5 Budget-Friendly Ways to Eat More Plant-Based Foods

A common thought when considering buying more plant-based foods is it’s so expensive. While that can certainly be true, it’s also entirely possible to get all of your fruits and veggies purchased without breaking your bank. So, if you’re tired of going to the store and seeing a bag of spinach on the shelf for $6.99 (and thinking WTF??), try these 5 budget-friendly ways to get more plant-based foods on a budget:

1. Buy In Bulk

Many supermarkets and online retailers offer bulk sections where you can buy foods in larger amounts and for less. This is often the case for nuts, grains, seeds, and beans

2. Check Out Online Deals

There a quite a few options online today that allow you to order fruits, veggies, and other plant-based options for a fraction of the price. Thrive Market is one (linked) . Misfit market is a personal favorite (linked). There are some great options!

3. Look at Canned Options

Did you know buying canned can help reduce your grocery cost by 50%? They also last much longer than fresh produce, which will help you cut back on waste.

4. Base Your Meals Around One or Two Foods

If you find a “Staple” to your meal, like rice, you can come up with a versatile list of meals that all use that similar base ingredient. Adding different spices can REALLY change flavors and make the same ingredient taste extremely different. Good examples of a staple base are: rice, oatmeal, potatoes, beans, and canned tomatoes.

5. Utilize Your Freezer

Frozen fruits and veggies are less expensive, last longer, and can decrease preparation time for meals. Frozen fruits are fantastic when added to smoothies, or overnight oats. They make a quick and easy breakfast. Alternatively, frozen veggies last long and can be heated up and added to many meals.

A key to lasting habit formation is small changes over time. And when it feels like there’s a financial burden included, it can be even more daunting. So, while you may be working towards a greater goal surrounding plant-based foods, knowing that there are budget-friendly options, what are one or two of the above that you can commit to trying out in the next week? Let me know!