Can you feed yourself for an entire week on just $50? With food prices continuing to rise, this challenge might sound impossible—but with the right strategy, it’s absolutely doable. The $50 grocery challenge isn’t just a budgeting experiment. It’s a way to learn how to plan smarter, shop intentionally, and get creative in the kitchen while maximizing nutrition.

This post walks through how to build a full week of meals for one person using just $50—without relying on instant noodles or sacrificing flavor.

Start with a smart shopping list

The goal is to prioritize high-value ingredients that stretch across multiple meals. Focus on foods that are affordable, versatile, and filling.

Example shopping list (based on average U.S. prices from USDA):

• 1 dozen eggs
  
• 1 lb rice
  
• 1 can black beans
  
• 1 lb frozen mixed vegetables
  
• 1 bag oats
  
• 1 lb pasta
  
• 1 jar pasta sauce
  
• 1 lb ground turkey
  
• 1 head of lettuce
  
• 2 apples
  
• 1 bunch bananas
  
• 1 loaf whole wheat bread
  
• 1 jar peanut butter
  
• 1 block cheese
  
• 1 can tuna
  

Total: Approximately $48–$50 (varies slightly by store and region)

Meal ideas from the list

• Breakfasts: Oatmeal with banana, toast with peanut butter
  
• Lunches: Tuna sandwich, veggie and cheese wrap, turkey lettuce bowl
  
• Dinners: Pasta with sauce, rice and beans, stir-fry with frozen vegetables and ground turkey
  

Each ingredient is used in multiple meals to minimize waste and increase value. The key is meal planning around overlapping ingredients, which reduces unnecessary purchases.

Where to shop for the best prices

Budget stores like Aldi, Walmart, WinCo Foods, and Grocery Outlet are ideal for a challenge like this. Most offer competitively priced staples and store-brand options that cost less than national brands.

Be sure to check digital flyers or store apps before heading out to identify weekly deals.

Tips to stay under budget

• Stick to your list—avoid impulse buys, even small ones
  
• Buy store-brand over name-brand products
  
• Use a calculator while shopping to track your running total
  
• Weigh your produce to keep within portioned price limits
  
• Shop from the pantry first before buying anything new
  

Bonus savings: Use digital rewards and cashback tools

While this challenge focuses on tight budgeting, you can still layer in savings tools like cashback apps for added value. For example, you can save money at Walmart with gift card cashback or earn cashback with a Safeway gift card if you shop at those stores. Simply download Fluz, purchase a gift card for the exact total at checkout, and earn rewards instantly.

Even a few dollars back can go a long way when every cent matters.

Final thoughts: it’s about more than money

Completing the $50 grocery challenge isn’t just a budget test—it’s a crash course in smart shopping, meal planning, and kitchen creativity. Whether you’re doing it out of necessity or for fun, it’s a great reminder that thoughtful planning can stretch your grocery dollars further than you think.