Think eating vegan is expensive? It doesn’t have to be.
Some of the cheapest foods—like beans, rice, and seasonal veggies—are naturally vegan. They’re also packed with nutrients.
You don’t need fancy meat alternatives or overpriced superfoods. You just need smart shopping strategies.
In this guide, you’ll learn how to eat a delicious, healthy vegan diet without spending a fortune. These tips will help you save money while sticking to plant-based meals.
1. Make Friends with Whole Foods
Want to keep your vegan grocery bill low? The answer’s sitting right in the bulk bins!
Whole plant foods are your wallet’s best friend for budget-friendly vegan eating. Rice, beans, lentils, and oats are not only cheap but also the building blocks of countless tasty meals.
Let’s talk numbers: A pound of dry beans costs about $1-2 and gives you 5-6 cups when cooked.
Compare that to canned beans at $1-1.50 for just 1.5-2 cups, and you’ll see why going for whole foods makes sense!
Plus, these plant-based powerhouses pack serious nutrition without breaking the bank.
Stock your pantry with these budget heroes:
- Brown rice
- Dried beans and lentils
- Rolled oats
- Potatoes
- Whole grain pasta
- Frozen vegetables
Turn these simple ingredients into satisfying meals, such as hearty lentil soups, filling chickpea salads, and colorful rice and bean bowls.
The best part? These staples last forever in your pantry, so you won’t waste money on food that goes bad.
Pro tip: Visit Costco or similar warehouse stores for the best deals on bulk items. While those big bags of rice and beans might look intimidating, they’ll save you serious cash in the long run.
Plus, you won’t have to shop as often – win-win!
Remember, fancy vegan products are nice, but simple whole foods are the key to eating plant-based on a budget. They’re versatile, filling, and kind to your wallet – what’s not to love?
2. Smart Shopping at Store Brands & Discount Stores
Here’s a money-saving secret: Store brands are your best friends! They’re usually 15-30% cheaper than name brands but pack the same quality.
Take almond milk, for example. Walmart’s Great Value brand costs $2.98 for 64 oz, while Silk costs $3.48 for the same size. Those savings add up fast!
Budget-friendly vegan shopping gets even better when you know where to look.
Aldi, Walmart, and Trader Joe’s are goldmines for affordable plant-based options. At Aldi, you can find everything from non-dairy milk to frozen veggies at prices that will make you smile.
Don’t skip the dollar stores, either! They often stock pantry must-haves like:
- Pasta and rice
- Canned tomatoes
- Beans and legumes
- Basic spices
- Cooking oils
Pro tip: Check out discount grocers like Grocery Outlet. They often get overstock from bigger stores, meaning you can score [fancy vegan products at bargain prices.
Sometimes, you’ll even find popular plant-based brands for half the regular price!
When shopping, remember to compare unit prices instead of package prices. While oversized packages might cost more upfront, they often offer more value in the long run.
It’s not about buying the cheapest option – it’s about getting the best value for your money.
Also, look for clearance sections. Stores often mark down perfectly good items just because they’re getting new stock or changing packaging.
That’s your chance to stock up and save big!
3. Buy Seasonal & Frozen Produce
Ever notice how berries cost a fortune in winter but are practically a steal in summer?
That’s the beauty of seasonal produce! When fruits and veggies are in season, they’re easier to find and much more affordable. Think sweet berries in summer, hearty squash in fall, and zesty citrus in winter.
Here’s a budget-friendly hack: frozen fruits and veggies cost less than fresh and stay good for months. Bags of frozen broccoli, peas, and mixed veggies are picked at peak ripeness and flash-frozen to keep all the nutrients intact.
Plus, you won’t have to worry about them going bad before you can use them!
Want to score even better deals? Check out your local farmers’ market deals, especially near closing time. Many vendors offer discounts rather than pack up their unsold produce.
The same goes for grocery store clearance sections—perfectly good fruits and vegetables often end up there because they are not “pretty” enough for regular display.
- Keep your eyes peeled for seasonal bargains like:
- Summer: Zucchini, tomatoes, corn
- Fall: Apples, pumpkin, sweet potatoes
- Winter: Oranges, kale, cabbage
- Spring: Asparagus, peas, strawberries
Pro tip: Download apps like Too Good To Go to find discounted produce from local stores and restaurants. These apps help reduce food waste while saving you money – talk about a win-win!
You might score a box of perfectly good produce for half the regular price.
Remember, buying produce doesn’t have to cost an arm and a leg. By following nature’s calendar and getting creative with where you shop, you can fill your fridge with fruits and veggies without emptying your wallet.
4. Cook in Bulk & Meal Prep
Nothing saves money (and time!) like cooking in big batches. Making more significant portions costs less per serving and gives you meals for days.
Plus, having ready-made food in your fridge means you’re less likely to order takeout when you’re tired!
Think about meals that taste even better the next day:
- Hearty vegetable chili
- Spicy lentil curry
- Creamy overnight oats
- Bean and rice burritos
- Vegetable soup
These dishes are perfect for batch cooking because they use simple, affordable ingredients and freeze beautifully. Make a huge pot of chili on Sunday, and you’ve got lunch sorted for the whole week!
Your freezer is your best friend here. Portion out your extra servings into containers, label them (trust us, you won’t remember what that mystery container holds next month), and pop them in the freezer.
When you’re too busy to cook, you’ll have homemade meals ready to go.
