49 Best Cheap Foods To Buy When Broke

Last Updated June 27, 2024 by Davina Kelly

Are you looking for ways to eat healthy and still save money? These cheap foods to buy when broke are a lifesaver.

They will help you eat well without breaking the bank.

With inflation on the rise we are all assessing areas of our lives to see where we can cut back and reduce our expenses.

Food is the biggest expense for most people, so this is a good place to start. 

As someone who does grocery shopping on a budget, I am going to share some ideas you can implement to save money and shop in a smart way.

You will learn some great options for cheap foods to buy and some ideas for meals you can put together.

This post is all about cheap foods to buy when broke.

Create a Food Budget

Before we think about which cheap foods to buy, we need to create a realistic budget. 

You should consider your personal circumstances, but a good amount to budget is 10% of your income. For example, if you earn $2,000 a month, you should budget $200 a month for food.

To see if this is realistic, look at how much you have been spending on food each month. You can do this by checking your bank statements. Based on this information you can adjust as necessary. 

Once you know how much you have been spending, look at the items you have been buying and be honest with yourself. Do you use everything you buy? Do you have food left at the end of the week that you end up throwing away because you haven’t used it? Or are you finding that your food isn’t stretching until the end of the week?

Doing this exercise will allow you to see where you can make improvements and maybe even cut back. You can then make better choices when deciding which foods to buy.

Although the goal is to find cheap foods to buy, I think it is important to have a budget. A budget will give you an allowance to shop within, if you end up spending less that is even better. 

How To Reduce The Amount You Spend On Groceries

The easiest way to reduce the amount of money you spend on groceries is to only buy the foods that you need and buy the generic brand where you can. This will reduce the amount of money you spend and reduce waste.

For example, do you buy cucumber every week because you intend to include it in your salad, but end up having to throw it away because it has gone bad? Cucumber is a great food choice, but if you are not using it you should stop buying it.

Take some time to look at the foods you have in your cupboards, fridge, and freezer. If there is anything in there that you don’t enjoy, or has been sitting there for a while and you have no intention of using, you should stop buying it.

Then make a list of the foods you eat consistently each week, to make it easier you can organise it by meals. For example, write down the breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks you eat regularly.

Then make a list of the foods you need to make these meals. Split them into food groups to make it easier when you do your grocery shopping. For example, your list should be split into the following groups. Carbohydrates such as rice, pasta, potatoes, etc. Proteins like chicken, fish, eggs, and beans. Fats such as oil, butter, and cheese. Lastly vegetables, salads, and fruits.

Splitting it out this way will mean you are doing your grocery shopping in an efficient way as you will only buy foods that you know you will eat. Most foods in the same group are in the same section in the grocery store, so shopping this way will also help you save time. 

Best Places To Buy Cheap Foods When Broke

Nowadays there are grocery store options for each budget. For example here in the UK, we have Aldi, Lidl, Morrisons, and Asda which are cheaper options. Aldi is the cheapest. Then we have Sainsbury’s and Tesco which are a little more expensive and Marks and Spencer which is on the higher end.

The quality of food will vary with each store, so where you decide to shop will depend on your personal preference.

You can also mix and match. For example, you may not want to compromise on the quality of your fresh fruits and vegetables, so you could buy the bulk of your groceries at Aldi and then buy your fruits and vegetables at Sainsbury’s.

The store you decide to shop in will also depend on your personal budget which you will have determined in the step earlier.

Best Cheap Foods To Buy In Bulk

A great way to save money on food is to buy it in bulk. The cost per serving works out cheaper this way which is great. 

Here is a list of foods you should buy in bulk.

• Rice
• Pasta
• Oats
• Peanut butter
• Oil
• Canned tuna
• Frozen fruits

Not all foods should be bought in bulk due to their shelf life so be mindful of that.

For example, avoid buying fresh foods such as fruits in bulk as they will go bad and you will have to throw them away which is a waste of your money. 

I know buying some of these foods in bulk will cost a lot up front, but it is cost-effective so think about the long-term value.

