Some people tend to think of the vegan lifestyle and particularly vegan diets as being expensive. However this need not be so – you can be vegan and still be frugal about what you purchase. There are a number of ways through which you can save on your grocery expenses. Today in this article, we look at how you can shop for vegan groceries even on a budget.
1. Use coupons
Be on the lookout for coupons, offers on your credit or debit cards or other discounts and take advantage of them. There is a lot of vegan produce that may be entitled to these discounts.
2. Buy larger packages
Larger packages and quantities of produce will fetch you better discounts than smaller packaging.
3. Use your freezer judiciously
When you buy large quantities of produce you tend to get good discounts. Use what you can immediately and freeze portions for later use. Freeze blanched spinach, pureed tomatoes and other pureed veggies, corn, peas and a lot more.
4. Scout the supermarket
You don’t have to buy your produce at specialty stores or so called health food stores. You can find a lot of vegan produce right inside regular supermarkets. Buy items that are on sale, have special promos and so on. Also pick out items that are minimally packaged – sometimes it’s just packaging that adds to the cost of a product.
5. Shop at the farmers’ market
Even better carry your own bag and go shopping at a farmer’s market where you can buy fresh and buy local – so you’re eating what is good for your health and for the local community.
6. Cut out the processed stuff
The more processing a food undergoes, the higher goes its cost. To the extent possible pick out whole, natural foods that are minimally processed with few additives.
7. Plan your meals
If you plan your meals in advance you are likely to get a get a better idea of what groceries you need to get and in what quantity.
8. Write down your list
If you plan your meals in advance you can also make a list of items that you need to shop for – carrying a list when you grocery shopping will minimize impulse purchases and ensure that you bring back that which you actually need.
9. Eat seasonal produce
Unseasonal produce costs more to grow and to transport so eat seasonal foods – better for your pocket and for your health.
10. Fruit/Dried fruit at dessert
Rather than processed desserts high in refined sugars, opt for fruits. They are more nutritious and delicious. Dried berries, raisins, prunes, dates even have a very long shelf so they don’t spoil – buy large quantities and eat them over a longer period.