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