Making healthy food choices doesn’t have to be expensive. There are many nutritious and cost-effective foods that can fit into everyone’s budget. Eating a variety of these nutrient-dense foods can help you stay within your budget while still providing the essential vitamins and minerals needed for sustained health. Here are 20 healthy foods that will keep you on budget and feeling your best:
1. Lentils
Best Place to Buy: Grocery stores or bulk food stores
Avg. Price: $1 per pound*
Benefits: Rich in fiber, protein, and essential minerals
Lentils are a great addition to any diet as they are packed with fiber, protein, and essential minerals. They are also very affordable and can be purchased in bulk for even greater savings. Lentils make an excellent side dish or main course when combined with rice or other grains.
2. Quinoa
Best Place to Buy: Grocery store or bulk food stores
Avg. Price: $3 per pound*
Benefits: High in fiber and protein, gluten-free
Quinoa is an ancient grain that has become increasingly popular in recent years. It is high in fiber, protein, and essential minerals, making it an excellent choice for a healthy, budget-friendly meal. It is also gluten-free, making it a great choice for those with dietary restrictions. Quinoa can be purchased in bulk for added savings and convenience.
3. Avocados
Best Place to Buy: Grocery store
Avg. Price: $1-2 per avocado*
Benefits: Rich in healthy monounsaturated fats and fiber
Avocados are a great source of healthy monounsaturated fats, fiber, and vitamins. They are also quite affordable and make an excellent addition to salads, toast, or as a topping for burgers or sandwiches. Avocados can be found in nearly every grocery store and can easily be added to any budget-friendly meal.
4. Chia Seeds
Best Place to Buy: Grocery stores or bulk food stores
Avg. Price: $6 for 11 ounces*
Benefits: High in fiber, protein, and essential minerals
Chia seeds are quickly becoming a popular addition to health-conscious diets. They are high in fiber, protein, and essential minerals and can easily be added to smoothies, oatmeal, yogurt, or salads for an extra nutritious boost. Chia seeds can be found in grocery stores and bulk food stores for a fraction of the price of other superfoods.
5. Apples
Best Place to Buy: Grocery store or farmer’s market
Avg. Price: $1-2 per pound*
Benefits: High in fiber and antioxidants
Apples are a great source of fiber and antioxidants, which makes them a great choice for healthy snacking. They are also quite affordable and can easily be found in grocery stores or farmer’s markets. Apples can be eaten as a snack or used in baking, making them an excellent choice for budget-friendly meals.
6. Sweet Potatoes
Best Place to Buy: Grocery store
Avg. Price: $1-2 per pound*
Benefits: Rich in antioxidants and vitamin A
Sweet potatoes are a great source of antioxidants and vitamin A, making them an excellent choice for healthy meals. They are also quite affordable and can be found in grocery stores. Sweet potatoes can be used in a variety of dishes, such as baked potatoes or sweet potato fries.
7. Brown Rice
Best Place to Buy: Grocery store or bulk food stores
Avg. Price: $2 per pound*
Benefits: High in fiber and essential minerals
Brown rice is one of the best options for budget-friendly, healthy meals. It is high in fiber and essential minerals, making it a great choice for nutrition on a budget. Brown rice can be purchased in bulk for added savings and convenience.
8. Bananas
Best Place to Buy: Grocery store or farmer’s market
Avg. Price: $0.50-1 per pound*
Benefits: High in potassium and fiber
Bananas are an excellent source of potassium and fiber, making them a great choice for healthy snacking. They are also quite affordable and can easily be found in grocery stores or farmer’s markets. Bananas can be eaten as is or used to make smoothies for a nutritious and budget-friendly meal.
9. Turmeric
Best Place to Buy: Grocery stores or bulk food stores
Avg. Price: $4 for 2-3 ounces*
Benefits: Rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds
Turmeric is an ancient spice that has been used for centuries for its medicinal properties. It is high in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds and is often recommended for those looking to improve their overall health. Turmeric can be found in grocery stores or bulk food stores for a fraction of the price of other superfoods.
10. Dark Chocolate
Best Place to Buy: Grocery store or online stores
Avg. Price: $2-3 per bar*
Benefits: Rich in antioxidants and minerals
Dark chocolate is an excellent choice for those looking to indulge while still staying healthy. It is high in antioxidants and essential minerals, making it a great snack option. Dark chocolate can be found in most grocery stores, or online for a fraction of the price.
