8 Groceries Frugal People Buy To Make a Perfect Holiday Meal
Written by
Nicole Spector
Edited by
Molly Sullivan
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You don’t need to do much research to know that groceries are astronomically expensive. Just pop into your local supermarket and see for yourself.
The cost of food is rising for a few reasons, including a rise in climate change-related extreme weather events, disrupted supply chains and increasing outbreaks of pests and diseases among livestock.
Many of us are struggling to put enough food on the table regardless of the season, but the holidays can put extra strain on our grocery budgets, thanks to all the large group gatherings they tend to bring. Even if you’re going to a potluck for Thanksgiving, and thus don’t bear the financial burden of hosting, you can still spend a lot of money making just one dish that’s large enough to feed all the guests.
What are some grocery items people buy during the holidays when on a frugal budget? GOBankingRates spoke with food experts — who know the pains of pricey groceries all too well — to find out which relatively cheap products they purchase during this heightened time of dining in.
Ocean Spray Jellied Cranberry Sauce
Brian Theis, a chef and recipe developer, told GOBankingRates that no matter what is on his menu for Thanksgiving, he buys Ocean Spray Jellied Cranberry Sauce, which costs $1.98 at Walmart (a 14-ounce can).
“I’ve done everything from an Italian to an Indian take on turkey day and I always have a can (or two) of Ocean Spray Jellied Cranberry Sauce that I present in an antique china saucière,” Theis said. “If you were to make yourself a nice scratch sauce you’d be starting off at $2.50 for 12 ounces of cranberries (also Ocean Spray) or even $4 for 12 ounces of organic. That’s of course without any of the other ingredients.”
Canned Pumpkin
One of the greatest things about canned pumpkin? You can use it in many types of meals.
“Canned pumpkin is versatile for pies, soups and even pasta sauces (my personal favorite use!),” said Sarah Bond, a food scientist, nutritionist and recipe developer at Live Eat Learn.
“It’s cheaper than buying fresh squash and saves a ton of time on prep. Stock up before the season for the best deals.”
Check out Great Value 100% Pure Pumpkin at Walmart for $1.17.
Gold Medal Unbleached All-Purpose Flour
Also on hand in Theis’ kitchen during the holidays, is a 5-pound bag of Gold Medal Unbleached All-Purpose Flour, which sells at Walmart for $4.38.
“Gold Medal is the king of the super affordable, non-organic brands and will (probably) never let you down,” Theis said. “King Arthur flour may get 5-stars across the board, but it’s also twice as much.”
Frozen Vegetables
If you’re a budget grocery shopper, you probably already know the affordable wonders of frozen vegetables. These, Bond said, are a budget-friendly lifesaver during the holidays.
“They’re often cheaper than fresh veggies (especially for out-of-season produce like green beans or spinach) and are pre-prepped, saving you time in the kitchen,” Bond said. “Perfect for holiday staples like green bean casseroles or veggie medleys, frozen veggies can help keep your holiday meals healthy, convenient and affordable.”
The price of frozen vegetables varies; Bond said to expect to pay around $1-$2 per bag.
Potatoes
Potatoes are an essential holiday food and they only cost around $3 for a 5-pound bag, Bond said.
“Potatoes are incredibly versatile and inexpensive,” Bond said. “They can be used for mashed potatoes, roasted dishes or soups. A bag of potatoes can stretch across multiple meals, making them a go-to for frugal cooks during the holidays.”
Cabbage
Like potatoes, cabbage is affordable — around $1.50 per head, according to Bond.
“Cabbage lasts longer than other leafy greens, and can be used in salads, slaws and soups,” Bond said. “It’s especially great if you need a salad that won’t turn wilty in the fridge, making it perfect as a make-ahead salad. It’s often overlooked but is a great money-saving vegetable for holiday meals.”
Bulk Spices (Generic)
“Buying spices (around $0.50-$1 per ounce) in bulk during the holidays saves you money compared to small containers,” Bond said. “You can buy just what you need for holiday recipes, reducing waste and being much cheaper than name-brand spices.”
Swanson Lower Sodium Chicken Broth
And then there’s the 32-ounce carton of Swanson Lower Sodium Chicken Broth (goes for $1.98 at Walmart) that Theis swears by.
“More satisfying flavor — it tends to rate higher in taste tests — than College Inn, [which is $2.59 at Target], and you save some change as well,” Theis said.
Editor’s note: Pricing and availability may vary depending on location.
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