Managing a $50 grocery budget at Publix can be both satisfying and nutritious. Here’s a curated list of essential items to sustain you throughout the week while staying within budget.
1. Mueller Pasta $3.50/1 lb
A classic pantry staple, this versatile pasta can be used for everything from mac and cheese to hearty spaghetti dinners.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories: 200
- Fat: 1g
- Carbs: 42g
- Sodium: 0mg
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 1g
- Protein: 7g
Ingredients
Semolina (wheat), durum wheat flour.
Preparation Instructions
Boil in salted water for 9–11 minutes until al dente. Drain and serve with sauce or mix into casseroles.
2. Stahl Hot Dog Packages $1.59/12 oz
Great for quick lunches or grilling, these affordable hot dogs are a kid-friendly protein option.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories: 110
- Fat: 9g
- Carbs: 1g
- Sodium: 360mg
- Dietary Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 0g
- Protein: 5g
Ingredients
Mechanically separated chicken, water, corn syrup, salt, spices, sodium nitrite.
Preparation Instructions
Heat in boiling water for 5 minutes, microwave for 30–45 seconds, or grill until browned.
3. Kraft Mac & Cheese $0.75/7.25 oz
This boxed comfort food is a time-saving dinner on its own or a creamy side to pair with veggies or proteins.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 13g
- Carbs: 47g
- Sodium: 570mg
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 6g
- Protein: 10g
Ingredients
Enriched macaroni (wheat flour, niacin), cheese sauce mix (whey, milkfat, cheese culture, salt, enzymes).
Preparation Instructions
Boil pasta for 7–8 minutes, drain, then mix in butter, milk, and cheese sauce packet.
4. Biscoff Cream Cookies Sleeve $3.00/5.29 oz
A sweet treat featuring spiced caramelized cookies filled with creamy Biscoff spread—ideal for snack breaks.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories: 150
- Fat: 7g
- Carbs: 21g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Dietary Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 11g
- Protein: 1g
Ingredients
Wheat flour, sugar, palm oil, soy flour, cinnamon, Biscoff cream.
Preparation Instructions
No prep needed—just open and enjoy!
5. Philadelphia Cream Cheese $1.71/8 oz
Creamy and smooth, this spreadable cheese is perfect for bagels, dips, and even pasta sauces.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories: 100
- Fat: 9g
- Carbs: 1g
- Sodium: 95mg
- Sugar: 1g
- Protein: 2g
Ingredients
Pasteurized milk and cream, salt, carob bean gum, cheese culture.
Preparation Instructions
Serve chilled on toast or bagels, or blend into sauces and casseroles.
6. Uncle Ben’s Ready Rice Whole Grain Brown $1.37/8.8 oz
Ready in just 90 seconds, this microwaveable rice is a lifesaver on busy nights.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories: 210
- Fat: 3g
- Carbs: 44g
- Sodium: 10mg
- Sugar: 0g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
Ingredients
Parboiled long grain rice, sunflower oil, salt.
Preparation Instructions
Tear pouch slightly and microwave for 90 seconds. Serve directly or as a base for stir-fries or bowls.
7. Oh!Tatoes Idaho Potatoes, Fully Baked $7.75/2.5 lbs
Just add water or milk for fluffy mashed potatoes—perfect as a side dish to any meal.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories: 110
- Fat: 3g
- Carbs: 19g
- Sodium: 330mg
- Sugar: 1g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
Ingredients
Dehydrated potatoes, vegetable oil, salt, dairy-based flavoring.
Preparation Instructions
Mix with boiling water or milk, stir until smooth. Let stand for 1 minute before serving.
8. Boneless Ham $5.99/lb
This massive cut of ham is the budget anchor for your protein needs, easily stretchable over multiple meals.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories: 120
- Fat: 5g
- Carbs: 1g
- Sodium: 830mg
- Sugar: 1g
- Protein: 17g
Ingredients
Cured pork, water, salt, sugar, sodium nitrite.
Preparation Instructions
Bake at 325°F for 15 minutes per pound or slice and pan-fry for quick use in sandwiches or omelets.
