Reuters Health recently reported on a survey that found the high cost of healthy foods may impact the diet of the U.S. population. Households with a lower income were more likely to eat a poor diet. The implications of this research need further investigation. In the meantime, however, the best we can do is to try and find ways to purchase healthy foods for less.
Here are a few cost-cutting techniques:
Buy bagged: The shiny red apples and plump oranges in the produce bin are expensive! Instead, look for produce that’s been bagged–like 5 lb bags of apples. The apples may be smaller and less shiny, but they’re almost always a cheaper cost-per-pound purchase.
Skip convenience: Pre-washed and pre-chopped salad lettuce is convenient. But you’ll spend a lot less by buying regular lettuce and chopping it yourself. It only takes a few minutes of your time, and it will easily save you an extra few bucks each week.
Buy bulk: Certain foods–like nuts, seeds and grains–are cheaper when you purchase them from bulk bins. A bulk buy of almonds, for example, is likely to cost half the price of a small plastic bag of nuts purchased in the baking aisle.
Shop elsewhere: Your supermarket may not be the best place to purchase healthy foods. Look for food co-ops, farm stands and ethnic food stores. By making a few stops at different shops, you may be able to cut your food bill significantly.
Buy in-season: Produce that’s grown locally–and therefore doesn’t need to travel far–is going to be the least expensive. Stick with in-season veggies and fruits to get the best bargain.
Shop sales: If apples are on sale this week, buy apples. Pick up extra bananas when they’re bargain priced (freeze them for smoothies). You may not get as much of a day-to-day variety in your diet, but sticking to sales will get you variety from week-to-week–and you’ll save money, too.
