A List of Affordable, Nutritious Produce Options

Eating healthy doesn't have to be expensive. There are plenty of inexpensive fruits and vegetables that you can buy on a budget. From apples to oranges to carrots, you can easily find produce that fits your budget without sacrificing nutrition. Read on for a list of some of the best options for eating healthy on a budget. 

Apples — Apples are one of the most accessible and affordable fruits. They are packed with fiber, vitamins, and minerals and make for a great snack or dessert. Plus, apples are easy to store and transport, making them an ideal snack for work or school lunches.  

Bananas — Bananas are another versatile fruit available year-round at most grocery stores. High in potassium, magnesium, and vitamin B6, bananas make for an excellent pre-workout snack or post-workout recovery meal.

Carrots — Carrots are one of the most affordable vegetables you can buy. They're also incredibly nutritious and rich in beta carotene (converted into vitamin A), vitamin K1, potassium, and antioxidants. Carrots can be eaten raw as a snack or added to salads or soups for extra nutrition and flavor. 

Potatoes — Potatoes are affordable, filling, and versatile; they're great roasted, mashed, boiled, or fried. Sweet potatoes are higher in nutrients than regular potatoes, but both types offer healthy amounts of vitamin C and B6 as well as dietary fiber and potassium. 

Kale — It's high in vitamins A and C and calcium—all for just 33 calories per cup. Kale can be used in salads or cooked into dishes like kale chips or sautéed greens with garlic.  

Oranges — Oranges are a valuable source of Vitamin C and Beta Carotene, which promote tissue growth and repair and may help ward off inflammation.

Celery — Celery is an enjoyable, crunchy snack with numerous health benefits. Celery is high in dietary fiber, packed with vitamins and minerals, low in calories, and contains powerful antioxidants.

Cucumbers — Cucumbers contain many compounds like flavonoids which act as antioxidants, reducing cellular damage from free radicals and fighting off disease-causing bacteria. They are full of essential vitamins such as vitamin K for bone health, B vitamins for energy production, and minerals like magnesium and potassium that support nerve and muscle function.

Eating healthy doesn't have to mean breaking the bank; plenty of delicious produce won't put a dent in your wallet. Apples, bananas, carrots, potatoes, and kale are all incredibly inexpensive yet full of essential vitamins and minerals that will keep you feeling your best while staying within your budget limits. Whether you're snacking on apples throughout the day or adding kale to your dinner dish at night—you can achieve optimal health for less money than you may think.