Regardless of how big our bank accounts get, there are just some foods that will forever have a place in our hearts-and kitchens. These modest staples offer comfort, convenience, and sustenance without putting a dent in your wallet.
From hearty grains to savory snacks, these affordable options have seen us through time and again. Whether we’re looking for quick meals on busy days or trying to stretch our food budget, these foods are tried and tested favorites.
Here are 15 cheap foods that will always have a place in our lives.
- Rice
- Pasta
- Eggs
- Beans
- Potatoes
- Peanut Butter
- Oats
- Canned Tuna
- Frozen Vegetables
- Bread
- Canned Beans
- Cheese
- Yogurt
- Carrots
- Tortillas
Rice
Rice is the ultimate pantry staple that serves as the foundation for countless meals. It’s very versatile; it can go well with a wide range of proteins and vegetables, making it an excellent side dish or base for a meal. Coming in many forms, such as white, brown, and jasmine, rice adapts to different culinary traditions and tastes.
Rice is affordable and thus accessible to people all over the world, and its long shelf life allows it to be stored for months without spoilage. As well as affordable, rice is a consistent carbohydrate source of energy; therefore, it is always on the list in many homes.
Pasta
When it comes to a very budgetary-friendly meal that is also very filling, pasta should come out at the top. Pasta can be prepared within a very short time. It comes in many sizes and shapes, which best fits any kind of sauce or seasoning.
Whether you like spaghetti, penne, or ravioli, pasta really can be dressed up or down depending on what else you have in your kitchen. It’s also an excellent vehicle for using any leftovers you may have, such as meatballs, vegetables, and cheese, to make a satisfying dinner on the cheap. Pasta is carb-heavy, making for a filling meal at a super low cost that’ll actually keep you full.
Eggs
Eggs are one of the most affordable and nutritious foods there is, and they can be used in so many different ways. From scrambled eggs to omelets and frittatas, they provide a quick, protein-packed meal for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. They’re also a common ingredient in baking, helping to bind together other ingredients for cakes, muffins, and pastries.
The versatility of eggs makes them a staple in nearly every home, and they’re relatively inexpensive compared to other protein sources like meat or fish. Eggs also have a long shelf life when stored properly, making them a smart buy for households on a budget.
Beans
Beans are a cost-effective powerhouse that can transform any dish with their rich flavor and satisfying texture. Black beans, kidney beans, or chickpeas-whichever you choose-are packed with protein, fiber, and other essential nutrients, making them a healthy meal option. Beans are great in soups, stews, salads, or even tacos, providing many different ways to enjoy them without having to spend much money.
They are also an excellent source of plant-based protein, serving as a very affordable alternative to meat. Buying dried beans in bulk is especially cost-effective, as they can be soaked and cooked in large batches to last for several meals.
Potatoes
Potatoes are a super versatile and very affordable food that can be prepared in endless ways. Baked, mashed, roasted, or fried, they can be served as a side dish or the main event. These foods are the staple in many kitchens because they are affordable and accessible. They offer a filling base for meals without breaking the bank.
Potatoes are a great source of carbohydrates and potassium, providing much nutritional value at a very low cost. They also store for months if kept in a cool place, making them a good choice to have in stock for leaner times.
Peanut Butter
Peanut butter is a delicious, nutritious, and affordable option for quick snacks or as a complement to many meals. Packed with protein and healthy fats, it keeps you satisfied for longer while still being incredibly affordable. A jar of peanut butter can go a long way, making it a staple for students, families, or anyone trying to stretch their food budget.
Whether spread on toast, stirred into oatmeal, or paired with fruit, peanut butter is a tasty and easy way to add flavor and sustenance to your diet. Plus, it has a long shelf life, so you can stock up and use it at your convenience.
Oats
Oats are an inexpensive breakfast food that provides sustained energy throughout the day. A simple bowl of oatmeal is comforting, filling, and full of fiber to keep you full until the next meal. Oats can also be used in baking to make granola, cookies, or bars, adding versatility to this humble grain.
Their affordability makes them a go-to choice for families looking to provide nutritious meals on a budget. But since oats are rich in complex carbohydrates and antioxidants, they are also a heart-healthy food that can be enjoyed in many different ways.
Canned Tuna
Canned tuna is an easy, convenient, and inexpensive protein source for those busy days. Added to a salad, mixed with pasta, or in a simple tuna sandwich, it will provide a satisfying meal in minutes. Canned tuna is convenient to stock up on and have on hand for emergencies or quick meals.
