Note that all prices given on this list are an estimate, and will vary over time, based on location, the brand and quality, and on the annual yield of a given crop and other factors. However, generally speaking, these foods have stayed pretty cheap over the years and are likely to remain that way.

It's a great nutritionally-dense choice, as it's packed with magnesium, fiber and B vitamins. Brown rice is also very shelf stable, so you can stock up when you see a deal and store it in your cupboard for several months.

Whether you opt for black beans, garbanzo beans or pinto beans, most varieties can be spiced up however you'd like and are an excellent meat-free source of protein. Dried beans can be an even cheaper option, but they do require the extra effort of soaking and cooking.

Eggs are considered a complete protein, meaning they contain appropriate ratios of all nine of the amino acids that are deemed essential. They are also quick and easy to cook in a variety of ways. Take caution though, egg prices can change dramatically over time, especially when there are outbreaks of bird flu.

Incredibly filling, lentils are packed full of fiber and protein, making them an excellent choice for helping you to feel fuller for longer. They also provide several other important nutrients in impressive quantities, including copper, iron, manganese and folate. Not only does the low cost of lentils make it a food that is one of the cheapest per calorie, but it's also an excellent choice if a history of heart disease runs in your family.

In the United States, heart disease continues to be one of the leading causes of death for both women and men. If you regularly eat your lentils, there's even research to suggest the legume can help to lower both cholesterol levels and blood pressure, which are two huge contributors to the onset of heart disease.

A serving of peanut butter is an excellent source of protein and contains other beneficial vitamins, minerals and nutrients, including magnesium, zinc, phosphorus, vitamin B-6 and niacin. Potatoes are packed with fiber, which promotes a healthy digestive system.

They also contain several other nutrients, including vitamin B-6 and vitamin C. When combined in a bowl of oatmeal, they work together to potentially lower the risk of obesity, type-2 diabetes and heart disease.

The truth is, with a little planning and know-how, eating well on a smaller budget doesn't have to be painful or impossible. Knowing which items are typically some of the most nutrient-dense and cheapest foods, sets you on the path to a well-balanced and affordable diet.

Having the right tools in your pocket certainly helps, too. These nutrient-dense delights are filled with the perfect combination of ingredients, making them an ideal meal even on their own.

But what about cholesterol? Do: Look for pasture-raised or Omega-3 eggs if you can work them into your budget. Canned protein might not immediately inspire thoughts of health. Avoid: Albacore tuna. Cottage cheese is also an easy grab-and-go food — so if you tolerate dairy, stocking up on this easy-going food is a no-brainer.

Do: Pair with savory foods, like tomatoes, if you're watching your sugar intake or you're sensitive to the fructose in fruit. Cottage cheese also makes a great base for homemade dips, and you can even add it to your pancake batter to spruce up your stack — and increase your healthy protein intake at breakfast.

Considered to be one of the most nutrient-packed foods, oats can easily fill you up with protein, soluble fiber, and even healthy fat. Perhaps best of all, you can make a big batch ahead of time and top them with your favorite in-season fruit, nuts, and more.

Do: Look for oat groats, rolled oats, or steel-cut oats, which contain more nutrients than quick-cooking oats. If cooking a large batch feels overwhelming, consider overnight oats, which can be quickly prepared in a container before bedtime for a grab-and-go breakfast in the morning.

Oats can contain cross-contamination from wheat, rye, or barley. In addition to antioxidants, this magical food is rich in iron, antioxidants, and folate. Beans like lentils, black beans, and navy beans make a great addition to soups, skillets, salads, and even blended in smoothies!

Do: Try dried beans, which are often more affordable than canned. Soak according to the packaging. If you struggle digesting beans, soak them until they begin to sprout. Avoid: Consuming the water that comes with canned beans if you're watching sodium intake.

Speaking of beans, peanut butter is another great way to reach your daily dose of protein, healthy fats, fiber, and vitamins. Peanut butter especially makes an affordable, convenient, and pantry-friendly food. Peanut butter is rich in vitamins and minerals, satiating, heart-healthy, and a low-carb option for regulating blood sugar.

Do: Enjoy on top of apple or banana slices, oatmeal, celery, and even carrot sticks. A form of fermented milk, plain yogurt contains way more nutritional benefits than calcium, including B vitamins and essential minerals.

