Adopting a plant-based diet can lead to significant savings on grocery bills in the United States, according to a new study. Research conducted by CouponBirds found that vegans spend an average of $34.23 less per month on groceries compared to those who consume animal products. Even when factoring in pricier vegan alternatives, the overall cost remained lower for plant-based shoppers.
Study Reveals Cost Differences Between Diets
CouponBirds analyzed grocery prices from major retailers, including Walmart, Kroger, and Target, to compare spending habits among different dietary groups. The study evaluated 45 commonly purchased grocery items, calculating the cost for omnivores at $232.17 per week.
For vegans, 23 of these 45 items required substitutions, bringing their total grocery bill to $223.62 per week. This translates to a savings of $8.55 per week or $34.23 per month. The reduced costs largely stemmed from the lower prices of plant-based products compared to their animal-based counterparts, including alternative meats and dairy-free milk options.
Vegan Substitutes and Their Impact on Cost
The analysis also highlighted the cost difference between seafood products and plant-based alternatives. For example, replacing crab legs, which average $14.18, with oyster mushrooms per a food blogger’s recipe resulted in savings of $9.07.
However, not all plant-based alternatives proved to be cheaper. Some vegan options, such as plant-based butter, cheese, bagels, and barbecue sauce, were found to be more expensive. Due to these added costs, a vegetarian diet emerged as the most budget-friendly option. It included the cost benefits of avoiding animal meat while excluding the higher-priced vegan specialty products.
Whole Food Plant-Based Diets Offer the Greatest Savings
CouponBirds based its study on an average omnivore’s grocery basket, which reflected typical American purchasing habits. Dairy products, fresh produce (including fruit juices), and snack foods topped the list of commonly bought items in U.S. grocery stores.
The study conducted like-for-like swaps, meaning that the vegan grocery basket contained pre-packaged meals and processed snacks, which were often more expensive than their non-vegan counterparts. However, other research suggests that opting for whole plant-based foods—such as beans, grains, fresh fruits, and vegetables—rather than processed substitutes can further lower costs.
According to previous studies, individuals following a whole food, plant-based diet can reduce their grocery expenses by up to one-third compared to those on conventional diets in countries like the U.S. and U.K. The affordability of staples like lentils, rice, and seasonal produce contributes to this significant cost reduction.
The findings reinforce the idea that a plant-based diet can be both economical and health-conscious. While some vegan specialty products may carry higher price tags, choosing minimally processed, whole plant foods can offer even greater financial benefits. As more consumers seek budget-friendly ways to eat healthier, plant-based diets may continue to gain popularity.
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