What are some budget-friendly staples?

Here are some budget-friendly staples recommended by experts:

1. Protein Options:

   • Ground Beef: Valuable for its cost and versatility.
   • Chicken Thighs: Cheaper than breast and more flavorful.
   • Tuna: Canned tuna offers high protein at a low cost.
   • Eggs: Extremely versatile and affordable.
   • Cottage Cheese: Good source of protein and inexpensive 1.

2. General Grocery Items:

   • Rice and Beans: Both are very affordable and staple carbohydrates.
   • Frozen Vegetables: Less expensive compared to fresh ones, still nutritious.
   • Pasta and Tomato Sauce: Easy and cheap for making various dishes.
   • Potatoes and Onions: Widely used, filling, and low in cost.
   • Bulk Foods: Buying in bulk can significantly cut costs, especially for meats and dry goods like oats and beans 2 3.
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       Budget-Friendly Protein

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3. Tips for Budgeting:

   • Look for Sales: Regularly visiting the butcher or grocery sales can provide good deals on meats.
   • Choose Fewer Ingredients: Simplify meals to just a few essential ingredients to reduce costs.
   • Meal Planning: Planning meals around what you already have and what's on sale can reduce costs and food waste 4.

These staples and tips can help maintain a balanced diet without breaking the budget.