19 Aldi Items To Make $50 Stretch on a Retiree Budget

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Living on a fixed budget doesn’t mean sacrificing good, nutritious food. With a bit of creativity and Aldi’s low prices, a retiree can stock up on essentials for easy and satisfying meals.

Here’s a rundown of 19 budget-friendly items for under $50 and with a few dollars left over, there’s even room for a little treat. These Aldi items are a must for retirees on a budget.

Penne Pasta

• Price: $1.09

An all-purpose pantry staple that’s perfect for simple pasta nights with marinara or as a side to bulk up other meals. At just over a dollar, this penne pasta is an easy base for plenty of filling options.

Marinara Sauce

• Price: $1.85

Nothing dresses up pasta like a jar of marinara sauce. It can also be used in wraps, as a dip for veggies or as a base for casseroles.

Frozen Steam Cut Green Beans

• Price: $1.09

Frozen green beans are a great option for stir fries or as a quick side. Just steam them up, add a pinch of seasoning or toss them with pasta and sauce for a veggie boost.

Yellow Onions

• Price: $1.69

A bag of yellow onions adds flavor to just about any dish. Use them in a veggie stir fry, soups or even roasted. Onions pack a punch for both taste and nutrition without denting the budget.

Baby Peeled Carrots

• Price: 95 cents

Snacks, sides or soups — baby carrots bring versatility. Roast, add to soups or eat raw for a crunchy snack.

Canned Black Beans

• Price: $1.90 (for two cans)

Black beans are a solid source of protein and fiber, perfect for wraps, soups or rice dishes. Make an easy bean and veggie wrap or add them to veggie soups for a bit of heartiness.

Split Top Wheat Bread

• Price: $1.49

Bread is a daily go-to for sandwiches or toast. Pair this wheat bread with peanut butter or turn into a classic PB and banana sandwich and both breakfast and lunch are covered.

Flour Tortillas

• Price: $2.15

Tortillas are another budget-friendly base. Roll up a bean and veggie wrap with added spinach or use them for breakfast burritos filled with leftovers.

Peanut Butter

• Price: $2.35

Choose either crunchy or creamy for the same price. Peanut butter is high in protein and works well on sandwiches, in breakfast oats or as a quick snack with bananas.

1% Milk or Unsweetened Almond Milk

• Price: $1.85 (1% milk) and $2.65 (almond milk)

Both options bring calcium and protein to breakfast or snacks. Almond milk is a great choice for those who prefer a dairy-free option, while 1% milk adds a familiar flavor to oats or smoothies.

Bananas

• Price: 16 cents per pound

Bananas are cheap and full of nutrients, making them an ideal snack or addition to oats. Slice them onto bread with peanut butter or mix into smoothies.

Rolled Oats

• Price: $4.35

A warm, filling breakfast that goes a long way. Cook these rolled oats with milk or water then top with a variety of added extras (sliced banana and frozen blueberries are a great combo) for extra nutrition and flavor.

Long Grain and Wild Rice Mix

• Price: $2.09

Rice makes a hearty side or base for stir fry and soups and this mix makes for a more interesting option than just regular long grain or basmati. Pair it with veggies and serve with beans or another protein for a satisfying meal that stretches.

Frozen Italian Meatballs or Frozen Vegan Meatballs

• Price: $7.15 (Italian) $5.69 (vegan)

Either option of Italian or vegan meatballs works well with pasta and marinara sauce, in sub sandwiches or wraps or alongside potatoes or rice and veggies.

Bagged Spinach

• Price: $1.65

Spinach is nutrient-rich and works well in wraps, as a side or in pasta dishes. Sauté it with a bit of garlic as a simple side or toss into pasta or salads.

Canned Tomatoes

• Price: $2.10 (for two cans)

Canned tomatoes add fresh flavor to soups and sauces. They’re perfect for a veggie and bean soup or to add into pasta and casseroles.

Frozen Blueberries

• Price: $3.95

A burst of antioxidants and natural sweetness, frozen blueberries are great in breakfast oats or smoothies.

Instant Mashed Potatoes

• Price: $2.05

These mashed potatoes are quick, easy and filling. Dress them up with some seasoning or pair with roasted veggies for a comfort-food-inspired meal.

Sweet Potatoes

• Price: 91 cents per pound

Roasted, mashed or even cubed and added to soups, sweet potatoes are a nutritious, tasty addition.

For meat-eaters, the total comes to about $41.15, the vegan option sits around $40.49 — with both leaving some spare cash for a favorite snack or a sweet treat.

_{Editor’s note: Pricing and availability may vary depending on location.}

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