Best Cheap Foods To Buy:

Meats/Protein:

1. Chicken

Chicken is a good food choice. It is a great source of protein, it can be cooked in many different ways and can also be added to many dishes. I would recommend buying a whole chicken as it can last you for a week. You can have it with rice, potatoes, a salad, a sandwich, and many more. Chicken wings and drumsticks are cheaper to buy than the other parts of the chicken if you want to save money.

2. Turkey

Turkey is a great lean protein option. You can buy Turkey mince, Turkey breasts, Turkey sausages, and much more. It can be used to create many dishes such as chilli, pasta, and stuffed peppers.

3. Frozen white fish such as cod or basa fillets

I find this type of fish is often overlooked, but it can be used to make a great meal. Buying it frozen will mean it lasts longer giving you more value for money. 

4. Canned tuna

Tuna is an essential cupboard staple when looking for cheap foods to buy when broke. It can be used to make pasta salad, tuna mayo sandwiches, or jacket potatoes. It also has a long shelf life. 

5. Ground beef

This is another great option when looking for cheap foods as it can be used in multiple ways. You can cook it and use it to make multiple dishes like tacos, taco bowls, and shepherd’s pie.

There are many options such as lean beef or options with fat. These will vary in price so choose the best option for you.

6. Eggs

Eggs are another staple when looking for cheap foods to buy when broke. You can use eggs to make your meal more filling by adding more protein, they can also be used to replace meat in some dishes. They are a staple in breakfasts and also baking. I would recommend buying these in bulk, at least a dozen. But ensure you check the expiration date.

7. Canned beans

Canned beans are a great option for cheap foods to buy. They are a great source of protein and fibre. There are lots of options such as black beans, mixed beans, cannellini beans, chickpeas, and kidney beans. They can also be used to replace meat in dishes.

8. Lentils

Lentils are a great affordable food choice. They are also very nutritious as they are high in protein, fibre, and iron. You can use them in curries, as a side dish, or cooked with rice. 

9. Peanut butter

 Peanut butter is a great choice and can be used in many ways. You can use it to make a sandwich or bake, you can add it to oatmeal, and you can add it to your snacks like apples or rice cakes.

It is a good protein and fat source and has lots of minerals. You can choose an unprocessed option if you want a healthier choice, but it can be a little more expensive. You can also buy it smooth or crunchy, I prefer mine smooth lol

Tip: A great way to get the most use out of your meat is to freeze it. It is recommended to only keep meat in the fridge for up to 3 days.

What I usually do is season any meat I am not going to use within 3 days such as chicken pieces and turkey breasts and put them in the freezer. Later in the week when I want to cook it I will defrost it, this way it lasts longer. 

Grains/Carbohydrates:

10. Rice

Rice is probably the best cheap food to buy when broke. It can be paired with any of the protein sources above to make a filling meal. There are a variety of different rice options such as brown rice, wild rice, red rice, white rice, basmati rice, and more. Choose the option that is best for your dietary requirements.  

11. Pasta

Pasta is another excellent cheap food to buy. Just like rice it is versatile and can be paired with a lot of other foods to make a nutritious meal.

For example, tuna and pasta bake, chicken and pasta, pasta salad, pasta with homemade tomato sauce, and pesto pasta to name a few.

There are many different types of pasta to choose from such as penne, fusilli, spaghetti, fettuccine, and plant-based options. The healthier options tend to be a little more expensive, so if you want to save money go for the generic brands.

12. Quinoa

Quinoa is a great healthy grain source to buy. It is a superfood rich in antioxidants, minerals, and fibre. It is versatile and can be used in many dishes. You can use it to make salads or in place of rice if you want a lighter option.

13. Potatoes

Potatoes are another great cheap food to buy when broke and it is an all-around favourite. It can be used in so many ways such as a baked potato, mashed potato, and chips (fries if you are from the US lol). They can also be paired with other foods to make a complete meal. 

14. Oats

Oats are another great option when looking for cheap foods to buy. This is a perfect option for breakfast, but it can also be used in other ways. You can use them to make oatmeal and also bake treats such as baked oats, cookies, and muffins. They are filling especially when paired with other foods such as fruits and spices, and they have a long shelf life.

