Benable — create shareable lists of things you recommend!

E.g., products you love, local businesses, travel recs - you can add anything to a Benable list!

Discover

Cheap Amazon Pantry Essentials: Budget Grocery List For Whether You Are Saving Money Or Are A Broke College Kid

24 items

Alveera Ahmed

POV: You want to stock your pantry without going broke. 🛒✨ I did the digging so you don’t have to—here are the absolute best cheap grocery hacks found on Amazon. From viral snacks to bulk buys that will save you so much money, this is your go-to gui...

Sections

Protein Heavy

Fiber Heavy

Lunch

Snacks

Low Calories

Gluten Free

Protein Heavy

The holy grail of budget protein. ✨ 20g of protein, low sugar, and way cheaper on Amazon than at the grocery store. I always keep a box on hand for busy days when I need a quick, filling snack that won't crash my energy levels.

Pure Protein Bars, High Protein, 18 Pack

Finally, instant ramen that actually has nutritional value. 🍜 This isn’t the empty-calorie soup from your childhood—it has 16g of protein per cup thanks to the added bone broth and protein-enhanced noodles. I buy the 6-packs on Amazon because it wor...

Nissin Protein Beef Ramen Cup, 2.54oz, 6pk

The easiest way to upgrade your breakfast without cooking. Unlike regular oatmeal which leaves you hungry an hour later, these packets have 10g of protein and plenty of fiber to actually keep you full until lunch. Buying the bulk variety pack on Amaz...

Quaker Protein Instant Oatmeal Banana Nut 6ct

Upgrade your pasta night effortlessly. 💪 Packed with 10g of plant-based protein and extra fiber, this keeps you full way longer than regular white pasta. It cooks up perfectly and is a total pantry essential for quick, healthy meals on a budget.

Barilla Protein+ Penne Pasta 14.5oz Lentils

Finally, a gluten-free wrap that doesn't crumble apart! 🍳 Because they are made of egg whites, you get a massive protein boost (5g per wrap) with zero sugar or flour. They are perfect if you are trying to up your protein intake on a budget—swap your...

egglife Everything Bagel Egg White Wraps, 6

Restaurant-quality pasta in a bag? Yes, please. 🍝 This Lazy Food Co. kit comes with everything you need—pasta, veggies, and seasoning—all in one pouch. You literally just dump it in boiling water and it’s ready in 10 minutes. The Broccoli & Garl...

Lazy Food Broccoli Garlic Oil Veg Pasta Meal

Fiber Heavy

The ultimate hack for chocolate cravings. 🍩 When you want a donut but don't want the 300+ calories that come with it, grab one of these. They are only 70 calories and have a rich chocolate coating that actually hits the spot. Buying the multi-pack o...

Fiber One 100 Calorie Strawberries & Creme Donuts, 4 Ct

The ultimate gut health staple. ✨ With 55% of your daily fiber in just one bowl, this is the most effective way to stay regular and full without spending a ton of money on supplements. It has a super satisfying crunch that goes great with yogurt or a...

Fiber One Honey Clusters Whole Grain Cereal 17.5oz

Lunch

The ultimate $1.50 dinner base. 🍗 On its own, it’s a delicious side, but to make it a full meal, I add some cooked chicken (canned or rotisserie) and frozen peas. You get a creamy, savory pasta dinner that feeds two people for less than $5 total. Th...

Knorr Chicken Fettuccine Pasta Sides 4.3oz

Don't let the 'canned' part scare you—this is a pantry essential. 🥫 It’s 98% fat-free premium chicken breast with no prep work required. Buying the multi-pack on Amazon is a great way to lock in a cheap protein source that won't spoil in your fridge...

Swanson Garlic & Herbs White Chunk Chicken 2.6oz

The undisputed king of budget food. 👑 Buying the 24-pack case on Amazon brings the cost down to literal pennies per meal. But don't just eat it plain—use it as a base! I throw in an egg, some frozen veggies, or leftover chicken, and suddenly you hav...

