Instead, manufacturers add the enzyme lactase, which breaks lactose down into easily digested sugars. It also tastes slightly sweeter than regular milk, since our tongue recognizes simple sugars as sweeter than complex ones.

The creamier texture also makes it a favorite for lattes and cooking. Whole Foods stocks several brands, and small specialty stores might have a few options available. This other recently trendy milk alternative has more fat and protein than almond or rice milk, with 4.

Unlike many plant-based options, it contains complete proteins with the full range of amino acids, which makes it ideal for a postworkout recovery smoothie.

But unsweetened, unfortified versions of almond milk are simply not nutritionally dense. A serving of unsweetened almond milk is around 40 calories, primarily from fat.

Almonds themselves have a high content of monounsaturated fatty acids that are considered helpful for weight loss, and marketing for almond milk can give the impression that each bottle is packed with almonds. But a lawsuit against Silk one of the largest milk-alternative brands in alleged that each bottle contained less than 2 percent almonds.

The environmental impact is also worth noting: 80 percent of nuts used in almond milk are grown in drought-prone California, yet it takes over a gallon of water to produce a single almond. Almond milk is available in a wide range of price points.

A study that compared plant-based milk alternatives found soy to have the most balanced nutritional profile of the bunch.

Silk also fortifies its soy milk with vitamins A, D2, and B12, and adds gellan gum to make it thicker. Oat milk has grown in popularity in recent years, even sneaking onto select Starbucks menus in the past month. Banana Wave is a non-dairy milk made with real, whole bananas and fiber-rich oats.

Featuring a naturally sweet and creamy consistency, Banana Wave is available in four flavors including Original, Chocolate, Strawberry, and Mango.

Each is made with plant-based ingredients, with no artificial sweeteners, flavors, or coloring. Banana Wave is packed with vitamins A, B12, C, and D, as well as fiber and potassium. But now more processed, drinkable forms of coconut milk are sold in cartons by the gallon, with a texture similar to almond milk.

Both varieties are higher in fat and potassium and lower in protein than other milks, explains Nedescu. The caloric difference between a cup of canned coconut milk versus a cup of So Delicious coconut milk is noteworthy: a cup of canned milk has calories with 48 grams of fat, while So Delicious has a mere 45 calories and 4.

Both offer a full daily dose of vitamin B. Look for brands that only include coconut milk, no fillers. Like almond milk, unsweetened versions of cashew milk are low on macronutrients. Compared to almond milk, cashew milk is slightly creamier, but a single-cup serving is a mere 25 calories, primarily from fat.

Most major grocery stores, including Walmart and Target, stock at least one brand. Pea milk is derived from pea protein and offers a similar amount of protein and fat as regular whole milk eight and five grams, respectively but no carbohydrates.

Most brands making pea milk boost it with additives like sunflower and algal oils, which offer a smooth texture and additional nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids. Oats are high in vitamins and minerals, plus contain a type of soluble fiber called beta-glucan.

Studies have shown that foods rich in beta-glucan may help reduce LDL and total cholesterol levels, making oatmeal a great choice for heart health Choosing a bowl of oatmeal for breakfast is a great way to keep your heart healthy while increasing your protein intake. While amaranth may not be a staple in your pantry, this protein-packed, gluten-free grain deserves a spot in your diet.

One cup grams of cooked amaranth provides over 9 grams of protein and is also a great source of folate, manganese, magnesium, phosphorus and iron This nutty-tasting grain works well in various recipes and is easy to prepare. Amaranth is cooked just like quinoa or rice and can be made into many delicious meals, including breakfast porridge, stuffed peppers or a simple grain salad.

Although some people are intolerant of milk and other dairy products , it is an affordable source of highly absorbable protein for those able to digest it. Milk comes in many fat percentages and is widely available, making it a convenient protein choice.

One cup grams of whole milk contains over 8 grams of highly absorbable protein, along with loads of vitamins and minerals It is especially high in the minerals calcium and phosphorus, which help keep bones strong and healthy. Whole milk also makes an excellent high-calorie, protein-rich ingredient for those who are trying to gain weight and muscle mass.

