​Eating Vegan on a Budget

Veganism is a healthy way to eat. A growing body of research shows that a low-carb, low-sugar, plant-based diet reduces your risk of a large number of devastating diseases and conditions. It's also better for the environment.

But going vegan can be expensive if you let it. If you're on a budget but want to try a vegan lifestyle — or reduce the cost of your current veganhood — here are seven tips for making it affordable.

Compare prices. Comparing prices is essential for saving money on groceries no matter your diet, but it's especially important for a vegan diet. Don't always opt for the brand name products, since these are generally more expensive than store and generic brands. You can compare prices by looking at the price per weight of each item, which is found on the display tag in many grocery stores.

When you're shopping for produce, compare the frozen prices vs. the fresh prices. Frozen produce is often cheaper, and it offers the same excellent nutrients. 

Compare bulk and packaged prices for items like flour, beans, rice, oatmeal, and nuts.

Consider a wholesale membership. A membership to a wholesaler like Costco can pay for itself very quickly in savings. Here, you can find bulk items, such as bread, grains, cereals, frozen fruits and vegetables, and healthy vegan snacks, for far less than you'll find 'em in the grocery store. The produce and canned goods are generally cheaper than your local grocery store's, as well.

Check the markdown section. Most grocery stores have markdown sections where you can get items at a major discount. Look for vegan items you use — or expensive items that you want to try — and get them for a song.

Prepare your own food. Prepacked vegan meals can get expensive, and opting to cook at home will save you a pretty penny. Plan your menus, and shop weekly to avoid last-minute trips to the store that end up costing more due to impulse buys. Make enough for leftovers to take for lunch, and you'll save even more money.

Build your menu plan around the staples. Staples, like produce, grains, and dried beans and legumes are pretty inexpensive, and developing your meal plan around these foods rather than expensive, packaged vegan "meats" and "cheeses" will lower the cost of eating.

Keep it Simple. The simpler your menu, the fewer the ingredients you'll need to buy. The more whole, unprocessed foods you buy, the cheaper your grocery bill will be. Think pasta with tomato sauce and veggies, baked potatoes with roasted veggies, simple bean and lentil stews and soups, and a big plate of rice topped with grilled veggies.

Spices Make the Difference. When you're eating vegan, and don't have animal products to add fat and flavor, life can get kind of bland. Be sure to stock up on a wide variety of herbs and spices, which are generally super cheap in bulk, and read up on using them effectively. By using the right spices, even the simplest, most inexpensive dishes are packed with flavor and satisfying to both your tastebuds and your soul.

Don't be afraid that you can't afford to go vegan. In the end, dairy and meat products are more expensive than grains, beans, rice and other vegan staples, and if you follow our tips, you'll end up with more money in your pocketbook when all is said and done.