Putting food on the table shouldn’t feel like an uphill battle.
Yet in 2023, about 13.5% of U.S. households, roughly 18 million, struggled with food insecurity.
Stats like that hit hard, especially when you think about how much food waste happens at grocery stores every single year.
But that’s a whole other rant for another day.
One thing that can help?
Budgeting for your weekly food bill and sticking to a cheap grocery list.
With a little planning, a cheap grocery list can stretch your dollars way further than you’d expect.
And it’s easier than you might think. It just comes down to knowing where to buy cheap groceries and how to shop smart.
I save upwards of 50% on my grocery bill with Flashfood! Download the app and enter referral code PILA432ZF to get $5 OFF your first order of $7 or more.
Where to Buy the Cheapest Groceries
Groceries become a lot more affordable when you know where to buy cheap groceries.
For example, here in Boston, Stop and Shop is on just about every corner, but it’s also one of the most expensive grocery stores around.
So I only shop there as a last resort.
Instead, I plan ahead and do my shopping at a store that’s way easier on the wallet, such as Aldi’s or Market Basket.
Every city is going to be a bit different, but if you’re trying to find the best grocery deals near you, here are a few solid options to check out.
- Discount grocery stores like Aldi, Lidl, or Grocery Outlet often have prices 30-40% lower than traditional supermarkets. Their store brands are usually good quality but cost much less.
- Dollar stores have expanded their grocery sections and can be great for basics like pasta, rice, and canned goods.
- Ethnic and international markets typically offer much better prices on produce, spices, and staples like rice and beans.
- Warehouse clubs like Costco or Sam’s Club can save you money if you have storage space for bulk items, especially for non-perishables and frozen foods.
Most of the time, my brother’s family and I split food and toiletries purchased at warehouse clubs to save money buying in bulk.
This one frugal living tip can save you hundreds of dollars per year on essentials!
If you have friends or family nearby, try teaming up and splitting bulk items. It’s a smart way to cut costs and reduce waste.
Save Big Everyday with Flashfood Grocery Discounts
One of the easiest ways to save money on groceries without clipping a single coupon is by using the Flashfood app.
Since I started using this grocery savings app, I’ve saved over $966 on my grocery bill, and I’m still racking up the savings!
So how does Flashfood work, and how does it help you keep more money in your pocket?
In a nutshell, Flashfood partners with local grocery stores to offer steep discounts on fresh food items that are approaching their expiry date, but are still perfectly good to eat.
Basically, if an item is set to expire in the next couple of days, there’s a good chance you’ll find it on the Flashfood app for 30% to 50% off!
They also offer heavy discounts on overstocked food items, so it’s not just items that are about to expire soon.
In my area, Flashfood is partnered with Stop & Shop.
While I don’t usually shop there, I do make regular trips to pick up the awesome Flashfood deals they have.
Luckily, there’s a Stop & Shop just a short walk from my place!
Some insanely good deals I’ve nabbed on Flashfood include:
- 18 Grade A Large Brown Eggs for $5.74 (during the egg shortage!)
- 30 Grade A Large Brown Eggs (Store Brand) for $8.40
- 1L Organic Terra Delyssa Extra Virgin Olive Oil for $8.15
- Veggie Bag Filled to the Brim for $3.00
- 0.93 lb New York Strip Steak for $8.51
- 2.5 lbs Kayem Beef and Pork Hot Dogs for $8.74
I put together a detailed Flashfood app review where you can learn how it works and check if there’s a Flashfood location near you.
If there is, then feel free to enter Flashfood promo code PILA432ZF at registration to get $5 OFF your first order of $7 or more!
Cheap Grocery List Items (Cheapest Groceries to Buy)
I’ve rounded up the most affordable grocery items that give you the most bang for your buck.
It’s perfect for a college student looking for a $50 grocery list for 1 person, without having to survive on just ramen.
These wallet-friendly staples are also great for creating a budget grocery list for a family of 4, without breaking the bank.
