Is a Vegan diet affordable?

The greatest barrier to adopting a plant-based diet is the lack of information about a plant-based diet, and another is the perceived cost of ingredients. Many are under the impression that following a plant-based lifestyle has to be very expensive. This is mostly as a result of the high cost of meat and dairy replacement products.

Whole Plant Foods are more affordable than animal products

A balanced whole food plant-based diet is rich in fruits, vegetables, beans, wholegrains, nuts and seeds, which are mostly more affordable than animal products. Expensive replacement products such as pea protein strips, coconut yoghurt and some plant milk options should be seen as a luxury and not a necessity.

There are many ways to enjoy a healthy and balanced plant-based diet on a budget, such as buying dry ingredients in bulk and preparing meals in advance. Find more tips from ProVeg  on how to eat a vegan diet on a budget. 

A collaborative affordable vegan meal plan

ProVeg South Africa adapted a meal plan that was originally designed by Toni Okamoto, founder of Plant-Based on a Budget. Toni’s meal plans were created in California and have been featured on the popular plant-based netflix documentary, What The Health. After cross referencing her grocery list in Food Lover’s Market, ProVeg SA was able to re-create her meal plan within a South African context.

Save at Food Lover’s Market

Food Lover’s Market shared this meal plan during Veganuary and hosted specials on specific ingredients, like beans and almond milk. Awesome specials aside, the total cost was under R50 per day at the start of 2021. You can use the vegan meal plan during any week of the year, but the cost might fluctuate over time.

Get the 1 week 1 person plant-based Meal Plan Here!

* Your Food Lover’s Market grocery list

* 7 day plant-based meal plan for one person

* Tasty and affordable plant-based recipes