I would recommend buying a box of plain rolled oats instead of the boxes with individual flavoured packets. This is because rolled oats have a higher nutritional value and you will be able to use them in multiple ways.

15. Bread

Another great cheap food to buy when broke. Bread is a household staple and can be used in many ways. You can use it to make toast, a sandwich, and French toast.

There are many options for bread such as white bread, whole wheat bread, sourdough bread, and multi-grain bread. Choose an option that is best for your dietary requirements.

White bread tends to be cheaper, but whole wheat bread lasts for a bit longer and is higher in nutritional value. Once you have opened the bread, storing it in the fridge will keep it fresh and make it last longer.

16. Wraps – flour or corn

Wraps are a great cheap food to buy and can also elevate your meals. You can use them to make burritos, and tacos, and add your favourite protein to make a meal. There are a variety of options such as whole wheat, plain, corn, and mixed (plain and whole wheat). Choosing the cheaper brand will save you money.

17. Noodles

Noodles are a great option for cheap foods to buy. They can be used to make stir fries or added to soup. There are many options such as egg noodles, soba noodles, ramen noodles, rice noodles, and many more. You can buy them flavoured or plain, buying them plain will make it a more versatile option. 

Dairy:

18. Milk 

Milk can be cheap depending on the type you choose. Whole milk, skimmed milk, and semi-skimmed milk are cheap options if you buy the store brand. If you are intolerant and need dairy-free options, buying them from the long-life section will mean it has a longer shelf life.

19. Cheese

Cheese is a staple food and can be added to many dishes to enhance the flavour. You can add cheese to anything and it will make the dish fancy lol

You can add it to your pasta, toast, and on top of any meat. It is cheaper if you buy a block instead of sliced or grated options. The block will last much longer, you can just cut the amount you need and store the rest. If you are intolerant to cheese there are dairy-free options, but they do tend to be a little more expensive. 

20. Yoghurt

Yoghurt is a good cheap food to buy. You can have it as a snack or you can have it for breakfast, just add some fruits and granola and it is a filling meal.

To save money you can buy the plain store brand option. 

21. Butter or margarine

Butter or margarine is versatile cheap food to buy. A little goes a long way so it will last for a while. You can use them on toast, in sandwiches and to bake. To save money you can buy the store brand option. 

Fruits:

22. Apples

23. Bananas

24. Oranges

25. Grapes

26. Strawberries

27. Frozen berries

28. Lemons

Fruits are a great cheap food to buy when broke. They can be used as snacks, added to smoothies, and used to bake. Some of my favourites are apple pie and banana muffins.

Buying them in bulk is more cost-effective, for example, buying a bag of apples will be cheaper than buying them individually. But you should only buy them in bulk if you know that you will eat all of them within that week. Frozen fruits are even cheaper and they will last for a lot longer. 

Salad/Vegetables:

29. Mixed salad bag

30. Spinach

31. Cauliflower head

32. Broccoli head

33. Frozen mixed vegetables

34. Peppers (red, green, or yellow)

35. Courgette (Zucchini in the US)

36. Carrots

37. Canned tomato

38. Onion

39. Garlic

Salads and vegetables are great healthy choices for cheap foods to buy. They are very nutritious and versatile.

Salads can be used as a main dish with a protein source or they can be used as a side dish with pretty much all meals. I have listed spinach separately as you can add it to most dishes when you are cooking to sneak in some greens. So it is better to buy it separately.

Vegetables are very nutrient dense and can also be added to most dishes or as a side dish. You can add them to dishes such as curries, stir-fries, and shepherd’s pie.

Cupboard essentials:

40. Sugar

Sugar is a good cheap cupboard staple. It can be used to sweeten tea, oatmeal, and it can be used to bake. It can also be added to savoury dishes like sauces to balance out the flavour. Brown sugar is moist and has more flavour, but white granulated sugar is usually cheaper. 

41. Honey

Honey is another great cupboard staple and it can be used in the same way as sugar. It is a healthier option than sugar so you could choose one over the other depending on your preference. To save money I would recommend buying the store brand version. 

42. Nuts

Nuts are a great healthy cheap food to buy when broke. They make a great snack and can also be added to dishes when cooking such as stir-fries.

