Is Veganism expensive?


Gary L. Francione

Typically when Veganism is mentioned, people automatically assume that it is an expensive lifestyle and that not everyone can afford it. I’ve heard it being referred to as a luxury. But is it really?

As a Vegan, I (and I’m sure if you’re Vegan you can also relate) often hear “I would go Vegan…but it’s too expensive”. But this is not the case.

Veganism is NOT expensive. 

Vegans (myself included) mainly survive (and thrive, might I add) off of beans, grains, pasta, vegetables and fruit; some of the most affordable grocery items. Not very costly at all.

Essentially, most Vegans purchase similar grocery items to those they bought as a non-Vegan, just excluding the meat, cheese, butter, honey etc and maybe adding in some extra beans for protein. My grocery list is now more concise and I pay less than I did before going Vegan!

Dishes like spaghetti, pasta, rice/quinoa and beans, roasted garlic potato and a good old stir fry (just to name a few) are both easy to make and inexpensive.

I will, however, say that once you add processed Vegan mock meats to your grocery list, things may get a bit pricey. Items such as Nutritional yeast (Vegan cheese), Tofu dogs, Vegan sausages and Vegan ground ‘meat’ can be expensive, HOWEVER, these are not necessary for a Vegan diet. You CAN live without them. In fact, they are processed and may not be the healthiest of choices…so why not stick to the basics?

Not only is home-cooked Vegan food inexpensive but it’s also tasty (We don’t eat grass) and undoubtedly brings out my creative side in the kitchen.

When eating out as a Vegan, things may get pricey (depending on where you eat). If you go to a typical restaurant and Veganise an item on the menu, it’d be around the same price that you’d pay if it wasn’t Vegan. Some restaurants will also prepare a Vegan dish for you if you request it.

If you go to a Vegan specific Cafe or Restaurant (some, not all) the items on the menu may be a bit more on the pricey side.

But with the demand for Vegan and Vegetarian food increasing, this will soon change.

If cost was the main thing stopping you from going Vegan, there really is no excuse now.

Feel free to contact me with any questions you may have 🙂


7 thoughts on “Is Veganism expensive?

  1. I love this post!. Being vegan can get pretty expensive in Jamaica too depending on what you want. I’m slowing trying to convert back to being a vegan and it can be difficult sometimes but I think the fun part is rediscovering amazing vegan recipes that are surprisingly delicious!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. I went vegan 3 months ago after being vegetarian for a year and a half. I love it so far. It’s not the cheapest lifestyle either here in Trinidad.


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