How I Feed Me & My Fiancé for $50 a Week— Without Coupons or Compromise

As grocery prices keep climbing, feeding yourself or your family without breaking the bank seems impossible. Believe me, I’ve been there. But with a little planning, eating well on just $50 is possible.

In times of stress, I do what I do best: I plan and organize. Some people bake bread or go for a run— I make lists. OCD-level lists. And when it comes to groceries, that habit has turned out to be my superpower. So, if you're feeling overwhelmed, let me share my go-to system with you. It’s detailed, yes. But it’s also doable.

This guide shows you exactly how to make it work, using all the tips and tricks I wish I didn’t have to learn the hard way. No coupons, extreme meal hacks, or mystery ingredients. Just real food, real prices, and a low-stress approach that actually works. You'll learn how to:

• Create a practical, budget-friendly grocery list (based on current prices)

• Cook easy meals that don’t taste like a sacrifice

• Map out your grocery shopping trip to save time, money, and stress

• Stock up on bulk staples to cut long-term costs

• Make smart decisions that reduce food waste and stretch every dollar

The goal here is simple: spend less and make the most of what you’ve got. Bear with me— it’s a long one. But so worth it. Let’s get started.

The $50 Grocery List Breakdown

This breakdown shows precisely what you need to buy, how much each item costs based on current U.S. averages, and which brands offer the best value for your dollar.

Every item was chosen for its versatility, nutritional value, and ability to support a variety of budget-friendly meals throughout the week. Whether shopping for one or trying to make every dollar count for your family, this list is your foundation for affordable, nutritious meal prep.

Proteins:

• Eggs (1 dozen) – $4.90 (Eggland's Best)

• Canned Tuna (2 cans, 5 oz each) – $2.00 (Great Value Chunk Light Tuna in Water ~$0.97 each)

Produce:

• Bananas (5 count) – $1.00 (Dole or store-brand, ~$0.20 each)

• Apples (3 lb bag / ~6–7 apples) – $4.50 (Gala or Fuji, Store Brand)

• Potatoes (5 lb bag) – $3.50 (Russet Potatoes, Great Value)

• Onions (3 lb bag) – $2.50 (Yellow Onions, Store Brand)

• Carrots (2 lb bag) – $1.50 (Bunny Luv or Store Brand Whole Carrots)

• Cabbage (1 medium head, ~2.5 lbs) – $2.00 (Green Cabbage, loose)

Grains & Legumes:

• Brown Rice (2 lbs) – $2.00 (Goya or Great Value Long Grain Brown Rice)

• Lentils (1 lb dry) – $1.50 (Goya Lentils)

• Black Beans (1 lb dry) – $1.00 (Goya or Store Brand Dry Black Beans)

• Old-Fashioned Oats (2 lbs) – $2.25 (Bob's Red Mill or Great Value Oats)

Pantry Staples & Oils:

• Olive Oil (16 oz bottle) – $4.25 (Pompeian Classic Pure Olive Oil)

• Salt & Pepper Combo Pack (generic) – $1.00 (Great Value or McCormick)

• Ground Cinnamon (1.5 oz) – $1.00 (Spice Supreme or store brand)

• Ground Cumin (1.5 oz) – $1.00 (Great Value or El Guapo)

✅ Total Estimated Cost: $49.90

This budget leaves little wiggle room (about 10 cents) for local price fluctuations or occasional sales.

Bulk Buying: Potential Savings and Longevity

Every few months, I stock up on a few key pantry staples that last forever (or close to it) and stretch across dozens of meals. It costs more up front but drastically lowers our weekly grocery bill in the long run.

Brown Rice (25 lbs.)

• Average Price: $14.98

• Shelf Life: 6 months (pantry), up to 1 year if refrigerated

• Servings: ~250 (1/2 cup cooked)

• Cost Per Serving: ~$0.06

Why it's worth it: Brown rice is a nutrient-dense whole grain that pairs well with vegetables, beans, and proteins. Buying a 25-lb bag instead of 1 or 2-lb portions can save up to 40% over time.

Lentils (10 lbs.)

• Average Price: $10.49

• Shelf Life: 1 year (stored in an airtight container)

• Servings: ~130 (1/2 cup cooked)

• Cost Per Serving: ~$0.08

Why it's worth it: Lentils are high in protein and fiber, cook quickly without soaking, and are incredibly versatile.

Old-Fashioned Oats (10 lbs)

• Average Price: $8.45

• Shelf Life: 12 months unopened; 6–9 months once opened

• Servings: ~110 (1/2 cup cooked)

• Cost Per Serving: ~$0.08

Why it's worth it: Oats are one of the most affordable and filling breakfast options. They also double as a baking ingredient or breadcrumb substitute. Depending on the meal, they can be made sweet or savory.

✅ Total Estimated Cost: (for all 3 bulk items): ~$33.92

While this might feel like a big spend upfront, these staples will last 3–6 months or more, meaning you're only spending around $2.50–$3.00 per week on the core of your meals.

Pro Tip: Store Properly to Avoid Waste

• Use airtight containers to prevent moisture and pests.

• Label and date everything you transfer to pantry jars or bins.

• Consider freezing a portion of your grains or lentils if you don't use them quickly.

Where to Shop for These Prices (with a Practical Shopping Schedule)

Scoring the best deals often means shopping at more than one store. And planning your route can make all the difference, especially when you’re dealing with items like eggs or frozen veggies that need to stay cool.

