Some people believe following a diet must involve top-of-the-line, expensive foods, like organic fruits and vegetables or high-quality meat and fish. This is not necessarily true and patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) can eat healthily without putting a massive dent in their wallets. Here are some budget-savvy tips and tricks on how to save money and stay healthy on a kidney-friendly diet.*

How can you save money on a kidney-friendly diet?

1. Plan your meals ahead of time and before you go to the grocery store, which can help lower food costs, reduce food waste, and help you stay on track with your diet.
2. Use foods you have on-hand or leftovers to help create your next meal. If you need help with meal inspiration, search DaVita’s Recipes page to find a kidney-friendly recipe with these foods. 
3. Stock up on pantry staples when on sale. White rice, pasta, olive oil, unsalted popcorn, unsalted or low-sodium canned vegetables, and canned tuna are all great kidney-healthy pantry staples that may go on sale at your local grocery store. Pro tip: If you are unable to find lower-sodium versions of canned vegetables, standard canned vegetables may be rinsed under running water for one minute to remove some of the sodium. 
4. Replace meat with a protein-packed vegetable at some meals. Since meat tends to be one of the more expensive food items at the store, try replacing meat protein with beans, lentils, peas, or quinoa for a more cost-effective alternative.
5. Use generic brands over name-brand products when possible. These items are often very similar—or exactly the same!—as the name-brand products. Always compare nutrition labels before buying to ensure you are choosing the best option for you.
6. Shop in-season produce for better price tags and sales. Grocery stores will sometimes put in-season fruits and vegetables on sale because they have a larger supply at that time. Make sure to discuss with your doctor or dietitian any fruits and vegetables you need to limit or avoid.
7. Choose the time you shop wisely. Sometimes sales happen at grocery stores or markets at certain times of the day or week. Reach out to your local stores to inquire about when sales are announced or planned. Farmer’s markets also tend to drop prices on their unsold produce at the end of the day.
8. Freeze soups, casseroles, fruit, and vegetables for later use. Freezing foods can save you a significant amount of money over time, and they can taste just as good as when you first made them. If you need to limit your fluid intake, frozen fruit is great to use as a mini-popsicle to quench your thirst.

*Sexton, N. (2020, Sept. 24). Kidney Diet on a Budget. DaVita Medical Insights. https://blogs.davita.com/medical-insights/2020/09/24/kidney-diet-on-a-budget/