Money can feel a little tight these days—right? It seems like everything from groceries to gas keeps creeping up in price, and somehow the “healthy” foods always look like they come with an extra fee. It can start to feel like eating well and sticking to a budget just don’t belong in the same sentence… but we’re here to prove otherwise.
Good news: you don’t have to drain your wallet to fuel your body properly. In this article, we’re breaking down some of the cheapest healthy foods that are budget-friendly, easy to find, and actually good for you. These picks will help you eat smarter, feel better, and keep more money in your pocket—because your bank account deserves some love too.
Carrots
Carrots are low in calories, rich in vitamins and minerals and a great source of fiber. They are also inexpensive and last a good amount of time in the fridge.
They can be enjoyed as a healthy snack dipped in hummus, or steamed to have with dinner.
Oatmeal
Oats make our cheapest healthy foods list because they don’t cost much and they are the perfect healthy way to start your mornings off right.
Not only are they heart healthy, but they also help to stabilize blood sugar, include antioxidants and are fiber-rich. They also contain protein, so between that and the fiber, oatmeal will help to keep you regular as well as keep you feeling full longer. It’s truly a win-win.
Tip: Avoid the sweetened types of oatmeal, as they normally contain a fair amount of sugar.
Add fresh fruit such as berries or bananas (or whatever you like), and/or nuts or cinnamon to your oatmeal. You can even up your protein with some yogurt mixed in. That probably sounds weird? I have done this with some fresh strawberries and a few sliced almonds on top and it’s quite tasty! Not to mention filling.
Eggs
With a good chunk of protein and low calories, eggs are an excellent option. The high quality protein in them is good for weight loss (or management) because of its ability to keep you feeling full longer, not to mention the energy the protein will also give you. We could all use more energy, right?
Start your day with eggs for breakfast to energize your body, add one to your salad at lunch, or have one as a snack with a fruit or veggie in between meals.
Apples
Where I live, apples have gone up in price, but they still make our cheapest healthy foods list because they are available all year round at a still somewhat inexpensive price. Many times, there are at least one of their many type options on sale in the grocery store too. I don’t know about you, but those are the type I will go for that day…whatever is on sale!
Apples are great for weight loss as well because they contain a good amount of fiber and not a lot of calories.
Eat one as a snack with a little bit of natural peanut butter spread on top. You can also enjoy with a handful of raw nuts or a cheese string.
Bananas
Bananas are still one of the least expensive fruits out there. I buy them every week and get 5 for just over a dollar. How can you go wrong with that price?
Get your vitamins B6 and C as well as potassium and fiber from these tasty healthy fruits. Add a banana to your morning whole grain cereal, smoothie or just on its own as a snack.
Beans
Packed with fiber, protein, vitamins and minerals, beans are one of those cheapest healthy foods that will surely fill you up while aiding in weight loss/management. They are great for promoting good gut health. We can always use that, right?
You can buy beans at very inexpensive prices either canned or dried (note: if buying canned, it is best to rinse them before eating to get any sodium off them).
Of course there are several different kinds of beans: black, garbanzo, kidney, navy, etc.
Enjoy them on their own, topped on a baked potato, in chili, salads and more!
Whole Grain Pasta
Whole grain pasta is not only inexpensive to buy, but it’s also rich in fiber, protein, B vitamins and magnesium.
One cup of whole wheat spaghetti contains approximately 175 calories, 1 gram of fat, and 7 grams of protein and 6 grams of fiber.
Add your choice of whole grain pasta to healthy homemade soups, casseroles or salads. You can even make your own vegetable-packed tomato sauce to add on top of your pasta.
Broccoli
Packed with nutrients and antioxidants, but low in cost, broccoli makes our list of cheapest healthy foods for good reason. It is also rich in fiber and low in calories which, of course, is beneficial to weight loss/management.
Enjoy it raw, steamed, add it into a stir-fry or make a broccoli salad.
Spinach
This is another “green” that is loaded with vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, while being budget-friendly. It is also a great fiber source and very low in calories, making it an all around healthy food. There is a reason Popeye was in such good physical shape!
Add spinach into pasta dishes, soups, stews, or use it in salads. You can even mix it into your morning eggs to really start your day off right!
Sweet Potatoes
Sweet potatoes are one of the cheapest healthy foods as they contain a number of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, as well as a low price tag.
They are fairly low in calories and a good source of fiber making them great for weight loss.
Eat them mashed, baked, cut in wedges or added to your favorite bowl!
Grocery Shopping Tips
- Buying foods from the bulk bins is less expensive than buying them already packaged. Some examples are beans, whole wheat pasta, quinoa, nuts and brown rice.
- Buy things like apples, oranges, etc. already bagged (in bulk) rather than paying by the pound.
- Buy in-season produce. You can always stock up and freeze it.
- Check flyers for sales and coupons. Watch for price-matching in stores. Also keep an eye on coupons from some websites, such as coupon websites or the manufacturer’s website.
- Buy the generic brands of foods. They are generally cheaper than the bigger brand names.
- Avoid pre-cut foods; they cost more. For example, instead of already shredded cheese, buy the block of cheese, and instead of pre-cut carrots, buy the uncut kind. Also, instead of the pre-packaged (microwave-type) popcorn, buy the popcorn kernels and pop them yourself. It’s cheaper and healthier…because you won’t add the butter, right?
- And last, but certainly not least, don’t shop hungry!
Summary
Hopefully, these 10 foods give you plenty of inspiration to put together tasty, nourishing meals without blowing your grocery budget. As you can see, eating healthy doesn’t have to mean expensive specialty items or fancy ingredients. Some of the cheapest healthy foods are still easy to find and totally attainable—even with today’s prices.
With a little planning and these budget-friendly staples in your kitchen, you can absolutely succeed at healthy eating while keeping your spending in check. Good food and smart savings can go hand in hand—and your wallet will thank you for it.
