Thanks for sharing!! We weren't vegan, but my mom did the same thing when I was a little girl, shopping at a health food store on food stamps. I'm so grateful she had that access because I think it helped give me the food foundation I have today.
Same... This has become (like many others) my current reality... Adjusting to a lifestyle for the first time ever using SNAP and unemployment. I have managed to maintain it, as long as I do the homework FIRST.
If you like shopping at wholefoods and even better if your on a budget you should try out the mobile app PICKL, it pays shoppers $5 to take pictures of products on grocery store shelves, and there's always tasks at wholefoods.
I tell my daughter all the time that it's cheaper to be vegan. One pack of $12 steak is 12 bags of lentils. You could eat 8+ meals from one bag of lentils.
@@Jordan-db2og maybe, but the sausage is high in fat and cholesterol and highly processed whereas the lentils will help you live a longer, healthier life when eaten with other whole plant foods. Eating plant-based can also help you feel better in the present, and help prevent future money you'd need to spend on medicine or doctors visits or heart bypasses. It's preventative care. Alternatively, the more of us buy plant-based sausages the cheaper they'll become until they're cheaper than the meat, because the actual process is cheaper, it's only more expensive now because of how capitalism works. Meaning if enough people buy them then they can increase their production which brings the price down. Meat, dairy, & eggs also have subsidies from the government, something we're working to change so they can go to make fruits & veggies cheaper instead. So basically animal products are only artificially cheap, if we count the health cost, the environmental cost, and take away the subsidies they wouldn't be affordable anymore.
Hey guys! Hope you're staying healthy :) Sooooo, with our present situation I know it's extra hard to shop around and shop in bulk. At my local sprouts and Co-op they've closed the bulk section off. BUT at sprouts you can still buy the items pre-packed for the same price, so that's nice. We're all doing our best. If you don't feel you can implement all of these tips now, that's fine. Come back to this video and these tips once the social distancing and covid-19 crisis has passed! xoxo
@@keetahhudson4181 I don't have a video. But I usually sauté them with garlic and sea salt. That's it! Sometimes I add a dash of apple cider vinegar at the end. You could use them any way you would chard, collards, or spinach: in curries, soups, stir fries, etc... Thanks!
Such an important message and great tips. Might I add: 1) Invest in a decent rice cooker. I use mine at least twice a day (for oatmeal, rice and lentils). If it wasn't so easy I'd probably fall back on more expensive, less healthy options. 2) Get comfortable with habits and routines. On a good week I eat the same breakfast (oatmeal with a banana) and lunch (beans and rice) every single day, and only mix up dinner a bit. Variety takes time and costs you more because you're not consolidating and bulk-buying things like grains. People say to me "aren't you so bored eating this way?" No! I look forward to every meal, enjoy the process of cooking, value my food more, and most importantly get to enjoy good health. Keep up the great work!
Am I the only one that thinks the way Jenne pronounces foods or describes makes them sound so appetizing. Her tone and pronunciation of a food or recipe makes my mouth water and I can just imagine how tasty the food or drink is 😭 Love her vividness ♥️ This video is awesome and super helpful.
She really does. I used to HATE beets, but since I started watching her videos I have been using them in my salads. She can make a glass of tap water sound like a treat.
So true...I'm 80% plant-based and enjoy vegan meals. I just made latin-inspired rice & beans with avocado for dinner...inexpensive, nutrient-dense, and has a ton of flavor! I find it's the processed vegan good that's expensive. I probably spend about 30% less since becoming mostly plant-based.
I find Beans, pasta and bread r cheap, but where I live nuts, pumpkin seeds, oranges, & blueberries r expensive. Also...organic veggies are often more expensive than some meats that I used to eat. I think it depends a lot on location. Organic and even non organic fresh veggies r $$$. Even some other channels people cooking on a budget say veggies r a privilege and viewers agree, here u say its cheap. Yeah must be location based.
