Non-Perishable Foods if You Want to Stock Up
Veggies
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Canned tomatoes are the best in my opinion – you can make an easy chili with them!
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Frozen non-starchy veggies (broccoli, spinach, cauliflower, etc.)
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Some fresh veggies last longer than others in the fridge as well – onions, carrots, cabbage, spaghetti squash
High Protein & Fat Foods
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Any kind of nut – peanuts are the cheapest!
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Any kind of seeds – roasted & salted are fine!
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Any nut or seed butter
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Cheese usually lasts a long time in the fridge – get some string cheese which keeps fresh longer because of the individual packaging
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Individual yogurts (2% or whole milk) also usually last a few weeks
Proteins
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Try low or no-sugar jerky
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Canned tuna
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Canned salmon
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Canned chicken
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Canned sardines
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Proteins in the fridge: sausage, bacon
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Frozen proteins (shrimp, chicken, edamame, etc.)
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Dried beans in a bag are definitely the best $$ saver – but canned beans are great too
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Eggs usually last weeks in the fridge as well
Fruits
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Raisins are typically the cheapestI personally love dried apricots, pineapple, and peaches
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Some fresh fruit also lasts longer than others – apples, oranges
Grains
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Whole wheat pasta
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Brown rice
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Oats (for oatmeal)
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Popcorn – a great high fiber snack
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Whole grain crackers
Canned/ Boxed foods
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Canned individual soups are good, but… boxed larger soups are cheaper!
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Broths are also good to have on hand to make a quick soup
Drinks
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I recommend getting water jugs to maximize your budget
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Coffee grounds
Extras
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Paper towels
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Hand soap
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Bars of soap (body)
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Dishwasher detergent
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Laundry detergent
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Trash bags
Pets
If you have pets, get some extra food (e.g. canned, dry), litter (for cats!), and doggy bags (for dogs, obviously haha!)