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Rice: 3 billion plus people can’t be wrong – buy it in 50 lb bags

Pasta: It was good in college, its great when you know how to make good sauce

Peanut Butter: Kids and college students have energized themselves for years

Potatoes: All carbs straight from the ground

Canned Vegetables: They keep (almost) forever

Pasta Sauce: Good on pasta and as a seasoning

Oatmeal: Sure you need sugar or honey, but it's good for you

Crackers: Saltines are fading, but dozens of varieties keep them interesting

Dry Cereal: The hurried breakfast or the weight loss dinner

Soup: Nothing beats it on a cold winter's day

Stock up on these items and you'll end up saving a bundle in the long run. Got a few of your own top 10, add them in the comments section.

More Grocery Shopping articles:

• 5 Sneaky Ways Grocery Stores Take You for More Money
• 7 Lessons to Get Groceries Super Cheap
  Groceries: 9 Foods that are Shrinking
• 10 Ways to Wean Yourself off of Branded Products
• Save Big Without Coupons
• 5 Tips for Cheap Produce at Your Local Farmers Market

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Karen  - Pantry Possibilities |2010-07-10 10:39:05 I thought the list was pretty good. I don't waste money on crackers and use frozen veggies when fresh aren't available. Definitely need to add beans and lentils! Also, a couple bags of flour varieties, sugar, raisins, walnuts, olive oil, popcorn (for fun), yeast and dried milk, canned tomatoes (hopefully from your garden). Reply 1 1

miwi1974  - Your list isn't friendly for diabetics |2010-05-27 08:29:11 I'm a Type 1 diabetic who is always struggling to maintain her weight and eat healthy. Your list of foods, while probably cheap and varied, is wholly unhealthy and horrible on sodium. About the only good things on there were peanut butter and soup. My suggestions would be dried beans, lentils, brown rice or wild rice, quinoa and fresh fruit and vegetables that stay good for a long time - like garlic, onions, apples and oranges. If you purchase produce at local farmer's markets or wholesalers (Sam's Club, Costco) you can still live under the "cheap" umbrella. Remember that the cost of food isn't your only expense... living unhealthy also means you're spending more on health care or medications. Reply 2 1

ether  - 10 best cheap articles |2010-05-26 06:17:17 I looked over the diets of people who lived during the 1800's and my neighbors who lived from their 90's to 100 yrs. of age. The highly publicized concept that Omega 3's, 6's and 9's along with The many other substances that are marketed to promote good health may not be as essential a factor in promoting longevity as utilizing the simple foods mentioned above such as oatmeal and other protein/complex carbohydrate foods/grains which have few additives and contribute to physical energy and the reduction of cholesterol and cancer risk. I also recommend fresh grown produce over canned or even frozen in order to benefit from the enzymes and vitamins Reply 0 0

blkbt  - Great article! |2010-05-21 08:00:15 I buy most of the things on the list. Oatmeal is a quick breakfast, plus can be used in baking. I prefer some frozen vegez to canned ones for flavor--also heard nutrients may be better preserved. I'm a big fan of canned beans! Seems like they may be cheaper if you buy a big dried bag. Just takes more time to cook. May not be cost effective for small amounts of cooking. Other cheap foods: -Carrots -Chicken liver -Tortillas -Eggs are a good value 'cause you can use them in tons of things. Reply 0 0

blkbt  - Yes to beans & lentils |2010-05-21 07:55:39 I agree with those who mentioned beans and lentils. I'm a fan of canned beans! Seems like they may be cheaper if you buy a big dried bag. Just takes more time to cook. May not be cost effective for small amounts of cooking. Other cheap foods: -Carrots -Chicken liver -Tortillas -Eggs are a good value 'cause you can use them in tons of things. Reply 0 0

gefingerpoken |2010-05-16 21:21:21 Ramen's always a winner. Usually 4 for $1, sometimes even less than that. Also, macaroni & cheese. Reply 0 0

Sleuth  - Foods For The Pantry |2009-09-18 14:49:54 Canned Tuna, Sardines as well as Salmon in case the power goes out or its one week until payday. With all that rice you can make lots of meals with beans such as kidney,cannelini, pinto, fava, black and lentils. Either dry or canned. Reply 3 0

Omiewon  - Tuna is a good one |2009-09-21 13:01:45 I don't get why Tuna has gotten so expensive but I worry that its because so many Tuna have been harvested in the ocean. Kids love tuna too, I guess its the salt but that plus some Mayo seem to always do the trick. Can anyone find a 50 cent can of name brand Chunk light tuna anymore. Reply 1 0

amp  - 50 Cents?! |2009-10-22 06:00:41 Gee - I just bought a bunch of tuna cans at $1 a piece - not cheap enough for you! Tho' tuna is definately a good source of protien compared to most shelf-stable stock-up pantry items - Can-Can Sales Rule! Don't forget canned fruit too! ALSO - All these items work well for stocking up for emergencies or long-term illness - think H1N1, you are not gonna want to go run out to the grocery store! Make sure to keep a can opener, bottled water, and a flashlight in your pantry too! Reply 1 1

Olivia  - beans |2010-01-22 18:56:29 What about canned beans? They're good protein, versitile, comes in all kinds, and lend themselves to all kinds of dishes. Soups (ministrone, black bean with ham hock, chili), salads (three bean, kidney bean in Italian dressing), "burgers" or refried, casseroles (layered rice, lentils, sharp cheese, fried onions or as a cheesy loaf). Reply 1 0

Omiewon  - Beans - Great Addition |2010-01-22 18:59:40 I like the beans because of the protein aspect and they last a long time dried or canned. Beans plus rice equals a pretty nutritionally healthy meal. Thanks for the add Olivia. Reply 1 0

Pat |2010-05-04 07:37:22 Add to the beans and rice a can of stewed or plain tomatoes - makes for a great meal anytime. Reply 2 0

Michelle  - Tuna |2010-02-11 08:30:58 A dollar per can?! I'm only 28 and I remember tuna being 3 for a dollar. You can't even get private label tuna for less than 75 cents a can anymore. I wait for the sales when the tuna is 2/$1 and stock up. Reply 1 0

mjs  - too much tuna (& other fish) is now bad for you |2010-06-02 21:16:02 Forget the price of tuna, just be careful you don't eat a lot of it and avoid it if you're pregnant and don't feed it to children due to Mercury poisoning. Think I'm crazy/paranoid? Check out the US Environmental Protection Agency website: http://www.epa.gov/fishadvisories/advice/ other source: http://www.dietbites.com/article0153.html more info: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/06/02/how-much-tuna-can-you-eat_n_1 04763.html tuna calculator: http://www.ewg.org/tunacalculator [how much can you eat safely]. Reply 0 0

frugal nomad  - An 'adult dose' of tuna |2010-06-03 02:32:28 I just had some today. This is breaking my heart or is that a heartburn? I knew about the mercury threat - but I never thought about how an 'adult dose' of tuna might effect a child. Reply 0 0

dc2837998 |2012-01-24 07:55:49 Eden is the only company that I know that uses the BPA-free can lining. Reply 0 0

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