Groceries for The week for One Person

Grocery shopping on a budget can feel overwhelming, even when getting groceries for a week for one person. Whether you’re saving for a special occasion or just need to stretch your dollar a little further, it’s possible to get groceries for a week fro one person for around $60—without clipping coupons!

In this guide, you’ll get the framework for planning meals, shopping smart, and making your groceries last for the entire week without overspending. Plus, you’ll get helpful favorite meal prep tips, storage hacks, and versatile ingredient ideas that will help you make the most of every dollar. Ready to save? Keep reading to discover how easy groceries for the week for one person can be!

Here’s how to get Groceries For A Week For One Person!

Start with a Grocery List

Creating a solid grocery list is the cornerstone of this budget. By going old-school and writing your list down on paper. With a paper list, you are less likely to be distracted by items you don’t need, and remembering what you do by staying focused on the task at hand helps you avoid adding unnecessary items.

Your grocery for a week for one-person list should focus on essential staples like proteins, vegetables, and pantry items that you can use in multiple meals. This not only helps stretch your budget but also reduces food waste. Remember, by keeping your grocery list simple and well-organized is the key to keeping your grocery bill under $60.

Quick Tip: Stick to the outer aisles of the store where you’ll find fresh produce, dairy, and meats. The middle aisles are typically stacked with processed foods, which tend to be less nutritious, have more calories and sugars, and are more expensive.

Plan Your Meals in Advance

Meal planning is one of the most effective ways to save money on groceries without needing coupons. When you plan your meals ahead of time, you’ll know exactly what to buy and how much you’ll need especially seeing as you are buying groceries for the week for one person. You want to be pretty precise. This reduces the amount of food wasted while hopefully eliminating the temptation to order takeout or buy convenience foods. Because you have food ready to go but heat it up!

Here’s how you can plan groceries for a week for one person inclusive of breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks for a week—all while sticking to your $60 limit.

Breakfast Ideas when shopping for groceries for a week for one person

They say that breakfast is the most important meal of the day. To make the grocers for a week for one person breakfast is the first step. Here are a few ideas to get you started

Oatmeal
Oatmeal is a classic, affordable breakfast option that’s both nutritious and versatile. A large container of oats can last several weeks, and you can easily switch things up by adding toppings like fruits, peanut butter, biscoffe nutter, honey, or nuts. Alternatively, variety packets of oatmeal offer a great on-the-go option with little prep time. This filling meal will reduce the time spent on breakfast in the morning and keep you energized without emptying your wallet.

Frozen Waffles or Pancakes
Frozen waffles or pancakes are an inexpensive, quick breakfast choice. You can find store-brand versions like Great Value for around $2 to $3, making them a great budget option when paired with fruit, peanut butter, or everyone’s favorite syrup.
Eggs and Hash Browns
Eggs are one of the most versatile and cost-effective proteins you can buy. When paired with hash browns, they make a hearty and filling breakfast. A dozen eggs cost about $3, and frozen hash browns are usually under $4. For variety, try making scrambled eggs or a veggie-packed omelet.

Affordable Lunch Ideas when shopping for groceries for a week for one person

Lunch is a great opportunity to maximize the ingredients you already have, especially the proteins that can be repurposed from your groceries for a week for one person. Here’s how to make your lunches both satisfying and affordable:

Pick Three Proteins (Aim for a total cost of around $22):

Chicken (whole or breast fillets)
Ground turkey
Pork (chops or ground)

Keeping your proteins under $25 is crucial to making the budget for groceries for a week for one person work, with $22 being the ideal goal. These proteins can be used in multiple meals, including salads, pasta, wraps, and stir-fries. Wraps are super easy to put together and probably require the least amount of prep time.