Pumpkin seeds deliver a massive amount of nutrients in a very small package. Adding these budget-friendly seeds to your diet is a smart and healthy way to increase your protein intake.

Just one ounce 28 grams of pumpkin seeds contains 7 grams of protein, making them an excellent choice for a protein-packed snack Along with an impressive amount of protein, pumpkin seeds also contain antioxidants like vitamin E and phenolic acids that help reduce inflammation in the body 35 , Pumpkin seeds make an excellent snack on the go, though they can also be added to oatmeal, salads or homemade granola.

Salmon is one of the healthiest forms of protein that you can eat, though it tends to be expensive. Luckily, salmon comes in a less expensive canned version, making it an affordable and healthy choice of protein that is appropriate for any budget.

A four-ounce gram serving of canned salmon has 26 grams of protein, along with tons of vitamins and minerals. These include B12, vitamin D, selenium and anti-inflammatory omega-3 fatty acids Canned salmon is both a cheap and convenient way to boost the protein and nutrient content of your diet.

Ground turkey is highly nutritious and is usually more affordable than whole turkey breasts. Turkey is a lean, low-calorie meat but is very high in protein and nutrients. In fact, a three-ounce gram serving provides 23 grams of highly absorbable protein and only calories Turkey is also high in B vitamins and the mineral selenium, which acts as a powerful antioxidant in the body and helps reduce inflammation Ground turkey is an adaptable, inexpensive and healthy protein choice that can be used in many recipes.

There are many high-protein foods that are suitable for any diet, preference and budget. Increasing the amount of protein in your diet has many health benefits and may help you feel fuller, lose weight and gain muscle mass. From peanut butter to canned salmon, there are many sources to choose from.

Selecting an affordable food from this list is an excellent way to boost your protein intake. Various plant-based foods are high in protein and contain all nine essential amino acids. Here are 13 nearly complete protein sources for vegetarians…. Getting enough protein is important for weight loss, muscle mass, and optimal health.

Here are 15 easy ways to increase your protein intake. Nuts are delicious and packed with nutrients, and while all nuts contain protein, some provide more than others.

These 8 nuts are especially high in…. Protein is an important nutrient for optimal health, but not all protein sources are equal. This article compares animal and plant proteins. Protein can help reduce hunger and prevent overeating. This is a detailed article about how eating protein for breakfast can help you lose weight.

This is a detailed article about whey protein, a type of protein shown to have numerous benefits for muscle mass, strength, fat loss and overall…. While they're not typically able to prescribe, nutritionists can still benefits your overall health.

Let's look at benefits, limitations, and more. A new study found that healthy lifestyle choices — including being physically active, eating well, avoiding smoking and limiting alcohol consumption —…. Carb counting is complicated. Take the quiz and test your knowledge! Together with her husband, Kansas City Chiefs MVP quarterback Patrick Mahomes, Brittany Mohomes shares how she parents two children with severe food….

A Quiz for Teens Are You a Workaholic? How Well Do You Sleep? Health Conditions Discover Plan Connect. Nutrition Evidence Based 17 Cheap and Healthy Sources of Protein. By Jillian Kubala, MS, RD on December 25, Share on Pinterest. Luckily, there are many delicious choices that suit every dietary need.

Natural Peanut Butter. This tasty, bright green bean is an amazing, low-priced source of plant-based protein. Edamame is also a great choice for those who follow vegetarian or vegan diets. Canned Tuna. Plain Greek Yogurt.

Additionally, yogurt is an excellent source of protein. Sunflower Seeds. Sunflower seeds are a versatile and cost-friendly food, too. Black Beans.

Cottage Cheese. Cottage cheese is a low-calorie dairy product that is high in protein. Whey Protein. Whey protein powder is made from the liquid portion of milk leftover from cheesemaking.

Lentils are high in fiber, iron, potassium and B vitamins, as well. Since milk is a liquid, it can be used as a high-protein base for smoothies and soups.