9. Cabot Cheese Blocks $2.75/8 oz
Aged cheddar that’s sharp, flavorful, and ideal for slicing, melting, or shredding into meals.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories: 110
- Fat: 9g
- Carbs: 0g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Protein: 7g
Ingredients
Pasteurized milk, cheese cultures, salt, enzymes.
Preparation Instructions
Use in grilled cheese, shredded into casseroles, or served fresh on crackers.
10. Hillshire Farms Smoked Sausage – Cajun $2.63/14 oz
Bold and spicy, this smoked sausage adds a kick to skillet meals, jambalaya, or pastas.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories: 180
- Fat: 16g
- Carbs: 1g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Protein: 6g
Ingredients
Pork, beef, water, salt, spices, sodium nitrite.
Preparation Instructions
Slice and sauté for 5–7 minutes or grill whole until heated through.
11. Beef Meatballs $5.99/12 oz
Beef meatballs are a versatile protein option perfect for pasta dishes, sandwiches, or a quick snack.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories per serving: 260
- Fats: 20g
- Carbs: 5g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 1g
- Protein: 14g
Ingredients
Beef, bread crumbs, parmesan cheese, salt, pepper.
Preparation Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
- Place meatballs on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 18-20 minutes or until fully cooked.
12. Boneless Pork Chops $4.50/pound
Boneless pork chops are lean and tender, ideal for grilling or pan-searing.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories per serving: 200
- Fats: 12g
- Carbs: 0g
- Sodium: 65mg
- Dietary Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 0g
- Protein: 23g
Ingredients
Pork chops
Preparation Instructions
- Season pork chops with salt and pepper.
- Heat skillet over medium heat.
- Cook for 4-5 minutes on each side until fully cooked.
13. Tilapia Fillets $6.99/16 oz
Tilapia fillets have a mild flavor suitable for baking or frying.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories per serving: 110
- Fats: 2.5g
- Carbs: 0g
- Sodium: 45mg
- Dietary Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 0g
- Protein: 23g
Ingredients
Tilapia fillets
Preparation Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F.
- Place fillets on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes until flaky.
14. Russet Potatoes $3.99/5 lb
Russet potatoes are a cost-effective staple great for mashing, roasting, or baking.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories per serving: 110
- Fats: 0g
- Carbs: 26g
- Sodium: 0mg
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 1g
- Protein: 3g
Ingredients
Russet potatoes
Preparation Instructions
- Wash and scrub potatoes.
- Bake whole at 400°F for 45 minutes or until tender.
15. Long Grain White Rice $2.00/2 lb
Rice is a versatile, budget-friendly side dish for many meals.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories per serving: 150
- Fats: 0g
- Carbs: 35g
- Sodium: 0mg
- Dietary Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 0g
- Protein: 3g
Ingredients
Long grain white rice
Preparation Instructions
- Rinse rice under cold water.
- Combine 1 cup rice with 2 cups water.
- Bring to a boil, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes.
16. Fresh Produce – Approximately $10.00
A mix of seasonal vegetables and fruits for a balanced diet.
Preparation Instructions
- Wash thoroughly before use.
17. Pancake and Waffle Mix $2.50/32 oz box
A quick and easy breakfast option.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories per serving: 160
- Fats: 1.5g
- Carbs: 34g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 6g
- Protein: 3g
Ingredients
Enriched flour, leavening agents, sugar, salt
Preparation Instructions
- Mix 1 cup of mix with 3/4 cup water.
- Cook on a preheated griddle until golden brown.
18. Chocolate Chip Cookies $3.00/5 oz
A delightful treat for dessert or snacking.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories per serving: 160
- Fats: 8g
- Carbs: 22g
- Sodium: 110mg
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 12g
- Protein: 2g
Ingredients
Flour, sugar, chocolate chips, eggs, butter
Preparation Instructions
Ready to eat.
Note: Prices were sourced from Instacart and may vary by region.
Conclusion
Sticking to a $50 budget at Publix is totally doable with smart choices. By focusing on versatile staples, proteins, and a few treats, you can enjoy a week of satisfying, balanced meals without overspending.
