How to Eat Vegan on a Budget: Easy Tips & Cheap Recipes

You may have heard that going plant-based and eating a vegan-friendly diet will break the bank. The truth is that eating vegan does not have to be expensive. In fact, it can be downright cheap. It is just a matter of knowing what to buy and how to prepare it. Fortunately, these things are not very difficult to learn. A few simple ingredients and easy tips are all you need to enjoy an array of healthy, filling, vegan meals.

Ultimate List of Affordable Vegan Pantry Staples

A quick shopping trip can fill your cupboard with a nice variety of versatile ingredients without breaking the bank. These can be used in all sorts of delicious vegan-friendly recipes. Here are just a few examples of affordable groceries worth having on hand.

• Potatoes
• Rice
• Pasta
• Beans
• Lentils
• Tofu
• Oats
• Fruits
• Vegetables

5 Pro Tips for Cheap Vegan Grocery Shopping

1. Buy in Bulk When Possible

Buy in bulk when possible. If you have the space in your pantry, buying in bulk is always a good bargain. The price may appear a little higher at first glance, but you will see that the per-unit cost is much lower than buying smaller portions. Plus, you will not have to visit the store as often.

2. Shop Local and In-Season

Shop local and seasonally. Check out your local farmer’s market for deals on in-season produce. Fruit and vegetable prices are understandably lower when they are in season. And items that are grown locally cost much less to transport, so those savings can be passed on to you.

3. Master Meal Prepping

Try meal prepping. Take a day on your weekend to make a big batch of your favorite recipe. Having ready-made meals on hand will curb the urge to buy an expensive meal at a restaurant. It will also save you time if you are having a busy week.

4. Focus on Filling Foods

Get plenty of protein and filling foods. This may seem obvious, but consuming meals with plenty of protein and filling foods like beans and oats can keep you full much longer. The upside of this is that you will not be as tempted to buy costly snacks in between meals.

5. Never Shop Hungry

Never shop hungry. We have heard this advice all our lives. Go to the store on a full stomach so you do not leave with a lot of expensive junk food. This tip alone could save you hundreds of dollars a year.

10 Easy Vegan Recipes Under $2 Per Serving

Once you have a fully stocked kitchen, get to work whipping up some delicious meals. Here is a small sampling of easy, low-cost, vegan recipes. Each of these healthy dishes costs under $2 per serving.

Easy Vegan Ramen From The Hidden Veggies

Fill this savory broth with soft ramen noodles and your favorite vegetables. Add any vegan meats or tofu if you like. It only takes about 5 minutes to throw together, and your family will love it.

Vegan Fried Rice From Nora Cooks

Who needs takeout when you can make your own delicious fried rice at home? In 20 minutes, you can have a tasty fried rice that rivals your favorite restaurant. It is a great way to use leftover rice and works great as a side or main dish. Add some marinated tofu or vegan chicken for some extra protein.

Vegan Pot Pie From Karissa’s Vegan Kitchen

This chicken-free pot pie is packed with chickpeas and veggies in a creamy sauce. The homemade pie crust is super flaky and buttery. You can use a store-bought crust if you want, but be sure to check the ingredients before purchasing. This dish is great for Christmas, Thanksgiving, or any other special occasion.

5-ingredient Hummus Pasta From Sweet Simple Vegan

Whip up this one-pot recipe in about 15 minutes. Just five simple ingredients come together to make a delectable pasta dish that is sure to satisfy any appetite. Add additional toppings like black olives or nutritional yeast to dress it up and make it yours.

Vegan Bolognese From Happy Kitchen

There are not many people who do not love spaghetti. Bolognese sauce usually has meat in the recipe, but this is easily replaced with crumbled tempeh. You can make your own tempeh (recipe included) if you cannot find it on store shelves. This quick and easy recipe comes together in about 30 minutes.

No Cashew Vegan Mac and Cheese From Plant-Based Jess

Many vegan cheese sauces call for cashews, but this recipe for mac and cheese omits the cashews in favor of carrots and potatoes. A little nutritional yeast really bumps up the cheesy flavor. The result is a super creamy, low-fat dish your kids will gobble up. Make the recipe your own by adding chili powder or other spices.

Vegan Mexican Shell Soup From Cooking on Caffeine

This tasty vegan soup has an interesting secret. The pasta is lightly fried before you boil it, which adds a nice nutty dimension to the already delicious dish. The ingredients for this quick and easy soup are so simple, you probably already have them in your cupboard.

Vegan Fettuccine Alfredo From Eat Something Vegan

You will love this simple and hearty pasta. It is both filling and delicious. Blended cauliflower increases the thickness, while nutritional yeast brings a little cheese flavor to the mix. Add red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper for a touch of heat, or throw in some veggies to bulk up the dish.

Oven-Baked Garlic Mushroom Rice From A Virtual Vegan

You only need one pot to prepare this flavorful rice dish. All you have to do is toss all the ingredients together and put it in the oven. It is excellent for special occasions or a busy weeknight. You will want to make this recipe again and again.

Vegan Scalloped Potatoes From The Green Loot

Creamy scalloped potatoes and vegan sausage come together to make a delicious and filling comfort food in this recipe. It is quick and easy, and it only requires six ingredients. It is also a great option for meal prepping, as you can make it up to three days in advance or even freeze it.

These are just a few of the hundreds of budget-friendly, vegan recipes you can make without spending a lot of money. They make staying under budget easy. Give them a try and tell us which one you like best.

Share Your Best Tips & Recipes

Do you have any additional tips for eating vegan on a budget? What about a budget-wise recipe you would like to share? Tell us about them in the comments.