Embracing a plant-based diet doesn’t have to break the bank. Contrary to common belief, adopting a plant-based lifestyle can actually be quite economical while still providing all the essential nutrients your body needs. In this topic of the week, we’ll explore how to eat plant-based on a budget with practical tips and strategies without compromising on taste or nutrition.

There are 7 key strategies to follow when considering how to eat plant-based on a budget, from planning to execution, these are the general rules to follow to keep costs low and enjoyment high.

Plan Ahead to Eat Plant-Based On A Budget:

  • One of the keys to saving money when you eat plant-based on a budget is planning your meals in advance. Using simple MEAL PLANNING PRINTABLE TOOLS you can plot your meals so that you know what you are eating and you can conveniently stock the items you need.
  • Create a weekly meal plan based on affordable plant-based ingredients such as beans, lentils, rice, pasta, oats, and seasonal fruits and vegetables. These budget-friendly items are actually some of the healthiest foods you can eat on a Whole Food Plant-Based Diet, so you are getting double duty out of meals.
  • Check local grocery store flyers for sales and discounts on produce and staple items.
  • Make a GROCERY SHOPPING LIST and stick to it to avoid impulse purchases.

Buy in Bulk:

  • Purchasing staples like grains, legumes, nuts, and seeds in bulk can significantly reduce your grocery bill, and always ensure that you have these basics in stock when you need them.
  • Look for bulk bins at grocery stores or consider joining a wholesale club where you can buy larger quantities at lower prices.
  • Buying in bulk also reduces packaging waste, which is good for both your wallet and the environment.

Focus on Whole Foods:

  • Processed and convenience foods can be expensive and often lack nutritional value.
  • To eat plant-based on a budget and for health, opt for whole, unprocessed plant foods such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes.
  • These foods are not only budget-friendly but also packed with vitamins, minerals, fiber, and antioxidants.

Embrace Frozen and Canned Foods:

  • Frozen fruits and vegetables are often just as nutritious as fresh ones and can be more affordable, especially when certain items are out of season.
  • Canned beans, lentils, and vegetables are convenient pantry staples that have a long shelf life and are typically very budget-friendly. Frozen berries, mangos, and vegetables are often just as nutritious because they are harvested and flash-frozen so they are nutritious directly out of the bag.
  • One tip, be sure to choose options with no added salt or sugar whenever possible.

Carefully Consider Items Labeled “Vegan” or “Plant-Based”

  • Opting for products labeled as vegan or plant-based can be a convenient shortcut to maintaining a strict plant-based lifestyle. However, these designated items often come with a “vegan tax,” resulting in a higher price tag compared to similar “accidentally” vegan alternatives lacking such labels. While some individuals prefer to exclusively purchase these labeled items, others may adopt a more flexible approach. They might opt to carefully scrutinize labels and, if they deem the item sufficiently vegan, choose to purchase it instead. This is a significant way to eat plant-based on a budget while offering a little flexibility.

Cook at Home:

  • Eating out can quickly add up, so try to cook most of your meals at home.
  • Experiment with simple and flavorful plant-based recipes that use inexpensive ingredients. Sometimes we get caught up thinking that a more complicated recipe will be more satiating when often simplicity is the key to ongoing success.
  • Batch cooking and meal prep can save both time and money, allowing you to have healthy meals ready to go throughout the week.

Reduce Food Waste:

  • Make the most of your groceries by minimizing food waste. Do a regular quick check of your fresh produce, like potatoes and onions, and consume them before they turn bad.
  • Use leftover vegetables to make soups, stir-fries, or veggie-packed salads.
  • Freeze leftover portions for future meals or repurpose them into new dishes.

Grow Your Own:

  • If you have space, consider growing your own fruits, vegetables, and herbs.
  • Even a small garden or a few pots on a balcony can yield a bountiful harvest of fresh produce at little to no cost.
  • If you can’t grow your own, buy produce in season when you are able, or consider joining a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) share so that you eat seasonal fresh produce right from a nearby farm.

The Basic Key to Eat Plant Based On A Budget:

Looking back at our starting point, the biggest key to eating plant-based on a budget is simply to shop smart. This might mean checking out a few different stores over the month to find the best deals for your needs. While it might seem a bit overwhelming at first, with a little planning, it becomes easier. Each store has its own perks, whether it’s your local grocery store, a big-box retailer, or a wholesale club. Using tools like Grocery Shopping Lists can help you stay organized and make the most of your shopping trips, so you can make your budget work for you. Delve into this strategy with our PLANT-BASED SHOPPING TIPS to find a good fit for you.

This might seem a little daunting to some, so if you need to focus on a simpler strategy we would suggest shopping at your local grocery the majority of the time and adding in a one-time per month trip to your local supercenter grocer. Spend a little time walking the store and locating the plant-based items you think will be a good fit for you. Type them up so you have a master list. Circle these items as you need them and once a month place an online order for pick-up. This will save you both time and money. Many of these supercenters also offer delivery services for a small fee.

We’re excited to share that we’ve partnered with Walmart as a Creator (aka afiliate and affiliate links) to bring you a specially curated collection of our favorite plant-based items on our WALMART STOREFRONT. Alongside these products, we’re also offering Kits for some of our most cherished recipes. What makes our kits unique is that you have the option to order only the ingredients you need, right from the start, helping you save money effortlessly.

It’s not only achievable to eat plant-based on a budget but also enjoyable and rewarding. By planning ahead, buying in bulk, focusing on whole foods, and embracing simple cooking methods, you can nourish your body with nutritious, affordable, and delicious plant-based meals every day. So go ahead, get creative in the kitchen, and reap the benefits of a budget-friendly plant-based lifestyle.