Funny enough when I visited Hungary last summer I struggled finding vegan food, and some locals told me that it’s because a few decades back, vegan food was considered “poor people food” 🙊
I replied similar above. It used to be only the rich could eat meat, dairy, wild game, and other fatty foods. Coffee, tea, chocolate, sugar, etc were only accessible to the very rich up until about 100 years ago. That's a conservative time estimate.
@Miss Information Well, how come the US which is one of the financially better off countries in the world is also the one with one the highest obesity rates too? Maybe you are one of those who can't digest the carb and you can't handle the amount of fiber present in plants, and in that case I empathize with you: being vegan would be risky for you. I know a couple of people like that. But a lot of us are not like that, thank God!
Been vegan since April 1st and I'm so darn proud of myself. 💪💪 And yes, meal prepping has been so helpful along the way. 😍💯💯 This channel has been so resourceful and I couldn't be more thankful 😍😍
MissLissy90 Thanks. Have already subscribed to Pick Up Limes 😍😁😁. Have also subbed to Kate Flowers, Mad Lymburner, Naturally Stephanie to mention but a few of vegan channels.
Vegan food isn’t really that expensive. dairy and quality meat are expensive! The vegan food I find expensive are the specialty items that may be nice but that you don’t really need. :)
I recently transitioned to vegetarianism and it’s sooo much cheaper. I don’t consume dairy but I do still eat eggs for protein, I’m looking to eventually transition to a completely plant based diet. While I think processed or prepackaged healthy foods can be pricey, I try to stay far away from those and I’ve found that buying nice fresh produce has been so much less of a strain on my wallet. I can literally make about 5 meals from one $3 head of cauliflower!! Thanks so much for this video; I am so excited to learn what else I can dive into and create 💙☺️
Agree all your suggestions ❤ broccoli stems are absolutely delicious , carrot tops go great in breads and muffis, radish leaves makes insane pesto ... make a cupboard/fridge tour before going for grocery shopping, google recipes with what you have before buying something else. Having a freezer definitely helps 🙏
Absolutely true. Which gets us back to: if you want to eat healthy, learn to cook. But switching your diet, stopping to eat all the non-vegan meals you're used to, _and_ learning to cook ... I can understand why people are scared off. I think that makes it all the more important to be supportive if somebody says "I'll just be vegetarian first" or "I'll just try some vegan meals each week". I've seen an awful lot of "nooo, you're a fool" reactions to that, and it's sad.
What's more bizarre is that the tables have turned. It used to be only the rich could afford meat and fatty foods. Most of the impoverished ate a plant based diet up until the last century. Ethnic groceries are amazing. Not only are the prices great, you can find a wider variety of produce, spices, and grains / beans.
Dairy and meat was considered a luxury - a luxury only the rich could afford. Plant based eating saved me a lot of money , and my skills in the kitchen advanced
I love Lidl (north Carolina) because they have good produce and a surprisingly large amount of vegan meals, like gyoza, pizza and overstocks on certain brands like sweet earth, green giant protein bowls.
I freeze fruit when they are in season. Frozen mango is fantastic. Just let it thaw while eating meal and finish with desert. Cabage, potatoes, rice, beans, tofu, bananas etc. are usually budget friendly.
Also you can pre-peel and chop up your ginger root and garlic, place it in a freezer bag and pop it in the freezer. It’s fresh, lasts wayyyy longer so none goes to waste, and it’s convenient when your cooking because all the hard work is already done. You can do the same with left over tomato paste too 🙂
SweetPotatoSoul yes I work at one in North Carolina. It’s a fabulous store! Food is amazing too. Produce is amazing too and SO delicious! The sweet potatoes and avocados are the best!!
