Eating healthy gets a bad rep for being expensive, but the truth is, some of the most nutrient-packed foods are also the cheapest. You don’t need fancy powders, imported berries, or trendy health products to give your body what it needs. In fact, a trip to your local supermarket or even a corner shop can get you far if you know what to look for. Here are 13 genuinely affordable foods — all around or under the £1 mark — that offer solid nutrition without the price tag panic.
Carrots (1 kg bag)
Usually around 50p–70p, a bag of carrots lasts ages and can be used raw, roasted, or blended into soups. They’re full of beta-carotene, fibre, and vitamin A, all while being ridiculously versatile. Perfect for snacks, side dishes, or bulking out meals without skimping on nutrition.
Eggs (6 pack)
Thankfully, you don’t live in America, and eggs are actually affordable in the UK. Basic supermarket own-brand eggs often come in under £1, and they’re one of the best value protein sources you can buy. You get healthy fats, B vitamins, and vitamin D in one neat little shell. Boil, scramble, poach — whatever works. They’re great as a quick breakfast or an easy way to add substance to lunch or dinner.
Baked beans (tin)
You can usually find a tin for 40–70p, and they’re not just good for toast. Baked beans provide protein, fibre, and iron — and many brands now offer reduced sugar and salt versions too (Branston is my personal fav). Throw them on a jacket potato, mix into chilli, or serve with eggs for a budget-friendly full English.
Frozen spinach (bag or blocks)
Way cheaper than fresh, frozen spinach is usually about 80p a bag and lasts for ages in the freezer. It’s packed with iron, vitamin K, and folate, and it wilts down into almost any dish without fuss. Add it to curries, stews, pasta sauces or omelettes for a quiet nutritional boost.
Brown rice (500g)
A 500g bag often comes in under a quid, and it stretches across multiple meals. Brown rice has more fibre and nutrients than white rice, keeping you full for longer. It’s a great base for stir-fries, grain bowls, or a warming soup bulk-out when you need something hearty.
6. Oats (porridge oats, 1 kg)
You can get a massive bag of oats for under £1, and it’ll last weeks. Oats are a powerhouse of fibre, especially beta-glucan, which is good for heart health. Use them for porridge, overnight oats, homemade flapjacks or even blending into smoothies or veggie burgers.
Tinned sardines or mackerel
Most own-brand versions are 50–90p, and these little tins are loaded with omega-3s, calcium, and protein. They’re especially good for bone health and brain support. Serve them on toast, stir into pasta, or mix into a salad. Not glamorous, but surprisingly satisfying.
Cabbage (whole head)
A full head of cabbage, green or red, usually costs around 70–90p and lasts ages. It’s rich in vitamin C, vitamin K, and antioxidants, and adds a nice crunch to meals. Chop it into stir-fries, steam it as a side, or slice thinly for slaw or salads.
Chickpeas (tin)
Tinned chickpeas hover around 50–70p and offer protein, fibre, and a dose of magnesium and iron. They’re brilliant in stews, curries, salads, or mashed into homemade hummus. Drain, season and roast them in the oven for a healthy snack, or throw them into anything for cheap protein power.
Bananas (loose)
Usually priced by weight, bananas often cost around 15–20p each. They’re a natural source of energy, potassium, and vitamin B6, and make an easy grab-and-go snack. Chop into porridge, blend into smoothies, or mash into pancakes or banana bread.
Potatoes (white or sweet, loose or bagged)
One of the cheapest and most filling foods out there. Whether you go for regular white potatoes or sweet ones, you’ll get fibre, vitamin C, and potassium for pennies per portion. Bake, mash, roast, or boil — you know the drill. They’re comfort food that also happens to be nutritious.
Lentils (dry, 500g)
Dry lentils are seriously underrated. A 500g bag is often under £1 and will give you loads of meals. Full of protein, iron and fibre, they’re perfect for bulking up soups, dahls and stews. Unlike some dried beans, they cook relatively fast and don’t need soaking. Cheap, filling and flexible.
Apples (loose or value packs)
You can often get a few apples for under £1, especially if you go for value packs or loose options. They’re full of fibre, vitamin C, and antioxidants, and they don’t need any prep. Snack on them as-is, slice into porridge, or stew them with a bit of cinnamon for a low-cost dessert.
