15 Best Walmart Buys if You’re on a Tight Grocery Budget

It can be hard to find unique ways to save money on groceries when you’re on a tight budget, but Walmart can help you out.

Check out these items that can help you save money on Walmart essentials for your pantry, fridge, and more to really stretch that dollar.

Editor’s note: Prices are subject to change and may vary by location.

Price: $3.14

It’s great to have a staple like sugar in your pantry for coffee and tea as well as any recipes you have that may call for it.

So grab a 4-pound bag of Great Value Sugar at Walmart, which is much cheaper than the name-brand Dominos on the shelf. Dominos has the same-size bag as Walmart for $4.46.

Price: 98 cents

Pasta is a great pantry staple to have on hand for a hearty but easy last-minute meal.

Check out the 16-ounce box of Great Value Spaghetti, which comes in at under a dollar, and remember to grab some sauce for a delicious spaghetti dinner.

Price: $1.18

It might be a good idea to stock up on some Great Value Chunk Chicken Breast for your pantry rather than having to find fresh or frozen options that might cost more.

The shelf-stable chicken comes in a 5-ounce can that you can easily open and add to any dish like casseroles, sandwiches, salads, and more.

Price: $1.28

Add some flavor to a typical rice dish with the Knorr Rice Sides Chicken Rice with no artificial flavors.

The rice has extra flavoring and spice to elevate it above typical white rice, making it a good option for a side or mixed in with other ingredients for a fuller main dish.

Price: 86 cents

Black beans are a great source of protein so grab a can of Great Value Black Beans to get some extra protein in your meals.

The 15-ounce can of black beans has 7 grams of protein per serving and you can add them to a wide variety of recipes for an extra boost.

Price: $1.94

Add a popular condiment to your pantry with a 32-ounce bottle of Great Value Ketchup.

The ketchup is a much better option than Heinz, which is also on the shelves at Walmart. But if you’re on a budget, you’ll want to skip the name brand when it costs $4.76 for the same product.

Price: $1.44

Forget about spending time boiling and mashing potatoes when you can whip up the Idahoan Buttery Homestyle Mashed Potatoes as a quick alternative.

Just add water to the 4-ounce package and you’ll have your mashed potatoes ready to go.

Price: 96 cents

The Great Value Tomato Sauce can be a helpful addition to your pantry for plenty of recipes.

Check out the 15-ounce jar to add to recipes for chili, soup, pasta sauce, and more.

Price: $1.92

Add some extra flavor to your dinner meal recipes or snack dips with the Lipton Recipe Secrets Onion Dry Soup and Vegetable Dip Mix.

The traditional pantry staple comes in a shelf-stable 2-ounce envelope so it’s easy to always have some on hand for a quick recipe or if an unexpected visitor drops by.

Price: 50 cents (on sale from 64 cents)

It’s good to have canned vegetables in your pantry to serve on their own or use as ingredients for different meals and snacks.

Grab a 15-ounce can of Great Value Golden Sweet Whole Kernel Corn to serve as a side for dinner or make a corn salad or corn salsa with it that’s sure to taste great and be easy on your wallet.

Price: $2.48

The Great Value Instant Old Fashioned Oats can be an easy and filling breakfast to make without busting your budget.

The oats are also good for baked goods like cookies or add them to snack recipes.

Price: $1.98

Switch up taco night for burrito night with Great Value Medium Soft Taco Flour Tortillas.

This extremely affordable pack of 10 tortillas can be stuffed with your favorite ingredients to make a tasty dish for dinner or pack it up for lunch, and costs significantly less than their name brand counterparts.

Price: $3.98

Peanut butter is packed with protein and calories to make it an easy option for snacks and lunches if you’re looking for something affordable and filling.

Consider getting the 40-ounce version of Great Value Peanut Butter if you have the extra cash as it’s cheaper per ounce than the smaller 16-ounce version.

Price: $3.54

Add a classic dressing to your pantry with the Great Value Classic Ranch Dressing & Dip.

The 36-ounce container of dressing is great for salads as well as dipping sauce for veggies, chicken wings, and more.

Price: $1.98 (on sale from $2.48)

Add a box of Stove Top Savory Herbs Stuffing Mix to your pantry for a filling side dish that doesn’t take much time to make.

The stuffing mix comes in a 6-ounce box and features savory herbs and stuffing that cooks in just five minutes for a tasty side all year round.

If you added every listed item above, your total would be just $28.16, which is a great deal for 15 essential items. 

 Walmart has tons of great options for helping you save money on groceries while stocking your kitchen with long-lasting ingredients or dinner ideas.

You can also find extra deals and coupons on Walmart’s app, so make sure to download it to maximize your meal planning and your savings.