One of the most common diet misconceptions is the idea that in order to eat healthy, you need to spend a lot of money. Research shows that when consumers compare two food products, many of them automatically assume that the more expensive product is healthier. But in reality, more expensive doesn’t always mean healthier, and it’s very possible to eat nutritiously without going over your budget.
In fact, studies show that if you look at food prices based on edible weight or per average amount eaten rather than cost of food per calorie, then healthier foods like grains and produce can actually be less expensive than a lot of the less nutritious food options. Inexpensive healthy eating is doable with some solid knowledge about which foods are dense in nutrients yet cheap to purchase. In this installment of our food education blog series, we’ll explore some of the best inexpensive healthy food choices.
Because healthy eating always starts with whole foods, we’ll begin with a rundown of the fruits and vegetables that typically sell at the lowest retail prices:
Based on average cost per cup equivalent, the following fruits and vegetables cost 50 cents or less:
Based on average cost per cup equivalent, the following fruits and vegetables are pricier than those on the first list but still come in at under $1:
Next, let’s take a look at some of the typically least expensive animal derived foods:
Eating an adequate amount of whole grains, nuts, and seeds is also an important part of a healthy diet, and it’s doable without breaking the bank.
Here’s a look at some of our favorite budget-friendly whole grains, nuts, and seeds:
As you can see, there are many healthy foods to choose from that will allow you to stay within your budget, and you can easily combine these low-cost items to make nourishing meals.
Looking for dinner inspiration? Check out these healthy meal ideas that use some of the foods mentioned above:
A little food education and enthusiasm can go a long way toward improving eating habits. Don’t be afraid to get creative with your meals! Make it a point to experiment cooking with and eating some of the above foods that are more unfamiliar to you—who knows, you just might find a new favorite healthy, inexpensive food.