By now, I probably sound like a broken record talking about how cheap it is to eat vegan and plant-based, contrary to what most people believe. I think I’ve proven again and again that you can shop inexpensively and still eat very well. But here we are in a time where grocery costs are skyrocketing. It feels next to impossible to shop on a budget. Whether you are just starting out on a vegan diet or just looking to save money due to rising costs, here are some ways you can lower your vegan grocery shopping bill.
#1: Buy fruits and veggies in season. Items that are in season will always be cheaper than those not in season. Familiarize yourself with seasonal fruits and veggies before you hit the market.
#2: Make cheap vegan foods the star of your dishes. Yes, mock meats get the job done, but they are often more expensive due to packaging/niche. Instead, make vegan dishes that star lentils or beans. These are much cheaper protein options.
#3: Embrace canned and frozen vegetables. Not everything has to be fresh at all times – we are not perfect. Frozen bags of spinach and green beans are just as good in a pinch as the fresh stuff. Same goes for canned items, such as corn or peas. It’s just nice to have these on hand if you are going to make a soup or stir fry.
#4: Browse the bulk section. The bulk section is cheaper because you are not paying for packaging. Instead, bring your own reusable jars/bags and load up on nuts, seeds, dried beans, etc.
#5: Start your own herb garden. If you love using herbs while cooking, it is worth it to invest in a small herb garden. Grab a couple pots and pick out your favorites… they will always be at your disposal as long as you care for them! My favorites are basil, rosemary, and chives.
#6: Make a meal plan for your week. Plan everything out, write the exact ingredients you need, and STICK TO THAT LIST.
#7: Use frozen fruit for smoothies. Along the same line as above, you don’t always need fresh fruit for a smoothie. In fact, I much prefer frozen fruit in smoothies! Grab a large bag of frozen berries instead of buying them fresh. Much cheaper and have a much longer shelf life.
#8: Avoid pre-packaged snacks. I’ll be the first to admit that I was buying all sorts of vegan snacks when I first transitioned. There are just SO many cool brands of packaged snacks out there… and not to mention, so good. But these specialty items are almost always on the expensive side. As the “high” of trying new vegan products wore off, I started to stick to basics for snacks, like hummus and pretzels, apples and peanut butter, air-popped popcorn, tortilla chips and salsa… you know, items that are much cheaper than Earth Balance cheese squares (not to mention healthier). If you are a sucker for specialty items, maybe make a rule to only buy one per week. Or treat yourself every once in a while. Just don’t load up on them every week.
#9: Make your own veggie burgers. Packaged vegan burgers can get pricey, depending on where you shop and which brand. Instead of buying them, make your own with beans, sweet potato, grains, etc. There are so many great recipes out there! These are my personal favorite. They are a bit fancy, so go on and look around if you want something simpler. Black bean burgers are a great and easy recipe to find. You can use what you need and freeze the rest for later, too.
#10: Use a cash back credit card. This might not be possible for everyone, but worth mentioning. Find a credit card that will pay you back a percentage for what you spend on groceries. Even 3% will add up!
I hope this is helpful – even if one or two tips stuck out to you, I’d say that is a start! I hope we can all spend a little less and enjoy life a little more.
