Fruits and vegetables are an important part of a healthy diet, but you may struggle with the cost of buying produce. You’ll be surprised to know that with a little thought and planning, it's possible to shop for fruits and vegetables without breaking the bank.
In this article, you’ll learn some easy tips that will help you lower your grocery bill while still filling your plate with nutritious foods.
1. Seasonal Shopping
Seasonal produce is often cheaper as there is more of it available and it doesn't have to travel long distances. Try creating a shopping list based on what's in season and take advantage of local farmer's markets or community-supported agriculture (CSA) programs for great deals on freshly harvested items.
2. Buy in Bulk and Freeze
When you find great deals or sales on produce, consider buying in bulk. Many fruits and vegetables freeze well, which allows you to stock up when prices are low. Slice, dice, or blanch before freezing to make meal prep easier.
3. Explore Imperfect Produce
Don't shy away from "imperfect" or slightly bruised fruits and vegetables. These are often sold at discounted prices in a separate section of the store or through specialized programs, these items are just as nutritious and tasty as the blemish-free ones.
4. Grow Your Own
Consider planting a small garden or even just a few pots of herbs or veggies. This not only saves money but also provides a sense of satisfaction and connection to your food. Even those with limited space can try growing some produce indoors.
5. Comparison Shop and Use Coupons
You can visit multiple stores to compare prices on produce. The Foodsmart App allows you to compare the cost of food at different stores in your area from the comfort of your own home. It also has budget-friendly recipes and creates a shopping list for you.
Take advantage of coupons or loyalty programs offered by supermarkets. Sometimes, digital coupons or apps can offer significant savings on fresh produce items.
6. Plan and Prep Accordingly
Do you avoid buying fruits and vegetables because they often go bad before you can use them? Reduce waste by planning your meals around the produce you buy. Use the more perishable items first and save produce that lasts longer for later in the week. Consider prepping and storing items like chopped veggies or fruit salads to make meals quicker and minimize waste. You can also freeze fruits and vegetables for use at a later date.
7. Buy Frozen or Canned
Frozen or canned fruits and vegetables are just as good as fresh. These options are convenient, more affordable, and have a longer shelf life.
Frozen fruits and vegetables are typically harvested at their peak ripeness and then immediately frozen, locking in essential nutrients. This process helps preserve the nutritional value of the produce, making it a reliable source of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
Having frozen options on hand can be convenient for meal preparation, as they eliminate the need for constant grocery shopping and can be stored for an extended period without going bad.
Canned fruits and vegetables are another option that can be just as nutritious when fresh produce is limited. Look for labels that say “no sugar added” and “no salt added.”
8. Don't Overlook Discount Stores or Warehouse Clubs
Explore discount stores or warehouse clubs for bulk purchases of produce. While membership might be required, the savings on bulk items could outweigh the membership fee. Memberships to these types of stores make a great gift.
Conclusion
Saving money on fruits and vegetables is totally doable when you shop for seasonal produce or buy in bulk. Don’t be afraid to buy imperfect produce, and buy frozen or canned options when they are cheaper than fresh.
Meeting with a dietitian (Brevard's Health Coach, Kelly Freno) can help you learn how to eat healthy on a budget through meal planning and tips to save money on groceries.
