What Are You Really Paying For?
When it comes to grocery shopping, not everything has to be name brand. In fact, a lot of the time you’re really just paying for packaging and fancy marketing. Frugal shoppers know there are plenty of everyday foods where the cheapest version tastes just as good - and sometimes, believe it or not, even better - than the pricey stuff. Here are 15 foods you should consider buying more cheaply.
Oats
Oats are one of the most budget-friendly breakfast foods you can buy. Cheap rolled oats are perfect for oatmeal, baking, or even the odd savory dish. They’re filling, nutritious, and won’t go off when you least expect it. Frugal shoppers love that one bag can last for weeks without any loss of quality, too.
Rice
White rice may not be very good for you when it really comes down to it, but it’s so delicious. And most of the time, the store brand is just as fluffy and tasty as the expensive kind. Buying in bulk can save even more. It’s versatile, lasts forever, and pairs with almost everything, so go get some.
Potatoes
Potatoes are cheap, filling, and extremely versatile. The cheapest bags often contain perfectly fine spuds, and they store well in a cool, dark place, meaning you won’t be tossing them anytime soon. Just make sure you keep an eye on them to make sure they’re not growing tubes.
Beans
Frugal shoppers love that the cheapest brands of beans taste almost the same as the fancy ones. Canned beans last for ages, and you can soak and cook dried beans yourself for even bigger savings. Perfect for soups and salads!
Eggs
Unless you’re looking for fancy labels like “omega-3 enriched,” the cheapest eggs often taste just as good as the more expensive ones. Just bear in mind, if you’re considering animal welfare, that cheaper eggs might mean chickens kept in poorer conditions.
Sugar
Sugar is sugar, no matter the brand. What more is there to say? Frugal shoppers know this is one of the easiest grocery items to save money on since taste and quality are practically identical across the board. Just don’t eat too much of it!
Frozen Vegetables
Frozen veggies get a bad rap for some reason, but even the cheapest brands are usually picked and frozen at peak freshness, locking in the nutrients. They’re easy to steam, stir-fry, or toss into soups, and you won’t have to worry about spoilage like you do with fresh produce.
Pasta
The cheapest pasta cooks up just as nicely as the high-end kind, and many have said there’s literally no difference in taste. Pair it with canned tomatoes or cheese sauce, and you can go as far to pretend you’re at a fancy restaurant. Bulk purchases make it even better for the devotedly frugal.
Canned Tomatoes
And speaking of canned tomatoes… the cheap versions are just as flavorful as the pricey ones, and some say they’re occasionally even tastier. Look for no-salt-added options if you’re watching sodium, but otherwise, the store brand is perfect.
Peanut Butter
Peanut butter is a frugal food for a good reason, and it’s often more about taste than brand. The cheapest jar usually has the same nutty goodness, and if it’s natural, it’s healthier too. Spread it on bread (see below!) or just be naughty and eat it straight from the spoon.
Bread
Bread is one of the most valuable things in a kitchen, but it doesn’t have to cost a lot. Generic loaves taste just as good for sandwiches and toast. Look for sales and don’t forget, you can freeze extra slices to use them later on.
Yogurt
Don’t overlook plain yogurt. That stuff is a frugal person’s favorite for smoothies, baking, or just snacking. The store brand tastes just as creamy as name brands, and you can sweeten it or add fruit yourself. With a lot of yogurts, you’re pretty much just paying for the packaging.
Cheese
Cheese has a reputation for being expensive, but basic cheese from the supermarket really isn’t that pricey if you know where to look. And always buy the kind in blocks, not the kind that comes pre-shredded… you can shred it at home yourself.
Cereal
The cheapest cereals are surprisingly similar to the brand names. Are you sure you haven’t been paying for the colorful packaging and the loveable mascot all this time? Even your kids probably won’t be able to tell if you give them cheap cereal.
Milk
Milk doesn’t have to be expensive if you’re working with a budget. The store brand tastes almost identical to the name labels and works perfectly for all the things you might need milk for. Buying larger containers also cuts down the price, if you plan to drink a lot of it. And you should, it’s good for you!
