PSA: VEGAN BUDGET-FRIENDLY TIPS
Some people seem to have the impression that vegan food is expensive. However, being vegan can actually be more affordable than eating non-vegan products.
The times eating vegan can be expensive is if you’re dining out regularly or buying takeout almost every night, or frequently purchasing brand name plant-based alternatives.
If you’re budget-conscious, it’s very easy and affordable to eat healthy plant-based foods.
Here’s an overview of how to be vegan on a budget:
✵BUY PANTRY STAPLES IN BULK✵
~Dry legumes & beans
~Grains
~Nuts & seeds
✵BUY FROZEN FRUIT & VEGGIES✵
These are often cheaper than fresh produce and will last longer stored in the freezer, so more can be bought and used as needed over time.
They also retain their nutritional value better than fresh produce as they’re harvested at peak ripeness and snap frozen soon after.
✵SHOP FOR SEASONAL FRESH FRUIT & VEG✵
If you end up with a lot, freeze them and store until you’re ready to use them.
✵SHOP FOR BARGAINS✵
Check for reduced price or on sale items in your supermarket or grocery store.
Consider purchasing your tofu, rice and legumes from Asian and Indian specialty stores. These items are normally priced lower than in major supermarkets.
✵BUY GENERIC BRANDS✵
Brand name products are almost always more expensive than generic brands, unless they’re on sale.
When it comes to plant-based alternatives purchase occasionally and be on the lookout for when they are on special.
✵PREP YOUR OWN MEALS✵
Whole food ingredients are more affordable than most processed products. You can make your own burger patties, seitan, vegan dips/cheeses/yoghurts/milks etc., and save on money.
✵COOK YOUR MEALS IN LARGE BATCHES✵
This is a great way to save time as well as money.
✵CHOOSE SIMPLE RECIPES WHEN PLANNING YOUR MEALS✵
A nutritious meal doesn’t necessarily need a load of ingredients. Get used to making recipes with a few ingredients that cover the basic food groups.
Recipe ideas:
~Lentil dishes served with rice or wholemeal flat bread
~Tofu scrambles
~Veggie stir-fries with tofu or tempeh served with rice
~One-pot pasta dishes (use vegetables and sauces of your choice)
~Sandwiches & wraps
~Soups
~Chili (this can be made in large batches and kept in the freezer)
~Bean burrito wraps
~Hummus for snacks or in a wrap with other ingredients
~Smoothies (with greens, fruit)
~Baked veggies
~Salads (beans/pasta) and dressing of your choice
~Pancakes
~Oats/oatmeal with a variety of wholesome toppings
Search https://www.veganeasy.org/recipes/ for more recipe ideas.
Eating vegan on a budget is manageable when you do most of your own cooking, keep to the whole food staples and limit processed plant-based alternatives.
#vegan #veganonabudget #budgetvegan #veganfood
Image: Tatjana Baibakova/Shutterstock
@veganeasy All great suggestions. I have a couple of other thoughts:
1. Canned fruits and vegetables are inexpensive (particularly if you buy generic/store brands) and quite useful in speeding up food preparation.
2. A lot of us vegans (myself included!) try to buy organic, but it can be expensive to do so. I focus on buying organic for salad greens, soy products (milk and tofu) and whenever the price differences with non-organic food are insignificant.
@StanWonn thanks for the additional suggestions!