11. Blackberries
Best Place to Buy: Grocery store or farmer’s market
Avg. Price: $2-4 per pint*
Benefits: High in fiber and antioxidants
Blackberries are a great source of fiber and antioxidants, making them an excellent choice for healthy snacking. They are also quite affordable and can easily be found in grocery stores or farmer’s markets. Blackberries can be eaten as a snack or used in baking, making them an excellent choice for budget-friendly meals.
12. Almonds
Best Place to Buy: Online stores or bulk food stores
Avg. Price: $3-4 per pound*
Benefits: High in protein and healthy fats
Almonds are an excellent source of protein and healthy fats, making them a great choice for those looking to add more nutrition to their diets. They can be purchased online or from bulk food stores for added savings. Almonds can be eaten on their own as a snack or used in baking, adding extra nutrition to budget-friendly meals.
13. Kale
Best Place to Buy: Grocery store or farmer’s market
Avg. Price: $2-4 per bunch*
Benefits: High in vitamins and minerals
Kale is one of the best sources of vitamins and minerals, making it an excellent choice for healthy meals. It is also quite affordable and can easily be found in grocery stores or farmer’s markets. Kale can be eaten raw, cooked, or used as a salad green for added nutrition to budget-friendly meals.
14. Pomegranates
Best Place to Buy: Grocery store or farmer’s market
Avg. Price: $3-5 per pound*
Benefits: High in vitamins and antioxidants
Pomegranates are an excellent source of vitamins and antioxidants, making them a great choice for healthy snacking. They can be found in grocery stores or farmer’s markets for a fraction of the price of other superfoods. Pomegranates can be eaten as is or used in baking, making them an excellent choice for budget-friendly meals.
15. Kiwi
Best Place to Buy: Grocery store or farmer’s market
Avg. Price: $1-2 per pound*
Benefits: High in fiber and vitamin C
Kiwi is an excellent source of fiber and vitamin C, making them a great choice for healthy snacking. They can be found in grocery stores or farmer’s markets for a fraction of the price of other superfoods. Kiwis can be eaten as is or used in baking, adding extra nutrition to budget-friendly meals.
16. Salmon
Best Place to Buy: Grocery store or online stores
Avg. Price: $10-15 per pound*
Benefits: High in Omega-3 fatty acids and protein
Salmon is an excellent source of Omega-3 fatty acids and protein, making it a great choice for those looking to add more nutrition to their diets. It can be purchased from most grocery stores or online for added savings. Salmon is an excellent choice for budget-friendly meals as it is rich in nutrition and flavor.
17. Chia Seeds
Best Place to Buy: Online stores or bulk food stores
Avg. Price: $3-5 per pound*
Benefits: High in fiber and healthy fats
Chia seeds are an excellent source of fiber and healthy fats, making them a great choice for those looking to add more nutrition to their diets. They can be purchased from online stores or bulk food stores for added savings. Chia seeds can be eaten on their own as a snack or used in baking, adding extra nutrition to budget-friendly meals.
18. Spinach
Best Place to Buy: Grocery store or farmer’s market
Avg. Price: $2-4 per pound*
Benefits: High in vitamins and minerals
Spinach is one of the best sources of vitamins and minerals, making it an excellent choice for healthy meals. It is also quite affordable and can easily be found in grocery stores or farmer’s markets. Spinach can be eaten raw, cooked, or used as a salad green for added nutrition to budget-friendly meals.
19. Walnuts
Best Place to Buy: Online stores or bulk food stores
Avg. Price: $5-7 per pound*
Benefits: High in omega-3 fatty acids and protein
Walnuts are an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids and protein, making them a great choice for those looking to add more nutrition to their diets. They can be purchased from online stores or bulk food stores for added savings. Walnuts can be eaten on their own as a snack or used in baking, adding extra nutrition to budget-friendly meals.
20. Chicken breast
Best Place to Buy: Grocery store
Avg. Price: $3-7 per pound*
Benefits: High in protein and low in fat
Chicken is an excellent source of protein and relatively low in fat, making it a great choice for those looking to add more nutrition to their diets. It can be purchased from most grocery stores for a fraction of the cost of other cuts of meat. Chicken breast can be cooked in a variety of ways and used as an excellent addition to budget-friendly meals.
These 20 healthy foods are an excellent way to stay within budget while still getting the nutrition your body needs. Eating a variety of these foods will help you meet your dietary requirements while saving money at the same time. Eating healthy does not need to be expensive and with a little bit of planning, you can easily create budget-friendly meals that will keep you feeling your best.