Forget Brand Named Faux Food
First, leave behind “vegan” premade meals. While plant-based foods may be tasty in their faux-meat styles, these freezer-section items are almost always overpriced with poor nutritional in value – an important factor when following a vegan diet! Limit your time in this section of the grocery store and head over to the produce and bulk dry goods.
Fill Your Spice Rack
Next, fill your spice rack. Grab natural dried spices and spice blends. Pick up the spices for several different kinds of recipes, from oregano to cumin. Great spice profiles will help to replace the pre-packaged flavors of expensive vegan foods.
Pair a Protein-Rich Grain with Every Meal
Vegans have an incredible selection of protein-rich grains to build into nutrient-complete meals. Couscous, quinoa, oats, brown rice, lentils, and more. The list goes on, and you can experiment to find which you like best. To ensure that every vegan meal is both filling and provides enough plant-based protein, make a rice or grain bowl for most meals.
Combine your beans, protein-rich vegetables, and hearty whole grains in different flavor and texture combinations. This will also help to replace the blended mushroom and quinoa impossible burgers with impossibly high prices.
Stock Up on Dried and Canned Beans
Head to the dried and canned beans section. Beans are very low-cost, protein-rich, and filling. A variety of different beans in your diet can help to keep your micronutrients well-stocked in addition to providing both protein and starch to every meal.
Boil dried beans into long-simmer soups and stews or add black beans to vegan taco recipes. Beans can bulk up your pantry and ensure that vegetable-based dishes are filling enough to keep you powered until the next meal.
Purchase Tofu in Bulk
Depending on the store, tofu can be extremely cheap or ridiculously expensive. Find an affordable supplier of tofu who will sell it to you by the pound. Check out local international grocery stores of almost any cultural roots to find better vegetarian and vegan ingredients at lower prices than the name brand grocery chains.
Compare Grocery Store Prices
Speaking of grocery chains, do a little exploratory price shopping. Some grocery stores have lower produce costs than others -which can really add up over time. Some grocery stores have better prices on bulk dry goods or may be the only place in town to get almond milk, Know the supply and pricing strategies of your local grocery stores and decide where to shop for the best prices on what you need to restock your vegan pantry.
Add Plant-Based Protein Powder to Meals
You also don’t have to figure out your diet 100% using produce from the grocery store. A little plant-based protein powder can really kick your recipes up a notch without another layer of ingredients. Plant-based protein is typically savory and makes for a delightful addition to your vegetable broth for soup, stir fry, or a casserole blend.
You can also find plant-based protein in sweet protein shake mixes that are great for morning smoothies or baking additives. Increase the protein content of your vegan diet with less effort and at a very efficient cost.
Shop the Seasonal Produce Section
Make the produce section your home base. Seasonal produce is often sold at just a few cents per pound of delicious and diverse vegetables. The Farmer’s market may or may not have a better selection and prices than your local grocery stores, so keep an eye out for the best locations and prices to stock up on all the vegetables your homemade vegan recipes require.
Plan for Vegan Snacking
Be sure to account for your desire to snack. Vegans need salty, crunchy snacks, too, but many of the vegan snacks you find at the store are luxury priced. You can find healthy and more affordable snacks made with vegan protein at GNC, or you can make your own veggie chips. It’s surprisingly easy to keep your vegan desire to snack satisfied with some at-home preparation.
A dip platter with homemade hummus or lightly oiled and seasoned veggie slices baked into chips can sate your desire to snack and ensure you maintain a full, healthy vegan diet.
Buy Frozen Veggies in Bulk
Did you know that frozen vegetables can often be more nutrient-rich than fresh? This is because they are frozen at optimal ripeness, while veggies at the store may sit on the shelves for longer periods of time. So, if you see a really great bulk deal on a large bag of frozen vegetables; grab it. That’s a great opportunity to add to your casseroles, soups, stir-fries, and rice bowls for months into the future.
Check for Vegan Discount Bakery Items
Lastly, if you’re craving a special treat, browse the bakery’s store-made section. Cutting costs by using cooking oil instead of real butter can mean that pies, pastries, and other discount sweets around the bakery are actually vegan.
Enjoying a Budget Vegan Diet with GNC
Maintaining a vegan diet on a budget can be a challenge if you’re used to premade vegan foods. One of the best ways to help yourself make the transition from overpriced impossible burgers to homemade vegan delights is plant-based protein powder to give your homemade recipes that protein boost you need for daily energy. From vegan protein bars to soup bases and breakfast shakes, GNC has a great selection of plant-based protein to help you build a nutrient-complete vegan diet on a budget.
