12 Healthy Walmart Items That Are So Tasty And Cheap

Walmart may not be the first store you think of when shopping for healthy foods that still taste good, but the retailer might surprise you.

Walmart is packed with plenty of options to add to your cart, including some healthy choices for your pantry, fridge, or freezer.

Add these tasty dishes to your shopping list if you're trying to save money on groceries when you shop at Walmart while still eating healthy.

Editor's note: Prices and availability are subject to change and may vary by location.

Price: $2.87

Marketside Classic Hummus is a great dip made out of chickpeas, water, and some seasonings. The healthy dip works with different options like vegetables and veggie chips and is gluten-free for shoppers who worry about gluten in their diets.

Chickpeas also provide plant-based protein and fiber, making hummus a satisfying addition to snack time. Serve it with carrots, cucumber slices, or bell peppers for a simple way to work more vegetables into your day. You can also spread it on sandwiches and wraps instead of using heavier condiments. Pairing hummus with ingredients you already have at home can help you avoid spending extra on packaged snacks and takeout.

Price: $0.92 

Black beans can be a good source of protein and are easy to store at home, as they're shelf-stable in your pantry for a long time when stored properly. Stock up when they're on sale so you have extras when you need them.

They also provide fiber and can help make inexpensive meals more filling. Add them to rice bowls, tacos, soups, salads, or homemade burritos for a budget-friendly source of plant-based protein. Because canned beans are ready to use after draining and rinsing, they can save you prep time on busy evenings. Choosing no-salt-added beans also gives you more control over the sodium in your meals. Keep a few cans in the pantry for easy meals without an extra trip to the store.

Price: $2.18

Grab a three-pound bag of apples at Walmart to add some fresh fruit to your cart. Some shoppers may worry about the freshness of produce at the retailer, so remember to check produce for any blemishes or rot before adding it to your cart.

Gala apples are a versatile choice because their sweet flavor works well for snacking, slicing into salads, or adding to oatmeal. Pair apple slices with peanut butter for a more filling snack, or chop them into yogurt for extra crunch. Buying a bag gives you several servings of fruit without paying for individually packaged snacks. Store apples in the refrigerator to help them stay fresh longer, and use softer apples in baked recipes to reduce food waste.

Price: $1.82

Rice can be a great source of carbs as well as a good grain to add to any dish to make it hearty and healthy. Grab the Great Value Long Grain Enriched Rice, which comes in a 32-ounce bag, or try larger or smaller sizes depending on your needs.

Rice is a practical pantry staple because it pairs with beans, vegetables, eggs, chicken, and other affordable ingredients. Cook a batch ahead of time to make quick lunches or dinners throughout the week. You can also use leftovers in fried rice or add them to soups to make meals more filling. Buying dry rice instead of individual microwaveable portions can help stretch your grocery budget, especially if rice appears on your menu regularly.

Price: $9.78

Nuts are packed with nutrients like protein, fiber, and good fats while also tasting good. So, if you're looking for a healthy snack, grab a 27-ounce container of Great Value Mixed Nuts with Peanuts.

Keep a small portion in a reusable container for work, school, or errands when hunger strikes. Nuts can also add crunch to oatmeal, salads, and homemade trail mix. Buying a larger container may cost more upfront than choosing a small snack pack, but portioning the nuts yourself can help you avoid paying extra for individual packaging. Because nuts are calorie-dense, a small handful is often enough for a snack. Compare the serving size on the label to make the container last longer.

Price: $4.18

Oats are a great source of whole grains, so add some to your diet either for breakfast or consider including them in recipes like muffins, breads, or even cookies. The Great Value 100% Whole Grain Old Fashioned Oats come in a 42-ounce container, giving you plenty of oats with plenty of options.

Oats contain fiber, including beta-glucan, which can help support healthy cholesterol levels as part of a balanced diet. Make a warm bowl with fruit and cinnamon, or prepare overnight oats for an easy breakfast before work. You can also blend oats into smoothies or use them in homemade granola. A large container offers plenty of servings, helping you prepare filling breakfasts at home instead of paying for coffee shop pastries or packaged breakfast bars.

Price: $.98

It's easy to steam frozen vegetables in the bags they come in by simply popping them in the microwave for a healthy side. Check out different options at Walmart, including Great Value Cut Green Beans, for example, which come in a 12-ounce bag in the freezer section.

