A huge factor of a healthier life is the food we eat. But there’s a huge misconception that you have to spend a lot to eat well. If you are wondering, How do I make a cheap and healthy grocery list on a budget, we’ve created a list to get you started.! Keep reading for our standard cheap healthy grocery list that can be used week after week.
How to make a healthy grocery list on a budget:
- Take advantage of grocery sales — use the free Flipp app to check weekly flyers
- Purchase versatile ingredients that can be used in several recipes
- Buy whole fruits and veggies instead of peeled and chopped
- Add a few meatless meals with plant-based proteins to your weekly meal plan
- Focus on high-fiber, whole grain carbohydrates that keep you full for longer
Healthy grocery list with the cheapest foods to eat:
Starting with the healthiest cheapest Foods to eat, we have linked these ingredients to Flipp to make creating your shopping list even easier. Bonus! Add them to your Flipp shopping list to stay on track as you shop.
Cheap Produce
When writing your cheap healthy grocery list, choose fruits and veggies you know you enjoy to reduce waste. Doing this will ensure that you eat everything that you do buy. Another tip to keep a cheap healthy grocery list is to buy in season produce. Here is a list of overall cheap fruits and veggies that can be found year round.
Here are a few ideas to add to your cheap healthy grocery list:
Frozen mixed berries are a perfect addition to your list. Adding them to your smoothies, parfaits, or on top of your oatmeal. By opting for frozen instead of fresh berries, it’s easy to keep them in your kitchen for a longer period without worrying about them going bad quickly.
How can I eat super cheap? Use frozen veggies! Frozen veggies are a great addition to your cheap healthy grocery list. Frozen veggies stay good for longer than fresh veggies and are an easy addition to any meal. Whether you’re making them as a side for your protein, a stir fry, or even a soup or stew, frozen veggies are good way to add variety to any dish.
Apples are consistently cheap year round. An apple can be included chopped up on top of oatmeal and as a quick snack. They’re low in calories but high in fiber and vitamin C. For more cheap fruits to add to your cheap healthy grocery list all year, check out What is the Cheapest Fruit? 10 Cheapest Fruits to Buy Year-Round.
Broccoli is a cheap vegetable all year round. This veggie is a good source of fiber and protein. You can add broccoli to just about any meal – salad, soup, stir fry, casseroles, and more. For more cheap veggies that you can add to your cheap grocery list all year round check out 10 Cheapest Vegetable to Buy Year Round.
Cheap Protein
Protein can be an expensive purchase to make. With a lot of meats being expensive nowadays, we’ve come up with ideas for cheaper sources of protein, including meats, to add to your cheap healthy grocery list. Check out Meat Prices are Rising – Here are 4 Protein Alternatives to Help You Save to find some more meat alternatives.
Tuna is a great source of lean protein that can be used in a variety of meals. When fresh fish is too expensive, canned tuna is the perfect alternative. Canned tuna is an excellent way to boost your protein intake while staying within your budget.
Beans are a very convenient purchase and can be used in many different recipes. They’re a great source of protein if you are following a plant-based diet or simply want an additional source of protein. Adding to your salads, sides, or cooked to be your main protein, beans and chickpeas are a great addition to your cheap healthy grocery list.
Eggs are a versatile and affordable source of protein. They’re full of vitamins, minerals, and healthy fats. Even though prices have risen in recent years, eggs are still very affordable compared to other proteins and are easy to add to any meal. Add them to your ramen, salads, and of course breakfasts. Don’t forget to use Flipp to compare prices on eggs and get the best deal possible.
Ground beef is a good option for a cheap protein. This type of meat is more affordable than other beef cuts. Ground beef can be used in lots of different meals like meatballs, stews, casseroles, and more!
Chicken thighs and Chicken drumsticks
Did you know that chicken dark meat has twice as much zinc per serving as white-meat? Dark meats also contain more flavor and are less likely to dry out when cooking, making them ideal for beginner cooks. Chicken thighs and drumsticks are cheaper cuts of meat and hold just as much protein as white meat, so don’t skip these when creating your cheap healthy grocery list.
Dairy or Milk Alternatives
Whether you prefer cow’s milk or opt for plant-based alternatives like soy or almond milk, milk is a staple in many households for good reason. Milk is not only rich in protein but also provides essential nutrients such as calcium, vitamin D, and potassium. Milk can be added to your cereal, smoothies, and more.
Cottage cheese isa powerhouse of protein. With its creamy texture and mild flavor, it can be enjoyed on its own, mixed into salads, or can be blended and added to dips or dressings.
Greek yogurt is a fantastic source of protein and probiotics. This yogurt can be enjoyed in various ways, including as a breakfast staple, snack, or ingredient in sauces, dips, and marinades.
Cheap Pantry Items
No cheap healthy grocery list is complete without this staple ingredient. Brown rice is a budget-friendly source of fiber. That can be used as a base for stir-fries, salads, soups, and more, providing a hearty and nutritious foundation for your meals.
Opting for whole wheat pasta adds fiber and nutrients to your meals without being too expensive. Pair it with homemade sauces, vegetables, and lean proteins for a nutritious meal.
Oats are budget-friendly but also incredibly nutritious. Whether you prefer rolled oats or steel-cut oats, they provide a hearty source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals, making them an ideal breakfast option or ingredient in baking recipes.
Whether you prefer peanut butter, almond butter, or another nut butter variety, these spreads are packed with healthy fats, protein, and fiber. Enjoy them on toast, mixed into oatmeal, or as a dip for fruit or vegetables for a snack.
Necessities
Stocking up on spices and herbs can elevate the flavor of your meals without adding extra cost. Making healthy meals doesn’t mean they need to be dull in flavor. Invest in a variety of herbs and spices like garlic powder, cumin, paprika, and oregano to add flavor to your healthy dishes. Be sure the check for deals and stock up when they go on sale.
Cooking oil is an essential ingredient in many dishes and can be used for frying, baking, or sautéing vegetables and meats. Some healthier cooking oils include olive oil, avocado oil, and coconut oil.
If you were wondering how to create a healthy grocery list on a budget this grocery list can help you achieve your health goals without straining your finances. To recap, the healthiest, cheapest foods to eat are in the produce, protein, dairy, and pantry categories. By using a handful of versatile ingredients in countless ways, you’ll enjoy wholesome meals without breaking the bank.
Remember to use Flipp to browse flyers and compare prices on your journey to a happier, healthier lifestyle.
