A huge misconception about eating vegan? That it’s expensive.
Because of specialty animal-free products, the “trendiness” of the lifestyle, and simply less demand for plant-based foods, it’s true that many vegan items come at a premium. On top of this, many of us in the U.S. are trying to cut back on grocery expenses amid an uncertain economy and steadily rising food prices. For all these reasons, perhaps you’ve been thinking, “How could I possibly go vegan or plant-based on a budget?!”
Exploring Vegan is here to tell you: You don’t have to choose between saving money and eating vegan. Here’s why:
- Vegan food has become more mainstream, making many items less of a novelty and therefore less expensive.
- Many grocery stores have built their own lines of plant-based foods.
- Tons of vegan staples are already low-priced items you can find in almost any grocery store.
This summer, we want to keep eating healthy, sustainably, and compassionately — while saving some change. So we’ll be reviewing the most affordable, store-brand vegan products we can find at grocery chains known for value.
How to save on groceries while eating vegan: Read our grocery store reviews
In this new series, we’ll be highlighting the affordable vegan options at various U.S. grocery store chains, including:
- Vegan options at Aldi
- Vegan options at Wegmans
- Vegan options at Trader Joes
- Vegan options at Walmart
These articles will focus on the “generic” store-brand foods that typically cost less than brand-name items. While we love Impossible meats, fancy plant-based cheeses, and super easy eggs, they might be reserved for special occasions when budgets are tight.
Don’t forget the basics: Easy vegan price-saving swaps
Despite a pricey reputation, vegan foods have always been some of the most affordable things you can buy at the supermarket: produce, potatoes, rice, pasta, oatmeal, canned goods — like hundreds of different types of beans! You can easily buy these items in bulk, too, and save even more.
Wondering how to make the switch to plant-based without breaking the bank? Here are a few easy swaps that are healthy, tasty, versatile, and affordable.
Instead of: Boxed cereal
Get: Oats, Nuts and Seeds
It’s the same thing, just a whole lot less processed – and way cheaper! If you buy raw oats, you can dress them up to be just as tasty as your sugary cereal but with a lot less junk in them. Cook oatmeal with tasty mix-ins like omega-3-rich chia seeds, flax, or walnuts. Cook it, bake it or prep it overnight.
Instead of: Eggs
Get: Tofu for tofu scramble eggs
In March 2025, the average price of a carton of 12 eggs in the U.S. was $6.23, according to NerdWallet. Though prices have fallen in the months since, they’re still significantly higher than they were in recent years. A cheaper plant-based alternative? Tofu scramble eggs! You can find an easy recipe in this review. Plus, at Aldi recently, I scored a pack of tofu for $1.55.
Instead of: Meat
Get: Beans and lentils
Cholesterol-free and packed with protein, virtually every bean available and various types of lentils are the perfect whole food vegan swap for meaty dishes. Whether that looks like black bean and potato burritos, chickpea salad, homemade hummus, hearty lentil soup, or baked bean sloppy joes, meatless mains using these legumes are super satisfying and healthy. And of course, they’re extremely affordable and often available in bulk. Stock up!
This list is far from exhaustive! What are your favorite affordable vegan swaps? Share them with us in the comments. And make sure you subscribe to our newsletter or follow our Instagram to check out grocery store brand reviews as they come out!