Wraps
Wraps are a quick, easy, and affordable lunch option. You’ll need tortillas or flatbread, some of your pre-cooked proteins, and a few simple toppings. For example, a chicken wrap with lettuce and ranch dressing is delicious and cost-effective.
Pro Tip: Buy a pack of tortillas for around $3 and use them in several meals throughout the week.
Pasta with Butter Sauce and Protein
Pasta is incredibly affordable and easy to prepare. For a quick and satisfying lunch, cook your favorite pasta (store brands often cost around $1), then toss it in a simple butter sauce with garlic and a sprinkle of parmesan. Top it off with leftover chicken, pork, or ground turkey to make it a complete meal.
Stir-fried veggies with Meat
Stir-fries are a great way to incorporate vegetables into your meal while using pre-cooked proteins. Start with a base of chopped veggies like bell peppers, onions, cabbage, and broccoli, then sauté them in a little oil or butter. Add your protein and soy sauce or no sauce at all if the meat is seasoned it will flavor the pan and veggies leading to a quick and flavorful lunch. Pair this with a slice of garlic toast for an extra treat.
- Tip: Stir-fried dishes can easily be made in batches and stored in the fridge for a few days, making it a great option for meal prep.
Protein Salad Bowls
Salad bowls are a versatile and light lunch that can be tailored to what you already have on hand. Start with a base of greens or grains like quinoa or rice, and add your leftover proteins, veggies, and a light dressing. Try adding some nuts, seeds, or dried fruits for extra flavor and texture.
- Tip: Try to keep a few of your favorite toppings on hand. Some basic salad dressings, like a bottle of ranch or vinaigrette, toppings that you typically enjoy like guacamole, sour cream, or salsa which can complement your bowl.
Tacos with Protein
Tacos are another easy way to use your pre-cooked protein. Simply warm up your protein, and serve it in a soft or hard taco shell with your favorite toppings like lettuce, cheese, salsa, guacamole, or sour cream. Taco ingredients can be stretched for multiple meals.
Baked Potato with Protein
A baked potato is another budget-friendly yet filling base for lunch. Top a baked potato with your pre-cooked proteins, a hearty meal that costs next to nothing. Jazz it up by adding some of your favorite toppings or just finish it off with a bit of salt and pepper or butter. A bag of potatoes typically costs around $4 and can provide multiple meals throughout the week.
- Tip: Baked potatoes can be made in bulk and reheated, making them a great option for easy lunches.

Low-Cost Dinner Idea when shopping for groceries for a week for one person

Dinners can be simple and inexpensive when you use ingredients you already have. Here are some ways to create satisfying dinners while keeping your groceries for the week for one person at a fairly low price:

Chicken for Salads or Bowls
Roast or sauté chicken breasts and serve them over rice or mashed potatoes. Add any veggies you have on hand to complete the meal. This versatile dinner can easily be adjusted depending on what you bought earlier in the week.
Repurpose Breakfast Potatoes
Leftover breakfast potatoes or hash browns make a great side dish for dinner. Pair them with sautéed vegetables and protein for a balanced, budget-friendly meal.
One-Pot Meals
One-pot meals are perfect for stretching your budget. Use your protein with grains like rice or pasta, and mix in some vegetables. Stir-fries, casseroles, or pasta dishes are easy to make and require minimal ingredients.

Snacks for Under $10 when shopping for groceries for a week for one person

Even with a $60 budget, you can still enjoy snacks throughout the week. Here’s how to keep your cravings in check without going over budget:

Fruit Snacks
Fruit snacks are a convenient, affordable option that can satisfy your sweet tooth. You can find a 10-count box for around $5, making it an inexpensive treat.
Bananas
Bananas are incredibly cheap (often under $0.50 per pound) and are perfect for snacks or adding to breakfast. They are nutritious, versatile, and very budget-friendly.
Peanuts or Trail Mix
A bottle of peanuts or a simple trail mix provides healthy fats and protein, making it a filling snack. You can buy a bottle of peanuts for around $4, and they’ll last you all week.

Groceries For a Week for One Person Shopping Tips

To get groceries for the week for one person under $60, here are a few strategies to follow:

Opt for Store Brands
Store brands like Great Value or Market Pantry are typically cheaper than name brands but offer similar quality. Switching to these alternatives can help keep your budget in check.

Shop for Seasonal Produce
In-season fruits and vegetables are usually more affordable. By sticking to seasonal produce like apples, squash, and root vegetables in the fall for example. Avoid out-of-season items like berries, which tend to be pricier.
Avoid Pre-Packaged Meals
Pre-packaged or convenience meals may save time but are often significantly more expensive and tend to be less nutritious. Try to focus your efforts on buying whole ingredients and cooking from scratch to maximize your budget.

Master Groceries for a week for one person

Saving money on groceries doesn’t have to mean sacrificing quality. By meal planning, sticking to a well-thought-out grocery list, and shopping smart, you can easily get groceries for a week for one person for around $60 with no coupons required! Remember to use versatile ingredients and repurpose them across your meals to make that dollar stretch further.