Madeleine Hull
Adopting a plant-based diet can be a great way to save money on your food shop. While it's a common misconception that eating plant-based is expensive, there are several ways to make it more affordable. One of the best ways to save money is to cook for yourself, as it's almost five times more expensive to order delivery from a restaurant than it is to cook at home. Meal planning is also a great way to save money, as it involves planning and preparing your meals in advance. This means you can buy ingredients in bulk, which is often cheaper, and you're less likely to waste food.
Another way to save money is to focus on whole foods, such as vegetables, fruits, legumes, seeds and nuts, which are far cheaper than buying processed foods or getting takeout. Buying unpackaged, whole foods is also much cheaper than buying pre-packaged items. You can also save money by shopping at wholesale warehouses and farmers' markets, which often have cheaper prices than regular supermarkets.
Finally, it's worth noting that plant-based diets can be healthier and more environmentally friendly than diets that include meat and dairy. So, by adopting a plant-based diet, you can save money, improve your health, and help the planet!
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Plan meals in advance | Save money by buying only what you need |
| Cook at home | Costs less than eating out or ordering in |
| Buy in bulk | Cheaper than buying pre-packaged items |
| Buy whole foods | Less expensive than processed foods |
| Shop around | Compare prices at different stores |
| Stock up on sale items | Save money by buying in bulk when items are on sale |
| Buy frozen foods | Frozen fruits and vegetables are cheaper and last longer than fresh produce |
| Buy store-brand items | Store-brand items are usually cheaper than name-brand items |
What You'll Learn
Plan meals and create shopping lists
Planning meals and creating shopping lists is one of the most effective ways to save money on a plant-based diet. Here are some detailed tips to help you get started:
Identify Meals and Create a Shopping List
Firstly, decide on the meals you want to eat for the week, including breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks. Planning your meals in advance ensures you buy only the ingredients you need, reducing food waste and saving you money. It also helps to prevent impulse purchases or the temptation to order takeout.
Check Your Pantry
Before making your shopping list, take an inventory of your pantry, fridge, and freezer. Check which ingredients you already have and which ones you need. This ensures you don't buy duplicates and helps you make the most of the ingredients you already have.
Be Flexible with Ingredients
When creating your shopping list, consider the ingredients you already have and how they can be used in multiple meals. For example, if you have beans, you can use them in salads, burgers, or hummus. This approach saves money and ensures you eat balanced meals without getting bored.
Stick to Your List
When shopping, stick to the items on your list. Avoid buying items you don't need or those that will go bad before you can use them. Buying only what you need will help you save money and reduce food waste.
Shop in the Bulk Section
For items like rice, beans, lentils, oats, or nuts, consider buying from the bulk section. This can save you money in the long run and also saves pantry space compared to buying canned or pre-packaged items.
Compare Prices
Compare prices between different supermarkets or try shopping at wholesale warehouses and farmers' markets. Prices can vary between stores, and you may find better deals at certain retailers or by shopping at local markets.
By planning your meals, creating a thoughtful shopping list, and being mindful of where you shop, you can significantly save money on a plant-based diet.
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Buy whole foods
Buying whole foods is a great way to save money on a plant-based diet. Whole foods are often cheaper than processed foods and takeout, and they're healthier too. Here are some tips to save money by buying whole foods:
Firstly, focus on unpackaged, whole foods, especially leafy greens. When bought whole and unpackaged, fresh produce is far cheaper than processed foods. Some vegetables with a longer shelf life include celery, romaine lettuce, zucchini, carrots, sweet potatoes, onions, and broccoli. Fruits such as bananas and frozen berries are also great, affordable options. Shopping the outer aisles of the grocery store is a good way to find these whole foods and avoid the more expensive, processed foods.
Secondly, buy beans, legumes, seeds, nuts, and grains in bulk. This is a great way to save money as you'll often get a better price per unit, and it also reduces your use of plastics. Stock up on these pantry staples and you'll always have a nutritious base for your meals.
Thirdly, shop around for the best deals. Prices can vary significantly between different grocery stores, so it's worth comparing prices to find the best value. You might even find that certain stores have cheaper fresh produce than others, so you can save money by buying your fruits and vegetables there.
Finally, cut and freeze your own fruits and vegetables. Buying fresh produce and then cutting and freezing it yourself can save money compared to buying pre-cut fruits and vegetables, which are often more expensive and come loaded in plastic wrapping. This way, you'll also have healthy options ready to go for those days when you don't have the time or energy to cook.