Got a slow cooker? Put it to work! Toss in some beans, veggies, and seasonings in the morning, and come home to a perfectly cooked meal. It’s like having a personal chef who works for pennies per hour.
Pro tip: Set aside an hour on weekends to cook big batches of basics like rice, beans, and roasted vegetables. Store them in containers in your fridge, and mix and match them throughout the week for quick meals.
Want rice and beans on Monday? Grain bowl on Tuesday? Buddha bowl on Wednesday? You’re all set!
Remember, meal prep isn’t about eating the same thing every day – it’s about working smarter, not harder, in the kitchen. Your wallet (and future hungry self) will thank you!
5. Skip Expensive Vegan Substitutes & Make Your Own
Those fancy vegan alternatives at the store can take a big bite out of your budget! While meat and cheese substitutes are tasty, they often cost 2-3 times more than their homemade counterparts.
The good news? You can make tasty vegan foods right in your kitchen for a fraction of the price.
Check out these wallet-friendly swaps:
- Black bean burgers instead of store-bought patties
- Homemade cashew cheese versus packaged options
- DIY seitan using vital wheat gluten
- Fresh hummus from scratch
- Homemade plant-based mayo
Let’s talk numbers: Making seitan at home costs about $1.50 per pound, while store-bought versions run $3-4 per pound. That’s some serious savings! Plus, you control the ingredients and flavors.
Want to make your own cashew cheese? Just blend these simple ingredients:
- Soaked cashews
- Nutritional yeast
- Lemon juice
- Salt
- Your favorite herbs
Pro tip: Making oat milk is super simple and cheap! Blend 1 cup of oats with 4 cups of water, strain through a clean cloth, and you’re done. A batch costs pennies compared to $3-4 for store-bought cartons.
These homemade alternatives are not only cheaper but also fresher and often tastier than packaged versions. Plus, you can adjust the seasonings to perfectly suit your taste buds.
Start with one or two recipes that replace your most expensive vegan purchases, and watch your grocery bill shrink!
6. Use Coupons, Cashback Apps & Loyalty Programs
Who doesn’t love free money? That’s basically what you’re getting with cashback apps and digital coupons!
Apps like Ibotta, Fetch Rewards, and Checkout 51 often feature plant-based products, letting you earn cash back on items you’re already buying.
Savvy shoppers know that loyalty programs can seriously slash your grocery bills. Target’s RedCard member benefits save you 5% on every purchase, including their growing selection of vegan products.
Kroger’s Plus Card members get special deals and personalized coupons based on their shopping habits – perfect for stocking up on plant-based staples.
Here’s how to maximize your savings:
- Sign up for multiple cashback apps
- Join store loyalty programs
- Follow your favorite vegan brands on social media
- Subscribe to brand newsletters for exclusive coupons
- Check store apps for digital deals
Want insider deals on your favorite vegan products? Sign up for brand newsletters!
Companies like Gardein, So Delicious, and Annie’s often send subscribers special coupons and heads-up about sales.
Pro tip: Stack your savings! Use a store coupon with a manufacturer’s coupon, then submit your receipt to a cashback app. Some shoppers save 40% or more by combining different discounts.
Just check the fine print – some stores have specific rules about coupon stacking.
Remember, every dollar saved is a dollar earned. These small savings might seem tiny at first, but they add up to serious cash over time.
Plus, many of these programs let you cash out your rewards for gift cards or PayPal transfers – that’s real money back in your pocket!
7. Get Creative & Repurpose Leftovers
Think those leftovers are boring? Think again! Smart vegan cooking means giving yesterday’s meals a brand-new life.
That container of rice in your fridge? It’s begging to become a tasty fried rice loaded with whatever veggies you have on hand. Those slightly wilted greens? They’ll make an amazing soup!
Here’s how to turn common leftovers into exciting meals:
- Rice → Veggie fried rice or rice pudding
- Cooked vegetables → Blended into creamy soups
- Day-old bread → Homemade croutons or breadcrumbs
- Extra beans → Quick bean dip or burger patties
- Wilting herbs → Pesto or herb-infused oils
Here’s a cool trick: Don’t toss that liquid from your can of chickpeas! This magic water (called aquafaba) works just like egg whites in recipes.
Use it to make fluffy vegan meringues, mayonnaise or as an egg replacer in baking. Talk about getting more bang for your buck!
Getting creative with leftovers isn’t just good for your wallet – it’s also fun! Mix and match different ingredients to create totally new meals.
That lonely sweet potato could become tomorrow’s curry, and those extra roasted vegetables might be perfect in a wrap.
Pro tip: Make Wednesday your official “Leftovers Night.” Take everything that needs to be used up and turn it into a feast! Create build-your-own bowls with leftover grains, beans, and veggies, or toss everything into a big stir-fry.
Your fridge gets cleaned out, and you get a free meal – it’s perfect!
Remember, yesterday’s dinner doesn’t have to be boring. With a bit of creativity, those leftovers can become the star of your next meal while keeping more money in your pocket.
Eat Well, Save More
Who says eating vegan has to cost a fortune? By embracing whole foods, shopping smart, and getting creative in the kitchen, you can enjoy a varied and delicious plant-based diet without stressing about your budget.
Start simple. Choose one or two ways to save money and build on them over time.
Remember, every penny you save on groceries is money you can put toward other things you love. Plus, budget-friendly vegan eating often means choosing whole, nutritious foods that are better for your health and the planet.
Now, that’s what we call a win-win-win situation!