10 Healthy Foods Under $1

Do you want to eat healthy foods without spending a fortune? If you’re working with a tight budget, but you want to eat food that will properly fuel your body, providing you with the vitamins and nutrients you need, check out this list of the healthy foods you can buy for $1 or less, depending on where you shop. These foods can help you get through the week, allowing you to spend about $10 per week on essential healthy items that are good for you and versatile enough to make various meals.

In case you missed this post, Canned Foods I Highly Recommend You Store

Inexpensive Farberware Sauce Pan. I also love these for the microwave, Pampered Chef Steamer.

We all need a few of these Can Openers

I love these for storage Souper Cubes

I freeze cooked rice in these Souper Cubes

10 Healthy Foods Under $1

1. Brown Rice

Did you know that you can get a small bag of brown rice at the dollar store? If you didn’t know that, it’s true, and it’s worth buying for several reasons. Brown rice contains nutrients that are good for your heart. Eating a portion of brown rice as a side dish, paired with a source of protein and vegetables, is a great way to prepare a healthy and fulfilling meal to get through the day. Because brown rice is so beneficial and can be found at the dollar store, it’s worth buying for $1 to save money and have healthy food at home. Because of the oil in brown rice, I store mine in the freezer.

2. Canned Veggies

When you don’t care about the brand name, you can get canned veggies for less than a dollar. The great news is that most generic brands charge 50 cents or less per can, allowing you to get at least two cans of veggies for a dollar. You can choose from a variety of options, including mixed peas and carrots, corn, string beans, peas, and more. Having two cans of veggies can take you far when you’re preparing wholesome, filling meals, especially if you combine them with brown rice.

3. Yogurt

Sure, some of the leading brands of yogurt may cost more than $1, but if you’re looking for some flavorful yogurt to eat for breakfast, you can get a great deal on generic options. Some healthy yogurt options available at Aldi cost less than 50 cents per container, so you can get more than one to last you throughout the week! Add some of the yogurts with a bit of fruit, and you have an enjoyable meal that can keep you full until lunchtime.

4. Beans

Beans are great because you can do a lot with them. Whether you’re adding them to a tortilla to make a bean burrito, putting them in a salad, using them to make chili, or even eating them with your brown rice, they’re good for you and offer the vitamins and nutrients you need. So, it’s a good thing that you can buy them for less than $1. Depending on the brand and style of the beans, you may be able to get two cans for a dollar. It’s never a bad idea to have some cans of beans available in your pantry.

5. Eggs

Of course, this will depend on where you live. In some areas, the price for a dozen eggs is LESS than $1. You can find the best deals on eggs when shopping at discount stores like Aldi and Walmart. It’s always good to have eggs in the fridge. Not only are they an excellent source of protein, but they’re also versatile enough to be prepared in different ways. You can prepare a variety of dishes, including fried eggs, hard-boiled eggs, chopped egg salad, egg drop soup, and many more.

6. Whole Wheat Bread

If you shop at Walmart or Aldi and buy the generic brand of whole wheat bread, you can get it for $1 or less. In some stores, it’s available for as low as 79 cents, which is quite a steal. Whole wheat bread is good to have because it’s a complex carb, an excellent source of vitamins, and it contains antioxidants.

You can make all kinds of sandwiches with bread, including ham and cheese, peanut butter and jelly, turkey and cheese, and much more. You can even use the bread to make French toast, toast with butter, and other delicious treats. If you learn to make bread, you will save even more money.

7. Canned Tuna Fish

The generic brand of canned tuna fish is often available for less than $1. If you can get it on sale, you can usually get two cans for the price of one, which will give you more than enough tuna to use in different ways. You can mix it with mayo to make a sandwich spread or add it to pasta with other ingredients for a tuna macaroni salad. Tuna fish is good for you because it contains omega-3 fatty acids that support brain development. Best of all, the fish flavor isn’t too overwhelming, so it’s great to have, even if you’re not that big of a fish eater.

8. Bagged Baby Carrots

Check out your local grocery store for bagged baby carrots. These small bags are often available for $1 or less and can stretch a long way. You can steam, bake, or eat them raw. If you’re going to eat them raw as a snack, be sure to have something to dip them in for more flavor, such as ranch dressing or peanut butter!

9. Bell Peppers

While packages of bell peppers may cost more than $1, a single bell pepper should cost less than that. You can slice one bell pepper into pieces and prepare it with rice, saute it with onions and meat, or dip it into cream cheese for more flavor. It’s a great ingredient to add to meals, but it also works as a quick snack when you want something healthy to eat. If you find a good buy, wash them, slice them, and freeze them in freezer bags. I do this all the time for casseroles or stir-fry dishes.

10. Bananas

If bananas cost 49 cents a pound or less, you can get a handful of them for $1. Bananas are beneficial because they provide potassium and essential vitamins. You can enjoy them with yogurt, oatmeal, or even on their own for a healthy, flavorful treat. Mark has eaten bananas with his cereal for years. He feels that this combination starts his day off right, and since, at age 79, he can do so without taking any prescriptions, he may be on to something.

FAQs: 10 Healthy Foods Under $1

1. Can you really eat healthy on a budget?
Yes! With careful planning and smart shopping, you can eat nutritious meals without breaking the bank. Staples like beans, oats, eggs, rice, and frozen vegetables are affordable, filling, and packed with nutrients.

2. What are some of the healthiest foods you can buy for under $1?
Foods like bananas, carrots, lentils, brown rice, canned tuna, oats, sweet potatoes, eggs, peanut butter, and frozen spinach are all nutrient-dense options that typically cost less than $1 per serving.

3. Are cheap foods still nutritious?
Absolutely. Many low-cost foods are naturally rich in vitamins, minerals, fiber, and protein. The key is to focus on whole, minimally processed options instead of prepackaged snacks or sugary foods.

4. How can I make these affordable foods taste better?
Use herbs, spices, and simple cooking techniques, such as roasting or stir-frying, to enhance the flavor of your dishes. A little seasoning or olive oil can make inexpensive foods taste gourmet without adding much cost.

5. What’s the best way to buy healthy foods on a tight budget?
Shop sales, use store-brand items, buy in bulk, and plan meals around inexpensive staples. Frozen fruits and vegetables are also budget-friendly alternatives to fresh produce.

6. Can I still meal prep with these budget-friendly foods?
Yes! Most of these foods, such as rice, beans, and eggs, are ideal for meal prepping. They store well in the fridge and can be combined in different ways throughout the week.

7. Are frozen or canned foods as healthy as fresh?
In many cases, yes. Frozen and canned options are often picked and preserved at peak ripeness, locking in nutrients. Just watch for added salt or sugar on the label.

8. What’s one of the cheapest and healthiest proteins I can buy?
Eggs and beans are two of the most affordable protein sources available. They’re versatile, filling, and provide essential nutrients your body needs.

9. How can I avoid food waste when buying cheap, healthy foods?
Plan your meals before shopping, store produce properly, and freeze extras. Using what you have before it spoils saves both food and money.

10. Is eating healthy on $1 foods sustainable long-term?
Definitely, building your diet around affordable staples can form the foundation of a nutritious and budget-friendly eating plan that’s easy to maintain over time.

Two-Ingredient Muffins by Leanne

Final Word

These are some of the healthiest foods you can buy for under $1. If you’re trying to stick to a budget but want to eat healthy while avoiding fast food, these are some of the best foods to add to your pantry and fridge. Be sure to shop at stores that offer generic brands at some of the lowest prices to get the most for your money. May God bless this world, Linda

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