Following a diet with strict guidelines can be costly, and the ketogenic diet [1] is no different. Healthy fats [2] from things such as avocados and coconut oil are essential to the keto lifestyle, and they don't necessarily come cheap.
However, being on a budget shouldn't exclude you from enjoying the emotional [3] and physical benefits [4] keto living has to offer. So read on for 16 budget-friendly buys that'll make keto living a breeze.
Alesto Pecan Nuts
Nuts aren't just a handy snack to have when you're on the run, they're also packed with protein, carbs, and healthy fats that make them nutritional powerhouses. While following the keto diet though, eating pecans is the best way to keep your fat intake up. Grab these for under £3 at Lidl.
J.D. Gross Dark Chocolate
You may not technically be "allowed" most sweet snacks on the keto diet [6], but a square of this generous slab of dark chocolate with pieces of tart raspberry will only add four grams of net carbs to your daily tally. It's £1.29 at Lidl.
Cauli Rice Cauliflower with Broccoli
Cauliflower and broccoli are two of the most common vegetables you'll encounter while eating keto. If you're tired of having them steamed, switch your mealtimes up by grabbing some convenient pouches [7] (£1.95) of the riced veggies.
Dulano Selection Italian Salami Romana
If the keto snackers of Instagram are to be believed, everything should be lovingly wrapped in cured ham before being devoured. With no added sugars nor an expensive price tag, this tray of salami fits the bill pretty well and can be picked up at your local Lidl for £1.69.
East End Pure Butter Ghee for Cooking
If your keto menu involves a lot of fried eggs, do yourself a favour, and add a tub of ghee [10] (£4) to your shopping list. This clarified butter is packed with vitamins A, D, and E, is lactose-free, has a high smoking point, and improves digestion.
Cooked Sliced Chicken Breast Pieces
On some nights, even the easiest keto combinations [11] feel like a chore. The remedy for that is a bag of pre-cooked chicken breast strips [12] (£1.69) that you can simply throw into the microwave and add to a salad.
The Foodie Market Peanut Butter
Nut butters are the easiest snack to reach for, and Aldi's come in at under £1 a jar. Stock up on these peanut versions that you can use to top chia porridge bowls or add to fat bombs [13].
Green Grocer's Frozen Raspberries
Frozen fruit is a convenient and less expensive alternative to fresh produce. With raspberries being at the top of the list of keto-approved fruit [14], it's a wise choice to keep a bag of these berries (£2.39 at Lidl) in the freezer, and use them to top your keto porridge or have as a low-sugar snack throughout the day.
Coco Loco Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is a staple of the keto lifestyle, and this affordable jar [15] (£2.29) isn't just cold-pressed, it's organic, too.
Alesto Whole Chia Seeds
Chia seeds [16] are one of nature's wonders, and their price tends to reflect that. Luckily, Lidl has come to our rescue yet again with a pack that costs just over £1. When it comes to keto living, these tiny seeds tick all the boxes because they're full of omega-3 fats, packed with filling fibre, and can take whatever flavour you want.
Deluxe Avocado Oil
Avocado oil is full of the MUFA oils [17] that are essential to heart health and is one of the best healthy fats [18] to add to your keto menu. Use Lidl's £2 gem as a drizzle for salads and roasted veggies.
Four Seasons Broccoli Florets
Avoid the cost of fresh produce by buying frozen vegetables that you can use at your convenience. These are under £1 at Aldi.
Deluxe Outdoor-Bred British Pork Sausages
Sausages may not be on your daily menu, but every once in awhile they are a tasty way to get your fats and protein up, so add these gluten-free cumberlands [19] (£1.89) to your shopping list.
The Pantry Ground Almonds
Bake up some keto-friendly cakes [20] using this budget-friendly almond flour [21] (£1.39).
Specially Selected Raw Jumbo King Prawns
Focusing on getting your fats up doesn't mean you can neglect your protein intake. Get a large bag of frozen jumbo prawns [22] (£2.50) for your freezer, and add them to your favourite courgetti recipe [23] for a tasty pasta dinner.
Alesto Seed Mix
This budget-friendly seed mix (£1.19 at Lidl) features fatty and fibrous sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, and pine nuts, among others.