Whether you are in need of being frugal at the grocery store or simply want to be, there are many items to purchase that cost considerably less than some other things do. Here are 9 frugal grocery shopping list ideas to help save money! You do not have to opt for less healthier options when cutting back on grocery costs either. There are healthy frugal foods as well. In fact, included in this list are several affordable healthy food options. If some items listed are more expensive, maybe opting for the store brand may help save you money too.
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When what we want to buy is not on our frugal list.
Sometimes we become accustomed to doing things a certain way. Grocery shopping can be one of those things. For example, if we spend less than we usually do, we will not be getting some of the things we may usually enjoy and are used to getting. Does the thought of that make you cringe? It can be hard to not buy the things we want to and are used to buying.
I know that when I decide to change up some of the things I purchase, I sometimes will feel a little reluctant to. I think I won't like them. Giving new things a try could prove differently. They could even become a new fixture on our grocery lists. Making trying new things not so hard.
There are things we can do to try and make us a little less reluctant when it comes to changing up our purchases. An idea is making some of your premade favorites that you no longer are purchasing, instead from scratch. Do you have any of the ingredients at home already? Could you tweak the recipe a little bit to be more frugal? Another positive is that you may make it even a little healthier than the original way.
Here is a list of 9 items to help build your frugal food shopping list without breaking the bank.
1. Pasta
There are many different types of pasta to purchase. Does your family have a favorite kind? Spaghetti for example is a quick dish to make on a busy night. You can get creative and try a different kind of pasta every couple of weeks. Here are some you may want to try.
- Lasagna
- Macaroni
- Fettuccini
- Linguine
- Penne
- Rotini
- Spaghetti
2. Sauce
Do you like to add sauce to main or side dishes? They can add just the right flavor to your favorite meal. Pasta sauce for spaghetti, barbecue sauce for shredded barbecue chicken. They are so many different options.
Here are some you may want to try.
- Pasta
- Pizza
- Fettuccini
- Barbecue
- Soy
3. Rice
Rice can serve as part of a main dish or as a great side item. Whether eating it plain or with a sauce, vegetable or a protein, rice is a great affordable staple to add to your grocery list.
Here are some examples of different kinds of rice.
- Brown
- Wild
- Basmati
- Sticky
- Long grain white
4. Frozen vegetables
One option of vegetables to buy are frozen vegetables. There are many to choose from. You can add as a side dish or a healthy snack. Another option is to add them to a stir fry.
Here are some examples of different kinds of frozen vegetables.
- Broccoli
- Carrots
- Cauliflower
- Brussel sprouts
- Spinach
- Peppers
5. Eggs
Eggs are a great option for a frugal budget. Along with being a great source of protein, there are multiple ways to prepare them. You can serve them at any meal and can change up how you make them to feel like you are not having the same thing often.
Here are some examples of different kinds of eggs.
- Cage-free
- Organic
- Omega-3
- Organic
6. Beans
Beans can be another great source of protein and are budget friendly. Add them to a salad or as a side dish. They can also be used as part of a main dish. An example is making bean burgers.
Here are some examples of different kinds of beans.
- Lima
- Kidney
- Pinto
- Great Northern
- Navy
7. Bread
When thinking of bread, I usually think of bread for sandwiches. But there are many other ways to incorporate bread into parts of meals as well. Some ideas are for French toast, pizza bread and also to make homemade bread crumbs.
Here are some examples of different kinds of bread.
- Whole grain
- Whole Wheat
- White
- Sourdough
- Rye
8. Peanut Butter
Peanut butter is another good source of protein.
- Creamy
- Crunchy
- Organic
9. Apples
- Gala
- Red Delicious
- Pink Lady
Meal and snack ideas
- Spaghetti with pasta sauce and a slice of whole grain bread.
- Brown rice with beans and a side of steamed broccoli.
- Scrambled eggs and toast.
- Hard boiled egg and an apple.
- An apple with peanut butter.
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