The $50 Grocery Challenge
Can one person actually eat well for a week on $50? We tested it, receipts and all.
The Setup
Between grocery delivery fees, “just grabbing a few things,” and forgotten produce, my weekly grocery bill has quietly crept over $100. So I decided to try a reset: one week of meals on a strict $50 budget. No takeout, no coffee runs; just one cart and a little planning.
The Rules
Budget: $50 for the week
No takeout or delivery
Use what’s already in the pantry (oil, salt, spices)
Shop once, no mid-week top-ups
Prices based on average U.S. grocery costs
The Cart
1 dozen eggs — $2.99
2 lbs rice — $3.49
1 rotisserie chicken — $7.99
2 cans black beans — $2.18
1 bag frozen veggies — $2.29
1 loaf whole-grain bread — $3.49
1 jar peanut butter — $3.99
1 bag apples — $4.99
Fresh produce (spinach, onions, carrots, garlic) — $10
Pantry staples — already had them
Total: $49.41
The Plan
Breakfasts: Eggs, toast, or peanut butter + fruit
Lunches: Rice bowls with beans, veggies, or leftover chicken
Dinners: Chicken soup, stir-fry, or sandwiches
Snacks: Apples, peanut butter toast, crispy leftover rice
The Results
Meals cooked: 14
Takeout avoided: 3
Money saved: Around $75
Food waste: Zero
What I Learned
Planning beats willpower. The grocery list was the real hero.
Impulse shopping is the budget killer. Sticking to a plan saved more than the dollar amount.
You actually eat better when you simplify. Everything was fresh, basic, and cooked at home.
$50 goes further than you think. I ended the week with leftover rice, beans, and some new confidence.
The Takeaway
Honestly, by day three I wasn’t missing variety, and I definitely wasn’t missing the mindless spending.Would I do it again? Absolutely. But next time, I’m budgeting for better coffee.
💬 Have an idea for a future Challenge? Send it our way.