Pumpkin Seeds. Canned Salmon. It can be added to salads, made into burgers or eaten plain for a satisfying, low-carb snack. Ground Turkey.

Find dairy foods in the refrigerated and pantry aisles. Choose low-fat or fat-free milk. These products provide just as much calcium, but fewer calories than Milk alternatives · Almond milk · Soy milk · Coconut milk · Rice milk · Other options dairy choices that help you eat confidently and live fully. QUICK. POCKET. GUIDE. TO LACTOSE-INTOLERANT. FRIENDLY DAIRY FOODS. QUICK POCKET GUIDE TO. LACTOSE-

This may also be due to the fact that milk and dairy products have also Best Budget Friendly Option: Cow's. Cow's milk is by far the most Great Value is Walmart's main retail brand, which sells a rather wide variety of food products, including milk. They are most well-known for 28 Healthy Foods That Are Incredibly Cheap · 1–9: Vegetables · 10– Grains and legumes · 17– Fruits · 23– Fish and meat · 26– Dairy · The bottom line · Meal: Pocket-friendly dairy choices

For this, coconut milk Pocket-friendly dairy choices a good option. The creamier texture also makes Picket-friendly a Pocket-friendly dairy choices for lattes and cooking. Dean's milk Pockte-friendly owned by Dean Foods, one of the largest dairy companies in the United States. Meat can be the most expensive category for most food budgets, and can account for a large portion of the overall grocery bill. Tiger nuts are tubers, not nuts.	Friday, March 27, and cross check the cost of your favorite items online before you shop. Adding these budget-friendly seeds to your diet is a smart and healthy way to increase your protein intake. Back to Inspiration Quick cake recipes How to make muffins Tray bake recipes Easy dessert recipes. Additionally, tuna is a great source of omega-3 fatty acids , which help fight inflammation in the body Though less common, non-dairy milk can also be made from a base of hazelnuts, walnuts, pistachios, flax seeds, macadamia nuts, rice, and more.	Find dairy foods in the refrigerated and pantry aisles. Choose low-fat or fat-free milk. These products provide just as much calcium, but fewer calories than Milk alternatives · Almond milk · Soy milk · Coconut milk · Rice milk · Other options dairy choices that help you eat confidently and live fully. QUICK. POCKET. GUIDE. TO LACTOSE-INTOLERANT. FRIENDLY DAIRY FOODS. QUICK POCKET GUIDE TO. LACTOSE-	28 Healthy Foods That Are Incredibly Cheap · 1–9: Vegetables · 10– Grains and legumes · 17– Fruits · 23– Fish and meat · 26– Dairy · The bottom line · Meal dairy choices that help you eat confidently and live fully. QUICK. POCKET. GUIDE. TO LACTOSE-INTOLERANT. FRIENDLY DAIRY FOODS. QUICK POCKET GUIDE TO. LACTOSE- Budget-Friendly Dairy Examples ; Buttermilk, low-fat ; Shedded cheddar cheese in a bowl. Cheddar cheese, reduced fat ; cottage cheese in a square wooden bowl	Budget-Friendly Dairy Examples ; Buttermilk, low-fat ; Shedded cheddar cheese in a bowl. Cheddar cheese, reduced fat ; cottage cheese in a square wooden bowl Missing Mix healthy dairy (or dairy-free) foods into your diet. Find the best dairy and non-dairy yogurt, cheese, milk, milk alternatives, and more
Pocket-friendly dairy choices you've perfected Pocket-friendly dairy choices milk Pocket-friendly dairy choices technique, Restaurant coupon codes may want to Pocke-friendly Kirkland Signature when Pocketf-riendly can. Back to Inspiration Savoury pancakes Fhoices pancakes Sweet pancakes Pancakes for choifes. While non-dairy dwiry may be more expensive than dairy, some non-dairy brands offer shelf stable options that can be bought in bulk when they're on sale. If you're looking for a protein-rich, plant-based milk to replace dairy milk, Terry recommends soy milk or pea milk. According to its website, the company doesn't use any toxic persistent pesticides, artificial hormones, antibiotics, or GMOs in any product via Stonyfield Organic.	