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Avoid vegan specialty items
Avoid Vegan Speciality Items
Vegan cheeses, mock meats, and coconut yogurts are often extremely expensive. They are also highly processed and loaded with refined oils. It is best to avoid these items and opt for whole foods instead.
Plan Your Meals
Planning your meals is a great way to save money. Take some time each week to plan out what you want to eat and develop a shopping list based on that. This will ensure you only buy what you need and don't end up wasting food or money.
Buy Whole Foods
Focus your shopping list on whole, unpackaged foods, especially leafy greens. When bought unpackaged and whole, fresh produce is far cheaper than buying processed foods or getting takeout.
Shop Around
Prices can vary significantly between different stores. It is worth shopping around to find the best deals. This might mean going to more than one grocery store, but it can save you a lot of money in the long run.
Buy in Bulk
Buying in bulk is a great way to save money, as it is usually cheaper than buying pre-packaged items. It also reduces your use of plastics and packaging. Look for bulk deals on beans, legumes, seeds, nuts, and grains.
Stock Up on Sale Items
Wait for your favourite vegan items to go on sale and then stock up. This way, you can still enjoy these foods without paying the high price tag.
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Buy in bulk
Buying in bulk is a great way to save money on a plant-based diet. It can be cheaper than shopping at a regular supermarket because you avoid paying for excessive packaging and fancy branding. Buying in bulk also allows you to be more mindful of your consumption and waste, helping you to shop more conscientiously and reduce global emissions.
When shopping in bulk, focus on whole foods, especially leafy greens and foods with long shelf lives, such as beans, legumes, seeds, nuts and grains. These foods are often cheaper per unit when purchased in bulk and can be stored for longer periods. Additionally, buying unpackaged, whole foods is far cheaper than buying processed foods or getting takeout.
Some examples of foods that can be purchased in bulk include:
- Rice
- Beans
- Legumes
- Lentils
- Oats
- Nuts
By purchasing these items in bulk, you can save money, reduce waste, and have a well-stocked pantry for your plant-based meals.
In addition to buying in bulk, it is also important to compare prices between different stores. Prices for the same produce can vary significantly between different grocery stores, so it is worth shopping around to find the best deals.
By combining bulk buying with price comparison, you can further maximise your savings and make adopting a plant-based diet more affordable and accessible.
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Shop around for the best deals
Shopping around for the best deals is a great way to save money on a plant-based diet. It may be worth visiting multiple grocery stores to find the best prices. For example, one source notes that the price of fresh produce at an Asian grocery store was a third of the price at a popular chain store.
Prices for the same product can vary widely between stores, so it's worth doing some research to find the best prices in your area. Online tools can help with this, such as trolley.co.uk and mysupermarketcompare. You can also compare prices by checking the websites of different stores or signing up for their emails.
Shopping at wholesale warehouses like Costco or Sam's Club can be a good way to save money on foods with longer shelf lives, such as canned goods and seasonings. Just be careful when buying perishable items from these stores, as they may go bad before you can use them.
Farmers' markets are another great option for finding fresh produce at a discount. The produce is usually picked the day before, so it will last longer, and you may be able to get discounts at the end of the day when vendors are packing up.
In addition to shopping around for the best deals, you can also save money by buying in bulk. This is often cheaper than shopping at regular supermarkets because you're not paying for excessive packaging and branding. Buying in bulk can also help you be more mindful of your consumption and waste, contributing to reducing global emissions and becoming more eco-friendly.
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Frequently asked questions
A study by Deakin University found that a family of four could save $1,260 annually by switching to plant-based foods. On average, meatless diets cost $23 less per week, which adds up to $1,196 per year.
Planning meals in advance and creating a shopping list are effective ways to save money. Focus on buying whole foods, such as leafy greens, vegetables, fruits, legumes, seeds, and nuts, as they are cheaper than processed foods. Buy in bulk from the bulk food aisle to save money and reduce packaging waste. Compare prices between different supermarkets or shops in your area.
Avoid vegan specialty items like vegan cheese, mock meats, and coconut yogurts, as these tend to be expensive and highly processed. Instead, opt for whole foods like vegetables, fruits, legumes, and grains. Buy seasonal produce to save money, and stock up on items when they are on sale.
Cooking your own meals instead of ordering takeout or eating out can significantly reduce your food expenses. Recent research by Forbes found that it is almost five times more expensive to order delivery from a restaurant than to cook at home.
Yes, a plant-based diet offers several health benefits. Studies show that a plant-based diet can help fight off diseases and reduce your risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, certain types of cancer, high blood pressure, obesity, and other health issues. Additionally, a plant-based diet is better for the environment as it helps reduce carbon emissions, conserve ecosystems, and reduce pollution.
