Snagging grocery bargains has never been more exciting. From nutrient-packed lentils to versatile potatoes, these affordable items offer incredible value without compromising on health. Discover how you can eat well for less with these budget-friendly finds, perfect for anyone looking to stretch their dollar while still enjoying delicious, nutritious meals.
Apples
Finding great grocery store deals is still possible. Envy apples, priced at $1.18, offer a nutritious snack packed with vitamin C and dietary fiber. With only 95 calories per serving, they’re perfect for health-conscious individuals and families. Each apple provides 4 grams of fiber and 14% of daily vitamin C.
Bananas
Affordable finds like bananas, priced at 59 cents a pound at Kroger, offer great nutrition. Each banana contains 105 calories, 3 grams of fiber, and 12% of the daily potassium needs. Ideal for active individuals and kids, they boost energy and support heart health with their rich vitamin B6 content.
Beans
Scoring cans of black beans for 88 cents at Walmart or 89 cents at Kroger is a win. Packed with protein and fiber, each serving contains 7 grams of protein and 8 grams of fiber. Perfect for vegetarians and budget-conscious households, they also provide 20% of their daily iron needs.
Pasta
For just 99 cents, you get a 16-ounce box of spaghetti at Target, which is a smart buy. Each serving provides 200 calories, 7 grams of protein, and 2 grams of fiber. Ideal for families and college students, this budget-friendly staple also meets part of their daily iron needs.
Chicken
A slight 0.2% drop in chicken prices over the past year is good news. Each meal of chicken breast provides 165 calories, 31 grams of protein, and 3.6 grams of fat. Great for athletes and everyone, it also offers essential nutrients like vitamin B6 and niacin.
Corn Tortillas
Grabbing a 30-pack of corn tortillas at Walmart for $1.98 is a bargain. Each tortilla provides 50 calories, 1 gram of protein, and 1 gram of fiber. Suitable for diverse diets and large households, they also offer essential nutrients like magnesium and iron.
Eggs
With the average price of a dozen large grade A eggs around $2.50, they’re a great deal. Each egg contains 70 calories, 6 grams of protein, and 5 grams of fat. Popular for breakfast and baking, they offer vital nutrients like vitamin D and choline, benefiting diverse diets.
Flour
At about 54 cents a pound, flour is budget-friendly. Walmart sells a 5-pound bag for $2.43. Each cup of flour provides 455 calories, 13 grams of protein, and 95 grams of carbs. Home bakers and budget-conscious cooks benefit from its versatility and essential nutrients like iron and B vitamins.
Frozen Blueberries
Frozen blueberries at Walmart, priced at $2.47 for a 16-ounce bag, are a steal. Each serving provides 80 calories, 4 grams of fiber, and 24% of daily vitamin C. Health enthusiasts and smoothie lovers enjoy their antioxidants, which benefit heart health and add natural sweetness to dishes.
Frozen Vegetables
At Walmart, a 12-ounce bag of mixed frozen vegetables sells for 98 cents. You get 60 calories, 2 grams of protein, and 4 grams of fiber from each portion. Great for busy individuals and those on a budget, they can enhance stir-fries, soups, and casseroles with essential vitamins and minerals.
Ground Beef or Ground Chuck
Most supermarkets sell ground chuck and ground beef for around $5 a package. A standard meal contains 250 calories, 19 grams of protein, and 20 grams of fat. Popular in American cuisine, it’s perfect for burgers, meatloaf, and tacos. Health-conscious and budget-friendly shoppers appreciate its protein and resourcefulness.
Iceberg Lettuce
A head of iceberg lettuce is priced at just under $1.80. With 10 calories, 1 gram of fiber, and 14% of daily vitamin K, it’s great for low-calorie diets. While not as nutrient-dense as spinach or kale, it’s still a crunchy, hydrating addition to salads and sandwiches.
Lentils
At Walmart, a 16-ounce bag of lentils costs $1.34, $2.19 at Kroger, and $1.59 at Target. With 230 calories, 18 grams of protein, and 15 grams of fiber per cup, lentils benefit vegans and budget-conscious shoppers. Originating from ancient Asia, they remain a nutritious and affordable pantry staple.
Mushrooms
White or whole brown mushrooms cost around $2 for an 8-ounce pack. With 20 calories, 2 grams of protein, and vital antioxidants per serving, they suit health enthusiasts and budget-conscious individuals. Popular in Asian and European cuisines, mushrooms add depth and nutrition to countless dishes.
Oats
Old-fashioned whole-grain oats are pantry staples. A 42-ounce container currently goes for $4.98 at Walmart. With 150 calories, 5 grams of protein, and 4 grams of fiber per half-cup, oats benefit heart health and digestive wellness. Great for breakfast lovers and health-conscious individuals, they provide essentials like iron and magnesium.
Peanut Butter
Generic 16-ounce jars of peanut butter are $1.99 at Kroger and Target and $1.84 at Walmart. Each serving has 190 calories, 7 grams of protein, and 16 grams of fat. Popular among athletes and kids, peanut butter originated in the late 1800s, created by Canadian Marcellus Gilmore Edson.
Canned Tomatoes
You can find 14.5-ounce cans of tomatoes for less than a dollar at Walmart. Packed with 25 calories, 1 gram of fiber, and 10% of daily vitamin C, canned tomatoes benefit budget-conscious cooks. Compared to whole tomatoes, they have slightly more sodium but retain essential nutrients and antioxidants.
Potatoes
A pound of white potatoes averages 96 cents. With 110 calories, 3 grams of protein, and 26 grams of carbs, potatoes benefit budget-conscious and health-focused individuals. They can easily replace pricier sides like risotto, providing essential nutrients like vitamin C and potassium without breaking the bank.