Cheapest Healthy Foods — Eat Well for Under $5/Day

The most nutrient-dense, affordable foods that form the foundation of healthy eating on any budget.

RankFoodCostTips
#1Oats$0.10/servingFiber, protein, beta-glucan (cholesterol). Buy bulk. 2.5kg bag = breakfast for a month.
#2Bananas$0.15/eachPotassium, pre-workout energy. Cheapest fruit per pound year-round.
#3Cabbage$0.60/headVitamin C, fiber, sulforaphane. One head = 6-8 servings. Keeps 3+ weeks in fridge.
#4Carrots$0.10/servingVitamin A (beta-carotene), fiber. 2lb bag = $1.50. Lasts weeks. Eat raw or cooked.
#5Potatoes$0.15/servingPotassium, vitamin C, filling. 10lb bag = $4. More potassium than banana.
#6Frozen Spinach$0.25/servingIron, vitamin K, magnesium. 1lb bag = 6 servings. Cheaper AND more nutritious than "fresh" that's been sitting.
#7Dry Beans/Lentils$0.15/servingProtein + fiber. 1lb dry = 6-7 cans. Soak overnight, cook in bulk, freeze.