Eating vegan can be expensive, but it doesn’t have to be. With a little creativity and some smart shopping, you can enjoy delicious and nutritious plant based meals without breaking the bank. In this post, we’ll share some of our favorite Vegan Budget Meals that will help you save money without sacrificing flavor.
Ingredient Cost Comparison Chart: Vegan Budget Meals
With a little bit of planning and creativity, you can enjoy delicious, healthy, and affordable vegan meals. Our ultimate vegan cost comparison chart will help you compare the prices of various plant based food items and make informed decisions when grocery shopping.
Vegan Ingredient | Cost per kg |
---|---|
Tofu | $2.50 – $5.00 |
Tempeh | $4.00 – $8.00 |
Seitan | $4.00 – $8.00 |
Soy Milk | $1.50 – $3.00 |
Almond Milk | $3.00 – $5.00 |
Oat Milk | $3.00 – $5.00 |
Coconut Milk | $4.00 – $6.00 |
Vegan Meat Alternatives (ex. Beyond Meat, Impossible Foods) | $10.00 – $15.00 |
Lentils | $1.50 – $3.00 |
Chickpeas | $1.50 – $3.00 |
Black Beans | $1.50 – $3.00 |
Quinoa | $3.00 – $5.00 |
Brown Rice | $1.50 – $3.00 |
Whole Wheat Pasta | $1.50 – $3.00 |
Nutritional Yeast | $5.00 – $8.00 |
Vegan Cheese | $5.00 – $8.00 |
Vegan Butter | $3.00 – $5.00 |
As you can see, there are plenty of vegan budget meal ingredients to choose from. Lentils, chickpeas, black beans, and quinoa are all great options for adding protein and fiber to your meals. Tofu, tempeh, and seitan are perfect for those looking for meat alternatives. And, there are plenty of plant based cheese, butter, and nutritional yeast options that are affordable and delicious. With this chart as a guide, you can easily plan your cheap vegan meals and enjoy delicious, plant-based food without breaking the bank.
Affordable Cheap Vegan Meals
Eating a plant based diet can sometimes be perceived as expensive, but it doesn’t have to be. We’ve compiled a list of delicious vegan cheap meals that are easy to make. Whether you’re a student, a busy working professional or simply looking to save some money, it’s possible to create delicious and affordable plant based meals that fit within a tight budget.
Eating budget vegan meals can be affordable and delicious. Remember, you don’t have to break the bank to eat a healthy and tasty plant based diet.
Soups and Chili Budget Vegan Meals
Soup and chili are great for stretching your budget because they are easy to make in big batches. A pot of vegetable soup or chili can be made for less than $10 and will last for several meals. Plus, they are both versatile and can be made with a variety of ingredients.
Plant based soups and chili are also great options for affordable vegan meals. They’re both easy to make in large batches and can be stored in the freezer for a quick and easy meal. A simple vegetable soup can be made by sautéing some onions, garlic, and celery. Then add in some broth and diced vegetables like carrots, potatoes, and tomatoes. For chili, cook up some onions and peppers, and add in some beans, diced tomatoes, and spices like cumin and chili powder.
Tips To Achieving Vegan Budget Meals
- Meal Planning:
- Plan your meals in advance to create a shopping list and avoid impulse purchases.
- Ensure a variety of healthy, vegan options throughout the week.
- Buy in Bulk:
- Save money by purchasing vegan staples like grains, beans, nuts, and seeds in bulk.
- Explore bulk bins at health food stores or consider wholesale clubs for discounted options.
- Shop Local:
- Visit farmer’s markets and locally owned stores for fresher, cheaper produce.
- Support small businesses to boost the local economy.
- Cook at Home:
- Opt for home-cooked meals to save money and control ingredients.
- Check out a collection of vegan recipes for inspiration.
- Creativity is Key:
- Explore cheap vegan meals with pantry staples like beans, grains, and vegetables.
- Experiment with new recipes using readily available ingredients.
- Plant-Based Proteins:
- Choose cost-effective plant-based protein sources like beans, lentils, and tofu.
- Ensure nutrient intake while being mindful of your budget.
- Frozen and Canned Options:
- Consider frozen fruits and vegetables, which are as nutritious as fresh ones.
- Utilize canned beans, tomatoes, and coconut milk for affordable, flavorful meals.
- Overall Approach:
- Eating vegan on a budget is achievable through planning and creativity.
- Follow these tips to save money while enjoying delicious, plant-based meals every day.
Beans, Lentils, and Chickpeas – The Ultimate Budget-Friendly Proteins
Beans and legumes are some of the most affordable plant based protein sources out there. A can of black beans, for example, costs about $1 and can be used to make a variety of delicious dishes. Try making black bean burritos with whole wheat tortillas. Or whip up a batch of lentil soup for a hearty and cheap vegan meal.
Beans, lentils, and chickpeas are a staple in many vegan households because they’re not only cheap but also packed with protein, fiber, and essential nutrients. They’re versatile, easy to cook, and can be used in a variety of dishes, from soups and stews to salads and veggie burgers. Plus, they’re an excellent source of iron, which is essential for vegans since it’s not found in many plant-based foods.
Rice and Pasta
Dishes Pasta and rice are both incredibly versatile and budget-friendly ingredients. A pound of dry pasta costs less than $2, and a bag of rice costs even less. Try making a big batch of spaghetti with marinara sauce and veggies, or whip up a stir-fry with rice and your favorite vegetables.
Rice and vegan pasta are some of the most affordable and filling foods on the planet. Not only are they cheap, but they’re also versatile and easy to prepare. They’re perfect for meals like stir-fries, curries, and soups. Plus, they’re a great source of carbohydrates, which are an essential source of energy.
Meal Planning and Meal Prepping – The Key to Sticking to a Vegan Budget
Meal planning and meal prepping are essential for staying on budget as a vegan. By planning out your meals in advance, you can avoid impulse buys and overspending. Plus, by prepping your meals ahead of time, you’ll be less likely to resort to expensive takeout or processed foods.
Casseroles (One Pot Dish Recipes) Vegan Budget Meals
Casseroles or called One Pot dishes are a great way to get a lot of food for a little money. They can be made with a variety of ingredients and are easy to make in big batches. Try making a big batch of vegan lasagna or a quinoa and vegetable casserole.
Casseroles are a great option for cheap vegan meals because they’re easy to make and can feed a crowd. Some great options include lasagna made with tofu or tempeh, a plant based version of shepherd’s pie made with lentils and mashed potatoes, or a vegan version of mac and cheese made with cauliflower or cashews. All of these dishes can be made in one pot and are easy to customize with your favorite ingredients
Conclusion: Vegan Budget Meals
Eating a plant based diet doesn’t have to be expensive. With a little bit of planning and creativity, you can easily make delicious, vegan budget meals that will keep you full and satisfied. There are endless possibilities for tasty and affordable vegan meals. So, whether you’re on a tight budget or just looking to save some money. Don’t let the cost of eating plant based hold you back. With these tips and ideas, you’ll be able to enjoy delicious and healthy vegan meals without breaking the bank.