For many, healthy eating equates to endlessly searching for fresh produce, items free from preservatives and wholesome ingredients that may not always deliver on their promises while costing a pretty penny. However, nutritionist Annie Bell has shared some of her top picks that are both budget-friendly and beneficial for gut health.

In her column for The Telegraph, the healthy eating specialist specifically highlighted affordable foods from Lidl and Aldi that “come up trumps for nutrition staples” and could even outperform more expensive “posh” alternatives. She revealed her top nine grocery items from the two popular high street supermarkets.

Smoothies

When it comes to smoothies, Annie emphasised that the more fruit in the blend, the better. She particularly singled out Lidl’s Naturis Rejuvenate and Aldi’s The Juice Company Enliven Super Smoothie, both of which cost less than £2 for 750ml.

Granola

A staple in healthy diets worldwide, these plant-based items can make a great breakfast with a “nutritional edge over plain porridge”. Annie specifically suggested mixes with nuts and seeds that don’t contain dried fruit and are low in sugar.

Specifically, Lidl’s Crownfield Low Sugar Original Granola is a top recommendation at £1.99 for 500grams. The expert noted that this mix boasts a higher protein content than pricier alternatives from retailers like Waitrose.

Pre-cooked rice and grain

These handy pouches offer a quick and easy cooking solution, which is not typically associated with healthy eating. However, Annie highlighted that they are a regular part of her diet.

She recommends opting for pouches with fewer than 20 ingredients, like Lidl’s White and Red Quinoa, which contains just three ingredients and costs £1.05 for 250grams.

Eggs

Research suggests that organic eggs may contain higher levels of beneficial compounds that can help reduce inflammation. You can find these eggs in virtually any supermarket at varying prices.

For a dozen organic eggs, you might pay around £1.45 at Lidl, £2.25 at Aldi, and £3 at M&S.

Nut butter

According to Annie: “A smooth peanut butter is the gold standard here, with the best nutritionally being 100 per cent nut and nothing else – which makes Lidl and Aldi’s bumper 1kg tubs a steal.”

These tubs are available for £3.99 in both stores.

Tofu

Plain tofu is an excellent source of protein. Lidl’s Vemondo Plant brand offers higher levels of soya beans, fibre, calcium and other nutrients compared to its pricier counterparts at M&S.

Lidl’s 400gram organic tofu costs around £1.75, while the M&S option is priced at £1.90 for 300grams.

Olive oil

Instead of simply choosing the cheapest bottle on the shelf, which may not offer all the nutritional benefits, Annie suggested some specific options.

Lidl’s Deluxe Puglian Extra Virgin Olive Oil is priced at £4.19 for 500ml, while Aldi’s PDO Castel Del Monte Extra Virgin Olive Oil 500ml costs £5.59. Notably, both supermarkets offer the nutritionist’s top pick, PDOTerra Di Bari extra virgin olive oil.

Tinned Mackerel

According to Annie, a lesser-known health gem is mackerel tinned in spring water, which she declares the “best tinned fish for nutrition”. Rich in heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids, a 125g tin of this fish can be purchased at Lidl for just 89p.

Cider Vinegar

A staple among modern wellness enthusiasts, Annie concedes that organic apple cider vinegar does have some benefits when it contains “the mother”, which signifies the presence of natural bacteria, yeasts, and probiotics. Specifically, she recommends Lidl’s Batts organic apple cider vinegar with the mother, available for £2.09 for 500ml.