Peanuts are the cheapest option, I would recommend buying them plain. You can roast them with some spices for a tasty snack. 

43. Flour

This is a great cheap food to buy if you love to cook from scratch. You can use flour to make savoury pastries and also to bake.

There are different options such as all-purpose flour, plain flour, self-raising flour, almond flour, and whole wheat flour. I would recommend all-purpose flour as it is the most versatile.

44. Cooking oil

Another great cupboard staple. Oil can be used in many ways. You can use it to cook, make sauces and salad dressings.

There are many types of oil such as olive oil, coconut oil, sunflower oil, and many more. You can buy it in a bottle or as a spray. The spray is a healthier choice, but the bottle can be used in more ways. To save money you can buy the store brand. 

45. Spices/seasonings

We want our food to taste good so we need to ensure we buy some spices. Spices/seasonings are an important cheap food to buy. They are inexpensive and can take your food from bland to bursting with flavour.

You can keep it simple, you don’t need a lot of spices to have flavour. I would say the essentials are salt, black pepper, all-purpose seasoning, garlic powder, curry powder, and an Italian herb mix. Also cinnamon is a great spice, you can add it to your oatmeal, baking, and smoothies. 

Snacks:

46. Popcorn

47. Chocolate (variety pack)

48. Corn thins

49. Rice cakes

Snacks are an important food to buy lol we all enjoy a good snack after a meal or while watching our favourite movies and TV shows.

Depending on your dietary needs and lifestyle, you may want to leave these out. Many of the foods I have listed above can be eaten as snacks such as fruits and yoghurt.

But if you do want to add these types of snacks in, these are good options as they can be eaten alone or paired with other foods. For example, you can have rice cakes with peanut butter or popcorn with melted chocolate.

Next time you go grocery shopping refer to this list of cheap foods to ensure you are saving money. You can put your list together using the free grocery shopping list I have included below.

Meals Ideas Using Cheap Foods:

Most of the foods listed above can be paired together to make a filling nutritious meal. This is great as you can get more value for your money. 

Here are some options.

Breakfast: Oats with berries and peanut butter.

• Use half a cup of oats, half a cup of milk, and half a cup of water. 
• Cook it on low heat. When it begins to boil add in some frozen berries. 
• When it has finished cooking, add some honey to sweeten it and add some cinnamon for flavour. 
• Then top it off with peanut butter for extra protein and fats.

Lunch: Chicken with rice and salad or vegetables.

• At the beginning of the week, roast a whole chicken and cook 2 cups of rice. 
• Once these are cooked take out a serving of the chicken and rice, and add a serving of your mixed salad or vegetables.
• Store the rest in the fridge so you can eat it throughout the week 

Snack options:

• Yoghurt with strawberries
• Rice cakes with peanut butter
• Fruit

Dinner: Tuna pasta bake with salad 

• Cook 2 cans of tuna in some oil and season to your liking.
• Boil 2 cups of pasta
• Once everything is cooked mix it together and put it in a baking dish
• Add some cheese on top and bake it in the oven for 30 mins 
• Once this is cooked take a serving and add a side salad 

Utilise leftovers:

A great way to get more value from food is to cook in bulk and repurpose leftovers.

At the beginning of the week, you can cook a protein and a carbohydrate source such as the whole chicken and rice in the lunch meal option above.

See some examples below for how to repurpose these foods.

Whole chicken: 

You can use the chicken throughout the week to make a roast chicken sandwich, wrap, or salad.

The whole chicken can last you a week or a few days depending on the size of your family

Rice:

You can use the rice with the chicken again or have it with white fish or another protein source.

You can also cook some frozen vegetables, scramble an egg and add the rice to make egg-fried rice.

Mince:

You can cook beef or turkey mince and pair it with rice to make a burrito bowl, or wraps to make a taco.

You can also use it to make stuffed peppers or use the potatoes to make a shepherd’s pie. 

I have shared 49 ideas for cheap foods to buy when broke. Although we are buying cheap foods that doesn’t mean we have to compromise on the quality or eat bland meals. If we shop in a smart way we can save money and still eat tasty nutritious meals.

This post was all about cheap foods to buy when broke.

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