Tips: Healthy Eating on a Budget


Making budget friendly choices

  • Buy the smallest apples or bananas, not the giant ones. It saves money and reduces spoilage.
  • Look for bargains on day-old bread and bakery products - and buy whole wheat whenever possible.
  • Substitute beans and peas for meat, poultry, or fish. They cost less, are lower in fat and high in fiber.
  • Buy whole chickens and cut them into serving size pieces yourself.
  • To avoid waste, buy large bags of frozen vegetables. Cook just the amount you need, close the bag tightly, and put the rest back in the freezer.
  • Nonfat dry milk is the least expensive way to buy milk. Mix and use in your baking - it won’t affect the recipe at all!
  • When using dry milk as a beverage, mix it several hours ahead and refrigerate so it can get cold before drinking.
  • Buy chuck or bottom round roast instead of sirloin. These cuts have less fat and cost less.
  • Buy produce in season when it generally costs less.
  • Buy meat when it’s on special and stock up the freezer. Split it with a friend if your freezer is full.
grocery shopping


University of Maryland
Eat Smart, Be Fit, Maryland!
Public Health Informatics
FSNEP
Maryland Cooperative Extension