How to go Plant Based without breaking the bank
It’s Expensive—Aka "I Can’t Afford to Shop at Whole Paycheck"
Life is expensive. Food costs money. But don’t despair! Eating plant-based doesn’t have to break the bank. I will say it’s a little more expensive than the traditional western diet but it can save you money in the long run—on your wallet, waistline, and carbon footprint. Let’s tackle some FAQs to put your cost concerns to rest.
FAQ:
Isn’t eating plant-based expensive?
Not necessarily. It’s all about perspective. Is it more expensive than a $0.99 hot dog from a cart? Sure. But please tell me you’ve retired that habit (your body deserves better).
Do I have to shop at Whole Foods?
Nope! Whole Foods has a wide variety of options, but it’s not the only game in town. Plant-based offerings are everywhere, from your local grocery store to major retailers like Target, Walmart, and Amazon. These chains thrive on competitive pricing.
What if I don’t want to support big business?
Great question! Many smaller businesses and specialty sites cater to plant-based diets. A favorite of mine is Vegan Essentials, but there are plenty of others to explore.
Aren’t meat substitutes more expensive?
Not really. According to Statista, ground beef costs $5.21 per pound. Gardein meatless ground is $5.49 at Whole Foods for a 13.7 oz package and has 87% less fat than regular ground beef. Organic chicken? $8.99 per pound, while plant-based chicken alternatives like Gardein are $8.99 for a 10oz package. And those are Whole Foods prices—shop around, and you’ll often find even better deals.
What about plant-based milks?
The cost is comparable. A gallon of cow’s milk is $5.29 at Whole Foods, $4.49 at Target. Almond milk (technically two half-gallons) costs $8.98. Yes, it’s a little more—but is it enough to stop you from trying plant-based eating? I’ll let you decide.
Where can I buy plant-based food online?
There are many options! Start with Vegan Essentials another good option is Thrive Market or browse your favorite online retailers.
What about veggies?
Everyone—plant-based or not—should be eating veggies. Of course we all want to create beautiful platters of enticing veggies but sometimes its not practical. So to keep costs down, try frozen vegetables. They’re budget-friendly, last longer, and prevent waste. Frozen broccoli, mixed medleys, and edamame are lifesavers. A 10.8oz bag of frozen broccoli costs $2.22 at Walmart. Healthy and affordable!
Okay, but what about ice cream?
You got me. Non-dairy ice cream, like Ben & Jerry’s, costs about $0.45 more. Premium products have premium pricing. But hey, we’re saving the planet and our health here—it’s worth it.
And cheese? Surely cheese is more expensive!
Cheese can be a sticking point for new plant-based eaters. Good news: you don’t have to give it up. There are excellent non-dairy options now, though some are better than others. On price:
Kite Hill Cream Cheese: $6.99 vs. Organic Valley Dairy Cream Cheese: $5.49. (Dairy wins this round.)
Shredded Cheese: Violife $5.39 vs. Organic Valley $6.79. (Plant-based wins here.)
Sliced Provolone: Violife $5.99 vs. Organic Valley $7.49. (Another win for plant-based!)
Quality matters, and in many cases, plant-based cheese is just as good—if not cheaper.
The Takeaway
Eating plant-based doesn’t have to drain your wallet. With some smart shopping and a little experimentation, you’ll find plenty of affordable options. Stay tuned for my next guide, where I’ll rank the best meat substitutes and call out the worst offenders for a spot on the Wall of Shame.
