Let’s be honest—grocery shopping lately feels like a budgeting game you didn’t ask to play. But here’s the good news: not everything is expensive right now. In fact, a few surprising staples are still holding their value (and in some stores, they’re even on sale).
Whether you’re feeding a family or just trying to stretch your budget without living on noodles and toast, these 11 groceries are cheaper than you’d expect—and worth grabbing the next time you’re out.
1. Cabbage
It’s humble, hearty, and seriously underrated. Cabbage lasts forever in the fridge and can bulk out everything from stir-fries to stews. Plus, it’s still one of the cheapest veggies by the pound—especially compared to bagged salad mixes.
2. Tinned Tomatoes
With fresh tomatoes climbing in price, tinned ones are your budget-friendly best friend. Stock up when they’re on multi-buy offers—they’re the base of pasta sauces, soups, stews, and even DIY pizza night.
3. Oats
Rolled oats are still one of the cheapest, most versatile breakfast (and snack!) options around. Make overnight oats, granola, oat bars, or toss them into smoothies—they stretch so far and cost next to nothing.
4. Frozen Mixed Veg
Fresh produce prices vary week to week, but frozen veg stays consistent—and you don’t have to worry about waste. Look for budget mixed bags with carrots, peas, corn, and green beans. Bonus: they cook straight from frozen.
5. Eggs
Despite price jumps over the last year, eggs are still one of the best protein-per-pound options out there. Use them for breakfasts, quick lunches, baking, or even a frittata-style dinner. Shop around—discount supermarkets often offer the best deal.
6. Potatoes
White potatoes are back on the budget throne. They’re filling, store well, and can be roasted, mashed, fried, or boiled. A 2.5kg bag can stretch into a week of sides or be batch-cooked for freezer meals.
7. Dry Lentils or Split Peas
If your family tolerates pulses (or you’re blending them into soups and stews), these are dirt cheap and packed with protein. A little goes a long way, and they store for months in the pantry.
8. Tortillas
Bread can be pricey, but tortillas? Still shockingly affordable. Use them for wraps, quesadillas, DIY pizzas, or quick breakfast roll-ups. They freeze well too, so grab a few packs when they’re discounted.
9. Tinned Tuna
If you’re skipping fresh fish due to the price, try tinned tuna. Packed in water or brine, it’s still reasonably priced and easy to use for lunches, pasta, or simple tuna melts. Just add mayo and sweetcorn and you’ve got lunch sorted.
10. Store-Brand Greek Yogurt
Name brands have gone up, but store-brand plain Greek yogurt is still a bargain—and high in protein. Use it in place of sour cream, mix with honey and fruit, or blend it into sauces and marinades.
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