Vegan Diets: Expensive Or Affordable?

There is a widespread perception that veganism is an expensive lifestyle choice. However, this is largely dependent on the types of food purchased and the comparison being made. While vegan specialty foods can be more expensive than their non-vegan counterparts, it is still possible to eat a vegan diet cheaply. Staples such as pasta, rice, tofu, beans, and lentils are much cheaper than meat and provide a good source of protein. In addition, cooking at home and buying in bulk can also help to reduce the cost of a vegan diet. According to a 2021 Oxford University study, adopting a vegan diet in high-income countries such as the UK and the US could cut food bills by up to one-third.

Vegan diets can be more affordable than meat-based diets

Staple foods like pasta, rice, potatoes, bread, vegetables, and fruit are all vegan and generally inexpensive. In fact, an Oxford University study found that in high-income countries, vegan diets were the most affordable and reduced food costs by up to one-third. A separate study from Portugal found that vegans spent 47.78€/week on average for food at home, compared to 75.96€/week for omnivores.

Prepared food will always be more expensive than food you make yourself, so buying ingredients and cooking at home will typically save you money. Additionally, the money saved from not buying meat can go towards paying a little extra for non-dairy milk and other staples like fruits and vegetables. Buying in bulk, either at the store or online, can also help keep costs down.

In addition, a vegan diet can lead to savings in healthcare costs. The health benefits of a vegan diet can result in fewer health issues and lower healthcare costs over time.

The cost of living crisis is making it harder to be vegan

Veganism has been on the rise in recent years, with people adopting the lifestyle for ethical, environmental, and health reasons. However, with the ongoing cost of living crisis, some people are finding it challenging to maintain a vegan diet due to the perceived higher cost of plant-based alternatives.

The cost of living crisis

The cost of living crisis has led to soaring food prices, with inflation reaching 9.3% in the UK in August 2022—the highest rate since 2008. Fresh food prices have been hit even harder, with an increase of 10.5%. As a result, families are facing an 18% increase in inflation across the board, making it challenging to maintain the same standard of living.

The cost of veganism

Vegan diets have often been criticised as being more expensive than meat-based or vegetarian diets, with the perception that vegan food costs more than food based on animal products. This perception is not always accurate, as it largely depends on the specific foods being compared and individual shopping and dietary habits. However, with the rising cost of living, even a small price difference can impact purchasing decisions.

The challenge for vegans

For those committed to veganism, the cost of living crisis presents a challenge. Some people may find it difficult to afford vegan alternatives, especially when also feeding a family with different dietary preferences. The higher cost of certain vegan products, such as cheese alternatives, can make it challenging to stick to a vegan diet, especially for those on a tight budget.

Strategies to manage costs

There are strategies that vegans can employ to manage costs, such as cooking from scratch, buying in bulk, and choosing basic vegan foods like legumes (peas, beans, lentils) over processed meat alternatives, which tend to be cheaper and often have higher protein content. Additionally, planning meals in advance and buying seasonal produce can also help reduce costs.

The health factor

It is important to note that a well-planned vegan diet can be healthy and provide sufficient protein, but it may require additional effort and knowledge to ensure all nutritional needs are met. Supplements may also be necessary to avoid deficiencies.

The environmental impact

While the cost of living crisis may make veganism more challenging for some, it is important to consider the environmental impact of dietary choices. Animal-based consumption has a significant impact on the environment, and a shift towards plant-based diets can help mitigate climate change.

A complex issue

Ultimately, the cost of living crisis affects everyone, and the decision to maintain a vegan diet during these challenging times is a personal one. While some may find it necessary to make compromises, others may double down on their commitment to veganism, recognising the long-term benefits for the planet and their health.

Vegan diets are often criticised for being more expensive

Vegan diets have gained traction in recent years, with many people adopting this lifestyle for ethical, environmental, and health reasons. However, one common criticism of veganism is the perception that it is a more expensive way of eating. This notion stems from the fact that vegan specialty items, such as prepared veggie burgers or meat substitutes, tend to carry a higher price tag than their non-vegan counterparts. These products are often viewed as a direct replacement for animal-based foods and can give the impression that a vegan diet is inherently more costly.

