5 of the most cost-effective healthy foods you can buy

Eating health while on a budget can seem like an impossible feat. One only needs to compare the cost of fast food and calorie-laden snacks to that of fruits, veggies and other nutrient-rich options to easily see which is better on the wallet. Thankfully there is a way to eat better without the need to remortgage your home in the process. It’s all about making the right choices. Let’s take a look at five healthy food options that won’t break the bank.


Canned Beans – Beans are not only incredibly affordable, but they’re also delightfully versatile, which means you’ll have plenty of recipe options to choose from. Eat them as is, add them to your favorite salad or whip up a batch of turkey and white bean chili. From a healthy food standpoint, beans are loaded with fiber and protein and are high in iron. They’re also super low in calories, so stock up and enjoy!

Canned Fish – Looking a low-fat, low-calorie and also low-cost protein option? Give canned tuna or salmon a whirl. Depending on the brand you choose, these items will only run you around $1 to $4 a can, and since they’re frequently on sale, you can probably snag a bunch and stock up for much less. Canned fish is great in a wide variety of recipes or as a healthy addition to pasta, salads and, of course, sandwiches.

Eggs – Eggs are great for both your wallet and your waistline. You can buy a dozen of these omega 3-rich orbs for under $2. And the possibilities for cooking with eggs are practically endless. Enjoy them hard-boiled atop your favorite salad, cook up some veggie omelets or scramble ‘em up for a hearty, filling and diet-friendly breakfast.

Bananas – While some fruits can be on the pricey side, especially when they’re not in season locally, bananas are typically priced on the lower end, even when they’re not on sale. On average, the cost of a single banana will probably run you less than $.50, but if you’re a savvy shopper, you could end up spending closer to $.20 a banana. And because bananas are loaded with vitamins and minerals, like potassium, you can enjoy a boost for your body without spending an arm and a leg.

Oatmeal – They say breakfast is the most important meal, and we tend to agree. Oatmeal is a great option for starting the day satisfied while also enjoying a number of health benefits, like extra fiber and some protein for good measure. Best of all, a whole container of oatmeal will only cost around $3 or less.

Eating healthy doesn’t have to cost a mint, as long as you know what items to stock up on the next time you go grocery shopping. The five budget-friendly products above should provide you with a good foundation for a nutritious, health-conscious diet without your wallet having to take a hit.