The Single Most Versatile Item You Can Keep in the Kitchen (Plus 5 Other Must-Haves)

We created the Health Hacks on a Budget video course series to make it as easy as possible for everyone to save time and money while living a healthy life. In this series, we share simple recipes, easy tips, and educational information to help you and your family thrive.

Thinking outside the box and utilizing certain foods for breakfast, lunch, dinner—and even beauty!—can help you get the most bang for your buck. Not to mention, they can be a huge time-saver. Our host Sara Snow chose five essential ingredients (plus one bonus item!) that can play multiple roles in your meals and in your home. Watch the video to learn more about each one of these healthy foods—and shop most of them right here on Thrive Market for 25 to 50 percent less than supermarket prices.

Fresh greens

Shop your local farmers’ market for the tastiest organic fresh greens, which are great for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and even smoothies in between.

Eggs

Eggs are a low-cost, high-quality protein that contains all nine essential amino acids—and there’s no need to worry about the cholesterol. Look for organic, free-range eggs at the farmers’ market.

Coconut oil

This is by far the most versatile of oils. It’s great for baking, cooking in the oven or on the stovetop, and it doubles as a head-to-toe beauty treatment.

Peanut butter

It’s time to swap out conventional peanut butter that’s chock full of high-fructose corn syrup and opt for the all-natural kind. There’s even an alternative for kids with nut allergies.

Beans

Cook a pot of beans once a week, and it will really go a long way as a nutritious addition to everything from omelettes, to casseroles, to soups and stews.

BONUS

This one ingredient is great in baking, deodorizing the home, and even making your own personal care items. Guess what it is… Or just watch the video!

This is one video in a series that’s free for all Thrive Gives recipients. See the rest of the videos here. Applying for a free membership through our Giving program is easy—just click here.