Are you tight on money this month and are wondering about the best cheap food to buy when broke? Maybe you’re in a single-income household, are in between jobs, or you’re a college student who is tight on money. As we all know, food is an essential part of our lives that we cannot skip out on. Sure, if you’re really broke, you might be able to skip the odd meal here and there. However, this isn’t sustainable – nor is it healthy for your body, mind and spirit.
Wondering what the best cheap foods to buy when broke are? Look no further. In this article, I’ll go over how to eat cheap when broke, the most filling cheap foods, the best places to buy cheap food when broke, how to buy food in bulk and how to get free food.
Even if you aren’t totally broke but are just someone looking to save as much as possible for a big trip or maximize how much cash you have leftover at the end of the month to save or invest, this guide is for you!
Read on to learn about the best cheap food to buy when broke.
How Can I Eat Cheap When I Am Broke?
The first and most essential question: “How can I eat cheap when I am broke?” Of course, you’ll want to look at finding the cheapest food. However, there are several important parts of eating cheap when broke. The most important factors you’ll want to consider are:
- What foods are cheap and filling and the cheapest foods to buy when broke
- The best places to buy cheap food when broke
- The best cheap foods to buy in bulk
Additionally, if you’re really tight on money and struggling to make ends meet, you’ll want to find out the best places to get free food when broke.
Follow these and you’ll be able to create tasty, cheap meals to tide you over when broke. Let’s get into it.
What Foods Are Cheap and Filling?
Starches: Cheap Staple Foods to Buy When Broke
Rice
Not sure about the best food to buy on a budget? Start with rice! This versatile grain is cheap, nutritious and filling – which is why it should be on your list of foods to buy when broke. It’s packed with vitamins and minerals like Vitamin B, iron and zinc. Rice is low in calories and will keep you full for hours! Use it in hundreds of different dishes, including:
- Curries
- Tacos
- Burritos
- Fajitas
- As a side to a meat dish
- In a casserole
- Made into a biryani
… and more!
Oatmeal
Oatmeal is versatile, delicious and filling, which is why it’s also one of the best foods to buy on a budget. Of course, you can make regular dishes topped with Greek yogurt, berries, honey and nuts. However, did you know that you can make savory dishes as well? Top your dishes with eggs, spinach, meat and other salty foods to give your diet variety! Try out different combinations and see what you like the most. Oatmeal is one of the top cheap foods that fill you up – if you regularly eat oatmeal in the morning, you’ll feel fuller longer, so you won’t crave food as quickly later in the day.
Pasta
If you’re really broke, pasta will stretch your dollar quite far. You can make very cheap meals for dinner and lunch. Pasta has fiber, magnesium and other essential ingredients part of a healthy diet. Truly trying to stretch your dollar as far as possible? Opt for white pasta over whole grain – it’s not as healthy as whole grain, but still contains nutritious ingredients.
However, in the long run, it’s best to buy whole grain pasta. Want a balance between saving and being healthy? Switch between whole grain and white pasta. One week, buy white pasta, and the other week, opt for the whole grain variety – a great way to live frugally while watching your health.
Need some ideas? Here is a list of frugal dinner ideas with pasta as the main ingredient:
- Spaghetti
- Pesto bakes
- Macaroni and cheese
- Fettuccine alfredo
- Spaghetti carbonara
- Bow tie skillet
- Chicken parm pasta
… and tons more!
Flour
Flour is a cheap food that you can use to make tons of different dishes. If you have the time and are willing to spend it cooking, you can make so many different dishes, including:
- Pasta
- Homemade carbonara noodles
- Pizza
- Homemade gnocchi
- Cookies and cakes
- Pies
.. and many more!
One essential food to make if you’re broke: homemade bread! It’s a lot cheaper than store-bought. Yes, it does take time to make and bake, but it’s delicious! You can stretch your dollar far with homemade bread. Typically, all you need to make it is sugar, salt, water, yeast and, of course, flour. I don’t know about you, but I can’t think about anything better than enjoying a slice of bread fresh out of the oven that’s topped with butter!
Beans and Lentils – Essential Cheap Food to Buy When Broke
Beans
No list of foods to buy when broke is complete without beans. They’re high in fiber, protein and other nutrients. You can make them into so many different dishes and top many different salads with them.
You can buy both packaged and canned beans. There are pros and cons to both. Packaged beans are cheaper, and when you cook them from scratch, the beans are generally firmer. Canned beans cost more. Since they’re generally sitting in water from the can for an extended period of time, they’re softer. If you want to make curries or stews and you’re really trying to save as much money as possible, it’s generally better to use packaged beans. Don’t know where to get started? Here is a list of the many different types of pulses and beans you’ll find at your local grocery store, including:
- Navy beans
- Chickpeas
- Kidney beans
- Fava beans
- Lima beans
- Black-eyed peas
- White beans
… and many more! Next time you’re at the store, why not try out something new? If you’re broke, you can still make delicious foods by trying out new varieties of foods such as beans. At the very worst, you won’t like it, and you don’t have to buy it again! Frugal foods, planning and frugal eating don’t have to be boring when you have tons of options.