Beans can be incorporated into many types of dishes. Try them in soups, salads, tacos and burritos. Every household should definitely keep potatoes on hand.

While they sometimes have a negative reputation, potatoes are packed with nutrition. Potatoes contain a significant amount of potassium, a mineral that's very important in our bodies, helping to regulate fluid balance and muscle contractions, among other functions.

If you want an added boost of nutrients, try using sweet potatoes instead of white potatoes. Sweet potatoes are also high in potassium, but they contain a little more fiber as well as beta carotene. Both types of potatoes are versatile.

Try making homemade french fries, mashed potatoes, or serve up a baked potato bar with your favorite toppings for an easy, family-friendly dinner. 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. Lentils can be used in a variety of ways and are very easy to prepare.

Simply rinse dry lentils to remove any debris, place them in a large pot and fill it halfway with water. Let the lentils simmer until they're tender, then enjoy!

Lentils can be used to make veggie burgers, soups and stews. 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.

Popcorn provides fiber, magnesium and several disease-fighting antioxidants. Plain popcorn is also relatively low in calories, making it a helpful snack for those wanting to lose weight. The great thing about popcorn is that it's very versatile. You can add toppings such as sea salt and cheese for a savory treat, or cinnamon and sugar for a delicious sweet treat.

It can be expensive to buy pre-popped popcorn in bags or microwaveable pouches, so purchasing kernels helps make this nutritious snack more affordable.

You can pop the kernels yourself in the microwave with just a brown bag. Frozen berries are easy to keep on hand and can be very cost-effective when compared to fresh fruit.

A couple of great choices to keep on hand are frozen blueberries and frozen strawberries. Check the bags and buy berries without added sugar. Blueberries may be small in size, but they are rich in nutrients and are a good source of vitamin C and dietary fiber.

Blueberries have been linked to improved cardiovascular health and can contribute to an overall healthy lifestyle. Strawberries are also high in vitamin C and fiber, as well as folate. They are also rich in antioxidants.

A review in Nutrients of studies done with strawberries and blueberries found they helped reduce inflammation, improved insulin sensitivity and helped keep blood pressure in check, among other benefits.

Add frozen berries to your favorite smoothie recipe or make a yogurt parfait with them. Frozen berries can be used to make jams, pies and other desserts. Tuna is a smart choice for those wanting to increase their fish intake while still keeping their groceries affordable.

Tuna is a great source of protein, and it also contains some omega-3 fatty acids , which are important for brain health and reducing inflammation. Tuna also provides a fair amount of the minerals selenium, phosphorus and potassium.

Choose canned tuna for salads, sandwiches and pasta dishes. 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. We often think of eggs for breakfast, but they can be enjoyed in a variety of ways.

Look to eggs to make a savory dinner quiche, vegetable-packed fried rice or egg salad sandwiches.

The most satiating cheap food I can think of is whole grains and dried beans. Specifically, whole grain barley and Cheapest Produce · Apples · Bananas · Oranges · Broccoli · Spinach · Iceberg Lettuce · 26 Healthy Fats · Olive oil · Peanuts (other types of nuts cost more) · Peanut butter (other nut butter may cost more)

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Low-cost Food Products - Cheapest Foods to Live On: · Oatmeal · Eggs · Bread · Rice · Bananas · Beans · Apples · Pasta. Fill me up. Again, while fresh produce The most satiating cheap food I can think of is whole grains and dried beans. Specifically, whole grain barley and Cheapest Produce · Apples · Bananas · Oranges · Broccoli · Spinach · Iceberg Lettuce · 26 Healthy Fats · Olive oil · Peanuts (other types of nuts cost more) · Peanut butter (other nut butter may cost more)

They are well known for being rich in certain antioxidants that may protect against allergic reactions, inflammation, arthritis, cardiovascular disorders, and certain types of cancer 10 , Additionally, onions provide small amounts of several nutrients, including vitamin C, manganese, vitamin B6 and potassium A small portion of onions can go a long way, and their versatility and flavor make them a great addition to any dish.

Bagged spinach is quite healthy and almost always reasonably priced. Spinach is rich in vitamin K, which plays an important role in bone health and reducing the risk of heart disease and cancer 5.

Also, spinach provides immune-boosting vitamin A, vitamin C, folate and manganese 12 , A study found that consumption of spinach lowered the risk of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease Like other leafy, green vegetables, spinach also contains beneficial plant compounds.

