veggies are a good way to add essential nutrients to your meals without breaking the bank. A good tip for making canned items taste better is to rinse and roast them in the oven. This works for any type of veggie. Adding seasoning can also dress up canned goods. When it comes to fruit, look for cans that don’t have added sugar or are in water or their own juices. They make a great addition to salads or smoothies.
6. Oats
Oatmeal can be so much more than just a breakfast food. It can help thicken soups or add a nutritious filler to meatloaf or baked goods. Usually, you can find oats for under $4, which is more affordable than other ingredients you could use in these recipes. Especially if you buy in bulk, oats can be very affordable.
7. Flour
With the cost of even bread at an all-time high, flour is a pantry staple to stock up on. Have you ever made homemade bread? Homemade sourdough is not just for COVID times! According to most estimates, making your own bread can save you around 50% per loaf compared to buying it at the store, with a basic loaf costing around $1-$1.50 to make at home versus $2-$3 for a store-bought loaf, depending on the type of bread and where you buy it.
Putting Food on the Table
If you’re struggling to purchase nutritious food for your family, you’re not alone. 47 million Americans are food insecure. Hopefully, these tips can help you to make smart choices when money is tight. How do you save money on groceries for you and your family?