If you’re backpacking through foreign countries where restaurants aren’t cheap, then getting your meals from the grocery store is pretty much a requirement if you’re on a budget. You can fill yourself cheaply with spaghetti and tomato sauce (I’ve actually seen backpackers use ketchup as a replacement) – yet while you might be saving money on your meal, nutritionists would argue you’ll be paying for it in other ways. Adding some of the foods on this list might save you more than just pocket change.

The 20 Healthiest Foods for Under $1

Some of the foods on this list are obvious, and others will be nearly impossible to find in other parts of the world. Regardless, even if you’re traveling somewhere that you can afford to eat like a king (i.e. Thailand), it doesn’t hurt to supplement with some of the foods on this list when it comes to those mid-afternoon or late-night snacks. I always like to keep bananas in my room when I’m traveling for just this reason, as they’re healthy, cheap, and available just about anywhere.

As for the foods on this list which may only be available when you’re back home, keep in mind that this list doesn’t just apply to when you’re traveling, since before you can go anywhere, you first have to save money for the trip.