15 Affordable Groceries Frugal People Buy for Thanksgiving Dinner
Thanksgiving is a time to gather with loved ones and enjoy a delicious meal, but it doesn’t have to break the bank. Frugal people know how to prepare a festive feast while keeping costs down.
Focusing on affordable yet tasty ingredients allows them to create memorable meals without overspending. In this list, we’ll explore several groceries budget-conscious shoppers prioritize to make their Thanksgiving celebrations delicious and affordable.
Whole Turkey
A whole turkey is often the centerpiece of a traditional Thanksgiving meal, and frugal shoppers know how to find deals on it. Buying a turkey during sales or with store coupons can drastically cut down on the cost.
Instead of opting for pre-cooked or fancy turkeys, they buy a plain whole turkey and season it at home. This way, they get more meat for less money and can use leftovers for future meals. Stretching one turkey over several days makes it even more budget-friendly.
Potatoes
Potatoes are a Thanksgiving staple that can be bought in bulk for a very low price. Whether mashed, roasted, or baked, they’re versatile and filling, making them perfect for feeding a crowd.
Frugal people often choose to buy regular potatoes instead of pricier specialty varieties. They also know that potatoes can be stored for a long time, allowing them to purchase them well in advance when they’re on sale. Plus, leftover mashed potatoes can be repurposed in other dishes, adding to their value.
Canned Pumpkin
Canned pumpkin is an affordable option for making classic pumpkin pies or other seasonal treats. Buying canned rather than fresh pumpkins saves both money and time. Frugal shoppers look for sales on canned goods before the holidays and stock up on pumpkin for baking.
It’s a key ingredient in Thanksgiving desserts, and it’s much cheaper than buying pre-made pies. Canned pumpkin also lasts a long time, making it a practical choice for future use.
Cranberry Sauce
Cranberry sauce is a Thanksgiving classic, and the canned version is much more affordable than making it from fresh cranberries. Frugal shoppers often purchase canned cranberry sauce on sale, as it provides a sweet and tart side dish at a fraction of the cost.
This simple ingredient adds color and flavor to the meal without requiring extra preparation. Plus, canned cranberry sauce is shelf-stable, making it easy to buy ahead of time and keep for other occasions.
Frozen Vegetables
Frozen vegetables are a cost-effective way to add variety to the Thanksgiving table. They’re often cheaper than fresh vegetables and just as nutritious. Frugal shoppers look for deals on frozen corn, peas, or green beans to serve as side dishes.
The convenience of frozen vegetables means no waste and less prep time, saving both money and effort. They’re also perfect for adding to casseroles, soups, or other dishes that round out the meal.
Boxed Stuffing Mix
Boxed stuffing mix is a cheap and convenient option that frugal shoppers often turn to for Thanksgiving. While homemade stuffing can require expensive ingredients, the boxed version delivers a tasty result for a fraction of the price.
Frugal cooks can easily enhance it by adding herbs, onions, or sausage, creating a dish that tastes homemade without the high cost. This versatile side dish stretches well and can easily feed a crowd without breaking the budget.
Canned Green Beans
Canned green beans are a budget-friendly option that many frugal people rely on for Thanksgiving. These affordable veggies can be used to make green bean casserole or served as a simple side dish.
Since canned goods often go on sale around the holidays, it’s easy to stock up in advance. Canned green beans also have a long shelf life, making them a practical choice for keeping costs down. Frugal cooks often add seasoning to elevate the flavor without spending extra.
Bread Rolls
Pre-made bread rolls are another affordable grocery item that frugal people buy for Thanksgiving. Instead of baking from scratch, which can be time-consuming and costly, store-bought rolls offer a quick and budget-friendly solution.
Frugal shoppers look for sales or even bake-and-serve rolls that they can quickly warm up before serving. Bread rolls are inexpensive, yet they add a nice touch to the table and help stretch the meal by filling people up without breaking the bank.
Gravy Packets
Making gravy from scratch can sometimes require expensive ingredients, but gravy packets are a cheap and easy alternative. Frugal shoppers often buy these packets in bulk, as they provide flavorful gravy for just a few cents.
Gravy packets can be used to enhance mashed potatoes, turkey, and stuffing, adding flavor to the meal without much effort or cost. They’re also simple to prepare, making them perfect for those who want to save time and money during Thanksgiving preparations.
Sweet Potatoes
Sweet potatoes are an affordable and nutritious choice that many frugal people include in their Thanksgiving meal. They can be roasted, mashed, or made into a sweet potato casserole, making them a versatile side dish.
Frugal shoppers look for sales or buy them in bulk, as sweet potatoes have a long shelf life and can be used in various ways. These naturally sweet vegetables are a great way to satisfy the sweet tooth without spending extra on desserts.
Carrots
Carrots are an inexpensive vegetable that can be roasted, glazed, or added to other dishes. They’re often available at a low price, and their versatility makes them a popular choice for frugal cooks.
Whether served as a side dish or incorporated into soups and casseroles, carrots add color and nutrition to the Thanksgiving table. Frugal shoppers also appreciate that carrots can be stored for weeks without spoiling, making them a practical and affordable option.
Canned Yams
Canned yams are a cheap and convenient alternative to fresh sweet potatoes, and they’re often used to make sweet potato casserole. Frugal people buy canned yams when they’re on sale to save time and money during Thanksgiving preparation.
This pantry staple is easy to dress up with marshmallows, cinnamon, or brown sugar, creating a sweet and indulgent side dish for less. Since canned goods have a long shelf life, they can be purchased well in advance.
Onions
Onions are a cheap and essential ingredient that frugal shoppers use to add flavor to many Thanksgiving dishes. From stuffing to casseroles, onions are a key component in many recipes.
They’re affordable, widely available, and can be stored for weeks, making them a cost-effective addition to the Thanksgiving shopping list. Onions enhance the flavor of other dishes without adding much to the overall grocery bill, making them a must-have for budget-conscious cooks.
Canned Corn
Canned corn is another budget-friendly option that frugal shoppers often include in their Thanksgiving meal. It’s easy to find on sale, and it makes a simple yet satisfying side dish.
Whether served on its own or added to a corn casserole, canned corn is versatile and affordable. Its long shelf life makes it easy to buy ahead of time, and it’s a quick addition to any Thanksgiving spread without requiring much prep.
Apples
Frugal people often buy apples for Thanksgiving because they’re versatile, affordable, and in season. Apples can be used in pies, salads or simply served fresh as a healthy snack.
They’re usually available at a low price in the fall, making them a cost-effective choice for holiday desserts or side dishes. By focusing on seasonal produce, frugal shoppers ensure they get the best deals while still enjoying fresh and flavorful ingredients.
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