Vegan food prices got you feeling broke? Don’t worry—there are budget-friendly alternatives you’ll absolutely love!
Homemade Plant Milks
Store-bought plant milks can be ridiculously expensive, but making your own at home is both cost-effective and simple. A litre of almond milk can set you back £2 or more in the shop, but DIY versions can cost as little as 30p. All you need is a blender, some nuts, and water. Try almond, oat, or soy—whatever you fancy!
Pro Tip
- Soak your nuts overnight for a creamier texture.
- Blend with dates or vanilla for added flavour.
- Use oats for the cheapest plant milk option.
- Save pulp for baking or smoothies.
DIY Vegan Cheese
Who knew cheese could break the bank? Vegan cheeses can be a pricey luxury, but homemade versions are delicious and economical. Cashews, nutritional yeast, and a few spices can create a cheese that’s perfect for spreading, melting, or snacking.
Pro Tip
- Adding tapioca starch to your cheese mixture.
- Use cashews or sunflower seeds for the base.
- Add nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavour.
- Experiment with spices like smoked paprika or garlic powder.
- Try agar-agar for a firmer, sliceable cheese.
Affordable Protein Sources
Protein doesn’t have to be a pricey part of your diet. Ditch the expensive faux meats and opt for affordable, nutrient-dense options like lentils, chickpeas, and tofu.
Pro Tip
- Incorporate lentils, chickpeas, and beans.
- Use tofu and tempeh as versatile protein sources.
- Add quinoa to salads and soups for extra protein.
- Explore seitan as a meat substitute.
Budget-Friendly Snacks
Vegan snacks can drain your wallet if you’re not careful. Instead of buying pre-packaged options, consider making your own. Think roasted chickpeas, kale chips, or homemade energy bars.
Pro Tip
- Roast chickpeas with different spices.
- Make your own kale chips.
- Prepare homemade energy bars with oats and dried fruit.
- Try peanut butter and apple slices.
Inexpensive Superfoods
Superfoods are touted as essential but often come with a hefty price tag. The good news is, many budget-friendly options offer the same benefits. Swap out expensive goji berries for nutrient-rich alternatives like chia seeds or flaxseeds.
Pro Tip
- Buy in bulk to save even more.
- Use chia seeds and flaxseeds for omega-3s.
- Add spinach and kale to smoothies.
- Choose sweet potatoes over expensive root vegetables.
- Incorporate turmeric and ginger for health benefits.
Cost-Effective Supplements
Vegan supplements can be a necessary but expensive addition to your diet. Brands like Dr Vegan and Nothing Fishy offer reasonably priced, high-quality supplements that won’t break the bank.
Check out Nothing Fishy’s Omega-3 supplements—affordable and essential for a balanced vegan diet.
Pro Tip
- Choose multivitamins over individual supplements.
- Look for generic brands with the same ingredients.
- Buy larger quantities to save on cost per unit.
- Check for sales and discounts online.
Cheaper Pantry Staples
Stocking your pantry with the right staples is crucial for a budget-friendly vegan diet. Ditch overpriced speciality items for versatile staples like rice, pasta, and canned beans.
Pro Tip
- Shop around and buy these items in bulk to save more.
- Buy rice, pasta, and canned beans in bulk.
- Store dried goods in airtight containers to extend shelf life.
- Use lentils as a base for various dishes.
- Opt for frozen vegetables to reduce waste and cost.
Simple Meal Ideas
Keeping meals simple yet delicious is key to sticking to a budget. One-pot meals, soups, and stews are excellent ways to eat healthily without overspending.
Pro Tip
- A hearty lentil stew with carrots, potatoes, and spinach.
- Make hearty stews and soups with affordable ingredients.
- Prepare one-pot meals for easy cooking and cleaning.
- Batch cook and freeze portions for later.
- Use leftovers creatively to minimise waste.
Saving on Food Shopping
Being strategic with your food shopping can significantly cut costs. Plan your meals, make a list, and stick to it. Avoid impulse buys and shop during sales or with coupons.
Pro Tip
- Stores often discount items nearing their expiration dates—perfect for immediate use or freezing.
- Plan your meals ahead of time.
- Shop with a list to avoid impulse buys.
- Look for sales and discounts in store.
- Buy seasonal produce for the best prices.
Homemade Condiments
Making your own condiments can be a fun and cost-effective way to enhance your meals.
Pro Tips
- Try making your own ketchup, mustard, and mayonnaise.
- Use fresh herbs and spices to customise flavours.
- Store homemade condiments in reusable glass jars.
- Experiment with fermentation to create probiotic-rich sauces like kimchi and sauerkraut.
Making Your Own Bread
Baking your own bread is cost-effective and can be healthier than store-bought options.
Pro Tips
- Start with simple recipes like no-knead bread or soda bread.
- Use whole grain flours for added nutrition.
- Experiment with different seeds and grains for variety.
- Freeze extra loaves to keep them fresh for longer.
Making Use of Coupons and Deals
Leveraging coupons and deals can significantly reduce your food shopping costs without compromising on quality.
Pro Tips
- Sign up for newsletters from your favourite brands for exclusive deals.
- Use apps that aggregate coupons and discounts from various stores.
- Stack coupons with in-store promotions for maximum savings.
- Don’t forget to check for digital coupons when shopping online.
Making the Most of Herbs and Spices
Using herbs and spices effectively can elevate simple meals and make them more exciting without spending much.
Pro Tips
- Grow your own herbs on a windowsill for fresh, cheap flavours.
- Buy spices in bulk to save money and keep a well-stocked spice cabinet.
- Dry your own herbs to preserve them for longer periods.
- Experiment with spice blends to add variety to your meals.
Smart Shopping Tips
- Tip 1: Buy in bulk to reduce cost per unit.
- Tip 2: Choose store brands over name brands for basics.
- Tip 3: Use apps like Too Good To Go to find discounted food nearing its sell-by date.
- Tip 4: Join a local food co-op for bulk buying discounts.
- Tip 5: Grow your own herbs and veggies if possible—it’s cheaper and rewarding.
Wrapping It Up: Affordable Vegan Living
Living a vegan lifestyle doesn’t have to be expensive. With a bit of planning and creativity, you can enjoy delicious, nutritious meals without emptying your wallet.
Start swapping out those overpriced items today and discover affordable alternatives that you’ll love!
I’m the founder and editor-in-chief at GetVedgy. As a former meat eater who only recently made a commitment to veganism, I’ve spent a lot of time over the last couple of years researching the subject. It felt like a good idea to share what I’ve learnt and help to answer the questions I’ve had that no doubt many others’ will also have.