🌿** The $50 Trader Joe’s Grocery Challenge
Some weeks money just feels tight – like “this is a $50 grocery week” And honestly? I’ve been there more times than I can count. Between being a busy mom, juggling schedules, and trying to stretch every dollar, I’ve had to get creative with meals that are cheap without sacrificing flavor and nutrition.
So, this week, I challenged myself:
Can I shop at Trader Joe’s and feed my family dinners for a whole week…with just $5
Spoiler: Yes, and it was actually delicious. Here’s exactly what I bought, how much I spent, and the 7-day menu I created – all pantry-friendly, zero stress, and perfect for broke-and-busy nights.
🛒What I bought at Trader Joe’s for $50
(Prices may vary slightly by location)
Protein + Main Items
Chicken thighs – $4.99
Italian chicken sausages – $4.49
Eggs – $2.49
Frozen breaded orange chicken – $4.99
Pantry + Essentials
Jasmine Rice – $3.29
Pasta – $1.29
Tomato basil marinara – $2.29
Black beans $0.99
Corn – $0.99
Flour tortillas – $2.79
Frozen vegetable fried rice – $3.79
Frozen Veg + Cheaper Produce
Frozen broccoli – $2.29
Frozen mixed veggies – $2.29
Bananas (5-6) – $1.20
Baby spinach – $1.99
Flavor + Stretchers
Salsa verde – $2.79
Shredded cheese – $3.49
TOTAL: ~$49.55
🌿A whole cart of mix-and-match, easy meals.
Budget: respected.
Dinners: handled.
🍽️7 Days of Meals from $50 of Groceries
Day 1 – One Pan Chicken Thighs + Broccoli + Rice
Season your chicken with salt, pepper, and other desired seasonings, roast with broccoli, serve over rice.
Feeds 3-4
Day 2 – Italian Sausage Pasta Night
Brown sausages, add marinara, toss with pasta
Use spinach to stretch it.
Day 3 – Fried Rice & Scrambled Egg Stir Fry
Frozen fried rice + eggs + spinach + mixed veggies
A 10-minute “don’t ask me what’s for dinner meal”
Day 4 – Salsa Verde Chicken Tortilla Bowls
Shredded leftover chicken thighs mixed with salsa verde, served over rice with corn, black beans, and cheese
Day 5 – Breaded Chicken & Broccoli Rice Bowls
Bake the chicken, chop it up, put it over rice with steamed broccoli.
Drizzle with soy sauce or Trader Joe’s chili onion crunch if you have it.
Day 6 – Budget Breakfast-for-Dinner
Eggs + toast/tortillas + mixed veggies or broccoli sauteed in butter, and a side of sliced bananas.
Shockingly filling.
Day – 7 Leftover Remix Night
Fried rice with breaded chicken
Sausage and pasta
Fried rice + scrambled eggs + black beans
Final Thoughts
This $50 Trader Joe’s challenge was tough, but I felt it was important to show everyone that it is possible to have decent meals on a very tight budget. Times are tough right now for so many people and I hope this will offer some hope. There is a light at the end of the tunnel, budgeting is challenging at first, but it does get easier I promise. Hang in there and remember that as time goes on, you’ll build up your pantry staples stretching your grocery budget even further.
-Hey Ivy, 💚