Protein:
Ground beef
Chicken thighs
Pork shoulder
Whole chickens
Eggs
Fatty fish (sardines, mackerel, salmon - canned is often cheaper)
Offal meats (liver, kidney) - very nutritious and inexpensive
Fats:
Olive oil
Avocado oil
Coconut oil
Butter
Cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, cream cheese)
Nuts (almonds, pecans, walnuts) - buy in bulk when on sale
Seeds (chia seeds, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds)
Non-Starchy Veggies:
Broccoli
Cauliflower
Spinach
Kale
Mushrooms
Green beans
Asparagus
Brussels sprouts
Zucchini
Bell peppers (avoid excess)
Lettuce (various types for salads and wraps)
Celery
Cucumber (in moderation)
Other Essentials:
Seasonings (salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, chili flakes, etc.)
Spices (cumin, turmeric, paprika, Italian seasoning, etc.)
Low-carb sweeteners (stevia, erythritol, monk fruit) - use sparingly
Broth (chicken, beef, vegetable)
Heavy cream
Coconut milk
Apple cider vinegar
Low-carb condiments (mustard, mayonnaise)
Grocery Shopping Hacks:
Plan your meals for the week.
Build your meals around what's on sale (check flyers and online ads).
Embrace frozen vegetables and fruits (often cheaper and just as nutritious).
Shop discount grocery stores (Aldi, Lidl).
Buy in bulk (smartly) on staples that won't expire before you use them.
Skip pre-packaged keto snacks and specialty ingredients (often overpriced).
Consider a membership at a wholesale club (Costco, Sam's Club) for bulk deals on some items.
Get to know your local butcher shop or farm co-op for potentially cheaper, high-quality meats.
Take advantage of store loyalty programs for discounts and rewards.
Creative Leftover Magic:
Shredded chicken: Lettuce wraps, keto chili, stir-fry with low-carb veggies.
Ground beef: Stuffed peppers, taco bowls, quick hash.
Roasted vegetables: Omelets, salads, frittata.
Fatty fish: Fish cakes, fish tacos, salad with keto-friendly dressing.
Cooked whole chicken: Chicken salad (with celery and spices), keto chicken pot pie filling.
Bonus Tips:
Cook large batches and freeze portions for later.
Invest in a reusable water bottle to avoid sugary drinks.
Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated and curb cravings.
Track your macros (optional) to ensure you're staying in ketosis.
There are many free keto recipes available online and in cookbooks.