Overpriced Vegan Foods: Affordable Alternatives You’ll Love

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.
Overpriced Vegan Foods: Affordable Alternatives You’ll Love

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.
Overpriced Vegan Foods: Affordable Alternatives You’ll Love

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.
Overpriced Vegan Foods: Affordable Alternatives You’ll Love

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.
Overpriced Vegan Foods: Affordable Alternatives You’ll Love

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.
Overpriced Vegan Foods: Affordable Alternatives You’ll Love

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.
Overpriced Vegan Foods: Affordable Alternatives You’ll Love

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.
Overpriced Vegan Foods: Affordable Alternatives You’ll Love

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.
Overpriced Vegan Foods: Affordable Alternatives You’ll Love

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.
Overpriced Vegan Foods: Affordable Alternatives You’ll Love

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.
Overpriced Vegan Foods: Affordable Alternatives You’ll Love

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.
Overpriced Vegan Foods: Affordable Alternatives You’ll Love

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.
Overpriced Vegan Foods: Affordable Alternatives You’ll Love

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.
Overpriced Vegan Foods: Affordable Alternatives You’ll Love

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!

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