WHY IS VEGAN FOOD SO EXPENSIVE?

Some of the compelling reasons that people are becoming vegan are health, the environment, animal welfare, and concerns about eating meat.

But, one of the first questions people have is, why is vegan food so expensive? Why would fruits and vegetables, the main ingredients in vegan food preparation be so expensive? Sure, nowadays everything is expensive. From gas to food to utility bills, buy why vegan food items? Those who have decided to go vegan probably noticed that vegan food often comes with a higher price tag when compared to non-vegan food items, leaving you to ponder, ‘Why is vegan food so expensive?’

The cost associated with switching to veganism can be a big turn-off for those considering a plant-based diet. We must look at why this is the case. It’s important to know the reasons this disproportionate pricing exists – it isn’t just because producers want to rob more money out of health-conscious consumers. Despite the high cost of vegan food items, folks who adhere to plant-based diets are still willing to pay more for products that align with their values. This consumer behavior has contributed significantly to the higher cost of vegan foods. Veganism is a growing trend, but it’s still a relatively small market.

How To Be Vegan on a Budget

The simple truth is there are fewer vegans than meat-eating people. Just 4% of the U.S. population is vegan. The country with the highest percentage of vegans is India at 13%. So, companies must charge more to recoup production costs and achieve their profitability.

The vegan market is a niche one, and this fact is one reason it contributes to its expensive price tag. A lot of vegan options are looked at as specialty or gourmet items due to the unique ingredients needed to prepare them, which can further raise costs. For instance, one thing to consider when looking at the cost of vegan burgers at home or in a restaurant is that the beef industry is subsidized by the government, whereas vegan meat production is not.

Also, with niche markets, such as plant-based industries, there is a lack of the infrastructure, facility design, latest technologies, and equipment that meat producers enjoy which vegan food companies do not.

Only when vegan brands can capture a larger share of the market will they be able to improve their production, which in turn, increase efficiency and drive down the prices of their products. Until that day comes, the price of vegan foods will likely remain relatively high compared to non-vegan alternatives. Specialized ingredients, Research, and develop (R&D, also add to this dilemma. However, it is predicted that as more and more people switch over to vegan diets, the cost of producing vegan foods will decrease.

Over 20 Ways To Be Vegan Without Going Broke

1. Create A Weekly Budget – A weekly budget for food. It’s a good idea to make it a bit higher in the beginning and then see if it’s doable for you.
2. Keep a List of everything you purchase and how much it costs.
3. Prepare Your Own Meals – Restaurant meals are much more expensive compared to self-made ones since you’re paying for the service. Use eating out as an occasional treat while on your budget.
4. Stop Wasting Food + Freeze, Freeze, Freeze – Cook large batches and freeze the leftovers. Freeze any produce that’s about to go bad.
5. Buy in Bulk – Look for big family-sized food packages. They usually offer a much better value for the cost than smaller containers or bags.
6. Buy What’s In Season – Foods that are grown in season not only taste better but also be a lot cheaper.
7. Farmers Markets – Visit your local farmers market and look for a variety of flavorful, in-season produce. Buying directly from the farmers not only supports your local community but will also be cheaper in some cases.
8. Keep Recipes Simple – Experiment with simple but flavorful ingredients and spices.
9. Meal Plan – Plan out your meals and snacks in the beginning of the week. See which food you already have at home and if you can reuse it for other meals.
10. Cook Your Meals From Scratch – Prepare your meals at home as often as you can, instead of using pre-made food or going to a vegan restaurant.
11. Use a Grocery List – Impulse buying can cost you quite a bit of money and buying too much perishable food isn’t helpful either.
12. Choose Nutrient-dense Ingredients – Look for filling and healthy staples like oatmeal, tofu, or potatoes instead of cereal or fries.
13. Buy Frozen Food – Frozen fruits and vegetables can be extremely convenient and often are cheaper than their fresh counterparts. Frozen foods are picked ripe and then flash-frozen right away to maintain a great nutritional value.
14. Eat Before You Shop – Don’t go food shopping when you’re hungry, always go after you’ve eaten. By eating right before you go shopping, you are less likely to make impulse buys.
15. Grow Your Own Food – If you are fortunate enough to have a backyard or window boxes or containers, this can be a very fun and satisfying way to save some money.
16. Make Your Own – Many vegan replacements like pre-made sausages, chick n’ nuggets, or cheese can cost twice as much or more compared to their animal-based counterparts. But not to fret, you can make many of these foods easily yourself! Of course, it will require a little bit of time and effort, but the savings can be tremendous.
17. Use Store Brands – Go for store brands whenever possible. Many times offer the same quality at a much lower price as you save on advertising and packaging.
18. Don’t buy organic – Going organic doesn’t have any real health benefits but is usually much pricier and not necessary.
19. Consider Memberships – Some grocery stores such as Costco and Sam’s Club have loyalty programs that can get you good deals. Even single people or small families can benefit by using these memberships.
20. Discounts & Coupons – Check out nearby stores to see if they offer discount coupons. Doing a little bit of research can have big savings.
21. Look Online. You can compare prices and discover new discount stores or grocery outlets in your area.
22. Ethnic Supermarkets. – Usually offer cheaper items, plus, you can discover new foods and flavors.

These are a few ways to eat healthy, ethical vegan meals without going broke.