If you’re new to eating vegan, you might think that it requires a lot of money to maintain a vegan diet. But that’s not true! Eating vegan on a shoestring budget is possible, and it can even be fun.

Hi, I’m Sarah, and I’m here to show you how to eat vegan on a budget. 🌱💰 Here are some tips and tricks that will help you maintain a vegan lifestyle while still being pocket-friendly.

Shop at Local Farmers Markets 🍅

One of the easiest and most affordable ways to get fresh produce is by shopping at local farmers’ markets. You’ll find seasonal and locally grown fruits and vegetables at a lower price than in the supermarket. Plus, you’re supporting local farmers.

A woman holding a basket of fruits and vegetables at a farmers market.

Buy in Bulk 🛍

Buying items such as grains, beans, and nuts in bulk can save you a lot of money in the long run. You can store them in mason jars or other airtight containers and use them in various recipes. When shopping in bulk, make sure to check the per-pound price to get the best deal.

A shelf filled with various bulk items in a grocery store.

Cook Homemade Vegan Meals 🍴

When you choose to cook vegan meals from scratch, you’re not only making a healthier choice, but you’re also saving money. Cooking your meals at home is the best way to avoid eating out or buying pre-packaged meals, which can be quite costly. If you’re new to cooking, start with simple dishes that use only a few ingredients.

A woman preparing vegetables on a cutting board in her kitchen.

Use Coupons and Shop Sales 🛒

Take advantage of grocery store sales and use coupons to purchase your favorite vegan items. Sign up for newsletters from your local stores to stay updated on the latest deals and sales. You can also use apps like Ibotta and Rakuten to get cashback on your purchases.

A woman holding a stack of coupons and standing in front of a supermarket.

Meal Prep 🍱

Meal prepping is a game-changer when it comes to sticking to a budget and eating healthy. By planning and prepping your meals ahead of time, you can avoid the temptation to eat out or buy fast food. Meal prepping also helps you save time and makes it easier to stick to a healthy vegan diet.

A person holding a tray of meal-prepped containers filled with various vegan foods.

Shop in Season 🌱

Shopping for produce in season means that it’s fresher and often less expensive. When you buy out-of-season produce, the prices can be quite high because they need to be transported from other parts of the world. By shopping in season, you’ll be supporting local farmers and saving money.

A display of various fruits and vegetables in a farmers market that are in season.

Make Your Own Vegan Milk 🥛

Plant-based milk can be expensive, but making your own is more affordable and easy. All you need is water, nuts/seeds, and a blender. You can make almond milk, cashew milk, oat milk, and more. By making your own milk, you’ll also avoid consuming additives and preservatives.

A woman blending ingredients in a blender to make homemade almond milk.

Get Creative and Experiment 🎨

Don’t be afraid to get creative and experiment in the kitchen. You can try new recipes, replace expensive ingredients with more budget-friendly alternatives, and use seasonings and herbs to add flavor to your dishes. You can also use leftovers to create new meals.

A person holding a plate of a colorful vegan dish that they made by experimenting in the kitchen.

That’s it! These are my tips for eating vegan on a shoestring budget. Remember, eating vegan doesn’t have to be expensive, and it can be a fun and creative way to explore new flavors and foods. 🌈🍲

A woman holding a plate of vegan food and smiling.