It is a common misconception that eating a vegan diet is expensive. To some, it is even viewed as a luxury. However, this needn’t be the case. While it is true that many vegan products are costlier than their non-vegan alternatives, it can, in fact, be cheaper to eat a vegan diet if approached in the right way. Meat and dairy products can be pricey, so eliminating these from your diet can save you money on your weekly shop, providing you are savvy about how you shop. In this post, we will provide our top tips for enjoying a healthy vegan diet on a budget.

Plan your meals in advance

Planning your meals in advance can help you determine exactly which ingredients you need to buy. This can help to reduce waste and reveal where you can buy certain ingredients in bulk (which is cheaper) to be used across multiple meals. For example, versatile ingredients like onions, potatoes and pasta can be used in many meals and are often available in large family-sized bags, which work out much cheaper.

Batch cook your meals

Similarly, batch cooking allows you to save money by buying ingredients in bulk and making larger portions than you would normally. These can then be stored in the fridge or freezer to be eaten at a later date. Batch cooking is also a great way to use up items that perish quickly, such as fruits and vegetables. Storing meals in the freezer ensures these ingredients hold their nutrients for longer.

The handy re-usable containers to the left are a great way to meal-prep like a boss every week. Click the image for more info.

 

Shop reduced

Always check the reduced sections in supermarkets for vegan bargains. This is an excellent option if you’re looking to cook a spontaneous meal on the day of purchase, but fresh items can also be stored in the freezer to be consumed later. If you visit stores near to closing time, you will often find many fresh and bakery items at significantly reduced prices. You can also use the Olio app to pickup FREE things that need using quickly

Buy supermarket own range products

While many branded vegan alternative products such as plant milks, vegan cheeses etc. can be equivalent in price, or more expensive, than the non-vegan options, supermarket own branded products are often much cheaper – sometimes less than half the price! Thankfully, all major supermarkets now have extensive vegan and plant-based ranges of their own, so it is getting much easier to shop vegan on a budget.

Check the economy products

Economy range products are often accidentally vegan because they are made using cheaper ingredients than dairy or other animal-derived products. For example, a branded garlic baguette will probably have been made using butter, whereas the economy version may have been made using a cheaper, sunflower spread alternative.

Grow your own

Growing your own fruit and vegetables is a great way to save money while also ensuring you have access to high-quality organic produce. If you have any outside space, consider learning how to grow staple items such as herbs, potatoes, carrots, tomatoes etc. These can then form the basis of your meals, accompanied by low-cost staples such as pasta, lentils and couscous.

These handy bags help you grow in small spaces such as balconies or patios. Click the pic for more info.

Research budget vegan recipes

If you are not sure how to create healthy, balanced vegan meals on a budget, the internet is a wonderful resource for learning. There are plenty of budget vegan recipes online to give you inspiration for your meal planning. More and more people are sharing tips and recipes in this area which can easily be found on social media or by using search engines.

 

Cook from scratch

Convenience foods are usually more expensive, whether they are vegan or not. Cooking from scratch is the best way to eat healthy vegan meals on a budget. Many vegan staple cupboard items are inexpensive such as lentils, pasta, rice, beans and other canned items. Stock up on these, and you can use them in a variety of recipes. You can then search for fresh items in the reduced section on the day of cooking.

There are plenty of budget-friendly vegan cookbooks like the one pictured. Click it for more info. 

Don’t shop on an empty stomach

Shopping when you’re hungry is a big no-no when you’re on a tight budget. You will be tempted by all the grab and go foods and vegan treats such as brownies and chocolates. These items often come with a high price tag. Instead, avoid shopping when you are hungry, plan your meals ahead and only buy what’s on your list.

 

Combining these tips will help you eat a healthy vegan diet on a budget. Do you have any vegan budget hacks of your own? Let us know in the comments.

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