Check out your local farmers market, if open depending on your location, for locally grown options. Depending on the market, conventional and organic items may be available at lower cost and higher quality than what is offered at the grocery store. “Before you commit to buying anything, do a lap of the market to compare the prices and quality from different stands,” says Taub-Dix.

Be neighborly

If you’re single or part of a small family, pair up with a friend or neighbor and split items purchased in large quantities such as bunches of herbs, family packs of meats, and bags of potatoes. You’ll waste less and reap the cost savings of buying in bulk. “Just keep in mind that buying in bulk is only a cost-saver if you actually use up the entire item,” cautions Taub-Dix.

Snack then shop

It’s a good idea not to push a cart with a growling tummy. “If you go shopping hungry, everything starts to look good and you’ll end up buying stuff you don’t need or don’t end up using which will cost you money,” says Taub-Dix.

Don’t settle for junk

Most people assume that an unhealthy diet is much cheaper than one based on whole food, but the cost difference isn’t necessarily a deal-breaker. According to research from Harvard School of Public Health, the healthiest diets cost about $1.50 more per day than the least healthy diets that are skewed towards processed foods. Use the tips above and you may get it even closer to being on par.

(Environmental Nutrition is the award-winning independent newsletter written by nutrition experts dedicated to providing readers up-to-date, accurate information about health and nutrition in clear, concise English. For more information, visit www.environmentalnutrition.com.)

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