Eating whole food plantbased is the easiest way to eat and fun! I personally love it and so would everyone else. Anyone can do it 💯 remember health is wealth 💙🙏🏼
The reason people think going vegan is expensive is because they look at the price of vegan processed food which of course is expensive and should only be consumed sparingly or occasionally. They forget that vegan basics like dried or tinned chickpeas, lentils, rice, couscous, beans, coconut milk stuff like that is really affordable, lasts ages, and a little goes a long way. Veg/fruit prices seems to vary from country to cou try but if you buy seasonally, it is not expensive. Sometimes people use cost as an excuse because they aren't committed to trying a vegan or plant based diet.
Great tips Jenné! My fave (and I’ve been practicing this for months now) is saving scraps to make broth. Zero sodium, tastes different every time, and easy to make in the instant pot! ♥️🌱♥️
I recently kept the tips of my beets and sat them in some shallow water in order to grow the greens. They have grown fast! I’m excited to harvest them.
I LOVEEE the buford highway farmer's market! I can get 2 weeks of groceries easy for under $50, which is amazing for a college student budget. SO MUCH FOOD, SO MANY GREENS!!
If you don’t have access to a health foods store with a good bulk section and you live on the west coast winco is the way to go! They have one of the most extensive bulk sections for pretty much everything but tea. It’s employee owned and treat their workers super well too
1 tip you can find in season produce during this pandemic but check price some stores are over priced if you live in Texas discount grocery store, ethnic stores, if you live near a Kroger, sprout, food town, Aldi check price there sometime you will find produce cheap.
Meal prep hack: if "meal prepping" entire meals separate from normal cooking sounds intimidating to you (like it is to me), whenever you make regular meals just make more than you will actually eat at that mealtime! Then you will frequently have leftovers to grab for lunches or dinners the following day. Especially for things that keep well, I'll sometimes make 3-4 times the amount I'll need! It saves so much time!
I am new to committing to plant based eating. I LOVE your channel! I learn something helpful on EVERY video I view. I ordered your book... can’t wait to get it!! Thanks for all of your awesome work! ❤️
I lived in Atlanta for 16 years. You named all of the spots! I'm in California now too. I feel like I was able to get a lot more farm fresh produce in the south, especially at the State Farmers Market off I-75. I could get a whole box of ripe, organic bananas for $10, and all kinds of deals.
I'll definitely start buying my beans in bulk. I just got serious about being plant based this month and will be doing better with my fruits and vegetables and cutting out processed fatty foods. Happy I meal prepped my meals this week, I already only drink water so yes I'm excited for the rest of this year and years to come with being consistent. Thank you for the tips.
I live in Lawrenceville Ga and you are so right about the ethnic markets. They are everywhere in Gwinnett county. I go there first for my food then whatever I can’t find I will go to Aldi, Sprouts, Walmart & Kroger. Sprouts & Kroger also have coupons too. I am not vegan but plan to go vegan next month. I really look forward to the benefits.
Hey, great video (as usual -- thank you!). Just a note on using scraps to make stock (I learned this the hard way the other day): don't use things like bell pepper tops and stems, green beans, or even the bottoms of butternut squash. If you use any herbs from the freezer bag, remove the stems. I love to make my own stock, but this was the first time it came out bitter, and when I did a google search, I found out why (don't use any of the listed above). If you have any kombu in the fridge (the HARD type of seaweed that's dried, used for soups), pop in a sheet of that (along with the carrot, onion, and celery tops/bottoms and the mushroom stems). If you're not totally vegan, freeze your parmesan rinds in the freezer and add a rind to the stockpot, too. Hope you're enjoying your summer so far, cheers!
Chop and freeze produce to keep it from going bad. Especially vegetables you use as a base for soups and other things, such as celery, onion, and garlic.
I love your positive energy so much! I’m always trying out the recipes from you and tips you share with us! Vegan is not mainstream here in Japan yet but I’m hoping that we can educate ourselves for the gentle way of living and eating!
Thank you!! I love Japan. I found it difficult to eat there unless I cooked for myself or ate at strictly vegan restaurants. It was worth it though. Such an amazing experience, and a wonderful country!
