Have you noticed that your trips to the grocery store are costing more? You're not dreaming: As of October of last year, 94% of Americans were worried about the cost of food. 

 

Making healthy, delicious meals that don't break the bank is possible with a little savvy, and it all starts with your grocery list. It's important to pick foods that are cheap, nutritious, easy to store, and can be used in many different dishes. In other words, a well-stocked pantry, fridge, and freezer can be a boon for your budget.

Here are 10 budget-friendly grocery items that can help you make quick and easy meals — especially when using Anyday dishes and your microwave.

 

Canned Beans

A classic pantry staple, canned beans are a powerhouse of nutrition, offering protein, fiber, and essential minerals. They're super versatile, too: they can be the base for hearty soups, salads, tacos, and simple sides, all with minimal effort.

Recipes to try with this item: Braised White Beans and Leafy Greens, Chicken and Black Bean Taco Bowls, or Chipotle Black Bean Soup

Bouillon Powder

This cost-effective alternative to stock is a must-have for adding depth and flavor to your meals. Bouillon powder can transform soups, stews, and sauces with its concentrated flavor, making it a secret weapon in the kitchen for creating rich, flavorful dishes on a budget. 

Recipes to try with this item: Ginger Garlic Soup, Quick Chicken Stock, Easy Tomato Sauce

 

 

Ramen Noodles

The epitome of budget-friendly eating, ramen noodles are not just affordable; they're a canvas for your cooking creativity. Plus, it only takes 5 minutes to cook them in the microwave from start to finish! By stocking up on bricks of ramen, you have the foundation for countless meals that can be customized with various toppings and sauces. Who said eating on a budget was boring?! Recipe to try with this item: Fancy Instant Ramen

  

The 12-Piece Complete Set These bestseller glass dishes and lids do it all: They keep your leftovers fresher, longer. They reheat your food evenly (no cold spots). They can even steam veggies in the microwave or roast chicken in the oven — yes, even with the lid on!   Shop Now: The 12-Piece Complete Set     Set includes: Large Deep Dish & Lid, Large Shallow Dish & Lid, Medium Deep Dish & Lid, Medium Shallow Dish & Lid, Small Dish & Lid x 2

 

Flour Tortillas

You can make almost anything a taco! Having tortillas on hand guarantee a fast, easy lunch, plus they’re easy to store in the fridge or freezer. Get creative and use them to make fast "pizzas" with tomato sauce and shredded cheese, or make a good old-fashioned wrap.

Recipes to try with this item: Bacon, Egg and Cheese Burrito, The Easiest Scrambled Eggs, Old School Taco Filling

 

 

Eggs

"Put an egg on it” is our mantra for easy, cheap meals. Greens, beans, polenta, salad, toast — there’s nothing a poached egg doesn’t enhance. Plus, you can make them any way you like, for any meal. Fried, scrambled, soft-boiled, poached — the choice is yours! 

Recipes to try with this item:  Microwave Egg Bites,  How to Microwave Poach Eggs,  David Chang’s Chawanmushi

Potatoes

Potatoes can be the star of a meal or a complementary side. They're cheap, filling, and delicious, and can last for a long time when stored in a cool, dark place. Add them to delicious curry, mash them to serve alongside a simple protein, or chop them finely and make a hash.

Recipes to try with this item: Hasselback Potatoes, Creamy Mashed Potatoes, Scalloped Potato Gratin

 

 

Ground Meat

Versatile and gently priced, ground beef or ground turkey can transform a soup, stirfry, taco, dumpling filling, salad topper — the only limit is your imagination.

Recipes to try with this item: Queso with Ground Beef, Sloppy Joes, Meatloaf

Canned Fish

Oil-packed or water-packed, canned tuna or salmon can flex into so many different meals and has a crazy-long shelf life. Flaked over a salad, mixed with mayo for a sandwich, or served atop rice, canned fish is a no-brainer for quick, healthy meals.

Frozen Vegetables

We can’t live without frozen vegetables. We love how fast and easy they are to use, whether they’re served as simple sides or used in full recipes. Stock your freezer with a variety of veggies and you'll never want for a nutritious meal.

Recipes to try with this item:  Cheese Cauliflower Casserole,  Spinach Gomae with Sesame Dressing,  David Chang’s Succotash

Rice

Need we say more? Rice is the ultimate base for so many of the groceries we listed. Plus, it cooks in just 22 minutes in the microwave with Anyday!

Recipes to try with this item: Buttery Herbed Rice, Hainanese Chicken and Rice, Turmeric Rice Pilaf with Almonds

These grocery items can help ease your budget burden and streamline the way you approach meal prep, letting you enjoy healthy, delicious, and wallet-friendly meals every day.