Ways to Save Money on Buying Healthy Food

Food prices soar and plummet with the changing economy, sometimes making it challenging to create a reliable budget for healthy food costs. Fortunately, eating nutritious meals and snacks doesn’t have to break the bank. With planning and smart shopping, you can enjoy healthy food without overspending.  The following article will help you find many ways to save money on buying healthy food.

This blog covers ways to save money on buying healthy food. Buying in bulk, planning your meals, buying from warehouses, and choosing private-label brands are helpful strategies for sticking to a food budget while ensuring access to healthy, delicious food year-round. See how much you can save while eating well!

Choose Private-Label Brands

Private-label brands are also known as store brands, and there’s a common misconception that store brands offer less quality than name brands. In actuality, store brands retain comparably excellent quality but cost less because they don’t use the same level of marketing and advertising as name brands. Plus, choosing private-label brands supports smaller, local businesses. Win-win!

Explore Aldi and Trader Joe’s for Organic Deals

Aldi and Trader Joe’s are well-known for offering various organic food options, like bananas, spinach, and other frozen or fresh, pesticide-free, delicious fruits and vegetables. Aldi’s organic label, Simply Nature, offers fresh produce, pantry staples, and healthy snacks at lower prices than big chain grocery stores.

Take Advantage of Warehouse Deals

Warehouses like Sam’s Club and Costco can charge less for healthy food by reducing packaging waste and selling in bulk. You can get giant boxes (units) or packages of your favorite wholesome, nutritious food without overspending on your grocery bill. Plus, like other grocery stores, warehouses incorporate seasonal sales and weekly promotions on healthy foods to further save your dollars.

Buy from Amish Markets

Amish communities grow, make, and sell fresh, healthy, delicious food, some of which are often made or picked for peak ripeness and freshness the day before market day. Shopping at an Amish market supports local farmers, keeping costs down and helping keep money local. There’s no marketing or advertising to pay for—simply healthy, tasty food at low prices.

Bonus? Most Amish markets sell canned and jarred goods preserved perfectly for your pantry. You can also indulge in homemade sweet treats (on cheat days) like pies and cookies that are fresher, better-tasting, and more affordable than retail chain brands.

Buy in Bulk and Preserve Your Food to Last

One primary way to save money on buying healthy food is to make bulk purchases. Bulk food is often cheaper per unit than smaller packages, resulting in substantial savings over time, especially on frequently eaten snacks. Reduced packaging waste means manufacturers can charge less, passing the savings on to you (and making it a little easier on the environment).

Long-term bulk foods like grains, dry beans, nuts, and seeds have long shelf lives, making them easier to store, but other healthy foods may require preservation techniques to reduce waste. Some practical ways to help you store and enjoy bulk purchases year-round include:

• Dehydration removes moisture from food, preventing spoilage. It can be used on fruits, vegetables, and meats, perfect for creating lightweight snacks like dried fruit and jerky that take up less space in your pantry.
• Freezing is a simple preservation method that almost every household is familiar with. Some tips? Blanch vegetables before freezing to maintain color, nutritional value, and flavor. You should also invest in airtight containers or heavy-duty freezer bags to prevent freezer burn.
• Freeze-drying preserves structure and nutritional content while removing moisture to prevent spoilage. Ideal for camping or emergency supplies, this preservation method allows food to be rehydrated quickly with a water bath.
• Canning is an old-school preservation method that preserves fruits, vegetables, soups, and stews in airtight jars. Properly canned foods can last for years, provided they are heated to a temperature that destroys microorganisms during the canning process.

Attend a Stoney Creek Farm in Tennessee class to learn more about these preservation techniques! Our event on dehydration and freeze-drying food will help you preserve food for long-lasting nutritional benefits all year.

Other Ways to Save Money on Buying Healthy Food:

• Create a healthy meal plan. You have seven days of meals and snacks, so plan them wisely. Buy healthy foods that you can stretch into several meals and have a focused grocery list to reduce the temptation of buying junk food or unnecessary items. When you know what you need, you can avoid impulsive purchases and stick to a better budget.
• Choose seasonal produce. Fruits and vegetables that are “in season” are more affordable and fresher than those that must be specialty grown. You can buy in bulk, freeze them, and have nutritious fruits and veggies year-round.
• Cook at home. Preparing healthy meals at home is less expensive than going to a restaurant or ordering from a monthly meal service. You can control ingredients and portion sizes, ensuring better health, and use foods from your bulk buys to ensure affordability.
• Take advantage of coupons and discounts. Weekly grocery store newsletters include loyalty programs, sales, and coupons. Create a healthy shopping list around those ads to save money and buy more nutritious food.
• Opt for frozen and canned produce. Don’t like the “in season” fruits and veggies? Frozen and canned produce is picked at peak ripeness and costs less than specialty-grown produce. For optimal health, choose low sodium or no added sugars.
• Plant an herb and produce garden. When homegrown, fresh fruits, veggies, and spices are more sustainable and cost-effective. Nurture a garden or two, then preserve your harvest for year-round, affordable meals.

In Conclusion

We’ve outlined the best ways to save money on buying healthy food, and you can do it without sacrificing flavor, nutrition, or your bank account. Incorporating these strategies into your shopping routine can help you enjoy healthy, delicious meals without straining your budget. Remember, a little planning goes a long way in making nutritious eating affordable and sustainable.

Interested in learning more healthy, sustainable living tips? Check out Stoney Creek Farm in Tennessee!

After you find all the ways to save money on healthy food, you may want to learn to preserve it to eliminate food waste in your home.  Check out our local class on Dehydating and Freeze-Drying Food on August 24th, 10 am – 1:00 pm.  You will be glad you did!