When shopping on a tight budget, it’s essential to find versatile and affordable grocery items without sacrificing quality. Publix offers plenty of great choices for under $50.
Here’s a roundup of eight must-have groceries that are perfect for smart shoppers looking to stretch their dollars while enjoying a variety of meals.
1. Cookies $5.53
These delicious cookies are perfect for a sweet treat, made with quality ingredients to satisfy your dessert cravings.
Nutrition Facts:
Calories: 150 per serving
Sugars: 10g
Total Fat: 7g
Protein: 2g
Ingredients:
Flour
Sugar
Butter
Eggs
Prep Instructions:
No preparation needed. Enjoy straight from the package!
2. Pancake and Waffle Mix $4.09
This versatile mix can be used to whip up fluffy pancakes or crispy waffles, making breakfast quick and easy.
Nutrition Facts:
Calories: 110 per serving
Total Fat: 0g
Sodium: 300mg
Protein: 3g
Ingredients:
Flour
Baking powder
Sugar
Salt
Prep Instructions:
Add water, eggs, and oil to the mix, then cook on a preheated griddle or waffle iron.
3. Produce $3.09
A fresh selection of fruits and vegetables, perfect for a variety of meals or healthy snacks.
Nutrition Facts (Example for mixed vegetables):
Calories: 50 per cup
Fiber: 3g
Vitamin C: 60% DV
Vitamin A: 120% DV
Ingredients:
A mix of fresh produce such as:
Carrots
Broccoli
Bell peppers
Spinach
Prep Instructions:
Rinse thoroughly. Use raw in salads, roast in the oven, or sauté with olive oil for a healthy side dish.
4. Rice $1.43
A budget-friendly pantry staple, rice is perfect for pairing with various proteins and vegetables.
Nutrition Facts:
Calories: 205 per cup (cooked)
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 4g
Fat: 0g
Prep Instructions:
Rinse the rice, then cook in a 2:1 ratio of water to rice. Bring to a boil, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes.
5. Russet Potatoes $1.19
Russet potatoes are versatile and ideal for mashing, baking, or roasting, offering a hearty side dish for any meal.
Nutrition Facts:
Calories: 168 per potato
Carbohydrates: 37g
Potassium: 941mg
Fiber: 4g
Ingredients:
Russet potatoes
Prep Instructions:
Wash thoroughly. Bake at 400°F for 45 minutes, boil for mashing, or chop and roast with olive oil and seasoning.
6. Tilapia Fillets $7.41
These frozen tilapia fillets are a lean source of protein, perfect for a quick and healthy dinner.
Nutrition Facts:
Calories: 110 per fillet
Protein: 23g
Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 45mg
Ingredients:
Tilapia fillets
Prep Instructions:
Thaw fillets, season, and bake at 400°F for 15-20 minutes or pan-fry in olive oil for a quick meal.
7. Beef Meatballs $7.75
Pre-cooked beef meatballs are a quick and easy option for spaghetti dinners, subs, or appetizers.
Nutrition Facts:
Calories: 250 per serving
Protein: 15g
Total Fat: 20g
Sodium: 600mg
Ingredients:
Ground beef
Breadcrumbs
Parmesan cheese
Eggs
Prep Instructions:
Heat in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes or simmer in marinara sauce on the stovetop.
8. Boneless Pork Chops $10.36
These lean, boneless pork chops are perfect for grilling, baking, or pan-searing for a satisfying dinner.
Nutrition Facts:
Calories: 200 per chop
Protein: 23g
Total Fat: 12g
Sodium: 70mg
Ingredients:
Pork chops
Prep Instructions:
Season chops with salt and pepper. Grill for 4-5 minutes per side, or bake at 375°F for 20-25 minutes until cooked through.
Conclusion
Shopping on a budget doesn’t mean sacrificing quality or flavor at Publix. With these eight essential groceries under $50, you can create a wide variety of meals that are both delicious and affordable. Happy shopping!
