14 Quick and Health Snacks for Under A Dollar

Dieting and healthy eating doesn’t mean you have to spend a ton of money on supplements, organic snacks and protein bars. We compiled a list of quick easy and affordable snacks that are not only packed with vitamins and nutrients, but will also save you a few bucks.

• Bananas – 59 cents per fruit. 100 calories, a ton of potassium and fiber that aids in digestion.
• Honeydew Melons, 65 cents a cup. Loaded with vitamin C, a natural diuretic and super refreshing.
• Cottage Cheese – 75 cents a cup. – Packed with protein and extra light in calories. It contains all essential amino acids required by the body to function and build your metabolism.
• Nectarines – 62 cents per cup. Aside from being loaded with phenolic compounds these bad boys are amazingly juicy and delicious.
• Oatmeal – 15 cents per serving. – Loaded with fiber that helps lose weight, lower cholesterol and reduce diabetes risk, it’s also super cheap. Takes minutes to make it and will cut your dialy cravings and start your day off right.
• Greek Yogurt – a dollar per serving, this stuff is low in sugar, high in protein and just tart enough to almost taste like a dessert. Just make sure you stick to the real greek yogurt and not the stuff that’s loaded with unnecessary additional sugars.
• Apples – 65 cents per apple. High in fiber, and the apple peels are high in polyphenols which promote the growth of good bacteria in the gut which aids in super fast weight loss.
• Bell Peppers – 73 cents per cup. – Packed with vitamin C and fiber.
• Natural Almonds – 52 cents per oz. Filled with a healthy combination of protein, fiber and monounsaturated fats that make you feel full. These bad boys keep you from snacking randomly throughout the day.
• Baby carrots – Vitamin A and beta-carotene.
• Shelled pistachios – These super healthy nuts help with both heart health and weight loss.
• Hard boiled eggs – 13 cents per egg. Quite possibly my favorite snack on here, eggs are loaded with protein, health improving amino acids and choline (a nutrient that helps fight fat). Eat these with a chopped up bell pepper and you’ve got yourself a great tasting super healthy snack.
• Watermelon – .25 per cup – Each bite is packed with nutrients including vitamin A, B6 and C. Loaded with lycopene, antioxidants and even a bit of potassium. The deliciousness is a wonderful side benefit.
• Red grapes – 72 cents a cup – These bite sized health nuggets contain super powerful polyphenols, which studies claim can slow or prevent many types of cancer.
• Pumpkin seeds – .50 per ¼ cup – a huge source or minerals, low in fat and offer antiviral and antifungal properties. Jacked up with protein, iron, potassium and zinc among others.

Protein

1. Pinto Beans

Price: $0.30 per 1/2 cup, $3 per can
If you're a big fan of ordering refried beans at restaurants, you'll be glad to hear that they're a snap to make at home: Just mash up pinto beans with garlic and spices on the stove. Packed with protein and fiber, pinto beans are a delicious and health-minded addition to any homemade burrito, soup, or salad.

2. Eggs

Price: $0.19 per egg, $3.50 per dozen
When in need of some protein, eggs are a quick fix. Scramble with veggies, add to a crepe, or make a frittata.

3. Almonds

Price: $0.60 per ounce (20-25 nuts), $5 per 8-ounce bag
Grab a small handful of almonds during the day or add to a bowl of cereal or oatmeal for an extra-filling kick of protein. Rich in monounsaturated fat and fiber too, these super nuts could reduce the risk of diabetes and aid in weight loss.

4. Peanuts

Price: $0.50 per ounce (25-30 nuts), $4 per 8-ounce bag
Though some peanut butters are packed with sugar, in their natural form, these legumes can be healthy treat. When eaten in moderation, peanuts supply a dose of healthy fats and can reduce the risk of heart disease.

5. Chicken Breasts

Price: $0.75 for 4-ounces, $2.99 per pound
Forgo fast-food nuggets: A small, fresh chicken breast is cheaper and filled with healthy, lean protein. Make your own gyro with tzatziki or try any of these other nonboring ideas.

