Cost-Effective Healthy Eating
Planning your meals is one of the best ways to save time, reduce costs, and eat well. Creating weekly menus and using reliable recipes streamlines preparation, simplifies shopping, helps track allergens, and cuts down on food waste.
When buying groceries, consider ‘value’ brands for essentials like pasta, rice, and tinned tomatoes. Nutritional differences between value and premium options are usually minimal and in some cases, value brands may even contain less added sugar and salt.
9 Smart Tips for Affordable, Healthy Meals
Cook from scratch.
Homemade meals are usually cheaper and healthier. Use ingredients such as tinned tomatoes, onions, and herbs instead of ready-made sauces.Make your own fruit yoghurt.
Blend plain yoghurt with fresh, stewed, tinned, or frozen fruit, even overripe leftovers. Store-bought yoghurts often contain high levels of added sugar.Use frozen or tinned produce.
Fruits in natural juice and vegetables with no added salt are nutritious, reduce waste, and can even retain more nutrients than fresh alternatives.Buy seasonal produce.
Seasonal fruits and vegetables are often more affordable and flavourful. Compare prices of loose vs. pre-packed items, and visit local markets for budget-friendly options. Involving children in choosing produce can make shopping fun and educational.Grow your own.
Growing herbs, fruits, or vegetables in pots or bags provides a sustainable source of fresh ingredients and it’s a great learning activity for children.Batch cook and freeze.
Cooking larger quantities saves time and money, especially for smaller settings like childminders. Always follow the Food Standards Agency’s guidelines for safe freezing and defrosting.Try a slow cooker.
Ideal for smaller portions and make-ahead meals, a slow cooker helps you get the most out of affordable cuts of meat and saves on energy.Choose budget-friendly proteins.
Meat and fish can be expensive. Use pulses (beans, lentils, peas) to stretch recipes and add fibre. Eggs and tinned fish are also cost-effective protein options.Store food properly.
Proper storage extends freshness. Keep apples in the fridge and store potatoes in a cool, dark place. Check the Food Standards Agency for safe food storage and freezing advice.