Whether you’re newly vegan or have been embracing the plant-based lifestyle for years, we all know that eating well can sometimes put a strain on our wallets. But fear not, dear budget-conscious friends! It is possible to nourish your body with whole, plant-based foods while keeping your grocery bill in check. Allow me to share some savvy strategies I’ve picked up along the way, so you too can stretch your vegan dollar.
Prioritize Whole Foods
When it comes to eating well on a budget, the old saying “eat the rainbow” is more than just a catchy phrase. Focusing on whole, plant-based foods is one of the best ways to ensure you’re getting the nutrients your body needs while also keeping your grocery budget in check. Here are some tips for doing just that.
The Power of Bulk Bins
I’m a big fan of the bulk section, and not just because I can snag some free samples at the register. Buying ingredients in bulk can save you a pretty penny, especially when it comes to items like:
- Grains: rice, quinoa, farro, and any other whole grains you love
- Beans and lentils
- Nuts and seeds
- Dried fruit
- Spices and seasonings
The key to making the most of the bulk bins is to plan ahead. Bring your own containers (many stores offer a small discount for this, too), and consider buying larger quantities of items you use frequently. For example, I always buy a few pounds of rice at a time, and it’s never gone by the time I return for more.
Seasonal Produce Prowess
Fruits and vegetables form the foundation of a well-rounded, plant-based diet. But they can be one of the most expensive parts of your grocery budget if you’re not savvy about it. That’s where knowing your seasonal produce becomes super important.
When you eat what’s in season in your area, you can save money while also supporting local farmers. You can often find seasonal produce at a lower cost because it doesn’t have to travel as far, and it’s usually more abundant, which drives the price down. Plus, eating seasonally is better for the environment! Win-win.
If you’re not sure what’s in season where you live, there are plenty of resources online to help you out. You can also check out the produce section of your local grocery store or farmers market to see what’s abundant and on sale.
Another pro tip: If you find a really good deal on a large quantity of seasonal produce, take advantage of it! Buy more than you need for the week and preserve it by freezing, canning, or pickling it for future use. This is a great way to save money and stock your pantry with fresh, whole foods.
Master the Art of Meal Planning
Meal planning is a powerful tool in the frugal vegan’s arsenal. When you plan out what you’re going to eat for the week, you can be intentional about the ingredients you buy and the meals you make, which can help you save money and reduce food waste.
Start by creating a vegan grocery list for the week. Make sure to include:
- Pantry staples: items like canned goods, grains, beans, nuts, and seeds that you use often
- Fresh produce: try to stick to seasonal options, and buy more of the items you’ll use throughout the week
- Frozen foods: these can be a lifesaver when it comes to budget-friendly meal options. Look for frozen fruits and veggies, as well as plant-based protein sources like tofu and tempeh
- Spices and seasonings: these can really elevate the flavors of your meals without adding much cost
As you plan your meals for the week, look for ways to repurpose leftovers into new dishes. For example, you could make a big batch of lentil soup on Sunday and then use the leftovers to make lentil tacos or lentil shepherd’s pie throughout the week. I also like to use vegetables that can be used in multiple dishes. For example, you could roast a whole tray of veggies at the start of the week and then use them in salads, bowls, and sandwiches throughout the week.
Savvy Shopping Strategies
I’ve found that being intentional about how I shop and what I buy can save me a lot of money in the long run. Here are some strategies that have worked well for me:
Navigating the Aisles
It’s important to read labels carefully as you shop. Look beyond the price per unit to get a sense of the true cost of the product. For example, you might find that a box of cereal that appears to be more expensive per unit actually costs less when you consider the size of the box and how many servings it contains.
I also pay attention to sales and store promotions. For example, if I know the store I’m shopping at has a regular sale on a certain item I use frequently, I’ll stock up and store it for later. (This is especially true for items that can be frozen, like protein powder and frozen fruits and veggies.)
Another strategy I use is to shop the perimeter of the store first. This is where you’ll find most of the fresh produce, as well as the bulk bins and the refrigerated section with tofu, tempeh, and other plant-based protein sources. Then, I’ll head to the aisles for pantry staples, spices, and other items I need.
Embracing Store Brands
I used to be really snobby about store-brand products. But then I tried some of them and realized that many are just as good (if not better) than their name-brand counterparts. For example, I’ve found that the store-brand nut butter and plant-based milk at my local grocery store are just as tasty (and often cheaper) than their name-brand counterparts.
Of course, there are some store-brand products I wouldn’t touch with a 10-foot pole (looking at you, store-brand salsa), but for the most part, I’ve been pleasantly surprised by the quality and cost savings of many store-brand items.
Supplementing with Supplements
One of the biggest concerns many people have when transitioning to a plant-based diet is getting enough protein, iron, calcium, and other essential nutrients. While it’s totally possible to get all of the nutrients you need from whole, plant-based foods, sometimes it can be challenging to do so consistently.
That’s where supplements come in. While I generally try to get most of my nutrients from food, there are some vitamins and minerals that are harder to come by on a plant-based diet. For example, it can be challenging to get enough Vitamin D and iodine without actively seeking them out. And while many plant-based milks are fortified with calcium and Vitamin D, it can be tough to get enough iron from plant sources.
To ensure I’m getting all the nutrients I need, I take a vegan multivitamin and an iron supplement. I also make sure to include iron-rich foods like lentils, beans, and leafy greens in my diet as often as possible. By supplementing with these essential nutrients, I can feel good about the fact that my body is getting everything it needs to thrive.
Of course, it’s important to talk to your doctor about your individual nutritional needs before starting any new supplement regimen. And while I generally try to maximize the nutrient density of the foods I eat, there are some superfoods that are so nutrient-dense they can really help boost the nutritional value of your diet without breaking the bank. Some of my favorites include:
- Chia seeds: these little powerhouses are high in omega-3s, fiber, and antioxidants
- Hemp seeds: these are another great source of plant-based protein, omega-3s, and fiber
- Spirulina and chlorella: these algae powders are packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants
- Maca powder: this Peruvian superfood is high in vitamins C and E, as well as calcium, iron, and zinc
While some superfoods can be on the pricier side, you can often find them at a lower cost if you buy them in bulk or look for sales and discounts. I also shop around for the best deal and often order them online to save a few bucks.
Embracing the Vegan Community
One of the best things about being part of the vegan community is the wealth of knowledge and resources that are available to us. Whether you’re newly vegan or have been living the plant-based life for years, there’s always something new to learn.
One of the best ways to tap into this collective knowledge is to seek out local vegan initiatives and organizations. For example, you could attend a meeting of a local vegan group, join a plant-based cookbook club, or volunteer at a vegan nonprofit organization. Not only will you learn a ton from other vegans in your area, but you’ll also get to connect with like-minded individuals who share your values and passions.
Another great way to learn from the vegan community is to connect with other plant-based eaters online. You could join a vegan Facebook group, follow vegan bloggers and influencers on social media, or sign up for a vegan meal planning service. Not only will you get access to a wealth of vegan recipes and meal ideas, but you’ll also get to connect with other vegans from all over the world and learn from their experiences.
As a vegan, you’re part of a community of people who are passionate about making the world a better place for animals, people, and the planet. Don’t be afraid to lean on that community for support, advice, and inspiration as you navigate the world of grocery shopping on a budget.