I always steer clear of the bulk section and I have no idea why...I guess it just looks more expensive to me. I'm definitely going to start buying my grains and spices in bulk. Thanks!!!
I live in the netherlands and we have no bulk stores where you can bring your own container and get a certain amount. You can only get like the very big packages they use in restaurants. that's what the bulk stores are actually for. We also don't have a lot of local fruits and vegetables at the grocery store and only once a week do we have a market and because no one is going they'll have to close down soon. So it's getting harder and harder to get produce at a good price. I don't know what it's like in other cities, I'm sure different cities have more flourishing farmers markets! I just think it's very privileged to be able to so it's easy to be a vegan and it's cheap when there are so many food deserts in the world where people don't often get the choice of eating vegan because of the lack of vegetables and fruits etc. I do think it's really good to highlight that we should be more mindful of how we treat food, especially with people buying more than they need and ending up with a lot of waste. Also the veggie broth from scraps looks really interesting. Here we compost our food scraps in the backyard to make nutritious soil for frowing our own veggies. One last thing I think is important to note its that making your own plant milk can be cheaper but in some cases store bought is healthier. I always get the soy milk that has added B12 and Calcium and vitamin D etc, and you don't get that when you make it yourself.
Its really fun to get in the kitchen and make your own foods. Ive started making everything myself. It tastes better, cheaper and you can control the amount of sugar n salt thats in it.
I‘ve been watching your channel for yeaaaars. I am vegetarian now but I used to be vegan for 2 years, years ago. You are my favourite vegan RUclipsr. You always have the tea, and I moved into a more ethnic area and it’s a great tip cause ya, ethnic markets are the bomb. Anyway, you are amazing. Shopping in bulk intimidates me because I don’t know the amounts. I suck at math.
YES...I SHOP at Farmer Markets, Asian and ethnic markets for all produce and Hala Markets for beans, grains and other things like teas. I stay so close to Buford Hwy...yessssss...I only do Kroger, Publix and other chains for household products and the small amt of can products. I buy all fresh fruit from Buford Hwy Farmers Market and freeze it for my smoothies instead of buying from grocery store. This SAVES A TON of money and you get more.
When it comes to living vegan on a budget, I'm just wondering how important is buying a variety of ingredients, or if it's ok to skip on the expensive ones. Say, where I live, local fruit and some imported exotics (bananas and citruses) are very affordable, but say avocados are quite expensive. Olive oil is quite expensive, so I use sunflower and canola oil instead. Good thing all grains and legumes are affordable, but nuts (except peanuts) and almonds are pricey, so I used to make oat milk whenever a vegan recipe called for almond or nut milk. Though I decided nuts are so important for health, I can't just avoid them to save money, so eventually I bought a variety of nuts in bulk. Overall, many processed vegan products, say tofu, store-bought nut milks, cheese alternatives, vegan sour cream and mayo, etc. are quite expensive, so for me it's either avoiding those products, or making them at home. Which I'm gradually learning to do, but it takes time (and sometimes requires buying new kitchen equipment). Spices are of course also quite expensive, but since you don't need much, I find them manageable. Also, while not strictly a veganism issue, but related to healthy eating, trying to replace sugar with say stevia, or the various sweet syrups, or dates or other dried fruit also adds to the expenses. Overall I'm getting the impression that living vegan on a budget is definitely possible, but requires a decent time investment (one, to learn, and secondly, to make ingredients you would otherwise buy), and secondly, with a higher budget it's possible to eat a healthier, more varied diet. Then again, a meat-and-dairy diet on a tight budget is the source of so many health - and ethical - issues, even switching to a bare-(vegan)bones vegan diet is probably a big step forward. ____________ Oh, and I'd add a tip for vegans on a budget: learn to use the freezer and frozen products. Buying frozen veggies and berries is often cheaper than buying fresh. You can also employ the strategy of buying/making more food in one go, then freezing anything you can't eat within a few days - this can save time and money in the long run.