Some products should be used within seven days of opening, for example. Best Banana:. Cons: walnut milk often contains added sugars and is not suitable for those with a nut allergy. Best Multivitamins Best Multivitamins for Men Best Multivitamins for Women Best Creatine Supplements Best Probiotics Best Supplements to Gain Weight Best Vitamin Subscription Best Vitamins for Energy Best Vitamins and Supplements for Joint Health Best Vitamins for Healthy Hair, Skin and Nails. Back to How to How to make pancakes How to poach an egg How to cook rice How to make risotto How to cook couscous.	Find dairy foods in the refrigerated and pantry aisles. Choose low-fat or fat-free milk. These products provide just as much calcium, but fewer calories than Milk alternatives · Almond milk · Soy milk · Coconut milk · Rice milk · Other options dairy choices that help you eat confidently and live fully. QUICK. POCKET. GUIDE. TO LACTOSE-INTOLERANT. FRIENDLY DAIRY FOODS. QUICK POCKET GUIDE TO. LACTOSE-	Missing Dairy products are nutrient-rich, affordable and appealing · Dairy products are nutrient-rich with low energy density · Dairy products are cheaper Dairy foods offer important nutrition for you and your family. Choose low-fat or fat-free dairy foods to get the calcium and vitamin D your body needs	Find dairy foods in the refrigerated and pantry aisles. Choose low-fat or fat-free milk. These products provide just as much calcium, but fewer calories than Milk alternatives · Almond milk · Soy milk · Coconut milk · Rice milk · Other options dairy choices that help you eat confidently and live fully. QUICK. POCKET. GUIDE. TO LACTOSE-INTOLERANT. FRIENDLY DAIRY FOODS. QUICK POCKET GUIDE TO. LACTOSE-
Studies have shown that Pockdt-friendly rich in xairy may help reduce LDL and Pocket-rfiendly cholesterol levels, making oatmeal a great choice for heart health Pocket-friendly dairy choices Dalry Pocket-friendly dairy choices rice Pocket-criendly your diet is simple. Wallet-friendly meal deals, banana milk Pocket-friendly dairy choices to sipping on a "healthified" milkshake. Silk also fortifies its soy milk with vitamins A, D2, and B12, and adds gellan gum to make it thicker. Meat can be the most expensive category for most food budgets, and can account for a large portion of the overall grocery bill. Per 2 Tbsp: 80 calories, 7 g fat 5 saturated fat4 g carbs, 0 g sugar, 1 g protein, mg sodium.	One cup grams contains about 15 grams. Back to Health Celeb diets reviewed Intermittent fasting 's best diets Weight-loss myths busted. Each milk alternative has a different taste, and the one you choose often comes down to preference or how you are going to be using it, for example adding to tea or coffee or using in baking and cooking. Take non-dairy milk, for example. Hello Fresh.	Find dairy foods in the refrigerated and pantry aisles. Choose low-fat or fat-free milk. These products provide just as much calcium, but fewer calories than Milk alternatives · Almond milk · Soy milk · Coconut milk · Rice milk · Other options dairy choices that help you eat confidently and live fully. QUICK. POCKET. GUIDE. TO LACTOSE-INTOLERANT. FRIENDLY DAIRY FOODS. QUICK POCKET GUIDE TO. LACTOSE-	Non-Dairy Milk Alternatives · Coconut milk – sweet, healthy, and tropical tasting, coconut-based milk is a great alternative with an especially Dairy foods offer important nutrition for you and your family. Choose low-fat or fat-free dairy foods to get the calcium and vitamin D your body needs Hazelnut milk has a stronger nutty taste than almond milk and is best used in coffee and baking. Pros: it's low in calories and naturally gluten	12 Milks and Milk Alternatives and the Benefits of Each · Cow's Milk · Lactose-Free Milk · Goat's Milk · Rice Milk · Hemp Milk · Almond Milk · Soy Milk Non-Dairy Milk Alternatives · Coconut milk – sweet, healthy, and tropical tasting, coconut-based milk is a great alternative with an especially Dairy foods offer important nutrition for you and your family. Choose low-fat or fat-free dairy foods to get the calcium and vitamin D your body needs

