50 best cheap foods to buy when broke | Life hacks for better living
Are you looking for the best cheap foods to buy when broke? Life is not always a straight line. At times, hard economic times can push you to the wall. However, that does not mean you will postpone some basic human requirements such as eating. You cannot live without food! It is the only fuel needed by the human body to keep one going. This list of cheap foods will help you when the budget is tight.
Source: UGC
You are counting those coins and asking yourself, how can I eat for $10 a week? Many people cannot imagine that one can survive on a 10 dollar-budget-food in a week. But, of course, it is possible if you go for the cheapest food on the menu. Check out the list below for some fantastic survival ideas as you wait for payday. They're healthy too!
Cheap foods to buy when broke
When picking the cheapest ones on the menu, it is vital to settle for the most filling meals. If you do not focus on the foods with satiety, you may end up starving or spending more than you intend. Check out this list of the cheapest foods to live on when you are broke.
1. Beans
Beans are among the most pocket-friendly meal you can add to your menu when broke. They are versatile because they can be enjoyed with many meals. Importantly, make sure you buy them dry and cook them yourself. Meals you can eat with beans include snacks, sandwiches, tacos etc.
2. Eggs
What is the cheapest food to survive on? You can try eggs. Usually, the price of a crate of eggs varies from shop to shop. However, the difference is that big. They are among the cheap, nutritious food options that will leave your stomach full the whole day.
3. Noodles
Noodles are not only cost-effective but also cheap to prepare. You can be sure that you will be able to save on cooking gas. Most brands come with spices, meaning you will not need to buy some from the grocery shop.
4. Rice
Besides being a price-friendly meal, rice helps one control their appetite. If possible, you can try rice with beans or some frozen vegetables. Like noodles, the method of preparation is straightforward.
5. Bananas
Source: UGC
Do you know that bananas have high fibre content? When you eat them, you remain full for a long time. Also, the good thing with ripe bananas is that you do not need to cook them. They are also rich in vitamin B6, vitamin C, potassium, and manganese. You can eat them with oat or pancakes.
6. Lettuce
Are you wondering what to buy at the grocery store when broke? It is high time you considered lettuce. It is a good source of iron, vitamin C, fibre, and folate. You can make the best salad with lettuce at home, which will keep you filled the whole day.
7. Sweet potatoes
Sweet potatoes are a staple food in most parts of Africa and the world. These root vegetables have high fibre content. They are also energy-giving meals, meaning you will stay strong the entire day. You can eat them in the morning before going to work.
8. Yoghurt
Yoghurt may seem like a luxury meal to many, which is not always the case. Drinking yoghurt makes you full for longer hours as compared to beverages. You can opt for yoghurt instead of tea because it can be readily consumed.
9. Protein bars
Unlike chocolate bars, protein bars are relatively cheaper. They also contain many nutritional benefits to the body. They also help in weight loss. In other words, they are an excellent choice for someone looking to save. A bar goes for around $1 and $4 in most stores.
10. Oatmeal
Source: UGC
Oatmeal is another excellent choice for someone trying to survive on a low budget. They are breakfast cereals with many health benefits. Some also argue that they are suitable for weight control. Oatmeal is among the best cheap meals for 1 at home.
11. Canned tuna
Surprisingly, a pack of tuna is below $6 in most food stores, including Walmart. Usually, a pack contains 8 of them. You can imagine the amount of money you will spend in a week when you finally do it. Another thing, it does not require refrigeration.
12. Spaghetti
Spaghetti is among the most famous and eaten meals across the world. Same to noodles, they are easy to prepare. They are also rich in minerals and vitamins. If you are broke, you can buy a few packets, and you will not regret it.
13. Mushy peas
Do you love mushy meals? If yes, then you need to try out mushy peas. They are not only tasty but also pocket-friendly. You can buy those that are ready or fix some at home. This way, you will save a few coins. What to serve with mushy peas? Serve them with bread or fish fingers. However, make sure you are within the budget when picking meal options.
14. Chickpeas
Chickpeas will come in handy if you are a vegetarian. Most importantly, they are a great source of protein. The meal can boost one’s mental health and help in digestion. So, there is no reason for you not to try it.
