madichan/CC BY 2.0The environment and health watchdog, Environmental Working Group (EWG), has done it again with the publication of their list, Good Food on a Tight Budget. The group known for its cosmetics’ toxins database and annual survey of top pesticide-laden foods. They take exhaustive scientific data and translates it into absolutely usable information that allows consumers to make the healthiest decisions. They so rock.

For this list, EWG assessed nearly 1,200 foods and picked their favorite 100 of the most nutritious, most economical and least polluted fruits, vegetables, proteins, grains and dairy items. The prices were analyzed on national averages (but seasonality may affect local costs).

Fruits

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  • ApricotAvocadoBananaCantaloupeGrapefruitHoneydewKiwiNectarines (domestic)PapayaPearStarfruitTangerineWatermelon

Starchy Vegetables

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  • Corn (frozen)Lima beans (fresh)Potatoes (Potatoes may have more pesticides than other vegetables. Check prices for organic.)

Red and Orange Vegetables

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  • CalabazaSpanish pumpkinCarrotsPumpkin (fresh)Sweet potatoesTomatoes - low sodium, canned

Dark Green Vegetables

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  • BroccoliCollardsKaleLettuceRomaineMixed salad greensMustard greensParsleySpinachTurnip greens

The Rest

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  • Alfalfa sproutsBrussels sproutsCabbageChayotePear squashEggplantGreen onionsOkra (frozen)OnionsSnow peas (fresh)Zucchini, yellow squash, other summer squashes

For the rest of the list, which includes the most nutritious, most economical and least polluted proteins, grains and dairy items – as well as shopping tools, tips and recipes – download the complete report.