When you think of healthy foods, you probably think of $15 smoothies, $20 salads, and expensive trips to the grocery store to stock up on nuts, fruits, vegetables, proteins, and more. And while it's true there are many pricey items out there, there are also many, many budget-friendly nutritious options that will help your wallet and your body. Don't believe us? Below, we've listed the most delicious health foods that are also affordable - some of them might even surprise you. So keep reading to make savvy shopping - and nutrition - decisions.
Kiwis
There are two types of people in this world: those who eat the inside of the kiwi and leave the skin, and those who eat the skin and the insides! We'll leave it up to you to debate who is in the right there, but one thing we can all agree on is that kiwis are extremely nutritious. Full of vitamins C and E, natural antioxidants, and anti-aging nutrients, kiwis are some of the best health foods out there.
Plus, they're not even too expensive. You can normally buy whole bags of kiwis at the grocery store or the farmer's market for just a few dollars, and it's definitely worth it.
Sweet Potatoes
There's a reason why health-conscious people always choose sweet potato fries over regular fries, and that's because sweet potato is so much healthier than its regular alternative. Yes, sweet potatoes can be turned into delicious fries, but they're actually packed full of vitamins. To be more specific, eating a single sweet potato will provide you with 400% of the vitamin A your body requires on a daily basis. That's pretty impressive.
Sweet potatoes are nutritious in so many different ways, but they're also a budget-friendly option for those looking to add more healthy foods to their diet. After all, they're so versatile.
Dark Chocolate
While eating a whole bar of white chocolate isn't the healthiest thing in the world to do, it's long been known that dark chocolate has major health benefits. If dark chocolate is above 70%, its sugar content goes down, and its antioxidant and potassium levels go up. Not only that but it's also known to protect people from cardiovascular disease and blood clots. All in all, it's one of the best health foods you can add to your pantry.
And while stocking up on a huge amount of dark chocolate, will no doubt cost you a small fortune, buying dark chocolate every now and then and eating it sparingly is a budget-friendly option for many.
Cabbage
While some people hate cabbage, there's no denying the fact that it's one of the best things to add to your diet if you're looking to maintain a healthy and happy body. And, let's be honest, it doesn't taste of much, so it's pretty easy to add it to your meals! If you do choose to cook with this healthy food, you'll be able to easily add the likes of vitamin C, fiber, antioxidants, and sulfurous substances.
Cabbage also has the ability to make you feel fuller for longer, which means you'll save money on buying snacks when you're feeling a little peckish in the middle of the day.
Yogurt
Yogurt comes in so many different shapes and forms, and you probably don't need us to tell you that the yogurts with candy and additional flavors aren't very nutritious - despite being very delicious. However, plain yogurt is extremely healthy, as it's full of good bacteria that will keep your gut and your body in full working order. Alongside this, it's also high in calcium and bone-strengthening nutrients that your body needs.
Thankfully, it's not hard to come across yogurt. While big-name brands may be expensive, you can always find cheaper alternatives in the grocery store that are just as healthy but way more budget-friendly.
Blackberries
Healthy foods are essential to a healthy body, and one of the best ways to ensure a healthy body is to keep your immune system in working order. Many nutritious foods can boost your immune system, and blackberries are some of them! These fruits are full of antioxidants, which help your body fight off illnesses and viruses and defend itself from things that try to bring it down.
Of course, a major bonus for blackberries is that these fruits are also delicious (especially on top of pancakes) and perfect for those trying to stick to a budget, as they're extremely affordable.
Spinach
Whether you like it cooked on top of your pasta or you like it uncooked in your salads, there's no doubt about the fact that spinach is a versatile health food. It's also packed full of nutrients, too. Spinach can boost your levels of vitamin E and magnesium, and it's also a great food for those who want to boost their immune system and keep illnesses and viruses at bay.
And what we love most about spinach is the fact that it's perfect for those on a budget. You can buy multiple bags of this stuff for just a few dollars from the grocery store.
