Vegan on the Cheap!

Veganism being unaffordable or elitist is a rumour spread by people who imagine us eating nothing but avocados, pine nuts, acai berries and tofurky. Of course, a vegan diet comprised of speciality, pre-prepared and exotic foods is going to be expensive, but it is not the only way to eat vegan. Saying veganism is expensive because we all live off macadamia nuts, dragonfruit and Linda McCartney sausages is like saying an omnivorous diet is expensive because they all live off filet steak, quail and caviar - it’s as expensive or as cheap as you make it!

The most affordable foods on the planet are vegan - dry legumes, beans, grains, rice, pasta, potatoes, seasonal vegetables, etc. If you compare the price of meat and other animal products to the price of these foods, you’ll see the animal-free ingredients will routinely be more affordable. Luxury foods such as fake cheeses, vegan chocolate, soy meats, vegan spreads etc. are usually more expensive than their animal product counterparts, but these foods are not necessities. Providing you live in an area with access to fresh food (i.e, not a ‘food desert’), it’s entirely possible to eat vegan on a tight budget whilst still enjoying healthy and diverse food!