Tips from the Minnesota Healthcare Consortium

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Getting the healthiest “bang for your buck” starts with a little extra planning before you shop. Here are some budget-friendly tips for eating right while saving money on groceries.

• Make a grocery game plan. Save both time and money by figuring out your meals and snacks before you shop. Shopping with a list will make you less tempted to buy things that are not on it.
• Cook more, dine out less. Dining out or buying takeout can quickly add up. Often, your favorite meals can be prepared for less money (and more nutritiously) at home.
• Buy foods in season. Look for fresh produce when it’s in season and often more affordable. Frozen and canned fruits and vegetables can also be healthy, less expensive options at certain times of the year.
• Focus on nutritious, low-cost foods. Make the most of your food budget by including grains such as oats, brown rice, barley, or quinoa; beans, peas, and lentils; eggs; sweet potatoes; peanut butter; canned salmon, tuna, or crabmeat; and frozen or canned fruits and vegetables.
• DIY your snacks. Try making and portioning your own healthy trail mix using nuts, dried fruit, and whole grain pretzels, or cereal you buy in bulk.