Now, if you're still craving fruit that is out of season and want to find a more cost-effective way to purchase it, then buying frozen goods is the way to go. Frozen fruits are typically just as great for you as fresh ones and can be used as a replacement in various recipes. Keeping frozen produce in stock in your freezer is ideal when making stir-fry, soup and smoothies! Frozen fruits can also be used as an excellent breakfast popping on oatmeal, waffles and yogurt.
Purchasing canned tomatoes, instead of fresh tomatoes, is a great way to extend your ingredients' shelf life. Having canned tomatoes on hand can save you money, time and will surely add flavor to your meals. Use canned tomatoes to whip up a tasty sauce or combine them with your favorite chili recipe for even more flavor.
Sweet potatoes have recently grown in popularity in the health industry, and it's no surprise as to why. This nutrient-packed veggie is great for you. Use sweet potatoes to make a fall-inspired appetizer like this Granola Stuffed Sweet Potatoes with Maple-Tahini Butter or turn them into a healthy version of French fries. Potatoes can be baked, chopped, roasted and grilled!
Purchasing pre-cooked meat like a rotisserie chicken is a great way to save time and money. From sandwiches to savory omelettes, a rotisserie chicken can be used throughout the week to add protein and essential vitamins to your favorite meals. It's the ideal purchase when you require a quick dinner that is within budget. Additionally, many stores offer sales on rotisserie chickens, shop around to get the best price.
For an efficient and budget-approved way to add more protein to your meals, purchase flavorful protein powder. Protein powders can be used to make everything from smoothies to popcorn. Don't believe us? Check out this Chocolate Peanut Butter Protein Popcorn.
When choosing your protein powder, search for one with whole food ingredients like our Chocolate Protein Powder Nutritional Booster. Made with pea protein powder, chicory root fiber, chia seeds and beneficial probiotics, it's a great way to boost your nutrition without breaking the bank.
Seeds and nuts might be one of the tiniest superfoods on the planet. They have a tremendous shelf life, are reasonably priced and can be used in countless ways. Use crushed walnuts to spice up your favorite dessert. Or, make a healthy pudding using chia seeds. This small superfood delivers tons of health benefits that will keep you healthy, happy and energized all day long. To maintain freshness, make sure seeds are kept in an airtight container.
Condiments and pickled vegetables can transform a bland meal into a flavorful one in seconds. Depending on the kind of meals you usually eat, you'll want to choose your condiments wisely. Do you enjoy making Italian food? If so, we suggest purchasing a jar of pesto or marinara sauce. Or maybe, you're a huge taco Tuesday fan. If that's the case, you'll want to make sure you're stocked up on taco condiments like sour cream, salsa and guacamole. Having a wide array of dressings to choose from is an excellent way to discover new flavors. Plus, when it comes to condiments, a little goes a long way. You won't have to worry about your mayo, ketchup or ranch running out in one use.
When it comes to cooking, oils often get a bad rap. While some oils are loaded with unhealthy fats, other oils are great for you. Oils are a necessary ingredient in many cooking styles. Styles include everything from sauting to grilling and roasting. Oils can also be used to make creamy dips, sauces, spreads and dressings. Not sure which oil to choose? We recommend selecting those that are high and healthy fats. Oils that include healthy fats are olive oil, avocado oil and coconut oil, among others. When purchasing oil, make sure it's one that you will use, or else it will likely sit at the back of your cupboard unnoticed.
The more you begin to cook at home, the easier it will be to identify healthy, budget-friendly meals. Keeping a well-stocked pantry of these 15 items is necessary for flavorful cooking on a budget. Now, that doesn't mean you have to purchase all of these ingredients at once. Instead, we encourage you to choose a few ingredients from this list that you enjoy and work them into your weekly meal rotation. Once you have your basics determined and ready to go, you can begin adding more ingredients to your shopping list.
Of course, the ingredients you choose and use from this list is entirely up to you. Because each person's taste preferences vary, there are likely to be items on this list that appeal to you and others that do not.
To make your decision easier, think back to the foods you enjoyed as a child. Did your family cook with a lot of olive oil? Maybe a sweet potato mash was a family tradition around fall? Whatever ingredients stand out to you, add them to your pantry. And remember, at the end of the day, this is just a suggestion.
These foods are versatile, nutritious and delicious. It just depends on how you choose to use them in your kitchen.