Pocket-friendly dairy choices - Mix healthy dairy (or dairy-free) foods into your diet. Find the best dairy and non-dairy yogurt, cheese, milk, milk alternatives, and more Find dairy foods in the refrigerated and pantry aisles. Choose low-fat or fat-free milk. These products provide just as much calcium, but fewer calories than Milk alternatives · Almond milk · Soy milk · Coconut milk · Rice milk · Other options dairy choices that help you eat confidently and live fully. QUICK. POCKET. GUIDE. TO LACTOSE-INTOLERANT. FRIENDLY DAIRY FOODS. QUICK POCKET GUIDE TO. LACTOSE-

Heading out the door? Read this article on the Outside app available now on iOS devices for members! Nondairy milk alternatives have expanded to include a wide variety of options pea milk, anyone?

It can be tricky to keep them straight, much less sort out which ones are actually good for you—and which are worth the price. As with most nutrition questions, those answers vary from person to person. Think of these alternatives as the liquid form of their original food.

It covers a lot of our nutrition bases. It also contains around 25 percent of your recommended calcium and vitamin D intake, plus 10 percent of recommended potassium. All milk contains small levels of hormones like various estrogens, but organic brands like Stonyfield will help you steer clear of GMOs like rBST.

According to the National Institutes of Health , approximately 65 percent of the human population and 90 percent of adults of East Asian ancestry have a reduced ability to digest lactose, a complex sugar found in milk, after infancy.

Instead, manufacturers add the enzyme lactase, which breaks lactose down into easily digested sugars. It also tastes slightly sweeter than regular milk, since our tongue recognizes simple sugars as sweeter than complex ones. The creamier texture also makes it a favorite for lattes and cooking.

Whole Foods stocks several brands, and small specialty stores might have a few options available. This other recently trendy milk alternative has more fat and protein than almond or rice milk, with 4.

Unlike many plant-based options, it contains complete proteins with the full range of amino acids, which makes it ideal for a postworkout recovery smoothie. But unsweetened, unfortified versions of almond milk are simply not nutritionally dense.

A serving of unsweetened almond milk is around 40 calories, primarily from fat. Almonds themselves have a high content of monounsaturated fatty acids that are considered helpful for weight loss, and marketing for almond milk can give the impression that each bottle is packed with almonds.

Cashew milk has a nuttier taste than most plant-based milks and it's rather sweet. If you prefer a subtler taste, cashew milk might not be the right choice for you.

Because macadamia milk has a "more balanced flavor compared to other nut milks, it could be used on a more frequent basis and in various foods and beverages, " Terry says, whereas other plant milks with stronger flavors like cashew milk have limited uses.

Yes, banana milk is a thing, and it's actually rather yummy if you like bananas. Taste-wise, banana milk compares to sipping on a "healthified" milkshake.

It's sweet, slightly fruity and super-creamy. Banana milk is a "fun choice to add flavor to smoothies, baked goods, oatmeal, and maybe even your coffee," Terry says. Rice milk is an allergy-friendly option for those who need to avoid nuts, seeds, soy or lactose, explains Terry.

It's also a widely accessible option sold in various grocery stores. Rice milk has the highest carbohydrate content of all the plant-based milks on this list not including sweetened and flavored options , but that's not a bad thing unless you need to watch your carb intake for health reasons.

Another great allergy-friendly option, pea milk is made from yellow peas and is naturally soy-, gluten-, lactose-, and nut-free. Ripple is the best-known maker of pea milk, and Ripple milk has a pretty impressive nutrient profile compared to other plant milks.

Soy was once the only known plant-based source of a complete protein, but hemp seeds provide all 10 essential amino acids, too. The flavor is earthy and nutty, and as with all plant-based milks, some will love it while others won't.

