Best Budget-Friendly Ways to Build Up Food Storage?

[OrbitJazz21]

Every time I check out long-term storage foods, the prices make my head spin. I know rice and beans are a staple, but are there other budget-friendly items folks use to fill out their preps? Any tricks for finding deals at regular grocery stores or ways to stretch the dollar with bulk purchases?

 

[BlueHarborTea]

Canned vegetables and fruits from discount stores are a huge help for me. Sometimes I find store-brand canned goods for 50-60 cents each, and I’ll grab a few extras every trip. Also, pasta goes on sale a lot and lasts ages—spaghetti and elbow macaroni practically live in my pantry. Oats are another good one, especially if you get the big containers (for breakfast or baking). Don’t overlook potatoes either: powdered mashed potatoes keep longer than you’d think

 

[TeaTimeTalisman]

Buying dry lentils in bulk stretches meals for pennies, plus they cook faster than beans. Ever tried dehydrating your own veggies—cheaper in the long run if you grow a garden.

 

[CrimsonWren145]

Frozen veggies on clearance are a big win too—they last forever in the freezer and cook up fast. I also watch for manager’s specials on big bags of flour or sugar, then just repackage them in empty jars or buckets with a tight lid. Instant noodles aren’t the healthiest, but they fill out the pantry cheap in a pinch. Anyone here found any luck with day-old bread deals for making homemade croutons or breadcrumbs?