6. Black Beans

Price: $0.30 per 1/2 cup, $1.50 per can
These unassuming beans pack a ton of fiber, as well as calcium, potassium, and folic acid. Pro tip: Buy dry beans for an even better health deal. Boiling them at home may preserve more of their cancer-fighting antioxidants.  Cook up some black bean soup or make a healthy black-bean taco.

7. Lentils

Price: $0.12 per 1/2 cup, $1.50 per pound (dry, in bulk)
These mild legumes add richness to curries and soups, plus act as a great meat replacement for Bolognese sauce or burgers. Bonus points: Lentils have more protein per pound than beef and are rich with antioxidants, so it might be worth it to trade in that cheeseburger once in a while.

8. Garbanzo Beans

Price: $0.30 per 1/2 cup, $3 per can
These little beans (also known as chickpeas) pack a serious amount of fiber. Roast them with olive oil and your favorite spices (think: cumin, paprika, or curry powder) to use as a crouton replacement or blend into DIY hummus.

9. Tofu

Price: $0.20 per ounce, $3 per pound
High in protein and low in fat, tofu is a delicious staple for vegetarians and meat-eaters alike. Plus soy in moderation may help reduce cholesterol and the risk of breast cancer. Pan-fry tofu with veggies in your next stir-fry, scramble extra-firm tofu like eggs, and try the silken variety in a fruit smoothie.

10. Pumpkin Seeds

Price: $0.50 per ounce, $6 per pound
Pumpkin seeds (also known as pepitas) go well in a salad or can be roasted with spices for a crunchy snack. Seeing as they're filled with essential vitamins and minerals, along with protein and iron, you really can't go wrong.

Dairy

11. Yogurt

Price: $1 per 6-ounce cup
Pick up a breakfast treat that's filled with protein and calcium. Just beware of flavors loaded with extra sugar. Greek yogurt is also awesome—and full of protein and probiotics—but it can be more expensive than our $1 limit.

12. Cottage Cheese

Price: $1 per 1/2 cup, $5.50 per 16-ounce container
This clumpy, mild cheese is surprisingly high in protein, and tastes great in both sweet and savory dishes. Like yogurt, cottage cheese typically comes in full-fat, low-fat, and fat-free varieties, so choose whichever fits best into your diet. Try it topped with sliced pineapple and berries or make it savory in a creamy pasta sauce.

13. Milk

Price: $0.25 per cup, $4 per gallon
Add a splash of milk to a fruit smoothie or enjoy it as a classic: over a bowl of cereal. One calcium-filled glass can help keep teeth strong and even stave off excess pounds.

Whole Grains

14. Brown Rice

Price: $0.18 per 1/4 cup, $2 per pound
Use instead of white rice in any recipe (just note that cooking times differ) for a more exciting flavor and texture. Plus this whole-grain version of rice is full of fiber and may cut the risk of diabetes.

15. Whole-Wheat Pasta

Price: $0.37 per 1/2 cup, $3 per box
Enjoy whole-wheat pasta's nutty flavor paired with sautéed veggies and a fresh tomato sauce. Not only is the whole-wheat version of pasta more complex in taste, it's packed with fiber, antioxidants, and protein, and it may even help lower the risk of heart disease.

16. Popcorn

Price: $0.30 per 1/2 cup, $1 per pound for kernels
Popcorn is a low-calorie snack that's also a good source of fiber. Pop kernels on the stove or in a paper bag in the microwave, and then top with your fave spices, like taco seasoning or cinnamon and sugar.

17. Quinoa

Price: $0.60 per 1/4 cup, $5 per 12-ounce box
Add cooked quinoa to sweet granola bowls and veg-filled salads or serve as a side instead of pasta. Bursting with protein and fiber, quinoa also contains all nine essential amino acids (that the body can't produce on its own).