I’m a Frugal Shopper: Always Buy the Cheapest Version of These 7 Foods
Written by
Jennifer Taylor
Edited by
Levi Leidy
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Groceries are expensive and food costs seem to be skyrocketing again, so looking for ways to save not only makes sense — it’s becoming a necessity. As a frugal shopper, paying more than necessary is a no-go, but you also don’t want to purchase low-quality food. Thankfully, more expensive brands don’t mean you’re actually getting better products. This is sometimes the case, but certainly not a hard-and-fast rule.
Certain foods are worth spending more for organic items or high-end brands, especially when it comes to your health. However, this can’t be said for every grocery item when it comes to the health of your wallet. As a frugal shopper looking to keep your grocery bill as low as possible — while still buying quality items — here’s a look at seven foods you never need to overspend on.
Canned Tomatoes
A popular item due to their cheapness and ease of handling, canned tomatoes are a kitchen staple, said Sunita Yousuf, founder of The Wannabe Cook.
“They usually go for less than $2 per can, serving a lot before going bad, thus minimizing the amount of food wasted,” said Yousuf. “Among other vitamins, it’s rich in vitamin C and lycopene, but tomatoes are also full of antioxidants that fight different types of inflammation.”
You’ll get these benefits from any canned tomatoes, so there’s no need for a more expensive variety.
Potatoes
“All in all, potatoes certainly are a must-have in every kitchen,” Yousuf said. “Besides being affordable, they cost less than $5 for five pounds, making them common in households.”
She said they were originally considered unhealthy, but that isn’t the case.
“Potatoes provide a significant portion of potassium, a vital mineral for balancing body fluids and muscle function,” Yousuf said. “Choosing sweet potatoes as an option will add more roughage and beta-carotene to your meals, so you get additional food value.”
Milk
When browsing the supermarket’s milk aisle, you might be hesitant to try the store brand because you’re familiar with the taste of a well-known variety. However, Scott Lieberman, founder of Touchdown Money, said milk isn’t an item to splurge on.
“Milk from a name brand dairy farmer isn’t going to taste any different or be any more nutritious than store brand milk,” Lieberman said. “Usually, you’ll save a dollar or two per gallon.”
Eggs
When browsing your supermarket’s egg aisle, you’re likely faced with plenty of choices. This can feel overwhelming if you’re concerned about the quality of one brand versus another, but Lieberman said there’s no need to overspend.
“Unless you’re going directly from the farmer, there’s no difference in quality here,” he said. “It’s a good idea to save here when you can.”
Frozen Vegetables
Eating healthy doesn’t have to cost a fortune. If you like your freezer stocked with frozen vegetables, Lieberman said there’s no need to stress about brand names.
“Flash-frozen vegetables are frozen at the peak of freshness, so you’ll get the same great taste regardless of brand,” he said.
Rice
Another pantry staple, rice is a family favorite both for its versatility and notoriously low cost. Of course, some brands are cheaper than others, but Lieberman said you can buy the cheapest.
Beans
What goes better with rice than beans? Equally versatile and affordable, you can’t go wrong loading up on beans. “These products last forever, and the quality won’t be any different between brands,” Lieberman added.
This means you have the green light to stock up on any brand of rice and beans the next time you find a sale.
Caitlyn Moorhead contributed to the reporting for this article.
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