Why a Vegan Diet Can Be Expensive - And How to Save Money with Vegan Discounts and Deals
Going vegan is a powerful choice - for your health, for animals, and for the planet. But one of the biggest myths that discourages people is the idea that a vegan lifestyle is too expensive. If you’ve ever wondered, “Why is vegan food so pricey?” or searched for vegan discounts to cut your grocery bill, you’re not alone.
In this guide, we’ll explore why being vegan can seem expensive, and more importantly, show you how to save money with vegan deals, affordable swaps, and smart habits. Stick around to discover one of the best resources online for saving money on plant-based living.
Why Is Being Vegan Often More Expensive?
1. Plant-Based Meat and Dairy Alternatives
The rise of veganism has brought an explosion of meat and dairy substitutes - like Beyond Burgers, cashew cheese, and almond milk yogurt. While tasty and convenient, these processed alternatives often come at a premium. They're still niche, and mass production hasn’t scaled enough to drive down prices.
2. Specialty Health Foods
Many vegans are drawn to health-focused ingredients: organic quinoa, nutritional yeast, spirulina, and fancy nut butters. These foods are nutrient-dense but not always budget-friendly, especially if you’re new to the lifestyle and eager to try everything at once.
3. High Markups in Vegan-Friendly Stores
Boutique health food stores and upscale supermarkets may carry a wide range of vegan products, but often at higher prices. Combine that with limited access to affordable options in some areas, and it’s easy to see how costs rise quickly.
4. Dining Out as a Vegan
When eating out, vegan dishes can sometimes be more expensive - or you’re limited to restaurants where plant-based options are specialty items. While the vegan food scene is growing, so are the prices in trendy cafés and vegan restaurants.
How to Save Money on a Vegan Diet: Budget-Friendly Tips + Vegan Deals
Now for the good news: veganism doesn’t have to be expensive. With the right approach, it can be just as affordable - or even cheaper - than a standard omnivorous diet.
Here’s how to cut costs while staying true to your values.
1. Buy Whole Foods Over Processed Products
Want to eat vegan on a budget? Stick to basics like:
Rice, oats, pasta, and grains
Lentils, chickpeas, and beans
Potatoes, carrots, and other hearty vegetables
Frozen fruit and vegetables
These are naturally vegan and extremely cost-effective. Plus, they’re versatile for meal prepping and easy to store in bulk.
2. Take Advantage of Vegan Discounts and Online Deals
Using a vegan discount website like EatPlantsAndTravel.com is one of the easiest ways to save money. Whether you're shopping for cruelty-free skincare, vegan supplements, or meal delivery kits, you can find exclusive vegan deals and promo codes all in one place.
By using curated vegan coupons, you're not just saving cash - you're also supporting ethical brands that align with your values.
3. Cook from Scratch
Buying pre-made vegan meals and snacks adds up fast. Making your own hummus, veggie burgers, sauces, or soups is cheaper, healthier, and often tastier. You’ll save money and avoid the markup of packaged items.
4. Shop in Bulk and Buy Store Brands
Many grocery stores now offer bulk bins of dry goods like rice, lentils, oats, and nuts - often for much less than packaged versions. You can also check for generic or store-brand plant milks and canned goods.
Pair this with vegan discount codes online for even deeper savings when shopping in bulk.
5. Use Seasonal and Frozen Produce
Seasonal fruits and vegetables are cheaper and fresher. When fresh produce isn't affordable, frozen options are your best friend - they’re just as nutritious and can be stored for months.
6. Plan Your Meals to Prevent Waste
Planning weekly meals helps reduce waste and impulse purchases. When you know what you're cooking and stick to a list, it’s easier to stay within budget.
Pro tip: Choose recipes that share overlapping ingredients so you can use everything you buy.
Save Big: Where to Find the Best Vegan Discounts and Promo Codes
If you’re serious about saving money as a vegan, a huge game-changer is using a vegan-specific discount platform. That’s exactly what EatPlantsAndTravel.com was designed for.
💸 Why Use EatPlantsAndTravel.com?
Verified Vegan Discounts: Get up-to-date promo codes for plant-based products, food subscriptions, travel, and more.
Exclusive Deals: Save on ethical brands you can trust - no more endless searching for working coupon codes.
Vegan Travel Deals: Explore destinations with vegan-friendly lodging, tours, and food - all while saving money.
Whether you're a seasoned vegan or just starting your journey, using a trusted resource for vegan deals and coupons can make the lifestyle more sustainable for your budget.
Final Thoughts: Living Vegan, Living Smart
Yes, a vegan diet can seem expensive at first - but once you move past the fancy packaging and get back to basics, it becomes one of the most budget-friendly lifestyles out there. Add in some meal planning, bulk shopping, and smart online tools, and you’ll not only save money - you'll thrive.
Looking for a one-stop shop to cut costs while living plant-based?
👉 Visit EatPlantsAndTravel.com to discover the latest vegan discounts, deals, and travel offers - because saving money should never be a barrier to ethical living.
