10 Cheap Foods to Buy if You’re On a Budget, in the USA – Canned fruits and vegetables are just as nutritious as the more expensive fresh fruits and vegetables. Buying cheap foods that you can add to other foods, like beans and lettuce, can help fill you up and save money.
Cheap & Healthy Foods to Buy:
We’ve compiled a list of 10 super-budget-friendly healthy foods, plus tips to help you keep those grocery bills down.
- Canned Tomatoes
- Apples
- Bananas
- Canned Beans
- Potatoes
- Lentils
- Brown Rice
- Popcorn
- Eggs
- Frozen Blueberries
1. Canned Tomatoes:
Canned tomatoes are frequently used in many households. They’re extremely versatile and very inexpensive. An average can of tomatoes costs less than $2 and has a very long shelf life, which can help to reduce food waste.
2. Apples:
Walmart was selling Envy apples for $1.18 each, if that gives you an idea of how much money you’ll likely spend buying apples.
3. Bananas:
Bananas contain vitamin C, manganese, vitamin B6 and potassium as well as antioxidants that support health. They also pack heart-healthy fiber. Typically under a dollar per pound.
4. Canned Beans:
Canned beans are budget-friendly and very nutritious. There are several types of beans to choose from and many of them cost less than $1 per can.
5. Potatoes:
Every household should definitely keep potatoes on hand. They can be served in a variety of ways, and they typically cost less than $5 for a 5-pound bag.
6. Lentils:
Lentils are popular in many plant-based diets. They are very 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.
7. Brown Rice:
It’s also high in fiber and has important minerals, such as magnesium and manganese. If someone has celiac disease, rice is a great non-gluten option. It can help with appetite control due to the fiber content and may help with lowering cholesterol levels.
How much you’ll spend on brown rice depends on where you shop and what sort of deals you can find, but you can generally purchase several pounds for a few dollars.
8. Popcorn:
Popcorn is often associated with binge-watching your favorite TV show or movie, but it can be enjoyed as a healthy snack at any time. This snack food typically costs less than $2 for a pound of kernels, and it actually contains some really great health benefits.
9. Eggs:
Eggs are a staple item in most homes. They’re extremely nutritious and typically cost less than 20 cents per egg. A whole large egg contains 6 grams of protein and delivers some vitamin D as well. Eggs also contain the antioxidants lutein and zeaxanthin, which support eye health and decrease the risk of age-related macular degeneration.
10. Frozen Blueberries:
Walmart has a 16-ounce bag on sale for $2.47. Frozen blueberries are a convenient and cost-effective way to help you eat nutritiously. They’re frozen at the peak of freshness, locking in their healthy goodness. Just like fresh blueberries, frozen blueberries are a good source of fiber and contain only 80 calories per cup.