Vegetables and fruits add color, flavor, and nutrients to your meals — and shopping for them doesn't have to cost a lot. Whether you buy fresh, frozen, canned, or dried, smart choices at the store help you fill half your plate without straining your budget.
Vegetables and fruits add color, flavor, and nutrients to your meals — and shopping for them doesn't have to cost a lot. Whether you buy fresh, frozen, canned, or dried, smart choices at the store help you fill half your plate without straining your budget.
Use fresh vegetables and fruits that are in season. They are easy to get, have more flavor, and are usually less expensive. Your local farmers market is a great source of seasonal produce.
Check the local newspaper, online, and at the store for sales, coupons, and specials that will cut food costs. Often you can get more for less by visiting the produce section first.
Plan out your meals ahead of time and make a grocery list. You will save money by buying only what you need. Don't shop when you're hungry — it can lead to impulse buys.
Compare the price and the number of servings from fresh, canned, and frozen forms of the same vegetable or fruit. Canned and frozen forms may be less expensive and just as nutritious.
Some fresh vegetables and fruits don't last long. Buy small amounts more often to ensure you can use the food before it spoils and you have to throw it out.
For fresh vegetables or fruits you use often, a large size bag is the better buy. Wash and freeze or share with a friend or neighbor if you can't use them all in time.
Compare the cost and quality of store brands to national brands. Store brands of canned and frozen fruits and vegetables can be just as nutritious for less money.
Buy vegetables and fruits in their simplest form. Precut, prewashed, ready-to-eat, and processed foods are convenient, but they often cost much more than when purchased in their basic forms.
Start a garden — in the yard or in a pot on the deck — for fresh, inexpensive, flavorful additions to meals. Herbs, cucumbers, peppers, or tomatoes are good options for beginners.
Prepare and freeze vegetable soups, stews, or other dishes in advance. This saves time and money, and you'll have a quick way to use produce before it spoils.