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Eating healthy doesn't have to break the bank. According to a report by the USDA on vegetable prices, you can find plenty of affordable vegetables that are both nutritious and versatile. In this guide, we’ll explore the top 10 cheapest vegetables you can find at your local grocery store, farmers’ market, or even grow yourself.
Top Cheapest Fresh Vegetables
Going for the cheapest fresh vegetables is a smart choice from a cost-effective standpoint. Buying in-season vegetables when they are at their lowest price point can also significantly cut costs. While fresh vegetables may require careful planning and budgeting, their affordability, nutritional value, and culinary benefits make them a wise investment for those seeking a cost-effective yet wholesome approach to eating.
Potatoes
Potatoes are a versatile vegetable that are available all year long. They can be mashed, roasted, thrown in a veggie-packed stew. Additionally, they have a long shelf life, which makes them the perfect vegetable to stock up on.
Grab your potatoes and make a delicious batch of air fryer red potatoes.
Carrots
We’re big fans of carrots in this household. They are very affordable, especially when purchased in bulk and whole. They can be added to salads, rice bowls, stews, and soups. They're even delicious raw with a dip. Carrots are an economical choice and available throughout the year.
In the mood for something sweet? Go with a side of mashed carrots, topped with cinnamon and brown sugar!
Cabbage
The next time you’re at the grocery store, grab yourself a head of cabbage! They are low in calories, nutrient-rich, and packed with dietary fiber. Additionally, they’re always budget-friendly. They can be used in many dishes including coleslaw, stir-fries, fried rice, soups, and stews.
Onions
Gold, red, or white - no matter the onion, they all deserve a spot for one of the cheapest vegetables you can get your hands on. Additionally, they’re added to plenty of dishes, which make them a must-have. We add onions to about 98% of our dishes so it’s something worth purchasing in bulk. And like potatoes, they have a long shelf life.
Switch things up and go for a gluten-free onion gravy!
Green Bell Peppers
Green bell peppers are typically cheaper than red or yellow, so if you’re looking to shave a few cents, they’re a great choice for plenty of dishes. They can be used in salads, fajitas, as stuffed peppers, or thrown into any stir-fry. If you’re looking for a crunch, they are delicious dipped in hummus.
Enhance your food with homemade sofrito, made with aromatics including green bell peppers, onion, and cilantro.
Zucchini
Into zucchini? Buy in bulk for even more cost savings! You can make the popular zucchini noodles, stir-fry, or throw them into a casserole. They are a fantastic source for potassium. It’s also often used as a replacement for pasta for a low-carb option.
Looking for a cozy zucchini recipe? Check out our zucchini soup with potatoes and parsley. Or, go for something hearty, like our zucchini stuffing casserole!
Spinach
Add healthy, affordable greens to your diet with spinach! They’re a nutrient–dense vegetable with essential vitamins including vitamins A, C, and K, as well as folate, iron, and potassium. For extra savings: go frozen! Frozen spinach is a great budget-friendly option and they last longer.
Load up your bowls with creamy chickpea pasta with spinach!
Broccoli
Broccoli can be cooked in a variety of ways, including stir-fry, salads, soups and stews. They can be steamed, baked, or air-fried. Additionally, broccoli is high in fiber and satiating.
Throw in broccoli with a budget-friendly, Thai-style vegetable red curry. Pair it with rice or your favorite flatbread.
Sweet Potatoes
Go sweet with sweet potatoes! It’s a family-favorite in our household, including with our toddler. It can be served as a dessert, side, or included in a main dish. They also have a very long shelf-life, which makes purchasing in bulk worthwhile.
Sweeten up your weeknight dinner with a one-pot chickpea and sweet potato curry!
Cauliflower (whole heads)
If you’re going cauliflower, go whole! An entire head of cauliflower will always be cheaper than pre-chopped. So, just chop them yourself. They can be used in different kinds of dishes including mashed cauliflower, stews, soups, salads, or cauliflower rice. Cauliflower is low in carbs, which is a great choice for low-carb or keto diets.
Craving wings and a dip? Go plant-based with our crispy buffalo cauliflower wings!
Other plant foods to include in your next budget-friendly grocery trip include dry lentils, dry beans, canned legumes (although dry is the cheaper option), oatmeal and frozen vegetables. For cheap carbohydrates to pair with your plant-based foods, go with bread or rice. Want to try something different? Go for cassava or yuca.
Tips for Buying the Cheapest Vegetables
- Buy in Season: Vegetables are usually cheaper when they’re in season. Stock up and freeze them for later use.
- Purchase in Bulk: Buying vegetables in larger quantities can save you money in the long run.
- Frozen Options: Frozen vegetables are often cheaper than fresh and retain most of their nutrients.
- Shop at Farmers’ Markets: Local markets often have lower prices, especially for produce that’s in season.
- Grow Your Own: If you have the space, consider growing your own vegetables. It’s the cheapest way to buy vegetables and ensures you always have fresh produce on hand.
For more plant-based saving tips, check out our Guide To A Cheap Plant-Based Diet!
Recipes Using Cheap Vegetables
Looking to create delicious and budget-friendly meals? Look no further! We've compiled a list of mouthwatering recipes that make the most of affordable vegetables. From hearty soups to flavor-packed curries, these dishes will show you just how satisfying and wallet-friendly cooking with inexpensive veggies can be.
Vegan Palak “Paneer” With Tofu
Stewed Potatoes with Tomato Sauce and Garlic
Air Fryer Red Potatoes
Mashed Carrots With Cinnamon
One-Pot Chickpeas and Sweet Potato Curry
Puerto Rican Chickpea Stew (Garbanzos Guisados)
Tofu Noodle Soup (Vegan Chicken Noodle Soup)
Spring Vegetable Soup With Asparagus
Frequently Asked Questions About Cheap Vegetables
Carrots, cabbage, and potatoes are often considered the cheapest vegetables, especially when bought in bulk.
Potatoes, sweet potatoes, and cabbage are among the cheapest and most filling vegetables, offering both satiety and nutrition.
Buy in season, purchase in bulk, opt for frozen options, shop at farmers' markets, and consider growing your own vegetables.
Carrots and potatoes are both very affordable, but prices can vary based on location and season. Generally, they are similarly priced when bought in bulk.
Root vegetables like carrots, potatoes, and cabbage are usually the cheapest vegetables in winter.
Zucchini, tomatoes, and bell peppers are typically the cheapest vegetables in summer when they are in season.
In spring, leafy greens like spinach and early root vegetables like carrots are usually the most affordable.
Fall is a great time for buying squash, sweet potatoes, and late-season root vegetables like carrots and potatoes, which are typically the cheapest.
Puerto Rican Chickpea Stew (Garbanzos Guisados)
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