Oats are very low in sugar and are a great source of complex carbohydrates, which release energy slowly and keep you fuller for longer.   A supermarket own label cereal can cost more than 3 times more than oats, and contain more than 8 teaspoons of sugar per 100g.

Low in saturated fat, with skins that are high in fibre.  Potatoes can be added to soups and stews, baked, mashed or roasted in wedges.  In comparison, buying a 1kg bag of frozen chips will set you back twice the cost and also more than double your calorie intake.

Not only does wholegrain bread have a longer shelf life, but it is higher in fibre, protein and B vitamins.  Brown bread, in contrast, is made from finely milled wheat, from which the bran has been extracted.  Look for the words “whole grain” or “100% whole wheat” on packaging and ensure the first ingredient listed is whole wheat, oats, whole rye, whole grain corn, barley, quinoa, buckwheat or brown rice.

Not only are they super cheap but they are a powerhouse of nutrients.  They are a good source of potassium, calcium, zinc, niacin and vitamin K, but are particularly rich in dietary fibre, lean protein, folate and iron.  Lentils are also really filling and perfect for the winter season, as they are a great protein source for a warming pot of soup.

Eggs are an excellent inexpensive source of protein.  Eggs contain all the essential amino acids in the right ratios, as well as a host of vitamins and minerals.  They are a great alternative to meat, which can be pricey, and with recent research in the news suggesting that processed meats like bacon, ham and sausages rank alongside cigarettes as a major cause of cancer, eggs are a great cheaper and healthier choice.

Save on butter by opting for tuna in sunflower oil.  Tuna is a great way get more fish into your diet due to its mild flavour.  The small amount of fat present in tuna is mostly healthy unsaturated fats, including omega-3-fatty acids.

Milk is usually a staple for most households, with people adding it to their compulsory tea and coffee throughout the day.  But milk also provides a host of health benefits, especially if you enjoy hitting the gym.  One glass of milk provides all the right nutrients for the perfect post workout drink, which means you can save money on not buying protein shakes.

At less than 10p per banana, they are the ultimate snack on the go, as well as being a great way to start the day.  Bananas are a very good source of vitamin B6 and a good source of manganese, vitamin C, potassium, dietary fibre, biotin and copper. They are also great if you have a sweet tooth, as they provide natural sugar which won’t cause tooth decay compared to sweeties.

Raw carrot sticks are a great weight loss snack, as they are naturally sweet and low in calories.  They are also good cooked into soups and stews for extra flavour.  Carrots are a good source beta-carotene, fibre, vitamin K, potassium and antioxidants.

Onions are great for adding flavour, without the need for adding too much salt or fat to your dish.  They are also really cheap and can be added to most savoury dishes.

These are a staple for your kitchen cupboard, particularly in Winter when fresh tomatoes are not in season.  They also require zero preparation, and can be added to soups, sauces and stews.  They are just as good as fresh with a good source of vitamin A and fibre and an excellent source of the antioxidant lycopene, shown to help lower the risk of heart disease, prostate cancer and macular degeneration.