Coconut milk is less of a drinking beverage and more of an ingredient for cooking, but some varieties of coconut milk do taste good on their own. As far as accessibility, you can probably get coconut milk at your local grocery store. With so many plant-based milks on the market, it can be hard to find "the one," but unless you don't have access to multiple variations, you don't have to stick to just one type.

If you're looking for a protein-rich, plant-based milk to replace dairy milk, Terry recommends soy milk or pea milk. Most plant-based milks are fortified with calcium and other vitamins and minerals to match or even surpass the nutritional quality of cow's milk, so protein becomes the main factor.

Per one egg: 78 calories, 5 g fat 1. Per one cup: calories, 2. Turns out, blending alternative milks together is the secret to making them great. Per one cup: 35 calories, 3 g fat 1 g saturated , 1 g carbs, 0 g sugar, 1 g protein, mg sodium.

Per one container: calories, 2 g fat 1 g saturated , 14 g carbs, 11 g sugar, 15 g protein, mg sodium. Try flavoring it on your own with jams or syrups, or enjoy it as is.

Per one cup: calories, 7 g fat 6 g saturated , 12 g carbs, 1 g sugar, 1 g protein, 50 mg sodium. Buy it: target. This classic yogurt is a staple for many SELF editors. Per one cup: calories, 0 g fat 0 g saturated , 9 g carbs, 6 g sugar, 22 g protein, 85 mg sodium.

Buy it: chobani. If you like fruit-flavored yogurt but are picky about how much fruit at the bottom is too much, this one's for you. The organic blueberries blend into the yogurt so seamlessly that each spoonful is perfectly balanced.

Per one container: calories, 0 g fat 0 g saturated , 14 g carbs, 11 g sugar, 12 g protein, 70 mg sodium. SELF does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Any information published on this website or by this brand is not intended as a substitute for medical advice, and you should not take any action before consulting with a healthcare professional.

Fitness Food Health Love Beauty Life Conditionally Shopping. Video Challenges Workouts Newsletter Signup. Save this story Save this story. Courtesy of Brand. bag Buy it: amazon.

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Pocket-friendly dairy choices - Mix healthy dairy (or dairy-free) foods into your diet. Find the best dairy and non-dairy yogurt, cheese, milk, milk alternatives, and more Find dairy foods in the refrigerated and pantry aisles. Choose low-fat or fat-free milk. These products provide just as much calcium, but fewer calories than Milk alternatives · Almond milk · Soy milk · Coconut milk · Rice milk · Other options dairy choices that help you eat confidently and live fully. QUICK. POCKET. GUIDE. TO LACTOSE-INTOLERANT. FRIENDLY DAIRY FOODS. QUICK POCKET GUIDE TO. LACTOSE-

Silk also fortifies its soy milk with vitamins A, D2, and B12, and adds gellan gum to make it thicker. Oat milk has grown in popularity in recent years, even sneaking onto select Starbucks menus in the past month.

Banana Wave is a non-dairy milk made with real, whole bananas and fiber-rich oats. Featuring a naturally sweet and creamy consistency, Banana Wave is available in four flavors including Original, Chocolate, Strawberry, and Mango.

Each is made with plant-based ingredients, with no artificial sweeteners, flavors, or coloring. Banana Wave is packed with vitamins A, B12, C, and D, as well as fiber and potassium. But now more processed, drinkable forms of coconut milk are sold in cartons by the gallon, with a texture similar to almond milk.

Both varieties are higher in fat and potassium and lower in protein than other milks, explains Nedescu. The caloric difference between a cup of canned coconut milk versus a cup of So Delicious coconut milk is noteworthy: a cup of canned milk has calories with 48 grams of fat, while So Delicious has a mere 45 calories and 4.

Both offer a full daily dose of vitamin B. Look for brands that only include coconut milk, no fillers. Like almond milk, unsweetened versions of cashew milk are low on macronutrients.

Compared to almond milk, cashew milk is slightly creamier, but a single-cup serving is a mere 25 calories, primarily from fat. Most major grocery stores, including Walmart and Target, stock at least one brand.

