About this guide

The Environmental Working Group's guide to Good Food on a Tight Budget will help you fill your plate with delicious, healthy food—and save time and money.

This guide stems from EWG's work over many years to create our acclaimed Shopper's Guide to Pesticides in Produce, which highlights fresh fruits and vegetables low in weed-killers and bug-killers. EWG uncovers facts about other additives, contaminants and farming practices that put our health and the environment at risk.

This year, we've built upon what we've learned to create EWG's Good Food on a Tight Budget. Our guide—the only one of its kind—lists the most nutritious, most economical and least polluted fruits, vegetables, proteins, grains and dairy items.

EWG reviewed government surveys and tests for nearly 1,200 foods. We looked at food prices, nutrients, pesticides, environmental pollutants and artificial ingredients and picked the top 100 or so foods that ranked best on balance.

Inside the guide you'll find our simple tips for eating well, quick lists of best foods , tasty recipes, easy tools for tracking food prices and planning your weekly menu and a blank shopping list to help you stay on budget.

Our top picks are based on average food prices nationwide. The prices you see in the store depend on the season and where you live, so look for the best local buys.

Variety is important for your health and happiness. Our lists are a good start, but try other affordable foods, especially those from the fruit and vegetable aisles.

Can't find something on our list? Ask the store manager to stock it. If enough customers ask for something, stores often try to provide it.

Are you concerned about genetically engineered foods? Many haven't been tested for long-term safety. We are working to get these foods labeled so you can make informed choices. Learn more at www.justlabelit.org.

Happy, healthful eating from Environmental Working Group with thanks to Share Our Strength.