Lentils
Just like beans, lentils are a core part of anyone’s list of foods to buy when broke. They’re full of minerals and vitamins and will keep you full for a long time. Stick with the packaged variety over the canned variety if you’re broke and trying to save as much as possible. There are hundreds of dishes you can make with lentils as the star ingredient, such as:
- In tacos as an alternative or addition to ground beef
- In curries and stews
- Topped on salads
- As part of a lentil salad
… and more! There are tons of dishes you can make with lentils.
If you’re looking for cheap foods that last a long time, look no further. Packaged lentils can be stored in a cool, dry area for up to 2 years!
Fruits and Vegetables
Bananas
Bananas are chock-full of essential nutrients like potassium. They are a great frugal food because they’re cheap and versatile. Use them in many different dishes, such as:
- On cereal
- Topped on oatmeal
- Blended into a smoothie
- In muffins and cookies
Apples
Apples are another really cheap food to buy when broke. They’re an excellent source of Vitamin C. Use them in dishes including:
- Muffins
- Made into applesauce
- In smoothies
- Apple crisps and pies
Frozen Berries
Frozen fruit is a great way to ensure you’re getting your daily intake of fruits and vegetables all while sticking to your budget when broke. Not sure which ones to buy? Blueberries are a good one to start with. They’re reasonably priced and are very versatile. Use them in smoothies, topped on salads, baked into muffins and pies and more. If you’re broke, you probably won’t have the capacity to buy in bulk, but if you can, try to buy the larger package. Why? Generally, the cost per unit of larger items is cheaper. By buying larger quantities, you’ll save money in the long run.
Frozen Vegetables
Frozen vegetables are cheap and easy to add to so many dishes when you’re undertaking frugal cooking. They’re cheaper than buying fresh and just as nutritious, which makes them an excellent option for anyone’s list of budget foods. Some of the best and cheapest frozen vegetables include: frozen corn, peas, carrots and mixed vegetables. For quick and easy frugal dinners, add these tasty options to soups, stews, as a side to meat and potatoes and more.
Potatoes
Potatoes cannot be excluded from your broke grocery list. They’re nutritious and alongside flour and frozen vegetables, top the list of the cheapest food you can buy. You can do so many different things with them. Bake, boil, steam, mash… get creative and mix up your cooking!
Potatoes sometimes get a bad rap as not being as healthy as other vegetables. While you definitely need to focus on brightly-colored vegetables as they generally contain the most nutrition, potatoes have Vitamin C and potassium in addition to other essential vitamins and minerals. Here are some ideas to get you started with adding potatoes to your frugal meals for the week:
- As a side of mashed potatoes complementing your meat and vegetable dish
- In a shepherd’s pie
- Sliced potatoes instead of fries as a side to burgers and sausages
There are many cheap potato recipes out there for you to try. Need some help with finding ideas? Here is a great article on budget potato dishes I’ve used many times to help me find meals to make when I’m trying to save as much as possible.
Tomatoes
Tomatoes are a must have on your grocery list when making frugal healthy meals. They’re versatile and can be used in sauces, soups, stews, topped on salads and more. It’s easy to go through 5 or 6 tomatoes a week – especially if you’re preparing meals for a large family!
Mushrooms
Mushrooms aren’t as common of a food to include on a cheap grocery food, but they’re another budget-friendly food. They have magnesium, fiber, iron and Vitamin C. Here are just some of the many different ways you can add mushrooms to your diet through tasty meals:
- In a stir-fry
- As part of a coconut curry dish
- In a cream-based soup – fresh instead of canned cream of mushroom soup
- As a side to your meat and potato dish – why not try portobello mushrooms?
- In a gravy
… and more! There are so many different dishes you can make with mushrooms.
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Other Proteins For Your List of Cheap Foods to Buy When Broke
Peanut Butter
Peanut butter is another food you should buy if you’re broke. It’s diverse, filling and can be used in:
- Pancakes
- Waffles
- Curries and savory mains like African peanut stew
- On toast
- Blended into smoothies
… and more!
Natural peanut butter is healthier than regular peanut butter as it omits the processed sugars and other additives. However, it’s more expensive than regular peanut butter. If you’re broke and need to make very cheap meals, buy regular peanut butter.
