As a vegan, it can be challenging to stick to a budget. Sometimes plant-based foods can be more expensive, and it can feel like you’re not getting enough bang for your buck. However, with a few mindful eating practices and some budget-friendly meal ideas, you can enjoy delicious and nutritious vegan meals without breaking the bank.

Shop in Season 🍆🍅🍇

When it comes to eating on a budget, it’s essential to shop in season. Eating fruits and veggies that are in season can help save money because they’re usually cheaper due to the abundance of supply. Additionally, in-season fruits and veggies are usually at their peak flavor and nutrition, so you’ll get the best bang for your buck in terms of taste and nutrition.

A person holding a basket with a variety of in-season fruits and vegetables

Meal Prep is Key 🍲🥗

Meal prep can be a lifesaver when it comes to eating on a budget. When you prepare your meals in advance, you can purchase food in bulk, which saves money on items you use frequently, like grains, nuts, and seeds. Additionally, meal prep helps reduce food waste because you’re using up all the food you purchased for specific meals.

When meal prepping on a budget, you can make large batches of meals that you can eat throughout the week rather than prepping individual meals. This allows you to use ingredients you already have on hand and reduces food waste.

A person organizing a fridge filled with prepped vegan meals

Buy in Bulk 🛍️👥

Buying in bulk is an excellent way to save money on vegan staples like beans, grains, nuts, and seeds, which are often expensive when purchased in smaller quantities. Some stores even offer a discount for buying in bulk, so be sure to check your local grocery store’s policies.

Some wholistic stores offer a discount when you bring your reusable containers, and the prices of these stores tend to be cheaper than regular grocery stores. You could also consider going in on a bulk purchase with friends or family members to split the cost and reduce waste.

A person holding a jar filled with bulk grains or seeds in a wholistic store

Plan Your Meals 📝🍴

Planning your meals in advance can help you save money by allowing you to purchase only the items you need for the week’s meals. Additionally, planning meals can reduce overall food waste.

You can search for recipes for specific items you have on hand in your kitchen and utilize meal plans in vegan apps like Forks over Knives. Planning meals in advance allows you to keep track of everything you have on hand and avoid repetitively buying items you already have.

A person holding a notebook with a list of meals for the week

Embrace One-Pot Meals 🍲🥣

One-pot meals are an excellent way to save money on ingredients and reduce waste. These types of meals allow you to utilize whatever produce you have on hand and require minimal kitchen equipment.

Some examples of one-pot meals are soups, stews, and curries. You can also make a delicious vegan chili or lentil stew. These are hearty and filling meals that can last for several days, making them ideal for meal prep.

A person holding a hot bowl of vegan chili or soup

Conclusion 📝

Eating a vegan diet on a budget doesn’t have to be expensive or challenging. By using mindful eating habits, purchasing ingredients in bulk, and meal prepping, you can enjoy delicious and nutritious vegan meals without breaking the bank. Embrace one-pot meals and plan your meals in advance and say goodbye to throwing out wasted produce and hello to delicious budget-friendly vegan meals.

A person holding a plate filled with delicious budget-friendly vegan meals