Navigating the supermarket aisles on a budget doesn’t mean you have to compromise on health. We’ve gathered insights from nine experts, including nutrition coaches and food marketing experts, to reveal which high-impact ingredients and products they believe are worth the extra spend. From the benefits of apple cider vinegar to the luxurious skin nourishment of goat milk soap, discover why these items are considered valuable investments for your well-being.
- Apple Cider Vinegar: Affordable Health Boost
- Invest in a High-Quality Blender
- Choose Science-Backed Probiotics
- Air Purifier: Protect Against Pathogens
- Spend More on High-Quality Spices
- Extra-Virgin Olive Oil: Worth the Cost
- Organic Honey: A Sweet Health Investment
- Fish Oil for Long-Term Health Benefits
- Goat Milk Soap: Luxurious Skin Nourishment
Apple Cider Vinegar: Affordable Health Boost
Apple cider vinegar is something everyone should try due to its numerous health benefits. It’s extremely affordable and easy to find. However, many people are put off by its smell and taste, missing out on its advantages. A large bottle of apple cider vinegar can last a long time. I’ve discovered a way to eliminate 90% of the smell and make it more palatable. Simply mix about 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar (or whatever amount you can handle) with a whole can of carbonated soda. This combination removes the unpleasant smell and taste, making it much easier to enjoy.
AL Tran
Blogger, Author, AI Trainer, DS Inspire
Invest in a High-Quality Blender
Investing in a high-quality blender is a smart choice for anyone looking to improve their diet on a budget. Blenders allow for the easy preparation of nutritious smoothies, soups, and other healthy meals, which can have a significant positive impact on your overall health. This simple tool can help you incorporate more fruits and vegetables into your diet, enhancing your nutritional intake without straining your finances.
Bradley Fry
Owner, PinProsPlus
Choose Science-Backed Probiotics
A high-quality prebiotic and probiotic, such as Seed, is absolutely worth the splurge, even if you’re on a tight budget. Gut health plays a vital role in digestion, immunity, and overall well-being, and investing in a science-backed product ensures you get reliable results. I previously used a popular brand that included colostrum, but the benefits faded quickly once I stopped using it, and restarting didn’t bring the same results.
With Seed, I’ve experienced more consistent, lasting improvements in my gut health, even during short breaks. Its robust, multi-strain formulation and independent reviews make it a product I trust, and it’s proven to be a smart, long-term investment in my health, and those are the key things I believe in justifying a splurge for a product.
Verona Angol
Nutrition Coach, VA Nutrition Coching Ltd
Air Purifier: Protect Against Pathogens
Being in the medical field, there is always a greater risk of coming into contact with various harmful bacteria and pathogens, and this is why I feel that my Molekule Air Purifier was definitely worth the splurge. Some airborne pathogens can float through the air for sustained periods, and all it takes is someone to sneeze or cough before one of those pathogens is inhaled by another person.
The Molekule Air Purifier, through its ability to trap and destroy bacteria, mold, and other pathogens, has been a welcome addition to my office and has certainly decreased the downtime that I would normally suffer from getting sick. It is this technology’s ability to help protect me from those elements that has made the Molekule Air Purifier a necessity in keeping me healthy and has definitely been worth every penny that I splurged to buy it.
Robert Applebaum
Plastic Surgeon & CEO, ApplebaumMD.com
Spend More on High-Quality Spices
High-quality spices are definitely worth the investment, even on a tight budget. Scientifically, they contain higher concentrations of essential oils and antioxidants, which means you get more flavor and health benefits like anti-inflammatory properties and improved digestion. In layman’s terms, better spices simply taste richer and last longer, so you don’t need to use as much.
Plus, fresher, purer spices boost your immune system and can even reduce your need for salt, sugar, or unhealthy additives. So, spending a little more on quality spices ultimately enhances both your meals and your well-being.
Shubham Sahu
Food Marketing Expert, Quicklly Inc
Extra-Virgin Olive Oil: Worth the Cost
One healthy ingredient worth the splurge is high-quality extra-virgin olive oil. It might cost a bit more than the standard versions, but its benefits are significant. Rich in antioxidants and healthy fats, it supports heart health and can improve overall well-being. The higher quality ensures that you’re getting a product that retains its nutrients and flavor, which can make a real difference in your health and the taste of your meals. Investing in good olive oil means you’re not just enhancing your cooking but also prioritizing your long-term health, which often outweighs the initial cost.
Rick Eckerson
Co-Founder, Former Personal Trainer & Bodybuilder, Ready4 Health
Organic Honey: A Sweet Health Investment
For a healthy ingredient that’s worth the splurge, I’d recommend high-quality organic honey. It’s a bit pricier than the average supermarket honey, but it’s packed with health benefits that make it a smart investment. Organic honey is rich in antioxidants and has natural antibacterial properties, which can support your immune system and help soothe sore throats.
It’s a more natural sweetener compared to processed sugars. Even if you’re watching your budget, spending a little more on a jar of pure, organic honey can be a great way to boost your health and add a touch of sweetness to your day in a way that’s both delicious and beneficial.
Chris Bajda
E-Commerce Entrepreneur & Managing Partner, Groomsday
Fish Oil for Long-Term Health Benefits
High-quality fish oil. Rich in omega-3 fatty acids, fish oil supports heart health, reduces inflammation, and promotes overall well-being. It can be particularly beneficial for maintaining healthy vision and reducing the risk of age-related macular degeneration, which is crucial for eye health.
Although high-quality fish oil supplements can be more expensive, they often offer better purity and potency compared to cheaper alternatives. Investing in a reputable brand ensures you get a product with minimal contaminants and optimal levels of essential fatty acids, providing more significant health benefits.
The cost of high-quality fish oil can be justified by its broad health benefits, which can potentially reduce long-term healthcare costs by supporting cardiovascular health and lowering inflammation.
For individuals with specific health concerns, including eye health, this investment can contribute to overall wellness and potentially prevent more costly treatments in the future. Prioritizing high-quality fish oil is a smart choice for those looking to maintain health on a budget while ensuring they receive maximum nutritional benefits.
Dr. Thierry Hufnagel
Board Certified Ophthalmologist & Owner, Stahl Eyecare Experts
Goat Milk Soap: Luxurious Skin Nourishment
One healthy product that’s absolutely worth the splurge, even on a tight budget, is goat milk soap. Its rich, creamy texture is not only luxurious but also incredibly nourishing for the skin. Goat milk is packed with vitamins like A and E, and its natural fatty acids help maintain the skin’s moisture barrier, making it ideal for dry or sensitive skin. Unlike harsh, mass-produced soaps, goat milk soap gently cleanses without stripping the skin of its natural oils, leaving it soft and hydrated. Given its long-lasting benefits, it’s an investment in healthier, more radiant skin that’s worth every penny.
Renee Clark
Owner, Flicker and Twinkle