📢 PSA: VEGAN BUDGET-FRIENDLY TIPS🌱🌿
Some people seem to have the impression that vegan food is expensive. However, being vegan can actually be more affordable than eating non-vegan products.
The times eating vegan can be expensive is if you’re dining out regularly or buying takeout almost every night, or frequently purchasing brand name plant-based alternatives.
If you’re budget-conscious, it’s very easy and affordable to eat healthy plant-based foods.
Here’s an overview of how to be vegan on a budget:
✵BUY PANTRY STAPLES IN BULK✵
~Dry legumes & beans
~Grains
~Nuts & seeds
✵BUY FROZEN FRUIT & VEGGIES✵
✔These are often cheaper than fresh produce and will last longer stored in the freezer, so more can be bought and used as needed over time.
✔They also retain their nutritional value better than fresh produce as they’re harvested at peak ripeness and snap frozen soon after.
✵SHOP FOR SEASONAL FRESH FRUIT & VEG✵
✔If you end up with a lot, freeze them and store until you’re ready to use them.
✵SHOP FOR BARGAINS✵
✔Check for reduced price or on sale items in your supermarket or grocery store.
✔Consider purchasing your tofu, rice and legumes from Asian and Indian specialty stores. These items are normally priced lower than in major supermarkets.
✵BUY GENERIC BRANDS✵
✔Brand name products are almost always more expensive than generic brands, unless they’re on sale.
✔When it comes to plant-based alternatives purchase occasionally and be on the lookout for when they are on special.
✵PREP YOUR OWN MEALS✵
✔Whole food ingredients are more affordable than most processed products. You can make your own burger patties, seitan, vegan dips/cheeses/yoghurts/milks etc., and save on money.
✵COOK YOUR MEALS IN LARGE BATCHES✵
✔This is a great way to save time as well as money.
✵CHOOSE SIMPLE RECIPES WHEN PLANNING YOUR MEALS✵
✔A nutritious meal doesn’t necessarily need a load of ingredients. Get used to making recipes with a few ingredients that cover the basic food groups.
✔Recipe ideas:
~Lentil dishes served with rice or wholemeal flat bread
~Tofu scrambles
~Veggie stir-fries with tofu or tempeh served with rice
~One-pot pasta dishes (use vegetables and sauces of your choice)
~Sandwiches & wraps
~Soups
~Chili (this can be made in large batches and kept in the freezer)
~Bean burrito wraps
~Hummus for snacks or in a wrap with other ingredients
~Smoothies (with greens, fruit)
~Baked veggies
~Salads (beans/pasta) and dressing of your choice
~Pancakes
~Oats/oatmeal with a variety of wholesome toppings
Search https://www.veganeasy.org/recipes/ for more recipe ideas.
🙋♀️Eating vegan on a budget is manageable when you do most of your own cooking, keep to the whole food staples and limit processed plant-based alternatives.
#vegan #veganonabudget #budgetvegan #veganfood
Image: Tatjana Baibakova/Shutterstock
Cap Puckhaber
Vegan Easy
itsveganjim