This information is based on personal experiences and general knowledge. It is not professional medical advice. Always consult a healthcare provider before making changes to your diet, lifestyle, or treatment plans. This content was created with the assistance of AI tools to ensure thorough research and readability.
There are many conflicting opinions on this topic. Some vegans swear that eating a plant-based diet is cheaper, while others say it’s more expensive.
So, Which One Is It?
After being vegan for six years, I can tell you the answer is: it depends.
In the beginning, it was expensive for me because I bought pre-made packaged foods, but over time, my grocery bill went down significantly.
The main difference between a vegan and an omnivorous diet is the elimination of animal products like meat, cheese, and milk. You might think that removing these would cut your grocery bill by 30–50% since that’s roughly how much animal products make up in an omnivore’s diet.
But that’s not entirely true.
Many vegans buy replacements for these animal products, such as tofurkey or vegan cheese, which can be just as expensive—or even more—than their non-vegan counterparts.
Let’s break it down further and see when vegan food is expensive and when it’s affordable.
Vegan Food Is Expensive If You:
1. Buy Processed Vegan Foods
Processed foods are expensive for both vegans and non-vegans. Items like vegan meat, cheese, butter, and mayo often cost more because they require research, development, and special packaging.
If you rely heavily on these, your grocery bill will be similar to (or even higher than) a non-vegan diet.
2. Buy a Lot of Packaged Foods
Things like pre-made salads, precut fruits and vegetables, and frozen dinners are convenient—but costly.
I use them occasionally when I’m busy, but I try to limit how much I rely on them. Instead, I cook in bulk and freeze meals like falafels, stews, and vegan burgers.
3. Love Junk Food
Healthier snacks like lentil chips or chickpea puffs can easily cost $4 or more per small bag.
You don’t need to completely cut these out, but limit snacks to once a week per person to save money.
4. Buy Exotic Foods Often
When I first went vegan, I tried all sorts of exotic produce like Dragon Fruit—which cost $7.99 each! Fun, but not necessary.
Expensive superfood powders (like Dunaliella Salina) aren't essential either. You’ll get more nutritional value from fresh fruits like berries.
5. Buy Too Many Condiments and Spreads
I love condiments too, but things like pesto, vegan parmesan, and special dressings add up.
Try making them yourself at home—it’s cheaper and often healthier.
6. Eat at Upscale Vegan Restaurants
Yes, fancy vegan fast food exists! These trendy burger and pizza joints are popping up everywhere.
They’re great occasionally, but if you eat out often, your food costs will skyrocket.
Vegan Food Is Not Expensive If You:
1. Buy Fresh Produce
Even organic fruits and vegetables can be affordable. Common items like carrots, zucchini, cabbage, apples, and bananas are budget-friendly.
Skip the precut options and cut them yourself.
2. Meal Prep for the Week
Meal prepping is a game changer. It helps you:
-
Save money
-
Stay organized
-
Eat healthier
-
Avoid last-minute takeout
3. Use Beans and Legumes
Buy dry beans, soak them overnight, and cook them the next day. It’s easy and cost-effective.
Just:
-
Put beans in a bowl
-
Add water
-
Let them soak overnight
-
Simmer for about an hour the next day—no need to constantly watch them
4. Cook at Home from Scratch
Homemade meals are almost always cheaper. Even a quick salad or a big batch of soup can go a long way.
Make freezer-friendly meals for busy days.
5. Buy Grains, Seeds, and Nuts in Bulk
Buying in bulk saves money. Some stores let you bring your own jars and fill up for less. Bulk-only stores often have the best deals—just Google what's available in your area.
6. Buy What's in Season
Seasonal produce is:
-
Cheaper
-
Tastier
-
More nutritious
For example:
-
Fall: Brussels sprouts
-
Winter: Squash
-
Spring: Wintercress
-
Summer: Strawberries
At the end of the day, nobody wants to spend $1,000 a month on groceries.
Processed and packaged foods are always more expensive—regardless of your diet. Eating healthy usually costs more than eating processed, unhealthy food, but:
Eating healthy vegan is cheaper than eating healthy as an omnivore.
I typically spend $827.40 per month on a plant-based diet. I shop smart by:
-
Buying fresh produce
-
Cooking from scratch
-
Eating beans and legumes
-
Prepping meals
-
Choosing seasonal items
-
Buying in bulk
-
Shopping from a variety of stores (including Amazon and health food stores)
I hope this helped you! 😊