Great video! Next time you visit mom, try Dekalb Farmers Market in Decatur. I used to live near it, but now I'm aboutan hour from it, but I still make that trip to shop there. My wife and I have been going there for almost 30 years. They have the cheapest spices in the Atanta area.
Here in Canada markets sell beet tops and for a hefty price. Food here is always so expensive. Even during the summer months at the farm markets. It's ridiculous. There is no buying beet tops and such for cheap or getting them for free that I have seen anywhere. Nice to know though that it does exist in other places as it would help out so much!!
I'm not vegan but I eat a lot of plant based food and I think you're right. Buying vegetables and beans is pretty cheap, even tofu (which I buy sometimes for asian meals ) is way cheaper than meat. Now, I cannot eat only vegetables sadly because of a medical condition I have since birth, but I try to still make the most of it and save money ! =)
Yes for Suwanee! I grew up in that area. Closer to the city now though where there are more local farmer's markets, as well as international markets, Sprouts, Trader Joe's, etc.
I love your channel, your genuine personality, and delicious meals. Being vegan is way cheaper than when I was an omnivore. I buy all of my spices in bulk at a local Indian market, frozen veggies and tofu at Sams Club, H Mart just opened here very cheap for Asian mushrooms, daikon, green onions, napa cabbages, etc. Yes! I use all of my veggie ends to make stocks. SUBBED!
Vegan junk and meat alternatives are expensive. Ive been plant based vegan most of my life and have noticed that when deciding to eat these. Fruit and veg are not (not here in the UK anyway), peas, beans, seeds, nuts are cheap too depending on where you buy them and grains are cheap. Things like tofu, tempeh, vegan cheese and plant milks can be costly but you don't need to eat these every day - they are processed anyway. You can actually make your own plant milks, butters etc. Bulk buy stores work out a lot cheaper as you bring your own containers and buy as little or as much as you want. I find it very affordable.
I needed this! I recently went vegan and have been buying so many "replacement" products which are soo expensive... looking forward to trying many of these out! :)
I’m 59. I’ve been vegan now 3 years and eat 50% raw vegan. I spend much less on groceries than during my pre-vegan days. I think eating animal products causes a more voracious appetites. I find that my appetite is much more under control and I don’t feel “greedy “ like I used to when I consumed animal products.
only complaint about this video-- while regular meat consumption used to be only for rich people, dairy was not! most families had at least one cow or goat they would milk every day, along with eggs from chickens. otherwise great video!
I've been watching youre videos all day. You have actually helped me a ton. I have health issues i know would be handled properly with a major diet change. Thank you
New sub! Absolutely love your authentic, down to earth, healthy energy. You pay testimony to the benefits of a WFPB lifestyle. Time to start to binge on your vids.✌🏼
I need this right now! Grateful for this downtime! Focusing on nurturing my mind, body, and soul & this/your channel really helps. Thanks Jenne! YOU. ARE. THE. BEST.
love your content, I have been vegan since 2015 and I have been trying hard to get my family transition more to a plant based lifestyle and same with some friends and I always get "it's sooo expensive" yes, I agree most certified vegan pre-made meals/food can be expensive. Thank you for sharing your content, amazing stuff. WIll be sharing this video.
yes!! i love this!!! being vegan can be an expensive or inexpensive as you want it to be - i went grocery shopping about a month or so ago and the cost of 3 bags worth of produce and unprocessed whole foods came out to the same price as a bag full of vegan meats and cheeses. did i have to get the fake cheese? of course not! but i had the funds to do so, and i would've been perfectly satiated with balanced meals made from the whole foods i also purchased!
