10 Top Grocery Items To Buy at Big Lots With a $50 Grocery Budget

Groceries today are expensive — but that doesn’t mean you have to give up quality in favor of saving a few bucks . If you’re looking to stretch your food budget without sacrificing taste, Big Lots might just be your new best friend.

Now, you might be thinking, “Big Lots? For groceries?” But the discount retailer is a gold mine for budget-friendly food shopping. We’re talking name brands and hidden gems that are easy on your wallet.

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Here are the top grocery items to buy at Big Lots with a $50 budget. It’ll keep your pantry stocked and your taste buds happy. Here’s what to buy at Big Lots with a $50 grocery budget .

Crystal Geyser Natural Alpine Spring Water, 24-Pack

• Price: $3.99

First things first, it’s time to hydrate. This 24-pack of spring water is a steal at about $0.17 per bottle.

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Victor Allen’s Colombian Medium Roast 42-Pack Brew Cups

• Price: $14.29

Coffee lovers, this one’s for you. At about $0.34 per cup, it’s like your favorite barista moved into your kitchen. (Without the awkward small talk!)

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Campbell’s Chunky Soup New England Clam Chowder

• Price: $2.29

Sometimes, you just need a quick meal that doesn’t taste like it came from a can. This chunky soup fits the bill. It’s like a warm hug in a bowl.

StarKist Chunk Light Tuna, Four-Pack

• Price: $4.49

Tuna is the unsung hero of quick, cheap meals. Sandwiches, salads, casseroles — this stuff is versatile. And at this price? You might want to grab two packs.

Bear Creek Country Kitchens Creamy Chicken Pasta Mix

• Price: $3.29

For those nights when cooking feels like climbing Everest, this pasta mix is a lifesaver. Just add water, and boom — dinner’s ready.

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Stauffer’s Gingersnap Cookies

• Price: $2.49

Because sometimes, you need a cookie. Or five. No judgment here.

Quaker Whole Grain Quick One-Minute Oats

• Price: $6.29

Breakfast of champions right here. Add some fruit, maybe a drizzle of honey, and you’re good to go. Your heart will thank you. Your wallet already is.

Kraft Original Flavor Macaroni and Cheese Dinner

• Price: $1.19

It’s not fancy, but it’s comforting. And sometimes, that’s exactly what you need. At this price, grab a couple. You know, for emergencies.

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Welch’s Lemonade Giant Freeze Pops, 27-Count

• Price: $6.79

Remember being a kid and hearing the ice cream truck? These give you that same feeling, minus the overpriced novelties.

Blue Ribbon Extra Long Grain Enriched Rice

• Price: $1.99

Rice is like the duct tape of the food world. It fixes everything and goes with anything. At this price, it’s practically stealing.

Adding It All Up

So adding it all up, we have the following items.

1. Crystal Geyser water: $3.99
2. Victor Allen’s coffee: $14.29
3. Campbell’s chunky soup: $2.29
4. Starkist tuna: $4.49
5. Bear Creek pasta mix: $3.29
6. Stauffer’s gingersnap cookies: $2.49
7. Quaker Oats: $6.29
8. Kraft mac and cheese: $1.19
9. Welch’s freeze pops: $6.79
10. Blue Ribbon rice: $1.99

That comes out to a total of $47.10.

A cart full of groceries for just over $47. That leaves you some wiggle room for tax or maybe an extra box of mac and cheese. You know, for those really rough days when only Kraft will do!

Pro tip: Prices can vary based on where you live and what’s on sale, so make sure to check with your local store before shopping. Also, the Big Lots weekly ads are worth checking regularly. And consider joining any rewards programs it offers.

This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com : 10 Top Grocery Items To Buy at Big Lots With a $50 Grocery Budget