When Your Wallet’s Feeling Light: 20 Budget-Friendly Foods to Keep You Nourished

Are you feeling the pinch with your budget? Worry not, because we’ve gathered some excellent tips on how to keep your tummy full even on a shoestring budget. Let’s talk affordable foods and smart grocery shopping tips.

You’ll want to choose food items that are not heavy on the pocket, nutritious, and versatile.

Here’s our list:

**High Protein Foods**
1. Dried Lentils: Affordable high in iron & calcium.
2. Eggs: Cheap, versatile, and packed with protein.
3. Chicken: A pocket-friendly protein source for many meals.
4. Canned Tuna: Healthy, long-lasting, and can be used in many ways.
5. Canned Beans: Affordable, easy to cook, and gives you loads of protein and healthy fats.
6. Peanut Butter: Budget friendly, filling, and it lasts long.

**Carbohydrates**
7. Rolled Oats: Cheap, healthy, and can be used in various ways.
8. Rice: An affordable food staple that can be paired with several dishes.
9. Pasta: Amazing value for money, and it stores well.
10. Budget Cereal: No-name cereals can be as good as the branded ones at a fraction of the cost.
11. Bread: Wholewheat bread gives you healthy carbs and can be used in numerous ways.

**Fruits & Vegetables**
12. Canned Tomatoes: A good source of Vitamin C and fiber, and they’re generally cheap.
13. Potatoes: A versatile and filling addition to meals, without breaking the bank.
14. Broccoli: Packs a punch with nutrients, such as vitamins and fiber.
15. Bananas: Affordable, tasty, and can be added to various meals.
16. Spinach: Nutrient-rich and affordable; perfect for adding to meals.
17. Carrots: Both healthy and cheap, they can be added to various meals.

**Extras**
18. Long Life Milk: Similar nutrition to fresh milk with a longer shelf life.
19. Flour: A baking essential that’s very affordable.
20. Seasonings: Spice up your meals on a budget and make them taste great.

On top of these affordable foods, you might want to consider some smart shopping strategies to stretch your budget even further:

**Tips for Smart Shopping**
1. Use cashback and discount apps like Ibotta or Fetch Rewards for savings.
2. Create a meal plan for the week or month to avoid wasting food and money.
3. Buy frozen fruits and vegetables; they’re as nutritive as fresh ones, and they last longer.
4. Purchase in bulk if possible for long-term savings.
5. Couponing can bring significant savings, whether you do extreme couponing or just catch deals when you come across them.

The key here is to plan. Know what you need, and try not to get tempted by ‘seemingly’ good deals. By incorporating these affordable food items and shopping strategies into your weekly routine, you can eat well even when times are tough.