Turmeric
With its bold color and subtle flavor, turmeric is best known for its prevalence in Indian cooking. But in recent years, turmeric has become one of the most popular health foods in the world - taking its place in smoothies, sauces, and so much more. It's not hard to understand why, either. Turmeric is both an antioxidant and an anti-inflammatory, and that's before we mention its natural food coloring qualities.
But while it would be easy to assume that turmeric would be a strain on the wallet, it's actually perfect for those on a budget. It's one of the cheapest spices on the shelves, and a small amount goes a long way, too.
Olive Oil
Having too much oil in your diet can have disastrous consequences, but this all depends on the type of oil you use. If you use olive oil, you don't have to worry! That's because olive oil is full of nutritional benefits, and while other oils can lead to heart disease, olive oil can actually prevent it. Not only this, but it can also prevent breast cancer, dementia, strokes, and even diabetes.
While some people associate olive oil with a high price tag, it's not always as expensive as you might think. If you choose the right grocery store, you can buy it on a budget.
Passionfruit
Famous for their role in a popular cocktail, you might not immediately wander to the passionfruit section of the grocery store - but you might want to start. Passionfruits are full of nutrients that contribute to a happy and healthy body, and they're packed with all kinds of goodness, including vitamins A, B, and C. Not only that, but passionfruits can also boost your immune system and your metabolism.
In fact, passionfruits are full of so much more, including magnesium, potassium, and even zinc. Because of this, they're one of the best budget-friendly health foods that you could add to your shopping cart every week.
Salmon
Health foods aren't just fruits and vegetables, you know. It's also important to add protein to your diet, and that's where salmon can help. As one of the healthiest foods you could add to your plate, it's full of omega fats that promote brain health and help with signs of aging. It can also be cooked in so many different and delicious ways, which means you'll never get bored of it.
Of course, buying fresh salmon on a regular basis will cost you a fair amount of money. But a budget-friendly option would be to buy frozen salmon, which has the same nutritional value.
Lentils
Lentils are extremely popular with vegetarians, as they're one of the best ways to introduce fiber and plant-based protein into your diet. And while they're also very easy to cook with, they're also extremely cheap to buy. You can buy dried lentils in a packet for just a few dollars, or you can buy ready-to-eat canned lentils for even less than that. So, it's no wonder that they're so popular.
But if you weren't won over just yet, you might be interested to know that lentils are also very easy to cook with. You can add them to pasta and curries or even make burgers out of them!
Garlic
While some people associate garlic with vampires and bad breath, what you might not realize is that garlic is actually a popular and effective health food. Filled with sulfur compounds, garlic is a great detox for the body and can even prevent the risk of cancer. If you want to see the real benefits of this healthy food, though, you need to eat at least ten cloves of garlic a week.
What's more, garlic is perfect for those on a budget. You can buy heads of garlic for less than $1 at the grocery store, and they also last a fair while in the cupboard, too.
Watercress
It's often safe to assume that anything green and leafy is a welcome addition to your meals, and that's certainly the case with watercress. Often used as a salad topper, watercress is a health food that everyone needs on their radar. Not only does it strengthen your immune system, but it can also prevent certain cancers and boost the levels of vitamin C, calcium, antioxidants, iron, and other minerals in your body.
It's not too expensive, either. There's no need to head to an expensive health store to stock up on watercress, as your local grocery store should have bags of the stuff waiting for you.
Whole Grains
While the likes of bread and pasta are full of grains, they're not necessarily the right grains. Most white pasta and breads are made with processed grains rather than the whole grains that we should be eating, as they are much healthier. That's because processed grains are stripped of all of the nutrients in order to make the (often delicious) foods that hit the grocery store shelves. You can buy whole-grain versions, though.
As well as buying wholegrain pasta and bread, you can also buy wholegrains on their own. These are relatively budget-friendly and will help you fight against diabetes and stay fuller for much longer.
Eggplant
Whether you know it as eggplant or aubergine, one thing most of us know is that this vegetable is associated with emojis and phones rather than its healthy qualities. But we're here to change that narrative, as eggplants are one of the most delicious and nutritious foods you could add to your diet. Of course, this is largely due to the high water content, but it's also due to the various nutrients and vitamins found in this food.
