10 Inflation-Busting Groceries Under $2 Each

With inflation hitting grocery bills hard, finding affordable options is more important than ever. As prices continue to fluctuate, keeping a list of budget-friendly staples can help make meal planning easier and more affordable. Here are 10 groceries you can find for under $2 each, providing both variety and nutrition without breaking the bank.

Rice

Rice is a versatile and affordable staple that can serve as a base for many meals. For under $2, you can typically purchase a pound of white or brown rice, which provides several servings. It’s not only filling but also a blank canvas, absorbing flavors from whatever ingredients you pair it with. From stir-fries to casseroles, rice is a pantry essential that consistently delivers both in taste and budget.

Brown rice offers additional nutritional benefits, including higher fiber content, which helps with digestion and keeps you feeling full longer. Whether you’re making a simple rice and beans dish or a more elaborate paella, rice remains a cost-effective choice for home cooks. Check out this guide for more tips on managing grocery costs amid inflation.

Dried Beans

Dried beans are a powerhouse of nutrition, offering protein, fiber, and essential vitamins at a fraction of the cost of fresh meat. For under $2, you can usually buy a pound of beans, which expands significantly when cooked and can serve a family for multiple meals. Beans can be transformed into hearty soups, stews, and salads, making them an incredibly versatile ingredient in your kitchen.

Popular varieties like black beans, lentils, and chickpeas are great for adding to everything from chili to tacos. Plus, cooking dried beans from scratch allows you to control the amount of salt, avoiding the high sodium levels often found in canned beans. As grocery prices continue to soar, dried beans remain a reliable and economical option for nutritious meals.

Pasta

Pasta is another budget-friendly staple that stretches your dollar while offering endless culinary possibilities. Whether you’re a fan of spaghetti, penne, or farfalle, you can usually find a pound of pasta for under $2. It’s quick to cook and pairs well with a variety of sauces, making it perfect for busy weeknight dinners.

Whole grain pasta is a healthier alternative that provides more fiber and nutrients, helping you stay full longer. Whether you’re whipping up a simple marinara or a creamy Alfredo, pasta is a surefire way to create satisfying meals without overspending. It’s a pantry must-have that can easily be dressed up or down depending on what you have on hand.

Canned Tomatoes

Canned tomatoes are a pantry staple that adds depth and flavor to a wide range of dishes. From soups and stews to pasta sauces, tomatoes are a versatile ingredient that you can find for under $2 a can. They’re packed with essential nutrients like vitamin C and lycopene, which have numerous health benefits.

Beyond their nutritional value, canned tomatoes offer convenience without sacrificing flavor. With options ranging from whole peeled to diced or crushed, you can choose the texture that best fits your recipe’s needs. Having a few cans on hand ensures you’re always ready to whip up a delicious and comforting meal.

Canned Tuna

Canned tuna is an affordable source of protein that’s perfect for quick and easy meals. Priced under $2 a can, it’s a great option for budget-conscious shoppers looking to add variety to their diet. Tuna is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial for heart health and brain function.

Whether you’re making a classic tuna salad, a hearty casserole, or a flavorful sandwich, canned tuna is a versatile ingredient that pairs well with a wide range of flavors. Its long shelf life makes it a convenient addition to your pantry, ensuring you always have a protein-packed option ready to go.

Fresh Bananas

Bananas are a nutritious and budget-friendly fruit that you can usually find for well under $2 per pound. They’re packed with essential vitamins like potassium and vitamin C, making them a healthy choice for snacking or adding to meals. Bananas are also incredibly versatile, serving as a natural sweetener in smoothies, oatmeal, or baked goods.

Beyond their health benefits, bananas are convenient and portable, making them a great on-the-go snack. Their natural sweetness and creamy texture make them a favorite among both kids and adults. Keep a bunch on hand for a satisfying and budget-friendly option to curb your sweet tooth.

Fresh Carrots

Carrots are a nutritious and affordable vegetable that offer a lot of bang for your buck. Generally priced under $2 per pound, they’re rich in beta-carotene, fiber, and antioxidants, promoting eye health and boosting immunity. Carrots can be eaten raw as a crunchy snack, added to salads, or cooked into a variety of dishes.

Roasting carrots brings out their natural sweetness, making them a delicious side dish that pairs well with almost any main course. Whether you’re making a hearty soup, a flavorful stir-fry, or a simple salad, carrots add color, texture, and nutrition without breaking the bank.

Frozen Mixed Vegetables

Frozen mixed vegetables offer a convenient and affordable way to ensure you always have a variety of veggies on hand. Typically priced under $2 for a bag, they provide a colorful mix of vegetables like peas, carrots, and corn, making meal prep quick and easy. Frozen vegetables retain their nutritional value, offering a healthy option when fresh produce is too expensive or unavailable.

They can be steamed, sautéed, or added directly to soups, stews, and casseroles, providing a nutrient boost to any meal. With their long shelf life, frozen mixed vegetables are a smart way to keep your meals balanced and budget-friendly.

Bread

Bread is a pantry staple that you can often find for under $2 a loaf, offering a foundation for countless meals and snacks. Whether you prefer white, whole wheat, or multigrain, bread is a versatile ingredient that complements both sweet and savory flavors. Use it to make sandwiches, toast, or even a classic bread pudding.

Whole grain bread offers additional fiber and nutrients, supporting digestive health and providing longer-lasting energy. As a staple in many households, bread is a budget-friendly way to create simple yet satisfying meals. Pair it with peanut butter or hummus for a quick and nutritious snack.

