It absolutely is possible. Brown rice, quinoa, coucous, bulgar, lentils....all these things are very cheap and hearty. Often you can find them in bulk making them even cheaper. A can of beans is super cheap, and can be added to salads, soups and sandwiches to increase fiber and protein. Fresh organic produce can be pricey, but you can get stuff super cheap if you have a local farmer's market. If not, then google the "dirty dozen", which is the 12 fruits and veggies that have the most pesticides....buy those organic, and the rest of your produce non-organic. Grow some herbs on your windowsill to add variety to simple meals. Really, eating vegan is like eating any other way, in that it can be as costly or as inexpensive as you choose to make it. If you keep your meals simple and "whole", prices shouldn't be too much of an issue.
This topic has been covered a few times previously, it's probably why you didn't get more responses. I wanted to add that shopping in ethnic markets is inexpensive....nori, rice, udon noodles, sesame seeds, adzuki beans, shitakes, tofu & more can be found in an Asian or Japanses markets. I buy my avocadoes, cilantro, rice, beans (dried & canned) tortillas, lemons, limes & bananas from Mexican grocery stores.
If you have the space, growing a few things in the summer helps. Zucchini is very prolific & super easy (just plant one or two) A tomato plant or two helps, I believe there's a way to process them to freeze or dry for the winter. Green onions, carrots some lettuce aren't difficult.
Have you tried making seitan? It's high in protein & pretty darn cheap to make compared to buying the prepared stuff. Make a batch & freeze the surplus. Also, soups are very inexpensive...lentil soup is my favorite....again, make a big batch & freeze the extras so you have some meals for those times when you don't want to cook or don't have the time.
I just purchased "Vegan on the Cheap" by Robin Robertson. She makes a note of what each recipe costs per serving & has more ideas for thrifty buying & cooking.
One last thing....use the "Search" box for the forum & there you can find some of the other threads that discuss this. Put in "budget" "cheap" "inexpensive vegan", etc.
yeah i agree with above.. even buy bulk beans instead of canned because the cans could add up IMO.. as a college student whos always poor lol i buy beans rices quinoa unsweetened coconut, popcorn (a fav snack lol), lentils, barley etc all in the bulk at wholefoods and i then just get a jar of pb (another fav must have) and produce.. ill buy organic sumtimes but if i cant afford it that week ill only buy sum stuff -dirty dozen like said above.. and if im spending extra or got coupons ill get some tofu and tempeh, tempeh pretty cheap at trader joes..the beans are easier i just soak them the night before and cook them and so muchh cheaper ill make enough to throw in salads and for quick meals..goodluck
Hi and thanks for all the great advice! I'm new to the forums so appreciate the suggestions and tips. Will try them out!
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