I’m based in southwest Florida, so your go-to stores might look a little different depending on where you live. But no matter the region, the strategy stays the same: shop smart, stay organized, and make every stop count. Here’s the route I use to balance freshness, pricing, and time on the road.

Shopping Schedule: Hitting 3–4 Stores in One Trip

Estimated time: 2.5–3 hours

Best time to shop: Mid-morning on a weekday or early Saturday (stores are less crowded, and stock is fresher)

Stop #1: Dollar Tree or Dollar General

• Best For: Spices, seasonings, canned goods

• Why First: All shelf-stable, small items are easy to carry and store in the car.

• Time: 15 minutes

• Est. Spend: $3–5

Stop #2: Bulk/Budget Market (Ethnic Market, WinCo, or Sam's Club)

• Best For: Bulk dry goods and low-cost staples

• Why Second: Get the biggest savings here and build a base that can last weeks.

• Time: 30–40 minutes

• Est. Spend: $15–35 (depending on how much bulk you buy)

Stop #3: ALDI or Walmart (Final Stop)

• Best For: Perishables, pantry staples, oils, and dairy

• Why Last: You'll pick up anything that needs to stay cool or fresh.

• Time: 45–60 minutes

• Est. Spend: $25–30

Optional Stop #4 – Kroger, Publix, or Target (Check digital flyers first)

• Best for: Weekly specials, markdown produce, or dairy alternatives

• Why Optional: Only visit if there are beneficial sales or regional store brands that beat Walmart/ALDI pricing.

• Time: 15–20 minutes

• Est. Spend: $0–5 (only if savings justify the stop)

Sample Weekly Meal Plan

Breakfasts

• Oatmeal (banana, cinnamon, or savory w/egg)

• Scrambled eggs with potatoes or carrots

Lunches

• Lentil soup or lentil-veggie bowls

• Cabbage wraps or slaws with beans and grains

Dinners

• Rice & bean bowls

• Creamy garlic pasta or lentil Bolognese

• Stir-fries with cabbage, potatoes, onions

• Breakfast-for-dinner hash

Snacks

• Popcorn

• Fresh fruit

• Homemade kettle chips

Tips for Staying Within Budget

You've already seen how powerful bulk buying and basic meal prep can be, but here are some additional strategies to keep your weekly grocery bill at or below $50:

1. Compare Unit Prices, Not Just Shelf Prices

When shopping, always look at the price per ounce or per pound. A $3 item might be more expensive per serving than a $5 one. This is especially useful when buying staples like rice, oats, or canned goods in different sizes or brands.

2. Shop Store Brands Strategically

Many store brands (Great Value, Kroger Brand, ALDI-exclusive labels) offer the same quality as national brands at a lower cost. Switching to store brands can save you up to 30% on most pantry items, spices, and frozen vegetables.

3. Be Flexible with Your Recipes

If potatoes are on sale but rice isn't, switch your meal base. Similarly, substitute lentils for beans, cabbage for spinach, or carrots for bell peppers based on what's cheaper or discounted that week. Building meals around weekly deals helps keep your costs down and prevents boredom.

4. Use a Running Pantry Inventory

Before every shopping trip, check what you already have. Keeping a simple list of what's in your pantry or freezer can prevent duplicate purchases and ensure that nothing goes to waste.

5. Cook Once, Eat Twice (or More)

Double up on soups, rice dishes, or stir-fries, and freeze leftovers in individual portions. This reduces food waste, saves time on busy days, and makes sticking to your grocery list easier since you won't need to run out for "one more thing."

Rolling with Grocery Prices: You Got This

Focusing on high-value staples, rotating ingredients creatively, and shopping with a plan can make a tight grocery budget feel surprisingly manageable. This $50-a-week system is how I keep our meals balanced, our bellies full, and our budget in check—without relying on coupons or sacrificing nutrition.

And if you're thinking, "Wait—where's the meat?" You caught me.

The Meat Situation

To keep our weekly grocery costs low, I don't include meat in every $50 trip. Instead, I do a separate stock-up every two months, mainly because my fiancé is a hardcore meat lover. We usually spend about $50–$100 every two months, depending on sales and what we're low on, then freeze everything to use over time.

That adds about $9–12 a week to our food costs, but honestly, it's worth every penny.

Household Basics (Because Real Life)

I also stock up on toilet paper, paper towels, dish soap, trash bags, and laundry detergent, but I buy these in bulk at Sam's Club, so it costs more upfront but lasts us a lot longer.

I usually spend around $60–70 every 3 to 4 months, depending on what we're running low on. Some of those items, like laundry detergent and trash bags, last even longer than that.

When averaged out, it comes to about $15–20 per month, and I rarely have to think about it in between trips. It's one less thing to worry about on our weekly grocery list, and it's totally worth the upfront cost.

Some Weeks, I Don't Spend the Full $50

Here's the part that helps everything stay manageable: I don't always need to spend $50 every week. Some weeks, I'm just topping off the basics, spending just $10–20. Whatever is left in the budget rolls over into the next bigger grocery run or helps cover our meat and household essentials.

Realistic Monthly Budget (for 2 adults)

So yep. We eat three meals daily, including meat (and yes, steak), keep the house stocked, and still keep everything under $230 most months.

It's not always perfect, but it works. And if it helps you even a little, that's a win in my book.

If you've made it this far, thank you. I hope this breakdown gives you a clear, manageable starting point for building a system that works for you and your household, no matter your budget.

You've got this. 💛