It’s also rich in omega-3 fatty acids and protein, offering health benefits without the hefty price tag of fresh fish. Canned tuna is an excellent way to enjoy seafood on a budget without compromising on taste or nutrition.
Frozen Vegetables
Frozen vegetables are a savvy, budget-friendly option for fulfilling your daily serving of greens without waste. Many frozen vegetables are flash-frozen when they’re at their freshest to help preserve their nutritional value, which makes them as healthy as fresh produce. Frozen options are available for nearly every type of vegetable imaginable: peas, broccoli, spinach, mixed vegetables, and many others.
With the long shelf life, you will face less spoilage, especially for people with busy lives. With frozen vegetables, it’s easy to add flavor and nutrition to any meal regardless of the season or budget.
Bread
Bread is a staple food item in most people’s lives because it’s cheap, filling, and really versatile. A loaf of bread can serve for sandwiches, toast, or to accompany soups and stews; therefore, bread is a staple in many households. Generally speaking, bread is relatively cheap and largely available in white, whole wheat, or multi-grain options to suit every taste.
It’s good for light meals and can be easily changed into garlic bread or croutons to give life to a meal. While fresh bread can be eaten right away, it can also be stored and used later, making it a practical choice for any kitchen.
Canned Beans
Canned beans are an easy and convenient way to add legumes to your diet without requiring any extra effort. They provide the same nutritional benefits as dried beans but do not require soaking or long cooking times.
These are available in a wide array of varieties, including black beans, kidney beans, and pinto beans, to name a few. They are great for throwing into chili, soups, or salads, adding protein and fiber to meals. They’re affordable, shelf-stable additions to the pantry, and a food item one should keep in supply.
Cheese
Cheese is a deliciously sinful yet inexpensive addition to add depth and flavor to nearly any dish. Cheese is shredded, sliced, melted into sauces, soups, sandwiches, or pasta, making a block of cheese vital to scores of recipes. Cheese will provide protein and calcium; this is great nutrition added along with the delicious taste.
While the premium varieties can be rather expensive, there are enough varieties that are affordable, such as cheddar or mozzarella, that represent good values. Since cheese is often used in small portions to enhance meals, a little goes a long way, stretching your grocery budget further.
Yogurt
Yogurt is versatile, relatively inexpensive, and nutritious, serving as both a snack and an ingredient in many recipes. Rich in probiotics, which promote gut health, this food offers quite a good share of protein and calcium. You can serve yogurt plain, flavored, or as Greek-style. Pairing it with fruits, granola, or honey for added flavor, you get yourself an easy snack or a ready breakfast.
Usually, you are saving more by bulk-buying plain yogurt; besides, you are free to make any use of it: base for smoothies, dip, or bake different sweets. This is one of the more budget-friendly dairy options, and it’s a real powerhouse both nutritionally and in flavor.
Carrots
One of the cheapest and most versatile vegetables out there, carrots are a crunchy, sweet addition to any meal. Enjoy them raw as a snack, roasted, steamed, or in soups and stews. Carrots are rich in beta-carotene, fiber, and vitamins, which make them healthy for every diet.
Because they have a very long shelf life, they can be kept in the refrigerator for several weeks, thus being convenient and a good value. Due to their natural sweetness and versatility, carrots remain one of the most popular choices for those who want to add a healthy and inexpensive vegetable to their diet.
Tortillas
Tortillas are an inexpensive and versatile food that can be used to make many different types of meals. Whether one uses flour or corn tortillas, these are the bases for tacos, burritos, quesadillas, and wraps; the combinations of fillings and toppings are endless.
It’s easy to make tortillas at home, or they can be bought in bulk for even more economy. They are also convenient because of their long shelf life and can be stored in the freezer for later use. With a stack of tortillas, you can make something satisfying in a very short period of time.
Canned Tomatoes
Canned tomatoes are an affordable item to stock in your pantry, as they form the base for several sauces, soups, and stews. Most of the recipes will be so deliciously depthful with their rich, sour flavor that one can hardly do without them in their kitchen. Tomatoes come preserved in various ways: they might be diced, crushed, and otherwise pureed for using different consistencies for varying purposes.
Besides having long-term storage up to many months, tomatoes provide the advantage of ease during any purchase meant for inventories. The canned variant being economical gives an ease during the course of including both taste and nutrition at reasonably lower prices when one needs to cook something within one’s tight budgets.