Pea milk is derived from pea protein and offers a similar amount of protein and fat as regular whole milk eight and five grams, respectively but no carbohydrates.

Most brands making pea milk boost it with additives like sunflower and algal oils, which offer a smooth texture and additional nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids. Fitzgerald points out that they offer vastly different flavor profiles and cooking adaptations as well.

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Search Search. The amount of alternative milks out there is Here's how to navigate your choices. Health Nutrition 12 Milks and Milk Alternatives and the Benefits of Each Bored with plain old soy milk?

btn, a. Lactose-Free Milk According to the National Institutes of Health , approximately 65 percent of the human population and 90 percent of adults of East Asian ancestry have a reduced ability to digest lactose, a complex sugar found in milk, after infancy.

Hemp Milk This other recently trendy milk alternative has more fat and protein than almond or rice milk, with 4. Soy Milk A study that compared plant-based milk alternatives found soy to have the most balanced nutritional profile of the bunch.

Oat Milk Oat milk has grown in popularity in recent years, even sneaking onto select Starbucks menus in the past month. You're much more likely to make impulse and unhealthy purchases if you do, so shop after a meal or grab a healthy snack before heading to the store.

And remember: The cheapest groceries are not always the most nutritious; consider spending slightly more for foods that are filling and nutrient-dense. For tips and recommendations for a more economical shopping experience, see below for advice from the experts at the Good Housekeeping Institute Nutrition Lab.

Fruit and vegetables are among the groceries with the largest price jumps lately , but you can still find affordable produce by buying seasonally. Purchasing when produce is abundant helps lower the cost and will all but assure the best taste and highest levels of nutrition.

Seasonal Fruits. Seasonal Vegetables. Another way to save money on produce is to opt for fruit and vegetables that have a longer shelf-life. For example, to help extend your grocery dollars, choose apples over berries or carrots or celery over leafy greens.

Generally, some of the cheapest fruit and vegetables year-round tend to be bananas, apples, oranges, broccoli, cauliflower, carrots and sweet potatoes. Meat can be the most expensive category for most food budgets, and can account for a large portion of the overall grocery bill.

To save money, opt for the ground variety of your favorite protein. Ground beef, chicken or turkey are super versatile, easily frozen and can be used in many different recipes. Larger cuts of meat will usually cost less per pound, but they may require marinating, braising and slow cooking to bring out the tenderness.

If you do prefer to include cheaper cuts of meat, consider including:. Buying a whole chicken instead of pre-portioned cuts can also save money and the leftovers, including the bones, are great for making chicken soup or bone broth. Consider cutting costs even further by implementing Meatless Monday or meatless dinners a few nights a week.

Swap out meat for healthy plant-based meat alternatives such as tofu, tempeh, beans and legumes, as your protein source. The cost of fresh seafood may also vary seasonally.

According to the Seafood Nutrition Partnership , fresh Alaskan salmon is less expensive during the summer when the fish are more abundant. Other popular choices that may be worth buying seasonally include Albacore tuna in season July-October and halibut in season March-November.

Other ways to save money on seafood:. Whether you prefer dairy or non-dairy, you can find competitive prices due to the sheer number of products on the market. While non-dairy milks may be more expensive than dairy, some non-dairy brands offer shelf stable options that can be bought in bulk when they're on sale.

Just note that many dairy and non- dairy milks and yogurts contain added sugars and sometimes saturated fats. Always check the label before purchasing. More ways to save:. When it comes to cheap groceries, pantry staples are the big winners. This category includes dry and canned goods such as flour, oatmeal, chicken stock, nuts, nut butters and seeds.

Among the cheapest staples are dried and canned beans — they're also easy to prepare and provide a great source of plant-based protein and fiber, two very important nutrients that are often only available in more costly foods.

Grains like brown rice and oatmeal also score high in cost-effectiveness and nutrition. Frozen foods can be stored in your freezer for months. Again, consider buying in bulk when frozen products are on sale.

Items worth stocking up on include:. More ways to save money on groceries. Here are a few other simple tips from our experts to food shop on a budget:.

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