- Rice – A versatile grain that costs pennies per serving and works as the base for countless meals
- Dried beans – Packed with protein and fiber at a fraction of the cost of meat
- Eggs – One of the cheapest complete proteins available (if there’s not an egg shortage going on!), perfect for any meal of the day
- Bananas – Often the least expensive fruit at around 59¢ per pound
- Potatoes – Filling, nutritious, and incredibly affordable at about $1 for several meals’ worth
- Oats – A hearty breakfast option that costs much less than boxed cereals
- Frozen vegetables – Just as nutritious as fresh but last longer and often cost less
- Pasta – Stock up when on sale for about $1 per box for multiple meals
- Canned tuna – Affordable protein that requires no refrigeration and has a long shelf life
- Carrots – One of the cheapest fresh vegetables that stays good for weeks in the fridge
- Flour – Make your own bread, pizza, and pancakes for a fraction of the ready-made cost
- Lentils – Cook quickly unlike other dried legumes and provide excellent nutrition on a budget
Recommended Cheapest Grocery List for Two People
Shopping for two? You can still eat well without spending a ton. Here’s a budget-friendly grocery list that’s perfect for couples or roommates:
Pantry Staples
- Rice (5lb bag) – Base for multiple meals at just pennies per serving
- Pasta (2-3 boxes) – Quick, filling dinner option that’s always affordable
- Dried beans (2 varieties) – Much cheaper than canned and makes several meals
- Oats – Economical breakfast that costs less than cereal
- Flour – For homemade bread, pizza, and more at a fraction of prepared foods
- Cooking oil – Buy a medium-sized bottle that lasts through multiple meal preps
Proteins
- Eggs (1 dozen) – Versatile protein for breakfasts, lunches, and dinners
- Canned tuna (4 cans) – Affordable protein that requires no refrigeration
- Whole chicken or chicken thighs – More economical than boneless cuts
- Tofu – Inexpensive protein alternative that takes on many flavors
Fruits & Vegetables
- Bananas – Consistently the cheapest fruit option
- Apples – Affordable when in season and stay fresh longer than other fruits
- Carrots (1 bag) – Inexpensive, versatile, and long-lasting in the fridge
- Onions (3-4) – Essential flavor base for countless recipes
- Potatoes (5lb bag) – Filling side dish or main ingredient that costs very little
- Frozen mixed vegetables – More economical than fresh and prevents waste
Extras
- Bread – Look for day-old discounts or freeze half to prevent waste
- Milk or non-dairy alternative – Buy the smallest size that works for your needs
- Peanut butter – Economical protein spread that lasts for weeks
- Spices (salt, pepper, garlic powder) – Buy one new spice each shop to build collection
This list gives you enough variety to cover about 5 to 7 days of meals for two people, without spending a ton.
Feel free to tweak the amounts depending on how much space you have and how much you both eat.
If you want to treat yourself to a nice restaurant meal without blowing your budget, check out the restaurant rewards app, Seated.
You can earn up to 30% cash back on your bill, which you can redeem for Amazon gift cards and other rewards!
Want to know how it works? Read my full Seated review here.
Cheap Meal Ideas for 1
It can be a bit challenging to come up with a variety of cheap meal ideas for 1 when you shop with a cheap grocery list that has limited ingredients.
For days when you’re feeling uninspired or stuck in a food rut but still want to stick to your meal budget, give the Too Good To Go app a try.
The app connects you with local restaurants, bakeries, and grocery stores offering surprise bags of surplus food at a big discount.
I’ve been able to snag filling, ready-made dinner meals for one from popular Boston restaurants for as little as $3.29!
Without the Too Good To Go app, a lot of this perfectly good food would’ve ended up in the trash.
Instead, you can grab these meals for just pennies on the dollar!
Check out the real cheap meals I scored in my Too Good To Go app review.
Cheapest Groceries to Buy Online
Amazon has become a surprisingly budget-friendly option for stocking your pantry.
Their Subscribe & Save program is great for saving on basics like coffee, cereal, and paper goods.
Oftentimes, you’ll get up to 15% off when you schedule regular deliveries of five or more items.
You can easily adjust your delivery schedule or skip months altogether.
A lot of people don’t realize that Amazon accepts SNAP EBT in most states. That means more families can shop for eligible groceries online without leaving home.
The free shipping that comes with your discounted Prime membership for EBT members means no lugging heavy items from the store.
So if you’re looking for the cheapest groceries to buy online, Amazon Subscribe and Save is worth considering.
Save Money on Your Grocery Shopping List with Cash Back Apps
To save even more on your grocery bill, try cash back apps like Ibotta, Shopkick, and Fetch for rebates on name brand items.
Just scan your receipts or shop through the app to start earning rewards. It’s a simple way to stretch your grocery budget even further.
I’ve used Ibotta to earn over $17k thousands in rebate rewards, bonuses, and Ibotta referrals! Read my Ibotta app review.
These receipt rewards apps work if you know how to use them effectively to save money!
Suggested Read: Shopkick App Review
Final Tips on Creating a Cheap Grocery List
Being on a budget doesn’t mean you can’t eat well.
With a thoughtful cheap grocery list, you can stretch your dollars further than you might expect.
The strategies and staples I’ve covered here will help you navigate the supermarket with confidence, even when funds are tight.
Remember that cheap food to buy when broke isn’t just about survival, it’s about making smart choices that provide nutrition and value!
Next, you may be interested in how to get paid to eat and shop as a mystery shopper.
You may also like these 13 ways to make $100 a day!
