Is Plant-based or Vegan Really More Expensive? My 2 cents

Are plant-based and vegan diets really more expensive than the Standard American Diet?

I get this question a lot, and while there are many factors that go into food choice and how that impacts your grocery budget, whole food, plant-based (WFPB) diets are less expensive than the standard, animal-filled fare.

The important distinguishing factor here is ‘whole food’. If your grocery cart is filled with fresh produce, bulk bags of whole grains and beans, a few packs of nuts, non-dairy milks, and just a few additions like vegan butter or a frozen dish, then you’re in the black. But if your cart is loaded with the now-popular processed meat and dairy alternatives, then you’re looking at a higher price tag.

From a health and a cost perspective, the alternative products that exist for butter, cheese, and meat should be used sparingly and not make up a large part of your diet or grocery bill as they are still highly processed foods and - more importantly - low in nutrient value. While they’re a nice alternative to eating the animals they aim to replicate, foods made in a lab have yet to prove their long-term health impact and lack the nutrient-density that make a plant-based diet so healing and health promoting. And they’re not cheap - yet.

Next Steps

• If you’re transitioning to a plant-based or vegan diet and find that it’s more expensive than your usual haul, do a quick assessment of your receipt and see where your major expenses are coming from. My guess is it’s not from produce, grains, beans, or a few cartons of almond milk.

• Learn more about the benefits of a WFPB diet, beyond your budget

• Grab my free pantry staples list to guide your next shopping trip

With warmth and wellness,
Emma