Most notably, eggplant can help to improve the functionality and the health of your heart while also preventing diabetes. Plus, it's super affordable and a great grocery store addition for those on a budget.
Chicken Breast
People who are trying to lose weight often eat chicken, rice, and vegetables, and there's a reason why they choose chicken as their protein of choice. Chicken breast is full of good protein with very little fat content, and the collagen inside of this chicken breast can also help with the signs of aging and the production of muscle growth. Plus, you just need to walk into any grocery store and see shelves upon shelves of the stuff.
As well as being readily available, chicken breast is also one of the most budget-friendly health foods out there. This is especially true if you opt for the frozen stuff.
Konjac Noodles
If you're not familiar with Konjac, this plant is typically found in Asia. But over the years, it's made its way out of Asia and across the world - largely because it's a natural appetite suppressant that can help those who want to lose weight. But Konjac is so much more than just a weight-loss supplement. It's also something that can be added to your meals, as it's supposedly quite delicious and full of goodness that your body needs.
To be more specific, konjac is full of fiber and water, allowing for better digestion and water intake. And while it's not super cheap, it's also not super expensive. You just might have to look a bit further afield to find it. And we most recommend getting it in noodle form.
Tuna
Many people already eat a lot of fish, but what type of fish are you eating? If you're not buying tuna, you need to get on board the tuna train, as it's considered to be one of the best health foods out there. And while it may be particularly smelly, that's a small price to pay for the high protein content, amino acids, and cardiovascular properties that this fish provides. In fact, tuna is a must for anyone living a healthy lifestyle.
What we love about tuna is that it's possible to buy it in so many different forms, from canned to frozen and fresh. This means that there's always some kind of tuna out there that will suit all budgets.
Some Kinds of Mushrooms
There are so many amazing types of mushrooms out there, but one thing they all have in common is that they're all extremely good for your health. In fact, did you know that mushrooms can actually prevent diabetes and cancer? That's because mushrooms are full of adaptogens, which essentially means that they can adapt to become exactly what your body needs. That's something you don't get with many other nutrients.
As mushrooms are so readily available now, they're also extremely affordable for those on a budget. You can buy them fresh or frozen, and they won't cost you a fortune to add to your diet.
Flaxseed
There was once a time when flaxseed was used within the fabric industry, but in recent years, scientists have discovered that flaxseed is full of nutrients that the human body can take advantage of, too. This health food can not only help those trying to lose weight, but it's also been discovered that flaxseed is full of cancer-fighting compounds that can keep you fit and healthy for many years to come.
While it's not the cheapest health food on its list, flaxseed is still budget-friendly, as you only need to eat a small amount of this cholesterol-busting food for it to work its magic.
Prunes
Everyone knows the drill when it comes to prunes, right? This stone fruit is often given to those who are struggling with their bowels, as it is full of fiber and magnesium that promote healthy, moving bowels. Because of this, some people even choose to buy a packet of prunes from the grocery store instead of heading to the pharmacy and buying an expensive packet of laxatives that'll do the same job.
They're not just for those who are struggling to use the bathroom, though. Prunes are also a delicious health food that can promote overall health for those on a budget.
Black Radish
You're probably familiar with a normal red radish, but have you ever seen black radishes before? They're very similar in texture, but black radishes are much healthier for you - especially if you're looking to improve your digestion. In fact, these things have been used as far back as the Greek and Roman eras, as they're known to help digestive struggles and even fight back against illnesses like the common cold.
Black radish isn't expensive to buy, and you shouldn't buy too much of it, anyway. If you do, you may find yourself experiencing extreme stomach cramps that are very hard to shake.
Pomegranates
At first glance, pomegranates can be quite intimidating. What do you do with them? How do you eat them? But when you've had your first pomegranate and realized that the seeds are both delicious and nutritious, you'll probably want to add them to every weekly grocery shop. Thankfully, they're one of the best health foods you can add to your cart, especially if you have high cholesterol and want to add anti-cholesterol foods to your diet.
Yes, pomegranates can naturally lower your bad cholesterol, and there's no doubt about the fact that these fruits are cheaper than prescription medications that claim to do the same thing.
