This post about the Top 7 Cheapest Most Nutritious Veggies was sponsored by Sprouts Farmers Market. All thoughts and ideas are my own.
Now, before we get to the top 7 cheapest most nutritious veggies, let’s clarify one thing… ALL veggies offer some sort of nutritional value and they all are nutritious. But with that being said, there are a few that offer a little bit more than others and if you’re looking to get the most bang for your buck, these might be a better choice for you… the prices quoted below are all from Sprouts Farmer’s Market.
Given the nature of my job, I do A LOT of grocery shopping, and I can say very confidently that Sprouts has THE BEST produce prices whether something is on sale or not. And I love that the produce section is the focal point of every store!
Top 7 Cheapest Most Nutritious Veggies
Cheapest Most Nutritious Veggies: Broccoli
You can enjoy broccoli either cooked or raw, and it typically offers a pretty cheap price tag year round in the US.
Want to save even more money? Check your frozen section!
Recipes: Italian Parmesan Broccoli, 30-minute Sausage Broccoli Pasta
Cheapest Most Nutritious Veggies: Sweet Potatoes
Sweet potatoes are so versatile, the number of ways you can prepare them is endless: steamed, roasted, mashed, grilled, sautéed, etc. They’re almost always super cheap any time of year and pack a pretty hefty nutrient punch. They’re a quality source of beta-carotene and fiber and taste delicious no matter how you prepare them!
Try making your own homemade “French fries” like these.
Cheapest Most Nutritious Veggies: Onions
Talk about a versatile veggie. Yellow and white onions are a staple on my grocery list each week. I sauté a big batch of them each weekend and use them to add a flavor punch to all kinds of dishes: omelets, casseroles, tacos, pizza, etc. They’ve got vitamin C, potassium, fiber, and are very rich in antioxidants.
Recipe ideas: Superfood Vegetable Hash with Chicken, Superfood Quesadillas
Cheapest Most Nutritious Veggies: Carrots
Just like sweet potatoes, carrots are an excellent source of vitamin A. They’re also rich in vitamin K, fiber, potassium, and vitamin C. Whether you go with baby carrots or “mommy carrots” as my girls call them, they’ve got some great crunch and a perfect subtle sweetness. Like many other root vegetables, they tend to be pretty inexpensive.
Recipe ideas: Spiced Carrot Apple Slaw, No-Bake Carrot Cake Energy Balls
Cheapest Most Nutritious Veggies: Canned Pumpkin
Pumpkin is another vitamin A rich veggie that can add a nutrient punch to so many dishes: pancakes, smoothies, pasta, cookies, etc. It’s also loaded with fiber, potassium, and vitamin C.
A note on buying organic pumpkin: don’t do it! I mean, you can if you want to, but you don’t have to. In an ideal world, I would buy all my groceries organic, but that’s just not a budget-friendly option for us. So, I like to use the EPA’s Clean 15/Dirty Dozen guide to help me determine what I should by organic and what I can buy conventional. In general, if something has a thick outer skin that we aren’t going to eat, there’s no need to buy organic.
I love to stock up on the Sprouts Canned Pumpkin. Every few weeks it goes on sale for 2/$1… can’t beat that!
Cheapest Most Nutritious Veggies: Cauliflower
Cauliflower is all the rage right now. We’re finding it in everything from mashed potatoes to pizza. And it’s no wonder… just like the other cruciferous veggie on this list (broccoli)… it’s packed with fiber, vitamin C, and potassium, as well as other nutrients. Whether you buy it whole, frozen, or already riced, it typically is very affordable and a great way to add extra nutrients to dishes without hurting your grocery budget!
Recipe ideas: Mexican Riced Cauliflower, Peanut-y Riced Cauliflower
Cheapest Most Nutritious Veggies: Green Beans
Last, but certainly not least, green beans! If I’m being honest, they’re probably my favorite veggie! I LOVE them roasted or in my air fryer… and I almost always buy them frozen. They’re also a quality source of vitamin A, vitamin C, protein, and fiber.