Vegan on a Budget
It is a common stereotype that vegan and vegetarian diet cost more. I’m not saying it is a total fabrication, but if it were completely true, than why are the meat-free entrees always the cheapest choice on restaurant menus?
It is possible to be a super-saving spendthrift and have a fulfilling, healthy, varied, vegan diet. I’ve greatly improved my spending habits lately: avoiding impulse buys, shopping around for the best deals, and not buying as many superfluous, expensive treats. In doing so, I am learning new tricks and tactics. Here are two of my new bargain-hunting tips:
1. Dented cans really are half priced! Don’t go all Adam Sandler in Big Daddy on me, throwing them to cause dents, but do look around your grocery store for a reduced section. Don’t see one? Ask the manager if they sell discounted, dented cans. They are harder to open, but worth the miniscule struggle when you are getting a can of green beans for 50 cents.
2. Shop around - even if it means having three different stores that you regularly shop at. I get my spices, frozen veggies, pasta, and such at the dollar store; my breakfast meal bars at GNC, where I am a Gold Member and receive 20 percent off; and the rest at grocery stores.
Do you have any strategies for vegan eating on a budget?
October 3rd, 2008 at 10:37 am
I pretty much do the same thing as you do; It’s definitely best to shop around.
In order to make it worth my while though, with the gas prices being as high as they are these days, I usually make sure I hit all the places I need to go to on the same day.
Bananas are super cheap at BJ’s: $1.39 for 3lbs. And I can get a huge bag of lettuce for $2.50 there as well.
At the local Farmer’s Market, I get enough fruits and vegetables to feed 3 people for a week for under $20. In a regular supermarket, I would probably wind up spending around $50 for the same things. It’s ridiculous how much they jack up the prices. Even their sale items are more expensive than what I pay at the Farmer’s Market.
There’s another smaller Farmer’s Market that I go to that has a basket of fresh tofu (2 blocks) for $1. It so much better than the packaged stuff.
I’ll hit up the health food store for TVP & Nutritional Yeast in bulk. Way cheaper than anywhere else I’ve seen.
Walmart has Silk Soy Milk for $2.50 a half gallon and you can also get some pretty good prices on beans and rice there too.
Trader Joes has Cliff Bars for $.99
Whole Foods has great prices for vegan cheeses, faux meats and mayo (both Veganaise and Nayonaise).
I do miss the days when I could get everything in one place, but the savings I’m getting are totally worth a few extra stops.