Fennel
Many of the health foods on the grocery store shelves are divisive, and Fennel is the perfect example of that. While some people like the strong aniseed taste of this vegetable, there are others who can't stand it. But if you manage to get past the intriguing taste, you'll realize that Fennel is a very healthy addition to your refrigerator - especially if you want to promote liver health. It's full of vitamin C, folic acid, and beta-carotene.
All of these antioxidants will work with your body rather than against it, and you never know; you could find your new favorite vegetable in the process of trying this health food out for size.
Watermelon
If you didn't already know, watermelon is extremely healthy - and that's largely because it's made from a whopping 90% water. So, not only will this help those who struggle with their water intake, but it'll also help those who need a sugar rush without going down the unhealthy, unnatural sugar route. And as if that wasn't enough, watermelon is also full of antioxidants, which makes it perfect for those looking to stay fit and healthy.
Buying full-size watermelons on a regular basis will put a strain on your wallet, but often, buying pre-cut watermelons will save you a huge amount of money. Plus, you'll actually be able to eat all of it.
Ginger
There's a reason why so many health-conscious individuals drink ginger shots when they're feeling under the weather. This health food is one of the best things you can consume to fight off illnesses, but the perks of ginger don't end there. Ginger can also help to curb sickness, aid digestion, and even help with general pain relief. Of course, it is a bit of an acquired taste, and some people struggle with the strong flavor.
But if you can handle it, adding more ginger to your diet is a win-win situation. Not only is it extremely healthy, but it's also a budget-friendly option for those looking to stay healthy on a budget.
Soybeans
Also known as edamame, soybeans are one of the best (and cheapest) health foods you could add to your grocery cart. For starters, they are chock full of complete protein, which means you don't even have to eat any meat if you have these things in your diet. What's more, they're also extremely versatile. Soybeans can also be turned into tofu or milk, and they're essential for those who abide by a vegetarian diet.
But if you were wondering how expensive soybeans are, you'll be happy to know that they're extremely affordable. You can buy them fresh for a higher price, or you could buy them frozen for a much cheaper price.
Green Tea
Hands up if you can't start your day without a big cup of coffee. While most of us need that direct caffeine hit, a healthier alternative would be to have a cup of green tea instead. In fact, green tea offers slow-release caffeine, which means it should keep you alert and awake for longer than your average cup of Joe. Some would say that green tea also tastes much nicer than coffee.
It's certainly healthier, anyway. Green tea is full of antioxidants that can help you fight off illnesses and keep viruses at bay, and it's also an affordable option for those on a budget.
Oranges
You probably don't need us to tell you that oranges are full of vitamin C. That's why so many sports coaches give their players slices of orange during half-time! But what you might not realize is just how many other benefits this fruit has. Oranges are also full of polyphenols and terpenes, which help to prevent the formation of tumors and cancer. Plus, they're full of natural sugars rather than artificial ones.
As if that wasn't enough, you don't need to look too hard to find these in the grocery store, either. They're incredibly cheap to buy, which means that they're perfect for those looking to stay healthy on a budget.
Astragalus
You might not be familiar with Astragalus, but you definitely should be. This herb is predominantly used in Chinese medicine and is known for its impressive health benefits. Most notably, Astragalus can protect the human body from serious conditions, such as kidney disease and respiratory infections. In general, it's celebrated for strengthening the immune system and keeping the body in tip-top form throughout the year. But how do you eat it?
Well, you can shave this budget-friendly health food directly onto your meals, but it's not known for its taste. You might want to take it as a supplement or use it as an ointment instead.
Nettles
You might associate nettles with the stinging sensations you get when you walk through the long grass, but you might also know that it's possible to eat nettles. Some people boil them up and put them in their salads, while others boil them and drink them as tea. These people ultimately have the right idea, as adding this health food to your diet can make you feel so much better than you already did. This is largely because nettles can help to regulate your body's bile secretion.
This makes them extremely helpful to those who have liver problems, but nettles are also packed full of vitamins, potassium, and calcium. Plus, if you forage them yourself, they're the most budget-friendly health food on this list!