Maruchan Instant Lunch Chicken Flavor 12pk

The ultimate portable lunch. 🌿 Unlike ramen or mac & cheese, you don't even need a microwave for these. They are fully cooked and ready to eat cold or at room temperature. Each cup comes with a little spoon and a packet of basil pesto sauce that...

Kitchen & Love Basil Pesto Quinoa Quick Meal 6-Pack

Snacks

The MVP of 8 AM classes. 🎒 These are a fraction of the cost of the big brands and get the job done perfectly. Pop them in the toaster for a warm, gooey treat or eat them straight out of the wrapper when you're rushing out the door. The value for the...

Amazon Grocery Frosted Strawberry Toaster Pastries 13.5oz 8 Ct

Stop buying these for $2 at the checkout counter! 🛑 The 46-count box on Amazon is an insane value—it brings the price down to just cents per stick. You are basically getting a month's worth of snacks for the price of a few gas station runs. I keep t...

Slim Jim Smoked Meat Sticks, Original, 46ct

The perfect solution for mindless snacking. 🐟 If you are someone who accidentally eats the whole bag (guilty!), these single-serve packs are a lifesaver. They are pre-portioned to be around 100-140 calories each, so you can satisfy your salty/crunch...

Goldfish Crackers Big Smiles Variety Pack 30 Ct

The holy grail of volume eating. 🍿 Each bag is only 100 calories, but because it’s popcorn, you actually get a decent amount of food to chew on (unlike 100 calories of chips which is like 4 chips). It’s the perfect guilt-free snack to keep you full ...

SkinnyPop Original Popcorn, Dairy-Free, 30ct

Low Calories

The OG low-calorie dessert. ✨ People always forget that these are only 90 calories each! They are perfect for when you want something sticky and sweet but don't want to eat a 400-calorie brownie. I keep a box on hand for a guilt-free late-night treat...

Rice Krispies Treats Marshmallow Snack Bars, 16 Bars

The ultimate hack for cutting calories without starving. 🥑 I swap my toast for these savory rice cakes (Lightly Salted or White Cheddar) and load them up with avocado and egg or tuna salad. You get that satisfying crunch for only 35-50 calories, sav...

Quaker Large Rice Cakes White Cheddar 5.5oz x3

Gluten Free

The only frozen fry I will buy. 🌱 Unlike other brands that are loaded with inflammatory oils and fillers, these are super clean, gluten-free, and vegan. They bake up perfectly crisp and sweet. I keep a bag in the freezer for when I want a healthy co...

Strong Roots Oven Baked Sweet Potato Fries 15oz

Stop spending $15 on grain bowls for lunch! 🥗 Aahana's bowls are a total game-changer because they taste like a real, home-cooked Indian meal but are ready in minutes. You just add hot water. Buying the variety pack on Amazon brings the cost down to...

Aahana Sprouted Power Bowl Variety Pack 4pk

Stop spending $20 on Indian takeout! 🍛 This 10-pack variety box is the ultimate budget hack. You get authentic, restaurant-style curries like Matar Paneer and Aloo Matar that are ready in 2 minutes. The price per pouch works out to be super cheap co...

Ashoka Authentic Indian Meals 1932 Vegan Sampler

Dinner

Never buy these individually again! 🛒 Buying the mega-pack (18 count) on Amazon brings the price down to well under a dollar per cup. It’s the cheapest way to stock up on this pantry staple. Perfect for quick lunches, late-night cravings, or just ha...

Kraft Easy Mac and Cheese, 18 Packets, Original

No stove? No problem. 🚫 These are a total lifesaver for dorms or offices where you only have a microwave. It’s a warm, filling comfort meal that takes zero prep work. Buying the 12-pack bulk case on Amazon makes them super affordable per serving com...

Hamburger Helper Beef Pasta Microwave Cup 6pk

Gourmet dinner on a college budget. 🍷 Risotto usually takes an hour of constant stirring to make from scratch, but this box does 90% of the work for you. It cooks up super creamy and rich in just 20 minutes. I pair this with some grilled chicken or ...

Lundberg Organic Parmesan Risotto Rice 5.5oz