A common misconception about veganism is that it’s an expensive lifestyle, reserved only for those with deep pockets. While it’s true that indulging in gourmet ingredients or dining at vegan-friendly Michelin-star restaurants can be a treat, the reality is that living a healthy, plant-based life doesn’t need to break the bank.

In fact, you can thrive as a satisfied, healthy vegan while keeping your costs down. Here are my top tips for living a plant-based life on a budget, without sacrificing taste or nutrition.

1. Shop Smart, Not Hard

It’s no secret that shopping while hungry can lead to overspending. This holds especially true for vegan shopping, where tempting packaged goods can easily add up. However, shopping savvy as a vegan involves more than just filling your trolley with fresh produce and sticking to a list. Here are some tactics to save both money and time.

Timing is Everything:
Supermarkets often reduce prices on fresh produce at the end of the day to clear stock. If you can, shop closer to closing time to grab great deals on items like fruits, vegetables, and even plant-based protein sources, like tofu or tempeh, before they’re marked down.

Embrace ‘Wonky’ Veg and Other Discounts:
Many stores are now offering discounted ‘imperfect’ or ‘wonky’ fruit and vegetables, which, while not visually perfect, are just as nutritious and taste just as good. These can be a great way to save money while reducing food waste. Additionally, keep an eye out for flash sales and clearance bins. It’s not about looking for the cheapest item, but rather finding the best value for your money.

Homemade Is Always Cheaper:
Instead of buying ready-made vegan meals like pre-packaged soups, salads, or smoothies, try making them yourself. Preparing your own meals in bulk is not only more affordable but gives you complete control over the ingredients and portion sizes. For example, you can make a week’s worth of wholesome vegan soup from scratch, often at a fraction of the cost of shop-bought alternatives. One of my personal favourite recipes is a creamy, tangy vegan soup created by Rishma, the creative mastermind at Root Kitchen. It’s a simple yet nutritious option, and the best part is that you can adjust it to your taste.

2. Discover the Power of Beans, Lentils, and Pulses

Beans, lentils, and pulses are the unsung heroes of a vegan diet. They’re inexpensive, highly nutritious, and offer versatility in the kitchen. Whether you’re looking to add protein to a salad, thicken a stew, or bulk up a curry, these pantry staples can be your best friend.

Affordable Protein Sources:
Beans and lentils are packed with plant-based protein and fibre, making them essential for a balanced vegan diet. Unlike fresh produce, dried beans and lentils have a long shelf life, which means you can buy them in bulk without worrying about them going bad quickly. In fact, they’re often much cheaper than fresh protein sources and can be used in a wide variety of dishes.

Maximise Their Potential:
Incorporate beans, lentils, and pulses into your meals to stretch your budget while getting plenty of nutrients. They can be used to thicken sauces, add texture to soups, or replace meat in your favourite dishes. Lentils, for example, are fantastic in dishes like dhal or vegan shepherd’s pie. You can also blend chickpeas into hummus or throw them into a curry for added protein.

3. Choose Supermarket Own Brands

It’s tempting to gravitate toward well-known, branded products, but when you’re living on a budget, it’s important to weigh your options. Supermarkets often offer their own range of vegan-friendly products that are just as good as the branded versions, but at a fraction of the price.

Soy Milk and Dairy Alternatives:
One area where supermarket own brands can make a significant difference to your budget is plant-based milks. For example, soy milk from the store brand often costs half the price of its branded counterpart, but it still offers the same nutritional benefits. The same goes for other dairy substitutes, such as almond milk, oat milk, or plant-based yoghurts. These alternatives can add up quickly when buying branded, so opting for supermarket own brands is a simple way to save a few pounds without compromising on quality.

Other Pantry Staples:
Supermarket own brands are also great for staple items like rice, pasta, flour, and canned goods. These products are often just as nutritious as their more expensive counterparts, so there’s no need to pay more for the same quality.

4. Master the Art of Batch Cooking

One of the most effective ways to save money while eating healthy is to cook in bulk. Batch cooking allows you to make large quantities of food at once, which you can then store and use throughout the week. This strategy is not only cost-effective but also saves you time, reduces food waste, and makes sure that you always have a healthy meal on hand.

Cook Once, Eat All Week:
Dedicate a few hours on the weekend to prepare and cook multiple meals for the week ahead. Dishes like stews, soups, curries, and pasta bakes are perfect for batch cooking. They can be stored in the fridge or frozen, so you’ll have ready-to-eat meals whenever hunger strikes. This method ensures you’re less likely to opt for expensive and unhealthy takeaways.

Five-A-Day Made Easy:
Batch cooking is also a fantastic way to ensure you’re hitting your five-a-day. You can incorporate a variety of vegetables into your meals, making sure you get a balanced mix of nutrients. One of my go-to recipes for batch cooking is a delicious tomato and tamarind soup—perfect for a hearty lunch. Another favourite is a pumpkin pasta bake, which uses cheap seasonal ingredients to create a filling and nutritious dish.

5. Don’t Forget the Freezer

The freezer is your secret weapon when it comes to saving money and reducing food waste. It’s often underestimated, but freezing your meals, fruits, and vegetables can help preserve nutrients while extending their shelf life.

Freeze Your Fresh Produce:
When you buy fresh fruits and vegetables, especially when they’re on sale, consider freezing them for later use. Many fruits like berries, mangoes, and bananas freeze well and can be added to smoothies or salads. Similarly, vegetables such as spinach, peas, and chopped carrots can be frozen and thrown into soups or stews.

Batch-Cook and Freeze:
Freezing meals that you’ve batch-cooked is another way to ensure you always have healthy options available without the temptation to order expensive takeaways. You can freeze soups, casseroles, and curries in individual portions, so you only need to defrost the amount you need.

Portion Control:
Freezing meals in portions ensures you avoid overeating or wasting food. If you cook a large pot of stew, for example, you can freeze individual servings, making it easy to grab a portion when you're in need of a quick, nutritious meal.

6. Grow Your Own

If you have the space, growing your own fruits, vegetables, and herbs can be an incredibly cost-effective way to enjoy fresh, homegrown produce. Even if you live in a flat or don’t have a garden, consider starting a small herb garden on a windowsill or balcony.

Herbs and Easy Veg:
Things like basil, mint, parsley, and thyme can be easily grown in pots. You’ll also find that growing your own herbs and vegetables like tomatoes, courgettes, or lettuce is surprisingly affordable and rewarding. It can also be a fun and educational activity that reduces your reliance on store-bought goods.

Final Thoughts

Living as a healthy vegan on a budget is not only possible, but it can also be incredibly rewarding. By shopping smart, embracing simple and affordable ingredients like beans and lentils, batch cooking, and utilising your freezer, you can enjoy a varied and balanced plant-based diet without spending a fortune. The key is to plan ahead, stay mindful of your spending, and make the most of what’s in season or on sale.

Veganism doesn’t need to be expensive, and with these tips, you’ll be able to live a healthy, satisfying life that’s kind to both your body and your wallet.