We’ve compiled a list of our top healthy foods to help you keep those grocery bills down.
But there are lots of healthy foods that are more affordable than acai bowls and organic kale salads.
Here’s our list of 10 budget-friendly healthy foodsplus tips to help you keep those grocery bills down.
Greg DuPree
They’re extremely versatile and very inexpensive.
In addition to being a staple ingredient in many delicious recipes, cannedtomatoespack a significant nutritional punch.
Add canned tomatoesto soups, casseroles, stews and pasta dishes.
Greg DuPree
They are super affordable and offer an easy way to provide your family with an impressive amount of nutrients.
A serving of oats also contains B vitamins, iron, manganese, phosphorus, zinc and magnesium.
Oats are typically eaten for breakfast, but they can be enjoyed in a variety of ways.
Alexandra Shytsman
Peanut butter is cost-effective and delivers a host of nutrients.
A serving is 2 tablespoons, which means that one jar can last for quite a while.
You’ll even get a shot of fiber.
Besides the popular PB&J, peanut butter can be used in a variety of recipes.
Stir it into a bowl of oatmeal or swap out your pasta and red sauce for some tastypeanut noodles.
Canned Beans
Pictured Recipe:Sheet-Pan Chicken Fajita Bowls
Canned beansare budget-friendly, versatile and very nutritious.
They’re also a great source ofplant-based protein.
Beans can beincorporated into many types of dishes.
Try them in soups, salads,tacosand burritos.
Potatoes
Pictured Recipe:Melting Potatoes
Every household should keep potatoes on hand.
While they sometimes have a negative reputation, potatoes arepacked with nutrition.
If you want an added boost of nutrients, try usingsweet potatoesinstead of white potatoes.
Sweet potatoes are also high in potassium, but they contain a little more fiber as well as beta-carotene.
Both types of potatoes are versatile.
Lentils
Pictured Recipe:One-Pot Lentil & Vegetable Soup with Parmesan
Lentils are popular in many plant-based diets.
They’re super affordable and provide a great source of protein, fiber, iron and manganese.
They also contain antioxidants that may help to fight inflammation and reduce the onset of chronic diseases.
Lentils can be used in a variety of ways and areeasy to prepare.
Photographer: Fred Hardy, Food Stylist: Karen Rankin, Prop Stylist: Josh Hoggle
Let the lentils simmer until they’re tender, then enjoy!
Lentils areversatile and can be used to makeveggie burgers, soups and stews.
Popcorn provides fiber, magnesium and several disease-fighting antioxidants.
The great thing about popcorn is that you’re able to tailor it to your mood.
Frozen berries can last in the freezer for several months, so stock up when they’re on sale.
Choose berries without added sugar.
Tyrel Stendahl
They’re also associated with a healthier brain, reduced cognitive decline and improved memory.
Add frozen berries to your favoritesmoothie recipeor make a yogurt parfait with them.
Tuna also provides a fair amount of the minerals selenium, phosphorus and potassium.
Choose canned tuna forsalads, sandwiches and pasta dishes.
Eggs
Pictured Recipe:Spinach & Feta Scrambled Egg Pitas
Eggs are a staple item in most homes.
They’rechock-full of nutritionand typically cost less than 20 cents per egg.
A whole large egg contains 6 g of protein and delivers some vitamin D as well.
Look to eggs to make a savory dinner quiche, vegetable-packed fried rice or egg salad sandwiches.
So, instead of paying extra money for well-known brands, look for generic or store-brand products instead.
To help avoid food waste and save a little money, attempt to make recipes with these items first.
Get creative with what you have.
Buy In-Season Produce
Buying fruits and vegetables that are in season can help keep the price down.
Sometimes, but not always, shopping for local produce at your farmers market can be more affordable.
When fruits and veggies aren’t in season, stock up on nutritious frozen produce.
Meal-Prep Food for the Week
Meal preppingis a great way to save money.
Planning your meals can help prevent those unnecessary grocery trips during the week.
Meal prepping doesn’t have to be hard.