They have the ability to reduce inflammation and prevent cell damage, which helps prevent chronic diseases Incorporating spinach into your diet is simple. You can add it to salads, casseroles and soups. It can also be blended into smoothies for a nutrient boost.

Russet potatoes are an excellent source of nutrients and typically available for a reasonable price. Potatoes provide significant amounts of vitamins C, B6, and other nutrients. They also contain fiber , which supports digestion and appetite control 2 , 16 , 17 , 18 , Additionally, potato skins are rich in minerals, especially potassium.

In fact, a medium-sized russet potato contains nearly twice the amount of potassium found in a banana 16 , There are several ways to add potatoes to your diet. They taste great baked or boiled and make a fantastic side dish.

Sweet potatoes are extremely healthy and one of the cheapest vegetables you can buy. They are particularly high in beta-carotene, which is converted into vitamin A in the body. Sweet potatoes also contain a decent amount of B vitamins, vitamin C, potassium and fiber. Studies show they may have anti-inflammatory effects, which help lower the risk of chronic diseases such as cancer and diabetes 21 , 23 , 24, You can pair sweet potatoes with just about any dish, and they are quite easy to prepare by steaming, baking or roasting.

Tomatoes are the most frequently consumed canned vegetable in the American diet. What really makes tomatoes shine is their vitamin C content. They also provide some B vitamins, vitamins A, E and K and many trace minerals 27 , Many of their health benefits are attributed to their lycopene content.

Lycopene is an antioxidant that may reduce inflammation, protect cells from damage and lower the risk of disease Canned tomatoes are a handy staple to have in your kitchen. They can easily be added to soups, casseroles and stews. If your budget is tight, carrots are a cheap and nutrient-dense vegetable to include in your diet.

Carrots are one of the richest sources of beta-carotene, which is responsible for their impressive vitamin A content. Furthermore, carrots contain a significant amount of fiber, vitamin C, vitamin K, potassium and manganese Due to their high antioxidant content, eating carrots regularly may help decrease inflammation and reduce the risk of stomach cancer 35 , You can reap the health benefits of carrots by enjoying them raw or cooked.

They make an excellent addition to salads and cooked dishes. High amounts of vitamin C are found in green cabbage, in addition to some B vitamins and trace minerals Cabbage and other cruciferous vegetables are unique because of their glucosinolate content. Glucosinolates are antioxidants that have been studied for their ability to protect against certain types of cancer 38 , Some studies have also found that cabbage consumption may lead to a significant reduction in the risk of heart disease and type 2 diabetes 40 , A versatile vegetable, cabbage is easy to add to your diet.

Compared to other winter squash varieties, butternut squash provides a higher amount of nutrients. There are several different ways to enjoy butternut squash. Brown rice is a fantastic, cheap food that provides fiber, vitamins and minerals.

It consists mostly of carbs , with 3. The health benefits of brown rice include reducing the risk of type 2 diabetes and heart disease, as well as promoting weight control 43 , 47 , 48 , Including brown rice in your diet is simple. It is quite easy to prepare and can be enjoyed with just about any meal.

It contains an impressive amount of nutrients, including B vitamins, iron, manganese, phosphorus, zinc and magnesium Fiber promotes fullness and may help lower cholesterol and blood sugar levels 50 , 51 , 52 , 53 , The combination of fiber, vitamins and minerals in oatmeal may have the potential to reduce the risk of several diseases, including type 2 diabetes, heart disease and obesity 50 , 56 , 57 , In general, oats are enjoyed as a breakfast food.

You can combine them with fruit, milk, yogurt and several other ingredients for a healthy and delicious meal.

Canned beans are budget friendly, in addition to being very nutritious. Beans contain a significant amount of fiber and a variety of vitamins and minerals, including folate, iron, magnesium and potassium Furthermore, they are an excellent source of plant-based protein. There are Protein is beneficial for weight maintenance and muscle strength 60 , Consuming beans and other legumes is also associated with a reduced risk of heart disease and diabetes.

This is likely due to their ability to lower cholesterol and promote blood sugar control 62 , 63 , Beans can be incorporated into just about any dish. They are commonly added to soups, salads and burritos. They also contain an impressive amount of protein and fiber, which is why they are so filling and helpful for weight control This may reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as diabetes and cancer Research also suggests that eating lentils is associated with improved blood pressure and cholesterol levels, which is important for preventing heart disease The use of lentils is similar to that of beans, and there are several ways that they can be incorporated into the diet, such as in salads and soups.