Frozen vegetables are handy because they can be stored until you need them, helping reduce the chance that fresh produce will spoil before you use it. Serve the green beans alongside chicken, fish, rice, or pasta, or stir them into soups and casseroles. Frozen vegetables can be a budget-friendly way to add more produce to meals without washing and chopping everything from scratch. Check the package directions before heating, and transfer the beans to a microwave-safe dish if the packaging isn't designed for microwave use.

Price: $.19

Bananas are a good source of potassium and are easy to carry with you for a simple on-the-go snack. The price of bananas at Walmart is a per-banana price, so you can grab as few or as many as you need without worrying about getting too many.

That flexibility can help you stick to your grocery budget and buy only what your household is likely to eat. Enjoy bananas on their own, slice them over oatmeal, or add them to yogurt and smoothies. They can also bring natural sweetness to homemade muffins and pancakes. Choose a mix of ripe and slightly green bananas if you want them to last several days. When bananas become too ripe, peel and freeze them for smoothies or baking instead of letting them go to waste.

Price: $5.97

Rotisserie chicken can be a good source of protein, with the bonus of Walmart making it fresh, so it's cooked and warm when you grab one from the store. The Freshness Guaranteed Traditional Rotisserie Chicken can also be used as a healthy ingredient in other recipes, like chicken soup or chicken salad.

Picking up a ready-to-eat chicken can save you the time and effort of preparing a whole bird at home. Serve it with frozen vegetables and rice for a simple dinner, or shred the leftovers for tacos, sandwiches, and salads. Using one chicken across several meals can make your grocery dollars go further and reduce food waste. Refrigerate leftovers promptly, remove the meat from the bones, and store it in airtight containers. Check the package label for nutrition information, including sodium, to help you choose portions that fit your needs.

Price: $3.28

Cheese can be a good source of protein, but it might be hard to cut up slices to take with you on the go. Instead, consider the Great Value String Low-Moisture Part-Skim Mozzarella Cheese, which is easy to grab for a healthy and delicious snack.

Individually portioned cheese sticks make it easier to pack lunches and prepare quick snacks without reaching for vending machine treats. Pair one with an apple, whole-grain crackers, or vegetables for a more balanced snack. Part-skim cheese can provide protein and calcium, though nutrition varies by serving size. Keeping convenient snacks in the fridge can help you avoid pricier grab-and-go options when you're away from home.

Price: $3.97

Grab some Fresh Cravings Salsa if you're looking for a way to add some extra spice to your snacks or as an ingredient in your meals. The salsa includes tomatoes and other ingredients for an authentic and fresh taste similar to what you would find at a restaurant.

Use it as a dip for baked tortilla chips or serve it alongside eggs, tacos, and rice bowls. A spoonful can also add flavor to black beans, grilled chicken, or homemade burritos without requiring a long list of extra ingredients. Keeping salsa in the fridge gives you an easy way to dress up simple meals made from pantry staples. Check the nutrition label for sodium and serving-size information, and refrigerate the salsa according to the package directions after opening.

Price: $3.28

Great Value Greek Plain Nonfat Yogurt has a higher protein content than typical yogurt and less sugar, giving you a healthier option. Walmart's Great Value brand includes plain Greek yogurt, but you can also check the shelves for flavors like vanilla. Either way, at this price,it is a great option for saving money on your shopping.

Plain yogurt also gives you the flexibility to control how much sweetness you add. Stir in fresh fruit, cinnamon, or a small drizzle of honey for breakfast, or use it as a base for smoothies. You can even substitute plain Greek yogurt for sour cream in dips and some recipes. Buying a larger container and portioning it at home may help reduce the cost of individual cups. Compare nutrition labels when choosing flavored varieties, since added sugar can vary.

Walmart may not be your first thought when it comes to healthy and delicious food, but it's a great option if you want to eat better while also sticking to a tight budget.

Remember, you can stretch your Walmart budget by purchasing everything from home goods to clothes and other options at the store, so keep an eye out for deals that can keep some cash in your wallet. 

Planning your meals before shopping can help you make the most of these affordable staples. Build meals around pantry basics like rice, beans, and oats, then add fresh or frozen produce and protein to round them out. Buying versatile ingredients that work in several recipes can reduce waste and help you avoid expensive last-minute takeout orders.