Vegan on a budget? How to eat clean for less
What's the story
Going vegan in India is not only an ethical decision about what you eat but also a financial commitment to maintain that lifestyle. With the high prices of vegan products, planning your finances to support your values without emptying your wallet is crucial. This article will provide tips on how to manage your finances while maintaining your vegan lifestyle.
Tip 1
Plan your meals and budget
Meal planning is the key to a budget-friendly vegan lifestyle By planning your meals for the week, you can purchase ingredients in bulk, which is almost always cheaper than buying individually. Set a specific budget each month for groceries and adhere to it. For instance, keeping aside ₹3,000-₹5,000 based on your consumption level can help keep expenses in check.
Tip 2
Embrace local and seasonal produce
India is a treasure trove of fruits and vegetables, with a plethora of options rotating throughout the year. Choosing local and seasonal produce can slash your grocery bills as these items are typically cheaper compared to imported or off-season alternatives. For example, opting for mangoes in the summer instead of avocados can save you anywhere from ₹50-₹100 per kilogram.
Tip 3
DIY vegan staples
Several vegan staples, such as almond milk or peanut butter, carry a higher price tag on the shelves compared to their non-vegan counterparts. However, a significant cost reduction can be achieved by preparing these items at home. Easy-to-follow recipes are readily accessible online, and you can whip up these essentials in bulk and store them for later use, eliminating the need for regular purchases.
Tip 4
Join vegan communities
Joining vegan communities, both online and offline, is helpful not only for emotional support but also for exchanging advice on where to get reasonably priced vegan products. Numerous communities coordinate group buys, enabling members to acquire items at wholesale costs, and sparing each member potentially hundreds of dollars over time.
Tip 5
Invest in durable kitchen tools
It sounds counterproductive to spend money on fancy kitchen tools when you're trying to save, but trust me, it's a smart move in the long run. Strong tools = less replacements + faster cooking. That's a win-win for your wallet and your schedule. Take a good blender, for example. You'll use it for all kinds of vegan magic, and a decent one (around ₹2,000-₹3,000) won't break like those cheap ones.