Plant-based on a budget

With the increasing popularity of plant-based diets, many people are discovering that eating vegan doesn’t have to be expensive. In fact, it can be a highly affordable and sustainable choice! Here are some practical tips on how to maintain a plant-based diet without breaking the bank.

Find the best deals

Gone are the days of one-stop shopping. To truly maximise your budget, shopping at various stores is essential. Start keeping an eye on the prices of individual products or product categories (e.g., pantry items, fresh fruit and veggies, grains, frozen foods, canned foods, etc.). Once you have a better idea of what’s cheapest where, you can stock up once a week (for fresh foods) or once a month (for dry goods). For example:

• A fresh produce market for fruits and vegetables.
• A local Asian grocer for dried beans and legumes, rice, spices, and herbs.
• Supermarkets for frozen and canned foods, pantry items, etc.
• Health stores for niche products like nutritional yeast, kala namak (black salt), and liquid smoke.

Buy in bulk

For foods that you use regularly and which have a long shelf-life (e.g. grains, dried legumes, nuts, and seeds, dried spices, and herbs), buy in bulk. If you’re not sure about the shelf-life of an item, store what you’re not using in an airtight container or zip-lock bag, and freeze.

Skip the luxuries

Many ready-to-eat convenience foods, including  plant-based cheese, meat, and milks, as well as snacks and desserts, can be quite expensive – and they’re usually not necessary. Skip past these when you shop (or buy one or two for special occasions). Get used to snacking on whole foods and learn how to cook with tofu (it’s really cheap at local Asian grocers).

Make it yourself

Making your own food really doesn’t need to take too much time. Set aside a day a week to make a bunch of food for the coming week. For example:

• Hummus is super-easy to make yourself. 
• Here’s a great recipe for bean burger patties.
• Skip the store-bought plant stuff and make your own oat milk – it’s much cheaper than nut milk!

Affordable protein sources

Getting enough protein on a plant-based diet doesn’t have to be expensive – some of the best protein sources are also the most budget-friendly! Lentils, beans, and chickpeas are protein powerhouses that cost a fraction of meat and can be used in everything from curries to stews to salads, sandwiches, and burgers. Tofu and tempeh are great value, especially when bought in bulk or on special offer. Peanut butter, nuts, and seeds add both protein and healthy fats to meals without breaking the bank. Even oats and whole grains contribute substantially to your daily protein intake.

Want to make the most of these affordable staples? Check out our Veganuary cooking series for tips on cooking with plant-based ingredients like tofu, chickpeas, lentils, and jackfruit.

Use your freezer

Since you’re buying in bulk and setting aside regular time to prep food, you may as well also cook in bulk, and make good use of your freezer. Invest in some airtight plastic containers and reusable zip-lock bags, and freeze portions of food to pull out on a given weeknight.

Reducing waste & maximising ingredients

Reducing food waste is a great way to save money on a plant-based diet. Get inventive with leftovers – transform yesterday’s roasted veggies into a delicious soup, grain bowl, or wrap. Freeze extra portions of soups, stews, and beans to prevent spoilage and ensure you always have a quick meal ready to go. Rather than tossing out vegetable scraps, use them to make homemade broth. Got overripe bananas? They’re perfect for smoothies or baking. By making the most of every ingredient, you’ll cut costs and reduce food waste at the same time.

Embrace seasonal shopping

Buying seasonal produce is not only better for the environment, but it’s also easier on your wallet. Fruits and vegetables that are in season are often cheaper and fresher. Make a habit of visiting your local farmers’ market to see what’s in season and plan your meals accordingly.

Explore plant-based meal kits

With the rise of affordable plant-based meal-kit services, you can now enjoy convenient and budget-friendly meals delivered right to your doorstep. Many of these services offer discounts for new customers or subscriptions, making it easier to try out new recipes without the hassle of grocery shopping.

Join the Veggie Challenge today and start your journey towards a healthier, more sustainable, and budget-friendly lifestyle. Let’s make plant-based living easy and enjoyable together!