6 of the best budget-friendly produce to buy in spring​​

Eating with the seasons is one of the many good ways to eat for your body and the planet. But what does “eating seasonally” actually mean? In short, fruits and vegetables grow in a variety of climates and, therefore, have different seasons in which they thrive. For this reason, produce that's in season is in its most delicious and nutritious state.

Foods that are locally produced and in-season are more likely to be on sale at your grocery store, too, because they are more available. Here is some budget-friendly produce to look out for this spring and some delicious ways to use it. I’m a firm believer that onions are the No.



1 vegetable to buy if you’re on a budget. They’re super versatile, can be really delicious and boast some impressive nutrition. Onions provide minerals and vitamins, such as potassium, vitamin C and folate.

They also have antibacterial properties that help support your immune system and alleviate seasonal allergies. I love to caramelize them. They’re also delicious grilled, roasted, sauteed or even raw as a garnish.

Peas are super-nutritious and budget-friendly, whether they’re fresh, frozen or canned. They’re a great way to add some green to pasta, soups, salads or casseroles. They can even be pureed into a sauce or side.

Inexpensive frozen peas are something that I always have in my freezer. But I especially relish when I can find fresh peas at the store or farmers' market. Greens are one of the most nutrient-dense foods on the planet, meaning they pack a punch of vitamins, minerals and fiber in each bite.

They come in a variety of shapes, sizes and flavors, so try a new type to switch up your routine. While fresh greens are great, frozen is an equally nutritious and longer-lasting option if you’re worried about them going bad in your fridge. Carrots are one of the vegetables that are hearty enough to be available all year long and last a long time in the fridge, but they’re especially flavor-packed in the spring.

Carrots are rich in vitamin A, vitamin C and calcium, nutrients which can help support eye health, immune health and heart health, and reduce chronic inflammation. Beyond the standard orange variety, keep an eye out for rainbow or purple carrots for a burst of color, great taste and nutrition. Asparagus is another hallmark vegetable of springtime.

You can boil, roast, grill, steam and even pickle asparagus spears for a variety of meals. Not to mention, asparagus is a great source of nutrients like fiber, vitamin C, folate and vitamin K that can help with everything from healthy digestion to immune function and blood flow. No fruit reminds me of spring quite like a fresh, in-season strawberry.

Strawberries are one of those fruits with a really noticeable difference between the in-season and out-of-season flavor. That said, fresh fruit from the farmers' market or local food co-op can get expensive quickly. To enjoy the flavors but save a little money, consider picking your own and freezing what you won’t use right away.

This will help you preserve the flavors you love for months to come, and it can even be a fun outing with family or friends. As spring kicks into high gear, people across the country are preparing for family gatherings and festive meals for Passover (April 12-20) and Easter (April 20). To help bring these traditions to life, Instacart has unearthed some egg-citing data showcasing the food, candy, and seasonal items that will have consumers springing for joy this season.

Through a nationwide survey of adults conducted online by The Harris Poll from March 13-17, 2025, Instacart found a whopping 76% of Americans plan to celebrate Easter or Passover this year—and that family or cultural traditions play a major role in their food choices for these celebrations, with 59% of consumers sharing that these traditions are a top influence. However, in taking a deep dive into Instacart's purchase data, we found that some holiday "classics" don't always live up to their iconic status. When picturing a traditional Easter or Passover meal, there are certain foods you expect to see without question.

While the table might be set with these comforting classics, they aren't as beloved as we may have once believed with a handful of them eliciting more "ew" than "mmm." Take lamb for example. While Instacart customers were 5.

5x more likely to put leg of lamb in their carts during the weekend of Easter 2024 compared to the yearly average, the survey found that 35% of consumers said roast lamb is their least favorite of all of the Easter dishes. Other Easter and Passover staples also received mixed reviews, based on Instacart purchase insights and survey data: We can't talk about these festive holidays without a candy deep dive. These are the top 10 candies likely to appear in Easter baskets this year, based on 2024 insights: Jelly beans have their moment to shine in the spring, with a 16.

6x higher order share the day before Easter versus the yearly average according to Instacart data. Our survey findings back this up with more than a third (35%) of Americans saying jelly beans are among the Easter candies they enjoy most. Lollipops also showed a spike in popularity, with 3.

7x more purchases the day before Easter than the rest of the year. Sugar-free, alternative, specialty and health-conscious candies also showed a rise in consumer interest for the holiday, with 58% of Americans stating either they are excited about them or think they are a nice option, but not a priority. 14% of consumers had a different opinion, stating they'd prefer companies stick to their original candy recipes.

Candy preferences can differ dramatically across regions. Despite PEEPS missing the top 10 most popular candy mark nationally, they are a local favorite in Boston, Philadelphia and Washington, D.C.

where purchases spiked 150%, 97% and 111%, respectively, during Easter weekend compared to the national average in 2024. Other regional standouts include: Beyond chocolate eggs and bunnies, Easter is a great way to welcome spring with fun activities like blowing bubbles and enjoying outdoor or seasonal toys. According to Instacart's data, bubble wands and related products soared in popularity during Easter, with a 9.

2x rise in purchases compared to the yearly average. Other Easter basket fillers, like stuffed animals and plush toys also experienced a spike, with a 6.2x higher order share during Easter weekend versus the yearly average.

Chalk was also ordered more often, with a 7x higher order share. Easter and Passover would not be complete without the right decor to get everyone into the spring spirit. According to the survey, 41% of those planning to celebrate share that they will host an Easter or Passover meal for guests and 48% state that they will go to others' homes to celebrate.

With all of this merrymaking, it's no surprise that flowers have emerged as an absolute must-have, dressing up festive tables, based on Instacart data. Customers were 8.6x more likely to put fresh tulips in their cart the day before Easter in 2024 than they were compared to the rest of the year.

This survey was conducted online within the U.S. by The Harris Poll on behalf of Instacart from March 13-17, 2025, among 2,088 adults ages 18 and older, among whom 1,606 will celebrate Easter or Passover this year.

The sampling precision of Harris online polls is measured by using a Bayesian credible interval. For this study, the sample data is accurate to within +/- 2.5 percentage points using a 95% confidence level.

This story was produced by Instacart and reviewed and distributed by Stacker. EatingWell is a magazine and website devoted to healthy eating as a way of life. Online at www.

eatingwell.com . With our weekly newsletter packed with the latest in everything food.

.