An insight into whether or not being vegan is expensive or is it manageable to do on a budget?
Is Truth Behind the Question “Is being Vegan Expensive?”
Being vegan is often linked to being costly. But do veganism and a pricier grocery list really go hand in hand, or is it just a narrative that we have been listening to for a while? This blog will explore the truth behind the cost of giving up animal products and answer the question is being vegan expensive?
In short, being vegan can be as expensive or cheap as you’d like. When you think about it, being vegan means you have cut out all animal-derived ingredients, so that leaves you with our basic foods given to us by plants. How expensive can they be? Fruit and vegetables have always been cheap foods to buy, along with bread, pasta, and nuts. So, if these basic vegan foods are relatively cheap to buy, then what is all the talk about the costly price of changing over to a plant-based diet?
Vegan Diets are on the Rise
Veganism has gained a lot of popularity in recent times. In fact, almost 80 million people across the globe are vegan according to an estimate made by the United Nations. Out of those 80 million vegans, a lot of them will shop for meat and dairy alternatives in the supermarkets.
Supermarkets are constantly monitoring customer trends, and the rise of veganism within society is a trend they have decided to cash in on. Processed vegan foods like vegan cheese, butter, mayonnaise and even milk alternatives can cost a small fortune! So, is being vegan expensive or are the food choices people making expensive? We think it’s the latter…
Vegan on a Budget
If you are considering trying a plant-based diet, and are wondering if being vegan expensive, and whether or not you can afford it, here are some tips to try for being vegan on a budget.
1. Stick to the Basics!
A top tip to helping with the “is being vegan expensive” saga is to keep it simple! Once you find out what your favorite vegan recipes are using cheap, non-processed foods, you’re on the right track. Instead of snacking on raw fruit bars and the likes, which can cost a pretty penny, why not try just snacking on some fresh fruit? Try and base your main meals around vegetables and you will realise that expensive meat alternatives are not needed for every meal. Simple, right!?
2. Get Creative
Being vegan has many benefits, it’s great for your health, the environment and it allows you to get creative with your food! If you still find yourself wondering if being vegan expensive, getting creative will help you find out. Once you figure out that being vegan can be expensive if you don’t consider what you are buying, then you can create your own recipes for snacks and meals that you may not have thought of otherwise.
Snacks like peanut butter oat bars and smoothie bowls are full of nutrients and are fun to make. Perhaps going vegan is a good opportunity for you to spend some more time working your magic in the kitchen, as well as saving some money!
Overall, the question “is being vegan expensive?” can have different questions depending on who you ask. Veganism can be expensive, but it definitely doesn’t have to be! Stick to the basics and find natural food you love, and you will never have to worry about your vegan diet being expensive!