17 Budget-Friendly Grocery Store Items That Will Keep Any Family Satisfied

Updated on 6/21/2018 at 10:25 AM

Grocery shopping when you're a parent can be kind of like a horror movie . . . it's unpredictable, you never know who's going to pop out where, and there will probably be some tears over your refusal to buy the insanely sugary cereal. But, in general, if you plan ahead and have a list of items your family asks for again and again, you can hit the aisles with confidence and determination.

Whether it's tasty snacks from Trader Joe's or pantry staples that act as building blocks for endless weeknight meals, having these items in your kitchen will mean your family will never ask that dreaded question: "Mom, what's there to eat?" And the best part? Many of these staples go together to create the perfect snack or meal. Click through to see your ultimate grocery list.

Pasta Sauce ($3)

Your family will always welcome a classic spaghetti dinner, so make sure to keep your pantry stocked with traditional tomato-and-basil sauce.

Greek Yogurt ($2)

Does a sweet tooth run in the family? Rather than always reaching for candy or ice cream, have your family snack on healthy Greek yogurt instead by keeping a stash of the fruit-flavored variety.

Eggs ($3)

No breakfast is complete without eggs, so make sure your family starts the day off right by keeping a carton in your fridge at all times.

Aidells Meatballs ($6)

When you're too tired to whip up a big meal, these fully cooked Aidells Chicken Meatballs will come in handy. Just heat them up in the microwave and throw them into a salad or between bread for a hearty sandwich.

Baby Carrots ($3)

Baby carrots are pretty much the healthiest snack you can keep in your fridge. Plus, they go well with an assortment of dips, and you can even throw them in with a pot roast.

Chickpeas ($1)

Chickpeas are a healthy, budget-friendly, and versatile staple that you can add to stews, salads, dips, etc. There are few things that can't be improved with the addition of chickpeas.

Pasta ($2)

Dried pasta is a must-have in any pantry. When you want to throw together a simple, mindless, but still delicious dinner, a box of spaghetti will save the day.

Pretzel Crisps ($3)

When your kids reach for greasy chips, give them these Pretzel Crisps instead. They have the salty and crunchy satisfaction of potato chips without the trans and saturated fats.

Salad Greens ($5)

To balance out all those weeknight pot roasts and pasta meals, keep some greener fare in your crisper so you can throw together a salad anytime.

Quinoa ($6)

When you want a healthier carb than pasta or rice, opt for quinoa, which is also a cinch to cook. Not sure how to incorporate it into meals? Here are 26 recipes that feature the grain, from salads to casseroles.

Peanut Butter ($3)

No kid will ever turn down peanut butter. From PB&J sandwiches to apples and peanut butter to ants on a log, you can get a lot of mileage out of one jar.

Hummus ($4)

Want something to dip your carrots in? Hummus is the perfect pairing for a healthy and tasty anytime snack.

String Cheese ($7)

What kid doesn't love string cheese? Show your little ones you care by keeping a healthy supply of these bad boys in the fridge. They're addictive, though, so be sure to monitor just how much your kids consume.

Kellogg's Corn Flakes ($3)

No household should be without cereal. For a quick breakfast that will get both you and the kids out the door faster, turn to your trusty Kellogg's Corn Flakes, which your parents probably stocked their pantry with . . . and their parents before them.

Cold Cuts ($5)

For a quick hunger fix, there's nothing easier — or more budget friendly — than a sandwich. Keep an assortment of cold cuts like ham, turkey, and roast beef in the fridge, and your family will never go hungry.

Rice ($3)

Rice should be a staple in every household. Not only is it extremely affordable, but it's also painfully easy to make and goes well with just about every cuisine. Making stew? Stir-fry? Veggie curry? Throw it over rice!

Ice Cream ($4)

Allow your family members to treat themselves once in a while. The perfect way to do that without breaking the bank? A nice big tub of Friendly's ice cream.