Eggs
Eggs are filling, cheap and full of protein! You can:
- Have boiled eggs as a side snack
- Slice them and top them on toast
- Make omelettes, boiled and scrambled eggs
- Scramble them and add them into pad thai and other savory dishes
… and tons more! They’re one of the best cheap foods to buy when broke because they’re filling and inexpensive.
Other Cheap Foods
Cheap Food to Buy When Broke – Snacks
Hummus
Tasty, savory and versatile, hummus is one of the best snack foods! Use it as a dip for vegetables or tortillas. You can even use it as a salad dressing – just whisk it with some water and olive oil. Ever tried chocolate hummus? You can make it as a dip for pretzels and fruit.
Hummus is an essential snack food for those who are broke because chickpeas are filling and you can make so many different varieties of hummus! If you’re truly on a budget, go for homemade hummus. All you need for basic hummus is chickpeas, olive oil, tahini, lemon, garlic and salt. Hummus can be eaten any time of year, but is especially great for the warmer months, so be sure to add it to your list of summer meals on a budget. Looking for a recipe? Here’s my favorite recipe for hummus.
Popcorn
I’ve covered various beans, starches, grains and vegetables you can buy to save money, but what about snack foods? Popcorn kernels are super cheap. They’re a lot less costly than buying popcorn bags time and time again. Just invest in a homemade popcorn maker and you’ll save hundreds of dollars in the long run! Popcorn is a lot healthier than chips or other fried snack foods as well – so long as you avoid topping it with excess butter and salt. Win-win for your wallet and your health!
Best Places to Buy Cheap Food When Broke
I’ve covered the best foods to buy when broke and some recipe ideas for really cheap meals to get you started. That’s great – but where do you buy the ingredients needed to make these dishes?
The best places to buy cheap foods are generally large supermarkets and discount grocery stores. However, not all cheap grocery stores carry the cheapest item. Sometimes, a store that’s generally more expensive might carry a cheaper brand of bread or milk. If you have the time and access to a car, be sure to price compare supermarkets in your area to find the cheapest items.
Places to Get Free Food When You’re Broke
If you’re really broke and need to avoid spending money, it is possible to get free food. You might need to do some research and spend your time instead of money, but it is possible to find freebies. Here are some of the best places and ways to get free food when you’re broke:
1. Free Coupons
While most coupons offer a discount on food, sometimes, you’ll be able to find free food coupons. Browse online first. Search for a particular supermarket and the keyword “free coupon” to see if there are any available for that store. Don’t afraid to coupon – it might seem a bit stingy to hunt for discounts only to save a few dollars, but it’s smart. A few dollars saved here and there really add up.
2. Free Food Samples
Many supermarkets hand out free food samples. If you’re broke and in a pinch, visit the local supermarket for a sample. Just don’t make it a habit in the long-run. Relying on samples and the kindness of strangers isn’t sustainable for your mental health and physical health. When you’re worrying about food all the time, you might feel stressed for long periods of time, causing problems in the long run. Additionally, if you cannot a consistently nutritious diet, your physical health will eventually suffer. If you’re broke, focus on working towards independence so you can eventually get back on your feet financially.
3. Local Churches
Many local churches have staff dedicated to helping locals in need. Call up the local church or show up in person and ask about whether they have free food available. Additionally, the staff may be able to help refer to you to food banks or organizations that help those struggling get back on their help. There’s no shame in getting help if you need it!
4. Local Soup Kitchens
Many large cities have a local soup kitchen that offers up to three meals per day to those in need. If you’re broke and struggling to pay your bills, stop by for a meal or two. By sitting down and enjoying a meal, you’ll be able to get to know other members of your community – and maybe even make new friends!
5. Local Food Banks
Last but not least, if you’re really struggling to meet ends meet, visit your local food bank. Food banks typically offer essential foods like pasta, peanut butter, sauces and beans, but some even offer fresh fruits and vegetables. If you’re in a tight spot, there’s no shame in getting help.
Final Thoughts on Cheap Food to Buy When Broke
If you’re tight on money and ‘broke,’ focus on cheap and frugal foods, meal prep and find creative ways to get food for free. There are so many ways to get creative with finding cheap food to buy and making healthy frugal meals when you’re on a budget. When you get into the routine of shopping for cheap and healthy food, your frugal habits will keep you motivated to practice a frugal lifestyle long after you get back on your feet financially!
If you’re struggling, don’t be afraid to get support to help you get back on track with your finances.
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Janita is a frugal living expert and owner of Frugal Fun Finance. With over five years of personal experience finding and trying out the best ways to make and save more money, she's eager to share her knowledge. Janita's strategies have helped her save thousands of dollars for funding investments and traveling to over 20 countries.
Janita completed training in personal finance at The University of Western Ontario and McGill University, two prestigious Canadian universities. Her expertise has been shared on GoBankingRates, Yahoo Finance, and NASDAQ.com.
