12 ingredients you need in your kitchen

When money’s tight, having a few low-cost, versatile ingredients in your kitchen can make a big difference.

With the right items on hand, you can make all sorts of tasty, filling and healthy meals, without having to worry about breaking the bank.

So what should you always have on hand?

1. Tinned tomatoes

A tin of tomatoes is a cheap option that you can use in everything from spaghetti bolognaise to curry.

And it’s much healthier than a jar of pasta or curry sauce, which often contain added sugar, salt or preservatives.

2. Pasta

Pasta is an inexpensive yet filling kitchen staple - and one that’s really easy to cook.

You can use it as the base for countless quick meals, such as chicken arrabiata and mac ‘n’ cheese, and it works well with just about anything you might have in the cupboard or fridge.

A cheap packet of spaghetti costs you about 28p in the supermarket, while the cheapest bag of penne is around 40p.

So it’s a really affordable option if you want a satisfying, hearty meal.

3. Rice

Rice is another cheap staple that goes a long way.

But if you want to keep costs down when you’re making meals like curry, stir fry or risotto, avoid the microwave rice packets and instead buy a cheap 1kg bag.

It’ll go much further and save you money in the long run.

4. Dried herbs and spices

Instead of buying different sauces or ready-made seasoning mixes, keep a few basic herbs and spices in your cupboard, such as:

• chilli (flakes or powder)
• paprika
• curry powder
• garlic granules
• oregano
• coriander
• basil
• rosemary
• thyme

Even a small jar can last a long time, so it’s a simple, cost-effective way to liven up just about any meal.

5. Porridge oats

Instead of forking out for a box of cereal, start your day with a bowl of porridge.

A 1kg bag of porridge oats only costs around 85p in the supermarket - far less than a packet of cornflakes.

And you can get around 20-odd servings from a single bag.

6. Flour

A cheap bag of flour only costs around 80p - and you can use it in countless ways.

From baking your own bread or cakes to thickening up sauces, it’s an incredibly versatile ingredient that can last a long time.

7. Tinned potatoes

A tin of potatoes costs about 40p but can be used in so many ways.

Just mix it up with some mayo or yoghurt and throw in a few herbs and you’ve got a quick potato salad.

Or fry them up and serve alongside eggs, beans or leftovers, or chuck them in a curry or stew to bulk it out.

Tinned potatoes are also much healthier than convenience options like chips, waffles and ready-made mash.

8. Frozen vegetables

Frozen vegetables are just as tasty and nutritious as fresh veg, but they’re often cheaper and will last much longer.

So they’re a great option if you’re worried that fresh veg will go off before you get round to using it, and help you avoid wasting food and money.

9. Stock cubes

Available in different flavours like chicken, vegetable and beef, stock cubes add depth to soups, stews, curries and sauces.

They're also cheaper than stock pots and cartons, so they’re a really good choice if you’re trying to keep costs down.

10. Cooking oil

A bottle of oil lets you cook up all sorts of simple ingredients, so you don’t have to live off pre-cooked or processed foods.

It’ll cost you less than £2 and it goes a long way.

11. Tinned chickpeas

Tinned chickpeas are a low-cost, filling ingredient that you can use in countless ways.

They’re a great way to bulk out meals like curries and stews, and a cheap alternative to meat if you’re trying to reduce your meat consumption.

Alternatively, you could mash them with a bit of oil or yoghurt for a simple sandwich filling, or blend to them to create your own homemade hummus.

12. Eggs

Eggs are an incredibly versatile and affordable ingredient, and a cheap source of protein.

You can boil them, fry them or scramble them.

Or you can make an omelette complete with leftovers like veg you might have hanging around.

You can also eggs to fried rice or noodles, and they’re a crucial ingredient if you’re baking a cake or making your own pasta.

Knowing what to buy makes a difference

When you’re doing your weekly food shop and you want to keep costs down, focus on getting a few, reliable ingredients that you know will go a long way.

By knowing what to buy, you can cut food waste and make better use of what you already have. 

At the same time, you'll be better placed to make healthier meals and make fewer trips to the supermarket.