Lean protein satisfies hunger and helps keep you energized, making it essential to your grocery list. But you don’t need to beef up your bill — many inexpensive protein sources are also some of the healthiest. Add these meatless mains to your meals:

• Eggs. You can boost protein all week long for around 25 cents/serving. Eggs contain essential nutrients such as choline, vitamins A and B12, and selenium. Perfectly portable when boiled, they also make a quick sandwich and elevate leftovers in a fast frittata.

• Beans. Just 1/2 cup of most cooked beans has as much protein as a glass of milk and is chock-full of fiber, iron, and antioxidants. Canned beans cost about 35 cents/serving, but dry beans are even less at around 15 cents. And they’re a snap to make in a slow cooker.

• Canned fish. A 5-ounce can of water-packed light tuna contains a hefty 20 grams of protein, plus healthy omega-3 fatty acids, all for about a dollar. Canned salmon costs a bit more, but has twice the omega-3s. Both have FDA-acceptable low mercury levels.

Put low-priced protein on your shopping list this week and see how much you save.