Frozen fruits and vegetables are great because you can keep them on hand without worrying about spoilage. You can stir-fry the veggies, steam them, or blend the fruit up into tasty smoothies.
Pork is a relatively cheap fresh meat option. Pork loins, chops, and roast areas are all good lean options.
Oranges are another affordable fruit option. They are a great way to get your vitamin C.
Canned beans have a long shelf life and are much quicker to prepare than the dried version. Beans are loaded with fiber and a good source of vegetable protein.
Whole grain pasta is another food that will not go bad. It’s a very filling foundation for a healthy meal.
Canned tuna is a cheap form of protein. Keep it on hand to pair with whole-grain crackers for a quick snack.
Greek yogurt is high in protein and very versatile. Eat it with fruit for a healthy breakfast, or use it as a healthier substitute for sour cream.
Canned vegetables will last forever, so you can keep an assortment on hand in your pantry.
Apples are cheap, portable, and make a great, filling snack when paired with a tablespoon of peanut butter.
Sweet potatoes are a cheap vitamin-packed alternative to baked potatoes. They’re also great roasted.
Broccoli is cheap and a great source of vitamins. You can eat broccoli raw or toss it in a little oil, salt, and pepper and roast it in the oven!
For a nut, peanuts are relatively cheap. They contain nutrients like protein, fiber, healthy fats, and antioxidants.
Carrots are a fresh vegetable that lasts quite a while in the refrigerator. They are a great vitamin-packed snack for when you’re craving something crunchy.
Oatmeal is another dry food that is easy to store in the pantry. It can be used in baking or as a warm and hearty breakfast.
Bananas are a great portable snack that even comes in their own neat little package!
Dried beans have a long shelf life and are great for keeping around to throw in soups and chilis.
Popcorn is an incredibly cheap and healthy snack as long as you avoid loading it down with butter.
Onions are affordable and add a ton of flavor to dishes. Chop them up and add them to a salad to really pack a flavorful punch.
Whole wheat bread is cheap and great for healthy sandwiches and toast. While it does spoil within a week or so, it can be stored in the freezer, unthawed, and toasted.
Chicken is probably the number one go-to for a cheap high-protein meal. Eat it grilled, baked, or shredded.
Steam and salt edamame for a quick snack. Edamame contains protein, antioxidants, and vitamins.
Although it can be high in salt, cottage cheese is loaded with protein and makes a great snack by itself. It's also great paired with fresh fruit or jam.
Grab a handful of dried cranberries if you're craving something cheap and sweet!
Brown rice is incredibly cheap. It also lasts for ages in your pantry, making it a great food to keep on standby.
Ditch the iceberg lettuce and grab a bag of baby spinach for a vitamin-rich salad. Baby spinach tends to be cheaper than other bagged salad varieties.
Kale is a vitamin-packed superfood. You can sauté it to eat as a side or incorporate it into other dishes for added nutrients.
Quinoa is often classified as a superfood because it is a healthy whole grain that is also a great source of protein.
Lentils are a great source of fiber and protein. Since they are dried, you can store them indefinitely in an airtight container in your pantry.
For meat and non-meat eaters alike, tofu is a great, cheap option for adding protein to your diet. It is extremely versatile and makes a great meat replacement.
