Twelve shopping lists. Ten dollars a week, give or take. At the end you own a deep, boring, useful pantry built entirely from food you already know how to cook — and you never felt the spend.
All prices are estimates (typical U.S. store-brand, mid-2026 — your store will differ). Hate pinto beans? Buy black beans. The structure matters more than the brand.
| Item | Size | Est. price |
|---|---|---|
| White rice | 5 lb | $4.00 |
| Dried pinto beans | 2 lb | $2.50 |
| Iodized salt | 26 oz | $0.70 |
| Canned vegetables (your pick) | 2 × ~15 oz | $1.60 |
This week adds: the oldest food pairing there is —
rice plus beans plus salt is a complete, cookable base.
Pantry so far (est.): ~6 days of meals for 1 adult ·
~1½ days for 4.
| Item | Size | Est. price |
|---|---|---|
| Peanut butter | 40 oz | $4.50 |
| Canned tuna | 4 × 5 oz | $4.40 |
This week adds: shelf-stable protein and fat that
need zero cooking.
Pantry so far (est.): ~9 days for 1 adult · ~2 days
for 4.
Weeks 3–12 build fruit, oats, oil, comfort items, and rotation habits — with a running tally and a printable inventory sheet.