The idea that junk food is cheaper than healthy and nutritious foods is a myth, according to online healthy food retailer Musclefood.com.
Shoppers may be surprised at the nutritional benefits of some fruit, vegetables and grains, it added.
“If you’re starting to feel the strain on your wallet, don’t immediately turn to cheap fatty foods,” said Musclefood.com’s Darren Beale.
“There are plenty of affordable options available that are as nutritional as they are cheap. You’ll soon realise that eating healthily on the cheap is easier than you might have first thought.”
Lentils
A bag of lentils costs 69p for 500g. They’re rich in potassium, calcium, zinc and vitamin K.
They’ve been proven to boost your immune system, and lower cholesterol.
Blood sugar levels could also be controlled by eating lentils.
Eggs
Eggs will leave you fuller for longer, for just £1.65 per dozen, the retailer said.
The high protein helps to build muscle, while also easing muscle pain after a big workout.
You could even lose weight by eating eggs, as they’re a good source of vitamin D.
Avocado
Packed with carotenes and vitamin E, avocado could improve your eyesight.
It’s also been proven to lower bad cholesterol by about 22 per cent.
A pack of four would set you back about £1.80, and could be eaten with any meal.
Broccoli
A single broccoli costs about 43p for 350g, Musclefood.com said.
It’s full of powerful antioxidants and fibres, and will help to improve your cardiovascular health.
Broccoli is also high in fibre, which has been linked to reducing cholesterol.
Oranges
Oranges could give your immune system a boost, as we head into cold and flu season.
Full of vitamin C, the fruit is also bursting with fibre and natural sugars to give you extra energy.
A bag of six oranges costs less than £1.
Almonds
A handful of almonds is “the ultimate superfood snack”, according to Musclefood.com.
They can help to lower your blood pressure and cholesterol for just £1.70 for 200g.
Almonds are high in protein, flavonoids, calcium, fibre and vitamin E.