Healthy Eating Just Got Cheaper: Supermarket Prices 40% Lower Than A Year Ago | HuffPost Life

'It's certainly a positive move'

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Parents editor at HuffPost UK

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For those looking to give their junk food-filled diet an overhaul, now might be the time, as popular supermarket items have dropped in price by as much as 40% in the space of a year.

Many of the price drops have been seen across fruit and vegetables - meaning healthy eating is finally becoming accessible for all.

Research collected by mySupermarket.co.uk found that the cost of a basket of 35 popular products has dropped in price in the space of 12 months.

Broccoli was 39% cheaper this year compared with April 2015.

Meanwhile onions have reduced in price by 18%, bananas are 15% cheaper and the price of fresh peppers has dropped by 16%.

Nutritionist Charlotte Stirling-Reed from SR Nutrition told The Huffington Post UK that she was pleased to see supermarkets being competitive, "especially with the price of healthy, fresh produce such as fruit and vegetables".

Jeff Greenough via Getty Images

The price drops were recording using the mySupermarket Groceries Tracker, which monitors the cost of the same 35 most commonly bought grocery products on a monthly basis.

The research found that prices are also down from March 2016, with onions being 12% cheaper, fresh peppers being 7% cheaper, and broccoli, deli bacon and ham being 6% cheaper.

The only product to rise higher than a few percentage points was baked beans, which went up by 4%.

Kim Ludlow, mySupermarket’s managing director, said: "Every little bit certainly counts and any percentage drop can add up over time, meaning families can have more cash towards holidays or other treats.

"Of course you should always check prices before you shop, while prices have dropped overall there are several items that have risen since last year or even last month."

SEE ALSO:
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She added that the supermarket price war has continued to keep prices competitive across retailers.

For those looking to eat healthily on a budget, Charlotte Stirling-Reed says it's all about being savvy when shopping.

"For many people price is one of the reasons they quote for not choosing healthier options," she said. "But I’d encourage people to shop around and importantly to remember that a super diet doesn’t have to include expensive or luxury ‘superfoods’.

"Fresh, frozen and dried fruits and vegetables are all great options to include in a healthy, well-balanced diet.

"Moderation and variety are key, and supermarkets are clearly starting to make changes to help consumers feel more comfortable about choosing healthier options, which is certainly a positive move."

Healthy Eating Advice

Watch Those Portions(01 of20)

"Portion control is your secret weapon, especially when it comes to a big spread," says Weight Watchers Leader Claire Keyes. She recommends making everything smaller when prepping your dishes – cut the chicken breasts in half, slice the bread thinner and make bite-sized cupcakes. Your guests won't even notice the difference. (credit:Jupiterimages via Getty Images)

Plan Appetizers In Advance(02 of20)

"Don't be sucked into the easy, last-minute deep-fried spring rolls," notes Keyes. "Simple prepping will lead you to just-as-tasty twists on classic appetizers." She suggests a Weight Watchers recipe for rice-paper wrapped summer rolls, or grilled chicken satay. (credit:jumpphotography via Getty Images)

Plan Around Power Foods(03 of20)

Power Foods is a Weight Watchers term for a list of foods that are both nutritious and satisfying due to their low energy density and healthfulness. Some examples include whole-wheat couscous, avocados and luncheon meats with reduced sodium. (credit:aetb via Getty Images)

Fresh First(04 of20)

"When putting out chips and dips, go for a fresh mango salsa or guacamole and leave out the rich asiago and onion dips," says Keyes. "If you're looking to add one creamy dip, make it a Greek-yogurt based spinach dip surrounded by a plate of colourful veggies." (credit:bhofack2 via Getty Images)

A Lighter Bar(05 of20)

"Instead of sugary mix, make sure to have fresh mint, berries and limes on-hand to add flavour to your drinks," advises Keyes. "Your guests won't even realize they are sipping something good for them." (credit:betyarlaca via Getty Images)

Make Salad A Star(06 of20)

Everyone might be there for the turkey, but that doesn't mean they don't want to eat their vegetables too. Spruce up your salad with ingredients like celery root, pomegranate seeds or cabbage slaw (shown). (credit:Olha_Afanasieva via Getty Images)

