Healthy Groceries for Less: 3 Habits That Help
Based on RealFood.gov, Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2025 to 2030
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The most affordable healthy foods, how to shop with a plan, cooking once to eat twice, and where to find help when food money is tight.
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In this guide
More Budget Picks
- Canned tuna, salmon or sardines
- Plain yogurt in a large tub
- Rinse canned beans to cut sodium
Buy in Season
- Collards and cabbage
- Sweet potatoes
- Apples in the fall
When Money Is Tight
- You are not alone
- SNAP and food banks can help
- Ask at your visit about resources
What the guideline says
- Healthy food does not have to cost more; some of the most nutritious foods in the store are also among the cheapest.
- Dried or canned beans and lentils give you protein and fiber for very little money, and rinsing canned beans cuts sodium.
- Frozen vegetables and fruit are frozen at peak ripeness, cause no waste and are often cheaper than fresh.
- Plan the week's meals around what is on sale, write a list, try store brands and compare the unit price on the shelf tag.
- Cooking at home is usually cheaper than takeout, and it puts you in control of the salt and sugar.
- If paying for food is a struggle, you are not alone; SNAP benefits and local food banks can help stretch a budget.
Source: RealFood.gov, Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2025 to 2030
Read the full article: Eating Healthy on a Budget: Affordable Foods and Simple Strategies →
This guide is general health information and does not replace advice from your own provider.
Frequently Asked Questions
Make a big pot of beans, soup or chili, or a sheet pan of roasted chicken and vegetables, and plan the leftovers for lunches.
The edges of the store are where the whole foods are, so starting there helps fill your cart with them.
It is better not to. Plan the week's meals around what is on sale, write a list, and stick to it.