Great video, thanks! I think the reason for the "vegan eating is so expensive" is: 1. with convenience food being so wide-spred and some of it dirt-cheap (for a reason ... ), a lot of peope don't cook, and if you're a beginner at anything it takes up a lot more time. 2. too many people have to work several jobs, or work and raise children, so convenience food (open, heat, serve) is convenience food or eating out is a go-to. 3. vegan convenience food is a lot more pricey than the recycled-meat-glued-together sort. So, switching from "lots of ready-to-eat meals and eating out" to "vegan ready-to-eat meals" would be expensive. Maybe that's why vegan was so long associated with rich folk. Of course, once you look at all the vitamin supplements and medications you don't have to buy, and the doctors visits you don't have to do, it looks very different.
I agree with you about everything. But... I live in Belgium and bulk food is 2 or 3 or 4 or 5 or even 6 times more expensive than the exact same foods, from regular shops. There is no logic... It's like being penalised for wanting to be more ecological and for wanting to sustain the local farmers, etc. Just an example: oats at regular shop - almost 2,40 euros/kg, the same oats in a bulk shop - almost 7,00 euros/kg. And I did this comparison for dozens of items. Is there something I'm missing?
I'm lucky to have a discount salvage grocery store nearby. I bought 3 bags of 1 pound bag of kale for $1 and 24 oz of blue berries for $1.99 it's awesome
I LOVE your budget friendly videos. I've been cooking from them for the past few months now and some of the recipes have become staples for me. Also now I feel like I need to try beet greens and stems since you've been mentioning them a lot lately. Also, it's funny how vegan/plant based has been associated with being too expensive given that there's also the stereotype that vegans eat nothing but kale and water. XD
As I always tell people, alcohol and meat are the two most expensive things in the store to consume. Gallons of (cow) milk are also ridiculously priced, as much $5/gallon. Beans, veggies, fruits, pasta, peanut butter (vegan stuff)can be bought pretty cheaply.
I’ve fed myself vegan for nearly three years and my dog an almost full carnivore raw diet of fresh meats and such. My dog’s weekly food budget is always wayyy more than mine. 🤣
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Eating vegan is affordable. Even during a time when I lost my job and was receiving SNAP benefits I still ate a vegan diet and shopped at Wholefoods.
Thanks for sharing!! We weren't vegan, but my mom did the same thing when I was a little girl, shopping at a health food store on food stamps. I'm so grateful she had that access because I think it helped give me the food foundation I have today.
Same... This has become (like many others) my current reality... Adjusting to a lifestyle for the first time ever using SNAP and unemployment. I have managed to maintain it, as long as I do the homework FIRST.
@asabove wow you’re so right! That’s genius
same here I use my ebt card!
If you like shopping at wholefoods and even better if your on a budget you should try out the mobile app PICKL, it pays shoppers $5 to take pictures of products on grocery store shelves, and there's always tasks at wholefoods.
I tell my daughter all the time that it's cheaper to be vegan. One pack of $12 steak is 12 bags of lentils. You could eat 8+ meals from one bag of lentils.
OK but noones eating steak constantly. One bag of like 10 frozen sausages is like $2
@@Jordan-db2og yeah but frozen sausages are often processed and not fresh unlike steak
le lo also the nutritional benefits of sausages vs lentils...
Where are you getting a good steak for $12 though? Meat is expensive
@@Jordan-db2og maybe, but the sausage is high in fat and cholesterol and highly processed whereas the lentils will help you live a longer, healthier life when eaten with other whole plant foods. Eating plant-based can also help you feel better in the present, and help prevent future money you'd need to spend on medicine or doctors visits or heart bypasses. It's preventative care.
Alternatively, the more of us buy plant-based sausages the cheaper they'll become until they're cheaper than the meat, because the actual process is cheaper, it's only more expensive now because of how capitalism works. Meaning if enough people buy them then they can increase their production which brings the price down. Meat, dairy, & eggs also have subsidies from the government, something we're working to change so they can go to make fruits & veggies cheaper instead. So basically animal products are only artificially cheap, if we count the health cost, the environmental cost, and take away the subsidies they wouldn't be affordable anymore.