Be Carb-Conscious(07 of20)

"Instead of heavy lasagna, make a ratatouille or baked eggplant parmesan," suggests Keyes. "Also, try substituting the mashed potatoes for sweet potatoes, cauliflower or squash." (credit:Marzia Giacobbe via Getty Images)

Healthy Dessert Options(08 of20)

Keyes says you shouldn't opt out of dessert entirely, but instead, provide options that use fruits or vegetables, or other lower fat cooking methods. "Use applesauce instead of oil to moisten your brownies and consider cakes that incorporate vegetables like sweet potato Bundt cake, chocolate beet cake or zucchini bread," she suggests. (credit:ehrlif via Getty Images)

Give Everyone A Goodie Bag(09 of20)

"Insist that everyone goes home with leftovers so they can enjoy the treats all week – especially the ones you know you'll be tempted to revisit the next day!" says Keyes. (credit:Rachel Husband via Getty Images)

Don't Get Overstuffed(10 of20)

When you're starting to feel full, put down the fork for a few minutes. Keyes recommends drinking a big glass of water, and then, if you're still feeling peckish, pick the fork back up! (credit:Zoonar RF via Getty Images)

Get Nutty(11 of20)

"Nuts are the perfect snack for mingling," says Keyes. "Put out a few all-natural mixes for guests to munch on in between courses, or as an alternative to hors d'oeuvres." (credit:Louise Lister via Getty Images)

Limit The Number Of Choices(12 of20)

"It's a fact: the more choices one is faced with, the more one will eat," notes Keyes. So avoid serving a big buffet or cooking twelve different starches. Make a few smart selections instead of giving in to overzealous sampling. (credit:Image Source via Getty Images)

Make A Splurge Worth It(13 of20)

"When you are tempted by Christmas cookies, make sure to ask yourself, 'Are these good enough to spend this many Points [the Weight Watchers method of counting calories, fat, etc. per day] on?' If you make educated decisions you can still have your cake… and eat it too," says Keyes. (credit:Lesyy via Getty Images)

Entertain(14 of20)

Don't forget, there are more ways to spend time with family over the holidays than just sitting around and eating. "Why not go for a walk with your guests after supper, or get a game of touch football going in the afternoon?" asks Keyes. "Whip out the karaoke machine, go caroling around the neighborhood or take a toboggan out with the kids. If you fill your days with great, family-friendly activities, you and your guests won't have time to overindulge." (credit:moodboard via Getty Images)

Invest In Lower Fat Ingredients(15 of20)

"If you're preparing a big dinner, why not use half-fat ingredients whenever possible?" says Keyes. "It is often difficult to tell the difference where taste and flavour are concerned. By swapping regular ingredients, foods and drinks for their half-fat alternatives, you can make a big cut-back on fat and calorie consumption." (credit:Robert Byron via Getty Images)

Trim The Trimmings(16 of20)

To stay healthy, be aware of the amount of cheese, gravies, sauces, butter, and whipped cream, which can be easily pared down. (credit:Maren Caruso via Getty Images)

Keep Dressing On The Side(17 of20)

"Place a variety of dressings on the side, and let your guests decide what to use and how much to put on," says Keyes. (credit:Lew Robertson, Brand X Pictures via Getty Images)

Let Someone Else Taste(18 of20)

"If you're tempted to eat while cooking, take a break and enjoy a low-calorie but fulfilling snack instead," recommends Keyes. (credit:Tom Merton via Getty Images)

Put The Freeze On It(19 of20)

Make sure you put any leftovers directly in the freezer. "By getting the excess food out of sight, you will avoid the temptation of eating it in the days (or moments) immediately following your guests' departures," notes Keyes. (credit:Robert Remen via Getty Images)

Be Flexible About Traditions(20 of20)

"Often, we serve a recipe because that's the way it has always been done," says Keyes. "Make sure you consider how important that tradition is and try and make some new, healthy memories too." (credit:ChickiBam via Getty Images)

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