16 Cheap Vegan Recipes for College Students - TheDiabetesCouncil.com (2024)

FAQs

How to make vegan food cheaper? ›

By simply swapping meat and processed vegan alternatives for more whole food equivalents, such as lentils and chickpeas (great in curries or stews), cooking becomes more cost-effective without sacrificing flavour.

I highly recommend having a mixture of grains, protein, and vegetables — it provides a great balance not only with flavor/bulk but also texture. Grains and legumes help keep the meal filling while the vegetables bring everything together.

Canned foods are a versatile and long-lasting staple ingredient. Beans, lentils, tomatoes, fruit, and vegetables are healthful and nutrient-dense. Tinned and frozen foods also keep well, which makes cooking extra simple and minimizes food waste. Buying fresh, seasonal produce is healthy as well as budget-friendly.

Frozen vegetables like spinach, broccoli, green beans, and mixed veggies can stay preserved for a long time and can be added to just about any meal. Uncooked beans and legumes are also cheap, versatile, and protein-rich. Uncooked pastas and grains can last for a long time in the cupboard, too.

In fact, vegan diets in particular are very accommodating to budget living and eating. Many of the foods considered to be staples in a typical, healthy vegan diet are very affordable - grains, beans, seeds, and legumes are all good examples. You can make a lot of delicious vegan food on a budget!

Animal products are also heavily subsidized, which allows manufacturers to sell them for less. Vegan manufacturers don't get the same benefit, as they're dependent on supply and demand, allowing them to drive up their prices.

Can you save money being vegan? ›

“Like any diet, the cost of a vegan diet can vary based on the foods you are purchasing," Kahleova added. "But as our research shows, a vegan diet will actually save you money, when compared to one that includes animal products.”