Edamame is a healthy food with a fairly low price. Studies show that edamame and other soy-based foods may help lower the risk of heart disease, osteoporosis and certain types of cancer. This is often attributed to their content of isoflavones, which function as antioxidants in the body 70 , 71 , Most often, edamame is prepared as a steamed side dish.

You can increase its flavor by adding seasonings of your choice. Quinoa is a complete source of protein , which means it provides all the essential amino acids your body needs.

This sets it apart from other grains, which need to be paired with other foods to be considered complete protein sources. Also, quinoa contains antioxidants, fiber, B vitamins, vitamin E, iron, manganese, zinc and several other trace minerals, all of which protect your cells from damage that often leads to disease The health-promoting properties of quinoa have been shown to promote brain health and may help prevent the development of heart disease 74 , Quinoa is also a great nutrient-dense grain that is safe for people with celiac disease The use of quinoa in cooking is similar to that of rice.

With only 31 calories per cup 8 grams , you can eat a lot of it without gaining weight Furthermore, popcorn provides some filling fiber and disease-fighting antioxidants, as well as a fair amount of B vitamins and magnesium To make air-popped popcorn, place one-fourth cup of popcorn kernels into a brown paper bag and heat it in the microwave until it stops popping.

Add toppings of your choice, such as olive oil, sea salt or Parmesan cheese. They are full of some important vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin C, vitamin B6, potassium and manganese Seasonal Fruits.

Seasonal Vegetables. Another way to save money on produce is to opt for fruit and vegetables that have a longer shelf-life. For example, to help extend your grocery dollars, choose apples over berries or carrots or celery over leafy greens.

Generally, some of the cheapest fruit and vegetables year-round tend to be bananas, apples, oranges, broccoli, cauliflower, carrots and sweet potatoes. Meat can be the most expensive category for most food budgets, and can account for a large portion of the overall grocery bill. To save money, opt for the ground variety of your favorite protein.

Ground beef, chicken or turkey are super versatile, easily frozen and can be used in many different recipes. Larger cuts of meat will usually cost less per pound, but they may require marinating, braising and slow cooking to bring out the tenderness.

If you do prefer to include cheaper cuts of meat, consider including:. Buying a whole chicken instead of pre-portioned cuts can also save money and the leftovers, including the bones, are great for making chicken soup or bone broth.

Consider cutting costs even further by implementing Meatless Monday or meatless dinners a few nights a week. Swap out meat for healthy plant-based meat alternatives such as tofu, tempeh, beans and legumes, as your protein source.

The cost of fresh seafood may also vary seasonally. According to the Seafood Nutrition Partnership , fresh Alaskan salmon is less expensive during the summer when the fish are more abundant.

Other popular choices that may be worth buying seasonally include Albacore tuna in season July-October and halibut in season March-November. Other ways to save money on seafood:. Whether you prefer dairy or non-dairy, you can find competitive prices due to the sheer number of products on the market.

While non-dairy milks may be more expensive than dairy, some non-dairy brands offer shelf stable options that can be bought in bulk when they're on sale.

Just note that many dairy and non- dairy milks and yogurts contain added sugars and sometimes saturated fats.

Always check the label before purchasing. More ways to save:. When it comes to cheap groceries, pantry staples are the big winners. This category includes dry and canned goods such as flour, oatmeal, chicken stock, nuts, nut butters and seeds.

Among the cheapest staples are dried and canned beans — they're also easy to prepare and provide a great source of plant-based protein and fiber, two very important nutrients that are often only available in more costly foods.

Grains like brown rice and oatmeal also score high in cost-effectiveness and nutrition. Frozen foods can be stored in your freezer for months. Again, consider buying in bulk when frozen products are on sale. Items worth stocking up on include:. More ways to save money on groceries.

Here are a few other simple tips from our experts to food shop on a budget:. Even in tough times, it's possible to find affordable and healthy groceries with a few smart strategies. The best ways include buying in bulk when items are on sale, shopping seasonally and loading up on pantry staples.

Compare prices online when you can look for coupons while you're there and stick to grocery stores nearby. With a little planning, your meals will be healthy and nutritious without breaking the bank.

And if you need a week off, consider ordering from one of the more affordable cheap meal delivery services.