The perception of veganism as an expensive lifestyle choice is further fuelled by the cost of certain plant-based staples. For example, fresh fruits and vegetables, which are encouraged as part of a healthy vegan diet, can be more expensive than some processed or junk foods. Additionally, meat and dairy alternatives, such as non-dairy milk, may also come with a slightly higher price tag, adding to the perception of veganism as a costly endeavour.

However, it's important to understand that a vegan diet doesn't have to revolve around specialty items and meat substitutes. In fact, a well-planned vegan diet can be incredibly affordable and may even save you money in the long run. This is because many basic vegan staples, such as pasta, rice, tofu, and beans, are typically much cheaper than meat. By opting for these budget-friendly options and preparing meals at home, individuals can significantly reduce their grocery expenses.

One study by Oxford University found that adopting a vegan diet in high-income countries like the US, UK, and across Western Europe could slash food bills by up to one-third. This finding highlights the potential for cost savings when embracing plant-based options. Additionally, it's worth noting that the perceived higher cost of certain fruits and vegetables can be mitigated by buying locally and seasonally, as these options tend to be more affordable and have a lower carbon footprint.

While the initial perception of veganism as expensive is understandable, it's important to recognise that a vegan diet can be tailored to various budgets. By being mindful of specialty items, cooking at home, and buying seasonal produce, individuals can enjoy a vegan lifestyle without breaking the bank. Additionally, the potential health benefits associated with a well-planned vegan diet may also lead to long-term healthcare savings, further emphasising the financial advantages of this dietary choice.

Meat-free alternatives are becoming more expensive

While a vegan diet is often cheaper than a meat-based one, the rising cost of living is making it harder for people to afford meat-free alternatives. This is especially true for families, where not everyone is vegan, and special vegan products need to be bought in addition to regular groceries.

Vegan diets have often been criticised as being more expensive than meat-based or vegetarian diets and, therefore, only available to the middle class. However, this is a misconception. A study by Oxford University found that, in high-income countries, vegan diets were the most affordable and reduced food costs by up to one-third.

The perception that vegan food is more expensive stems from the cost of meat substitutes, which can be pricy. However, this is not the only option for vegans. Staples such as pasta, rice, tofu, and beans are much cheaper than meat. In addition, cooking at home instead of buying pre-made products can also save costs.

Nevertheless, the rising cost of living is affecting the price of vegan alternatives. Four in five vegan foods cost more than their meat counterparts, and food prices rose by 14.6% over the year to September 2022. The cost of dairy and meat is increasing faster than that of plant-based alternatives. For example, the cost of chicken breasts has risen by 17.4%, while Quorn chicken-style pieces have gone up by 10.4%. This is partly due to the increase in grain prices caused by the Russia-Ukraine war, which affects the cost of feeding animals.

As a result, some people are finding it difficult to maintain a vegan diet. A mother who had been vegan for two years to combat climate change had to stop due to the expense. She said that she could not afford to buy vegan products for herself while also feeding her meat-eating family.

Tips for a budget-friendly vegan diet

• Buy staples like pasta, rice, tofu, and beans, which are cheaper than meat.
• Cook at home instead of buying pre-made products.
• Look for bargains and buy local, seasonal produce.
• Plan your meals for the week to avoid waste.
• Buy in bulk to save money.
• Prioritise fruits and vegetables in your budget.

The cost of meat is rising due to the increase in animal feed prices

There is a perception that vegan diets are more expensive than diets containing animal products. However, this is not necessarily the case. Meat substitutes, for example, tend to be more expensive than meat itself, but meat is also often more expensive than other staples such as pasta, rice, potatoes, bread, and fruit, which are all vegan-friendly.

In addition, factors such as droughts and floods caused by climate change can impact growing conditions in farming regions, leading to reduced crop yields and further increasing the cost of animal feed. The rising cost of feed grains for livestock is a significant contributor to the increase in meat prices.

The increase in meat prices is likely to make vegan diets relatively more affordable in comparison. While meat substitutes may be costly, a vegan diet that focuses on whole foods and plant-based sources of protein, such as legumes and vegetables, can be much cheaper than a meat-based diet. Additionally, cooking at home, buying local and in-season produce, and planning meals in advance can help keep the cost of a vegan diet low.

Overall, while vegan specialty foods can be expensive, a well-planned vegan diet that utilizes whole foods and plant-based sources of protein can be more affordable than a diet containing meat, especially in the context of rising meat prices due to increased animal feed costs.

Frequently asked questions