After last week’s post on grocery shopping, I got a few requests for a list that would work for a tighter budget.

You can actually  stock a pantry pretty well for very little cash. Here are some staples to have on hand so you can always whip up a tasty, healthy meal instead of ordering in!

Fruits & Vegetables

• Greens-kale, spinach, etc
• Bananas
• Broccoli/Cauliflower
• 2-3 Seasonal veggies such as brussels sprouts, squash, fiddleheads, asparagus, etc.
• 1-2 Seasonal fruits such as plums, berries, fresh figs, cranberries, tomatoes, avocado, etc
• Frozen non-seasonal fruits and veggies if preferred (ex: berries in the wintertime)
• Onion
• Garlic
• Canned tomatoes

Protein

• Eggs
• Canned or dried beans
• Peanut butter

Dairy

• Yogurt, plain, non-fat
• Grated pecorino or parmesan cheese
• Goat cheese

Grains

• Old-Fashioned/Rolled Oats
• Whole Wheat bread
• Whole wheat pasta or brown rice
• Whole grain cereal

Fats & Oils

• Olive Oil

Misc

• Balsamic vinegar
• Green tea
• Coffee
• Ground Flax
• Unsweetened cocoa powder
• Spices: salt, pepper, red pepper flakes, cinnamon, ginger, turmeric, cumin, rosemary, oregano, etc,