Stevia
You probably don't need us to tell you that having too much sugar in your diet is a recipe for disaster. Too much sugar can lead to all kinds of problems, including diabetes. But that doesn't mean that you need to stay away from all sweeteners - you just need to stay away from unnatural sweeteners. That's why stevia can be such a useful health food to have in your pantry, as these natural sweeteners can give you a sugar boost without being harmful.
Stevia isn't just a sugar alternative, though. It's also known for being extremely budget-friendly and having antiviral properties that can boost your immune system and even lower your blood pressure.
Wakame Seaweed
The idea of eating seaweed sends shivers down some people's spines. Many people can't get over the idea that seaweed is wet and slimy, but what you might not realize is that wakame seaweed, in particular, is a hugely popular ingredient in Asian culture. It's often added to soups and ramen, and it is packed full of nutrients that keep the body in full working order. Some even say it's rather delicious.
This wakame seaweed is extremely high in vitamins and fiber, and it's perfect for those who want to detox their diet. It's not the easiest thing to find in the grocery store, but it's still budget-friendly.
Raspberries
Fruits are always going to be a healthy addition to your diet, thanks to their natural sugars and their antioxidant and anti-carcinogenic properties. And while raspberries are known for being delicious, it seems as though most people don't realize just how healthy these things are. In fact, raspberries are great to eat in the morning as they slowly release sugar and energy, so you don't crash just before you have your lunch.
They're also great for those who are on a budget. You can buy punnets of raspberries for just a few dollars, and you can even buy cheap frozen raspberries that have the same nutritional benefits.
Sushi
Go anywhere in the world, and it won't take you long to find a restaurant that serves sushi. It's become hugely popular over the last few decades, with both vegetarian and non-vegetarian options being eaten up by billions of people across the globe on a regular basis. Of course, most people eat sushi because they think it's delicious - but it turns out that sushi is also a very impressive health food.
As well as being a great source of protein, sushi is also extremely low in carbohydrates and fats, which makes it the perfect combination for a low-calorie meal. And if you eat sushi with fish, you can also benefit from omega 3.
Avocados
In recent years, avocadoes have become extremely popular. People love smashing them on their toast or adding them to their smoothies, and that's definitely a good thing. Avocados are both delicious and nutritious and are full of the goodness your body needs. Don't believe us? Well, avocadoes are full of natural antioxidants, vitamin E, and vitamin B5 - which is essential for your brain health and your overall energy levels.
And while avocados used to be expensive, they have become much more widely available now, which means that you can pick them up for a fraction of the price. In most cases, they're about $1.50 each.
Kombucha
Many people associate kombucha with hipsters and vegans, but anyone can drink kombucha - and most people should drink kombucha, too. That's because this health drink is a natural probiotic, which means that it's full of good gut bacteria that will keep everything in your body working to its full potential. In fact, it can also improve your digestion and just generally make you feel much better after eating your meals.
While cheap kombucha can be found in grocery stores, it's important to check the ingredients before buying. Some of these cheaper alternatives are packed full of extra sugar, which isn't necessary and will ultimately overpower its health benefits.
Oysters
When you think of oysters, you might think of romantic date nights in fancy restaurants. But you can buy oysters for your own nutrients at home, too - and you might want to think about doing that. In fact, oysters are often an underappreciated health food, as their high levels of vitamin B12 are perfect for those who lack energy during the day. And on the plus side, you don't have to cook them either.
While you might assume that oysters are expensive, they're easily found in cheap restaurants across the globe, and you can even buy them from your local fishmonger for an affordable price.
Water
If you're looking for a budget-friendly health food, look no further than water. In fact, if you drink straight from the faucet, this won't cost you anything at all! But many people forget just how important it is to maintain your water intake, and the human body literally can't survive without it. That's because water helps the body maintain its normal functions and keeps the brain running smoothly and to the best of its ability.
If you don't drink enough water, your body will start to shut down, and you'll start to suffer the serious effects of dehydration. So, stick to drinking at least 1.5 liters a day.