Affordable Healthy Foods You Can Find In Any Grocery Store

So, you're trying to eat healthier than you have been, but you still want to save money on your grocery bill? Sounds like a great goal for just about everyone. But if you're trying to cut your spending, it can seem difficult to pick out the healthiest options at your local grocery store. A bagged salad costs how much?! But believe it or not, there are healthy and affordable options out there waiting for you ... if you just know what you're looking for. While, yes, these foods may require a bit more prep time, they will help you stay healthy without annihilating your wallet. And who doesn't like to take on a cooking challenge from time to time?

We've put together a shopping list of some of the must-have foods to buy if you're trying to save money but still want to eat well. Some of it is stuff you've undoubtedly tried before, but others may be new additions to your weekly shopping list. Keep an open mind, find new recipes to utilize unfamiliar ingredients, and don't forget to indulge at least a little bit every week. You'll be feeling healthier (and hopefully richer!) in no time.

Now, it may go without saying that frozen produce is a solid option when you're trying to save money, but what about canned? Canned veggies have some haters, but that doesn't mean you shouldn't give them a try. According to the Food Network, canned fruits and vegetables "can absolutely be just as healthy (if not more) than its fresh counterpart." Some canned veggies can be kind of lackluster (looking at you, carrots), but others are delicious. Canned corn, for example, can be added to a ton of recipes for a burst of added color, and canned tomato paste is an essential pantry item that's even easier to cook with than fresh tomatoes.

There are a ton of canned fruits that we love, like canned peaches and canned mandarins. Since fruit can be so cost-prohibitive, especially when you purchase it out of season, it just makes sense to have some canned fruit on hand for whenever you need something nice and juicy. We recommend opting for fruit stored in water instead of syrup if you're trying to stick to the healthy stuff.

Beans are the essential budget food. They're cheap, filling, and, most importantly, super nutritious. If you're the kind of person who thinks beans are boring, we've got news for you: There are so many different kinds of beans out there, you're bound to find some that you love. Plus, even if you don't like beans on their own, you can use them to make a wide variety of dishes. Black bean burgers for dinner, anyone? You can also add them to staple grains like rice or quinoa for an easy, complete meal that's packed with plant-based protein.

Healthline touts the health benefits of beans: They pack in plenty of protein, may aid in weight loss, and can provide benefits to your heart. Sure, beans can cause digestive problems for some, but if you don't fall into that camp, you should make sure to stock up the next time you visit the grocery store. Dried beans tend to be less expensive, but they take some time to prep, so they may not be best if you're always in a hurry to throw dinner together. Canned beans require less work but tend to be slightly pricier. It's up to you to choose the best option for your dinner tonight.

Don't roll your eyes in disgust just yet. While canned fish, like tuna, has a bad reputation in some circles, that doesn't mean that you shouldn't pick up some cans the next time you go to the grocery store. First of all, canned tuna is packed with protein, and as WebMD notes, tuna is one of the best food sources of vitamin D. Most cans of tuna are also inexpensive. Since it's a shelf-stable food, you don't have to worry about it going to waste before you can get to it. And while it may not taste amazing on its own, it's delicious when it's combined with other ingredients, like pasta. Canned tuna also makes an excellent addition to a quick salad. We prefer the flavor of canned tuna in oil, but it tends to be cheaper when it's stored in water.

Of course, you can always try other kinds of canned fish, like salmon or sardines. These options can also be a part of a healthy diet. However, keep in mind that these types of fish may be more expensive than tuna.

When you're shopping on a budget, there's one category of foods that seems to threaten to break it every time: meat. The meat aisle can be an intimidating place if you're trying to hold on to some of that hard-earned cash in your wallet. But knowing what kinds of meat to shop for can ensure you have enough protein for the week. If you want to save, buy ground meat. Ground beef, chicken, turkey, and pork are all solid options, and they tend to be less expensive than other cuts. Since they're so versatile, you can use them in countless recipes, whether you're making burgers or a clean-out-the-fridge stir fry.

Don't be afraid to switch it up. If you usually buy ground beef, sub in chicken or turkey for a week. You may just find that the change offers some extra excitement in your diet. Because ground meat packs plenty of protein, this addition to your meals will help keep you fuller for longer. If you're really trying to save money, use beans for protein and use just a little bit of meat to add flavor.

One of the most fillings foods you can find at the grocery store — and therefore one of the most cost-effective — are potatoes. They are high in calories and carbs, but that doesn't mean you have to eliminate them from a healthy diet. Rather, it just means that they should be consumed in moderation. Healthline even explains that potatoes offer a wide variety of health benefits. Not only are they full of nutrients we need to survive, but they also boast plenty of antioxidants and the ability to help your digestive system due to their resistant start. And if you're on a gluten-free diet? They're the natural pasta replacement you've been looking for.

We love potatoes from a budget viewpoint because they're cheap — you can get a huge bag of them for just a few bucks, sometimes less. If you keep them in a cool, dark space, they'll last a long time. And since they're so filling, you don't have to add many potatoes to your diet to sate your appetite. With so many delicious potato possibilities — fries! hashbrowns! latkes! — there's no reason not to have some on hand.

Sounds basic, and it is. But flour is a staple in many people's diets, and it's one of the most cost-effective ingredients you can buy at the grocery store. The only problem? It generally requires a bit of prep work. However, if you have some extra time on your hands and don't mind spending it in the kitchen, having flour on hand is always a good idea. Of course, you can use it to make homemade bread, pasta, and other baked goods. But it can also be used as a thickener in many recipes. While you may not think of flour as a healthy food, per se, it can help you make healthy foods you may not otherwise want to spring for.

Of course, not all flours are created equally. White wheat flour will probably be the cheapest, but whole wheat flour shouldn't be too far off. Other flours that may be more expensive include coconut, almond, and cassava flour, which are also healthy choices that may be more appropriate for those following a gluten-free diet.