Grocery shopping can be expensive. Who among us doesn’t know the feeling of coming home, looking at your bill, emptying the bags, and immediately thinking, “Did I even buy something to make for dinner?”

A simple way to cut down on your grocery bill is to keep your pantry stocked with inexpensive, essential items that can mix and match with any number of foods for endless meals.

Cheap doesn’t mean flavorless or flavor-free. No, this list of budget-friendly pantry essentials is designed to pack plenty of flavor and nutrition into everything it helps make. Stocking these wallet-friendly essentials will save you money, and it will also help you be a more agile cook, one that’s ready to adapt at a moment’s notice instead of going out for expensive takeout. Check out our list of must-have, budget-friendly pantry items and how you can use them in everyday meals.

Allrecipes