Vegan Diet: Cheaper, Healthier, Happier

There is a common misconception that veganism is an expensive lifestyle choice. However, many people who have adopted a vegan diet have found that they save money. This is because many vegan foods are cheaper than animal products, and you can still eat healthily and deliciously on a budget.

There are several ways to save money on a vegan diet. Firstly, buying in bulk is a great way to save money on vegan staples like beans, grains, nuts, and seeds. Shopping at local farmers' markets or joining a CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) can also help you get cheap fruit and vegetables. Cooking for yourself is another way to save money, as premade vegan food can be expensive. Learning to cook with simple grains and beans, along with fresh fruits and vegetables, can help you create tasty and hearty meals.

In addition to the financial benefits, a vegan diet can also be better for the environment and reduce animal suffering. So, if you're thinking of making the switch to veganism, you may find that it's not only a compassionate choice but also a cost-effective one.

Characteristics	Values
Cost of vegan diet	Can be cheaper than a meat-based diet
Perceived cost	Often thought to be more expensive
Cost of meat	Meat is subsidised by the government, keeping prices low
Cost of vegan alternatives	Can be more expensive than meat
Cost of fruit and vegetables	Can be cheaper when bought in season and in bulk
Cost of vegan snacks	Can be more expensive than non-vegan snacks
Cost of eating out	Vegan dishes are often the cheapest on the menu

Buy in bulk

Buying in bulk is a great way to save money on a vegan diet. Here are some tips to maximise your savings:

You can save a lot of money by buying in bulk, whether it's from specialty stores like Costco or the bulk bins at your local grocery store. Buying in bulk is almost always cheaper per unit, and it also saves you from last-minute supermarket trips when you run low on food. Additionally, buying in bulk reduces packaging and waste, making it an environmentally friendly choice!

Stock up on lentils and chickpeas

Lentils and chickpeas are excellent items to buy in bulk as they have a long shelf life and are packed with nutrients. They are also very versatile and can be used in a variety of dishes. For example, you can cook red lentils in a sweet potato curry or make a batch of chickpeas to freeze and use later.

Discover your 'lazy day dish'

Figure out a simple meal that you can whip up on days when you don't feel like cooking. Make sure to buy the necessary ingredients in bulk so you can always fall back on this dish instead of ordering an expensive takeaway. For example, you can stock up on pasta, olive oil, and herbs to make a quick and satisfying pasta dish.

Buy ingredients in bulk and cook large batches of food to freeze and eat later. This saves you money by reducing the number of ingredients you need to buy, as you can buy them in larger quantities, and it also saves you time and effort on cooking every day.

Buy and cook dried beans in bulk

Beans are a great source of protein for vegans and are usually cheaper when bought dried in bulk. You can cook a large batch of dried beans and freeze them to use in various dishes throughout the week. This saves money and ensures you always have a filling, nutritious protein source on hand.

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Shop local and in-season

Shopping local and in-season is a great way to save money on a vegan diet.

The cost of produce varies depending on the time of year and your location. By shopping for in-season produce, you can access the freshest food at the best price. In-season produce is typically picked at the peak of its ripeness, meaning it has a better flavour profile and more nutrients.

Shopping at your local farmer's market is a great way to support homegrown businesses and enjoy tastier food. You can also save money by buying directly from farmers, who often sell bags of fruits and vegetables for a low price.

If you want to save even more money, you could consider growing your own fruits and vegetables. Fresh herbs, for example, can be grown with little maintenance and will save you money at the supermarket. You could also start with the basics, like thyme, basil and rosemary, and then expand your garden with flavours like tarragon, sage or mint.

If you're craving something that's out of season, consider buying frozen fruits and vegetables. They are typically cheaper than their non-frozen counterparts but still retain their nutritional value as they are flash-frozen after being picked.

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Avoid flashy vegan alternatives

When transitioning to a vegan diet, it is easy to be drawn to the meat-free alternatives that resemble the animal products you once enjoyed. However, these alternatives can be expensive and may not be as nutritious as you think.

For example, a pack of "Herb-Garlic Flavor French-Style Treenut Cheese" costs $7.49, and eating one pack a day would cost $53.43 per week. Similarly, the Beyond Meat patty is more expensive than the average beef burger. These alternatives often rely on fancy packaging to convince consumers to buy them.

Instead, embrace the opportunity to get creative in the kitchen. You don't need vegan alternatives to make delicious and exciting meals. Experiment with different ingredients and flavours, and let your culinary curiosity guide you.

By avoiding the flashy vegan alternatives, you can save money and discover a whole new world of tasty, nutritious, and budget-friendly meals.

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Plan meals and cook in bulk

Planning meals and cooking in bulk is a great way to save money on a vegan diet. Here are some tips to help you get started:

Plan Your Meals

Meal planning is a crucial step in saving money on your vegan diet. By planning your meals for the week ahead, you can create a targeted shopping list and avoid unnecessary purchases. This helps to reduce food waste and save money. Consider the ingredients you already have, and plan your meals around them to make the most of your groceries. You can also plan to use certain ingredients in multiple meals throughout the week to reduce costs.

Cook in Bulk

Cooking in large batches is a time-saving and cost-effective strategy. Prepare double or triple portions of your meals and freeze the leftovers for quick and easy options during the week. This method is especially useful for dishes that can be easily frozen and reheated, such as soups, curries, and chillies. Cooking in bulk also saves time and effort in the kitchen, as you won't need to cook from scratch every day.

Make a Shopping List and Stick to It

Once you have planned your meals, create a detailed shopping list and stick to it when you go grocery shopping. This will help you avoid impulse purchases and ensure you only buy what you need. Compare prices between different stores and brands, and look for deals and discounts to make the most of your budget. Buying in bulk, especially for non-perishable items like grains, beans, and nuts, can also save you money in the long run.

Choose Affordable Ingredients

Focus on affordable, whole food ingredients such as legumes, potatoes, grains (oats, brown rice, quinoa), vegetables, fruits, and some nuts and seeds. These tend to be cheaper than processed vegan substitutes like vegan cheese and meat alternatives. Additionally, buy seasonal produce, as it is usually cheaper and fresher. You can also try shopping at farmers' markets or joining a CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) program to get fresh, local produce at a lower cost.

Leftovers and Fridge Cleaning Days

Make the most of your leftovers by incorporating them into your meals. You can also dedicate a day or two each week to "fridge cleaning," where you get creative and prepare meals from whatever ingredients you have on hand. This reduces waste and saves you money by ensuring you use up all your groceries.

Track Your Spending

Finally, consider tracking your spending on groceries for a few weeks to get an idea of how much you're spending on your vegan diet. This will help you identify areas where you can cut back and set a realistic budget for your future grocery trips.

By following these tips and incorporating them into your routine, you'll be well on your way to saving money on your vegan diet while still enjoying delicious and nutritious meals.

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Understand the true costs of eating meat

Human Health

The cost of healthcare for people with heart disease and other chronic illnesses that animal foods contribute to takes a financial toll on our country as a whole.

Animal Suffering

Even with so-called "humane meat", animals suffer and their lives are cut short.

Environmental Consequences

Waste runoff from animal agriculture pollutes nearby water systems. All animal agriculture produces greenhouse gases—more than all transportation systems combined. The amount of land and other resources used to rear livestock and grow crops to feed them is a leading driver of deforestation, greenhouse gas emissions, and biodiversity loss.

Subsidies

The meat and dairy industries are heavily subsidised by the government. Without this funding, the prices of animal products would be far higher.