15. Tinned/packet soup
Source: UGC
Tinned/packet soup is an excellent option when you do not have enough money. They come in handy for someone trying to have a low-budget lunch. You can serve it with white bread. You will be amazed at how long your stomach will remain full.
16. Custard
Custard is mainly consumed as a dessert. It also comes in a variety of types. Therefore, the size of your pocket will determine the type to buy. The meal is often served with various puddings – bread, chocolate, honey or a cake.
17. Biscuits
Can one survive on biscuits? Yes. However, they are not suitable for people with blood sugar health problems. If you are out of options, you can try them with juice or tea. At the end of the day, you will save a few extra coins for another day as you wait for the payday.
18. Corn flakes
Corn flakes are in the same category as oatmeal. They are easy to prepare and cost-effective when you do not have enough money. Just make sure you eat them in the morning before going to work. They are also high in fibre, meaning you will remain full for many hours.
19. Pickle onions
What food should you buy when you are broke? Pickle onions should absolutely be on the list. You cannot cook without onions; the good thing with pickled onions is that they don't go bad quickly. Use can also use them when preparing your salad.
20. Hot dogs
Source: UGC
Hot dogs are cheap and can be prepared quickly. You can prepare them in minutes, saving you time and money. One can eat them with ketchup or have them plain. In some instances, they can be used as option meals.
21. Lentils
Lentils are an excellent option for beans. However, you need to dry them for a more extended shelf period. They are rich in fibre, potassium, and zinc. How do you serve them? Serve with salads, soups, and stews.
22. Tofu
Tofu is the way to go when you do not have enough money for an expensive meal. Just season it with vegetables, and you will enjoy every bit of it. The meal is not only cheaper but also an excellent choice for proteins.
23. Ground beef
Like most canned meals, if stored properly, ground beef can save you a lot of money when you are broke. Keep it in the freezer and remove a batch every time you cook. You can serve it with vegetables, burgers, meatloaf etc.
24. Saltine crackers
Saltine crackers are healthy and inexpensive. They are made of white flour, salt, yeast, and baking soda. For health purposes, crackers are low in fat. Most people use them as a substitute for bread crumbs because they are relatively cheaper. You can also use them as toppings for various meals.
25. Milk
Source: UGC
Milk, unlike yoghurt, is affordable to many. It becomes a cheaper option for a broke person when they have a refrigerator. You can drink milk as tea or use it in other meals such as oatmeal, cereals, and bread.
26. Apples
An apple a day keeps the doctor away. Even when broke, it is good to stay healthy. Just buy a few of them and store them in the refrigerator. You can also eat them with a variety of snacks.
27. Canned tomatoes
Canned tomatoes are a cheaper option because of their shelf time. Interestingly, they can stay up to 18 months without going bad. They are ideal for soups, stews, and Italian meals, especially spaghetti and salsa.
28. Frozen veggies
It is vital to eat vegetables irrespective of your financial status. Frozen veggies are cheap in most groceries or supermarkets in South Africa. Currently, 14 oz can go for less than 1 dollar at your local market. You can use them in soups, casseroles, or stews.
29. Cabbage
Cabbage falls under the group of the cheapest groceries to buy when broke. A fresh head of cabbage goes for less than $1, making them a cheap option. Apart from making salads, there are many ways of eating cabbage. For instance, you can serve it with beef or soup. Importantly, store it well.
30. Quinoa
Source: UGC
Quinoa, pronounced keen-wah, is another cheap food to buy when you are broke. The meal is rich in fibre and protein. In terms of nutritional value, it is better compared to rice. You can serve it with salads, soups, and tacos.
31. Bread
Bread should not miss your bucket list if you need to survive until your next payday. For many years, bread has been man’s staple food. With bread, you can make several meals. For instance, you can make a sandwich or toast.
32. Frozen chicken
Chicken is, obviously, an expensive meal, especially when you are trying to survive on your last R100. However, no meal is complete without protein. Also, looking at it from a different angle, you might find it a great option. All you need to do is to freeze it in the freezer. You will be surprised at how many days you will use it with other cheap meals.
33. Carrots
Groceries should not miss your kitchen even with the increased price of food items. Unlike some grocery items, carrots are cheap and rich in vitamin C. In case you did not know, they can also be used in place of desserts. So, why fill your stomach with junk foods?
