The $5 Grocery List That Fed Me for a Week

Let’s be real—groceries are expensive. Between inflation and shrinking paycheck power, finding a cheap grocery list USA shoppers can actually survive on feels impossible. But guess what? Last month, I challenged myself to eat for just $5 a day—and it worked.

No, I didn’t live off ramen (okay, maybe one night). With smart budget meal planning, strategic store choices, and a few dollar store meal ideas, I ate real, filling meals without breaking the bank.

Want to slash your food bill too? Here’s exactly how I did it—plus the shopping list, recipes, and insider tricks to eat cheap in 2025 without feeling deprived.

1. The $35 Weekly Grocery List (Yes, Really)

Here’s the cheap grocery list USA budget warriors swear by. Prices are based on Walmart/Aldi averages, but you can adapt it to your local store:

Pantry Staples ($10)

• Rice (5 lbs) – $2.50 (Endless meals!)

• Dried beans (2 lbs) – $2.00 (Protein for days)

• Pasta (2 lbs) – $1.50

• Oats (18 oz) – $1.50 (Breakfasts sorted)

• Flour (5 lbs) – $2.50 (Homemade bread = savings)

Produce ($8)

• Potatoes (5 lbs) – $3.00 (Versatile AF)

• Carrots (2 lbs) – $1.50

• Onions (3 lbs) – $1.50

• Bananas (6) – $1.00 (Snacks + oatmeal topper)

• Spinach (1 bunch) – $1.00 (Salads, soups, omelets)

Proteins ($7)

• Eggs (dozen) – $2.50

• Chicken thighs (3 lbs) – $4.50 (Cheaper than breasts!)

Dairy & Extras ($10)

• Milk (gallon) – $3.00

• Cheese (8 oz block) – $2.50

• Butter (1 lb) – $3.00

• Salt, pepper, garlic powder – $1.50 (Already have these? Swap for a treat!)

*Total: $35\ast \ast \ast (Technically$5/day, but you’ll stretch it further.)

2. Budget Meal Planning That Doesn’t Suck

The secret? Repurposing ingredients. Here’s how I turned that list into 21 meals:

Breakfast (5 mins, ~$0.50/day)

• Oatmeal + banana + cinnamon (Microwave + stir)

• Scrambled eggs + toast (Flour + water = flatbread in a pinch)

Lunch ($1/meal)

• Bean & rice bowls (Add sautéed onions, spinach, and cheese)

• Potato soup (Boil potatoes, blend with milk, add spices)

Dinner ($1.50/meal)

• Pasta + homemade marinara (Blend canned tomatoes + spices)

• Chicken stir-fry (Shred chicken, fry with carrots/onions over rice)

Pro tip: Cook a big batch of rice/beans on Sunday—saves time and money.

3. Dollar Store Meal Ideas That Don’t Taste Like Cardboard

Think dollar stores are just for chips and candy? Think again. Here’s what’s shockingly decent:

• Canned tuna ($1) = Tuna melts, pasta add-ins

• Spices ($1 each) = Flavor boosters for boring meals

• Frozen veggies ($1/bag) = Stir-fries, soups, omelets

Watch for: Off-brand cereal, pasta, and baking mixes—often half the price of big brands.

4. How to Eat Cheap in 2025 Without Losing Your Mind

A. Shop Seasonal (and Ugly)

• Hit farmer’s markets last hour for discounted produce.

• Buy “ugly” veggies—they taste the same but cost less.

B. The Freezer is Your Friend

• Got cheap chicken? Freeze half for next week.

• Overripe bananas? Chop and freeze for smoothies.

C. Leftovers = Next Day’s Lunch

• Last night’s roasted chicken = today’s chicken salad.

FAQs: Cheap Grocery Hacks