GROCERY SAVINGS
The $50/Week Grocery Challenge
By CraftyDollar•January 18, 2025•7 min read
A simple, realistic grocery plan that feeds a family of four for just $50 per week — no coupons, no extreme restrictions, no stress.
How the Challenge Works
What you'll do:
- Buy only high-ROI staples
- Follow a simple weekly rotation
- Use 2–3 base meals to stretch ingredients
- Reduce waste (biggest money suck)
- Keep meals filling and family-friendly
What you won't do:
- Extreme couponing
- Complicated recipes
- Shopping multiple stores
- Trying to meal prep for 30 days at once
The 7-Day $50 Meal Plan
Breakfasts (same daily)
- Oatmeal with cinnamon + sliced banana
- Eggs + toast
- Yogurt with frozen fruit
Lunches
- Chicken & rice bowls
- Peanut butter + fruit sandwiches
- Leftover dinner portions
Dinners
- Chicken & Veggie Stir Fry
- Pasta Night
- Sheet-Pan Chicken & Potatoes
- Bean & Cheese Quesadillas
- Budget Chili
- Breakfast for Dinner
- Leftover Remix Night
The $50 Shopping List
Proteins:
- 2 lbs chicken ($6–$8)
- 1 lb ground turkey/beef ($3–$5)
- Eggs, 18-pack ($2–$4)
Carbs/Staples:
- Rice ($2)
- Pasta ($1)
- Bread ($1–$2)
- Tortillas ($2–$3)
- Oats ($2)
Veggies/Fruit:
- Frozen mixed veggies ($1–$3)
- Bananas ($1–$2)
- Potatoes ($3–$4)
- Onions ($1–$2)
- Canned tomatoes ($1)
Pantry:
- Peanut butter ($1–$2)
- Beans (2 cans, $2)
- Pasta sauce ($1–$2)
- Cheese ($2–$3)
Total: $48–$52
Big Savings Hacks
- Shop store brands only
- Buy meat on sale
- Use frozen veggies
- Reuse leftovers
- Buy in bulk when budget allows
Free Printable
Download the complete shopping list and meal plan to make your $50 grocery week even easier.
Get the Printable Grocery Plan