34. Baking soda
Yes, baking soda is another item that should not miss in your kitchen cupboard! It may not be eaten directly, as is the case for most meals on the list, but it may come in handy when baking. The idea is to minimize the expenditure as possible. In other words, you can bake your bread at home instead of buying it.
35. Green tea
Source: UGC
Green tea might be expensive if served in a hotel or restaurant. When you are under a budget, you can buy it and prepare it in the comfort of your home. Apart from its wide range of benefits, it suppresses one's appetite. So, you can be sure that you will not have unnecessary cravings.
36. Pumpkins
Pumpkins are among the cheapest foods to live on when broke. Just go to the grocery store and buy one. You can put it in the freezer because you do not want to cook it all at once. If you cannot find whole pumpkins, you can buy the canned ones. Like potatoes, they are rich in fibre and folate, meaning you will not go hungry quickly.
37. Broccoli
Like pumpkins and carrots, broccoli is rich in vitamin C and folate. They are also good at reducing the risk of heart diseases. Imagine you would benefit twice when you include them in your diet – you will save a little money and stay healthy. How do you cook broccoli? You can bake, boil, or oven grill the food.
38. Popcorn
Most people are used to heavy meals, and mentioning popcorn might sound hilarious to others. Popcorn should be on top of your list if you are looking for the cheapest snacks. Just buy the raw ones and make them at home. Add salt and butter to make them spicy and fun to eat.
39. Spinach
Stock your kitchen with spinach if you want to survive on a low budget. Often, spinach goes well with most meals. Like broccoli, it has several health benefits due to its nutritious components. You can add it to a wide range of vegetables for a tasty meal. It is also suitable for making a salad.
40. Honey
Source: UGC
Who said honey is for the rich! Anyone can buy honey even with these tough economic hard times. Some may consider it a luxury, but to others, it is a sweetening dish with several health benefits. Natural honey is much better compared to processed one.
41. Courgette
Courgette or zucchini look like cucumbers but are not in the same family. They are good additions to your diet if you are looking for pocket-friendly groceries. You can choose to eat them raw or cooked; the nutritional value remains the same.
42. Vinegar
Like honey and butter, vinegar can come in handy if you are trying to survive until the next payday. It is suitable for spicing up less appealing budget meals because, at this point, you may not afford expensive meals. Make sure it does not miss in your kitchen cupboard.
43. Tortilla chips
Tortilla chips are made from corn tortillas. You can make them at home if you want to try something new. Just cut the corns into triangles and bake or fry them. The same as popcorns, they are cheap snack options you can opt for when broke.
44. Orzo
Orzo is a type of soup pasta. It looks like rice, and the method of preparation can vary from one person to another. Like spaghetti and noodles, they are easy to prepare. They also go well with most Spanish sea foods.
45. Sausages
Sausages might seem like an expensive choice, but they are life savers. Just buy a few packets, and your breakfast will be sorted. If you can afford bread, then your stomach will be full all day long.
46. Tomato sauce
Source: UGC
Tomato sauce is a cheap and versatile food item that should not miss in your kitchen. It comes in handy when you do not have enough money to afford an expensive meal. Mostly, it is used in a variety of pasta dishes, cooked vegetables, potato etc. They give even the less tasty meals some taste.
47. Green peppers
The groceries are used to add flavour to a meal. Chop them well and add them to salads, soups, and taste for an amazing taste. They are also cheap and easily available, making them a great choice for someone eagerly waiting for their salary.
48. Peanuts
Peanuts are an excellent source of protein. Peanuts can be used in many meals. You can also use them to make peanut butter. Alternatively, you can just eat them plain.
49. Grits
Grits is a porridge-like dish made from boiled cornmeal. They are rich in vitamin B. Also, they are energy-giving foods. You can find some good recipes online on how to prepare grits at home. It is a simple meal, just like oatmeal.
50. Kiwis
Kiwis are rich in dietary fibre and vitamin C. The fibre in them makes one full for longer times when eaten. Thus, if possible, you can squeeze your budget a little and buy some for yourself.
The impact of the recent hike in food prices and fuel is being felt everywhere. Nonetheless, one must eat to be productive. The above are the cheap foods to buy when broke to keep you going.
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Source: Briefly News
