Healthy fare gets a bad rap for being too expensive, but, in reality, there are plenty of good-for-you foods that have budget-friendly price tags and a long shelf life—like these 10. Bonus: You don’t need much time or talent to turn these into meals.
Average Price: Under $2 for a 1-pound bag
Shelf Life: 1-2 years
Beans and lentils are a great source of protein, fiber and all kinds of vitamins—and they’re easy to prepare if you’ve got a pot, water and a sprinkling of salt. Buy them by the bag and they’re much cheaper than canned beans—and you can get about 12 servings per bag.
Average Price: About $2 (depending on where you purchase) for a 1-pound bag
Shelf Life: 3-6 months
Eating brown rice and other whole grains like buckwheat, quinoa and barley is a simple way to up your fiber intake and feel full on less. Like beans, you can heat grains up in a pot of water with salt. Then just add butter. If you eat it often enough, buying in bulk can save you even more.
Average Price: $1.25-$2 for a 1-pound bag
Shelf Life: 8-10 months
Opting for frozen veggies is one of the most affordable ways to consume more produce, especially during the winter months when prices tend to rise. You can prep them in the microwave or on the stove in minutes. Then just add butter and salt.
Average Price: $2-$3 for 16-ounce jar
Shelf Life: 6-9 months (if kept in the refrigerator)
Full of healthy mono- and polyunsaturated fats, potassium and protein, peanut butter is a cheap, healthy (in moderation, of course) and versatile staple.
Average Price: $0.82 to $1.50 per 5-ounce can
Shelf Life: About 3 years
Looking for more protein and omega-3 fatty acids? Canned tuna is a good option. Just make sure you enjoy within reason to limit mercury consumption.
Average Price: $2-$3 per dozen
Shelf Life: 4 to 5 weeks
Eggs are another great, cheap source of high-quality protein that’ll last in your fridge for about a month. Scramble them with vegetables for a quick meal.
Average Price: Around $20 for a 2-pound tub of generic brand
Shelf Life: Up to 2 years
Whey may seem an expensive ingredient, but when you consider the amount of protein packed into one container (about 20-25 servings), it’s much cheaper than meat. Specialty brands drive up the price, though, so stick to generic if you’re on a budget. Use it in shakes, sprinkle it on oatmeal or mix it into a yoghurt for a protein boost.
Average Price: Around $1.57 per pound, depending on variety
Shelf Life: 6-8 weeks (refrigerated)
Apples are surprisingly hardy fruits, making them an ideal snack to have on hand year round. Though some varieties can be pricey, they’re relatively inexpensive compared to other produce. Slice them up and eat with peanut butter for a healthy, filling snack.
Average Price: Around $0.74 per pound
Shelf Life: 4-5 weeks
Just make sure you buy whole, unpeeled carrots; baby or pre-shredded carrots can cost twice as much. You can eat these raw or cooked.
Average Price: Around $2 per pound
Shelf Life: Up to 6 months (whole bulb)
Stored as a whole head in a cool, dry place, garlic will last for up to six months—so there’s no need to worry that you won’t use it before it goes bad. It’s an easy way to add flavor to food without adding many calories.
This post originally appeared on Grow.
Read More From Grow:
Subscribe to BusyKid and if for any reason you are not happy with the performance of our app or cards within the first 30 days, we will refund your subscription, as well as, any money inside the app or on a card.
*BusyKid can not refund any stock purchases or donations made. Only the subscription paid will be refunded. This applies to new subscriptions only.*
COPYRIGHT © 2023 BusyKid®
Privacy & Terms
* BusyKid Spend Card is issued by MVB Bank, Inc, Member FDIC, pursuant to a license from Visa®️ USA Inc. Cliq® is registered ISO/MSP of MVB Bank, Inc.
All cardholders funds are insured by the FDIC in accordance with the FDIC’s applicable terms and conditions. For more information about your card terms and conditions including the VISA®️️ Zero Liability policy go here. Cliq®️️ is registered ISO/MSP of MVB Bank, Inc.
BusyKid can not refund any stock purchases made. Only the subscription paid will be refunded. Guarantee applies to new subscriptions only.
Brokerage services provided by Apex Clearing, an SEC-registered broker-dealer and member of FINRA /SIPC.
Investments in securities: Not FDIC Insured • No Bank Guarantee • May Lose Value. Investing in securities involves risks, and there is always the potential of losing money when you invest in securities. Before investing, consider your investment objectives, charges and expenses. For more details, see our Form CRS, Broker Check and other disclosures.
Actual annual cost is $49.74 when a credit or debit card is used as a funding source. There is no transaction fee when a bank account is used.
Your entire family has access to our app, up to five BusyKid Visa® Spend Cards, our 30-day subscription-back guarantee, and investing. This is your chance to see how it fits your family without a long-term commitment.