Eggs

Eggs are a protein powerhouse that can be found for around $2 per dozen, making them an economical choice for any meal. They’re incredibly versatile, whether you prefer them scrambled, poached, or baked into a frittata. Eggs are rich in essential nutrients like vitamin D and choline, supporting brain health and metabolism.

Despite recent fluctuations in egg prices, they remain a budget-friendly option that can be enjoyed at any time of day. Whether you’re making a quick omelet or a batch of homemade muffins, eggs are an indispensable ingredient that fits both your nutritional and financial needs.

Peanut Butter

Peanut butter is a pantry staple that provides protein and healthy fats at an affordable price. Typically found for under $2 per jar, it’s a versatile ingredient that can be used in both sweet and savory dishes. Spread it on toast, blend it into smoothies, or use it as a base for sauces and dressings.

Beyond its delicious taste, peanut butter is packed with nutrients like vitamin E, magnesium, and niacin, supporting heart health and energy production. It’s a convenient and shelf-stable option that adds flavor and nutrition to a variety of meals and snacks.

Oatmeal

Oatmeal is a nutritious and budget-friendly breakfast option that you can typically find for under $2 per container. It’s high in fiber, which helps regulate digestion and keeps you feeling full longer. Oatmeal is a blank canvas that can be customized with your favorite toppings, from fresh fruit and nuts to honey and spices.

Beyond breakfast, oatmeal can be used in baking, as a binder in meatloaf, or even ground into flour for gluten-free recipes. Whether you’re enjoying a warm bowl of oatmeal on a chilly morning or using it in your favorite recipes, oats offer a nutritious and affordable way to start your day.

Canned Chickpeas

Canned chickpeas are a convenient and affordable source of protein, typically priced under $2 per can. They’re a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes, from salads and soups to curries and dips. Chickpeas are rich in fiber, iron, and protein, making them a nutrient-dense addition to your diet.

Rinse canned chickpeas before use to reduce sodium content, or opt for low-sodium varieties if available. Whether you’re whipping up a batch of homemade hummus or adding them to a hearty stew, chickpeas offer flavor and nutrition without straining your budget.

Fresh Potatoes

Potatoes are a versatile and budget-friendly vegetable that you can typically find for under $2 per pound. They’re a great source of vitamin C, potassium, and fiber, making them a nutritious choice for any meal. Potatoes can be baked, boiled, mashed, or roasted, offering endless possibilities for delicious and satisfying dishes.

From classic mashed potatoes to crispy fries or a comforting potato soup, this humble vegetable is a staple in many kitchens. Affordable and filling, potatoes are a great way to stretch your grocery budget while creating hearty and delicious meals.

Onions

Onions are a kitchen staple that you can usually find for under $2 per pound, adding flavor and depth to countless dishes. They’re rich in antioxidants and compounds that support heart health and boost immunity. Onions can be used in a variety of recipes, from soups and stews to salads and stir-fries.

Beyond their nutritional benefits, onions offer versatility and flavor, serving as a base for many classic dishes. Whether you’re caramelizing them for a rich and sweet topping or using them to flavor a savory broth, onions are an essential ingredient that every home cook should have on hand.

Canned Corn

Canned corn is a convenient and affordable way to add natural sweetness and texture to your meals. Typically priced under $2 per can, corn is rich in fiber and essential vitamins like B vitamins and vitamin C. It can be added to soups, stews, salads, or served as a simple side dish.

Opt for low-sodium or no-added-sugar varieties when available, to keep your meals as healthy as possible. With its sweet flavor and vibrant color, canned corn is a versatile ingredient that can enhance a variety of dishes without adding a significant cost.

Ramen Noodles

Ramen noodles are a budget-friendly option that you can often find for under $2 per package. While traditionally considered a quick and easy meal, ramen can be elevated with the addition of fresh vegetables, eggs, or protein, creating a more balanced and satisfying dish.

Look for less processed varieties or whole grain options to boost the nutritional value of your meal. Whether you’re making a quick lunch or a hearty dinner, ramen noodles offer a versatile and affordable way to satisfy your hunger.

Canned Soup

Canned soup is a convenient and budget-friendly meal option, often found for under $2 a can. With a variety of flavors and types available, from classic chicken noodle to hearty vegetable, there’s a soup to suit every taste and dietary preference. Canned soups are a great option for quick and easy meals, whether you’re at home or on the go.

While convenient, it’s important to check the sodium content on canned soups, as some varieties can be quite high in salt. Opt for low-sodium options when available, or dilute with water or broth to reduce sodium levels. With a long shelf life, canned soup is a smart pantry addition for budget-conscious shoppers.

Yogurt

Yogurt is a nutritious and affordable dairy product that you can typically find for under $2 per container. It’s rich in protein, calcium, and probiotics, supporting digestive health and providing a satisfying snack or meal option. Whether you prefer plain or flavored, yogurt is a versatile ingredient that can be enjoyed on its own or incorporated into smoothies, parfaits, or baked goods.

Greek yogurt offers even more protein and a thicker texture, making it a great option for those looking to increase their protein intake. With its creamy texture and refreshing taste, yogurt is a delicious and nutritious choice that fits within your budget.

Apples

Apples are a classic and affordable fruit that you can usually find for under $2 per pound. They’re packed with essential nutrients like vitamin C and fiber, making them a healthy and satisfying snack. Apples are incredibly versatile, enjoyed fresh, baked, or incorporated into both sweet and savory dishes.

From a simple apple snack to a delicious homemade pie or a fresh salad, apples add flavor and nutrition to any meal. With their natural sweetness and satisfying crunch, apples are a budget-friendly fruit that’s perfect for anyone looking to eat healthily without overspending.