Hey guys! Hope you're staying healthy :) Sooooo, with our present situation I know it's extra hard to shop around and shop in bulk. At my local sprouts and Co-op they've closed the bulk section off. BUT at sprouts you can still buy the items pre-packed for the same price, so that's nice. We're all doing our best. If you don't feel you can implement all of these tips now, that's fine. Come back to this video and these tips once the social distancing and covid-19 crisis has passed! xoxo
SweetPotatoSoul I’ll definitely try out the Co-Op for spices. I can’t wait til farmers markets come back & we can go to them (Easy Coast gal).
Thank You so much! Please help me, i don't see a vid on beet greens. I have two bowls of beet greens. I will be waiting. Love your ideas.
Not happy that it’s prepackaged. I don’t need two pounds of lentils.
@@keetahhudson4181 I don't have a video. But I usually sauté them with garlic and sea salt. That's it! Sometimes I add a dash of apple cider vinegar at the end.
You could use them any way you would chard, collards, or spinach: in curries, soups, stir fries, etc...
Thanks!
thanks for all the tips!
Such an important message and great tips. Might I add: 1) Invest in a decent rice cooker. I use mine at least twice a day (for oatmeal, rice and lentils). If it wasn't so easy I'd probably fall back on more expensive, less healthy options. 2) Get comfortable with habits and routines. On a good week I eat the same breakfast (oatmeal with a banana) and lunch (beans and rice) every single day, and only mix up dinner a bit. Variety takes time and costs you more because you're not consolidating and bulk-buying things like grains.
People say to me "aren't you so bored eating this way?" No! I look forward to every meal, enjoy the process of cooking, value my food more, and most importantly get to enjoy good health. Keep up the great work!
Am I the only one that thinks the way Jenne pronounces foods or describes makes them sound so appetizing. Her tone and pronunciation of a food or recipe makes my mouth water and I can just imagine how tasty the food or drink is 😭 Love her vividness ♥️ This video is awesome and super helpful.
She really does. I used to HATE beets, but since I started watching her videos I have been using them in my salads. She can make a glass of tap water sound like a treat.
You too sweet 😌
Yep. 👍🏼
A vegan diet is so affordable!! Love how you demonstrate that to everyone with this video! So helpful, thank you Jenné! 💚
Thank you so much!!! Hope you're doing well :)
SweetPotatoSoul Aw thank you 🥰 hope quarantine has been treating you well!
So true...I'm 80% plant-based and enjoy vegan meals. I just made latin-inspired rice & beans with avocado for dinner...inexpensive, nutrient-dense, and has a ton of flavor! I find it's the processed vegan good that's expensive. I probably spend about 30% less since becoming mostly plant-based.
@@ZenandZaatar We're coping well :)
@@ktg8670 Yes!!! That's it!
OMG yes! I am so tired of hearing ppl say it’s costs more to be plant based 🤦🏽♀️ thank you
I find Beans, pasta and bread r cheap, but where I live nuts, pumpkin seeds, oranges, & blueberries r expensive. Also...organic veggies are often more expensive than some meats that I used to eat. I think it depends a lot on location.
Organic and even non organic fresh veggies r $$$. Even some other channels people cooking on a budget say veggies r a privilege and viewers agree, here u say its cheap. Yeah must be location based.
Funny enough when I visited Hungary last summer I struggled finding vegan food, and some locals told me that it’s because a few decades back, vegan food was considered “poor people food” 🙊
I replied similar above. It used to be only the rich could eat meat, dairy, wild game, and other fatty foods. Coffee, tea, chocolate, sugar, etc were only accessible to the very rich up until about 100 years ago. That's a conservative time estimate.
Erin Maurer so interesting right!
@@abym5048 It is. It's always interesting how the pendulum swings through history.
Yes! I get that.
@Miss Information Well, how come the US which is one of the financially better off countries in the world is also the one with one the highest obesity rates too? Maybe you are one of those who can't digest the carb and you can't handle the amount of fiber present in plants, and in that case I empathize with you: being vegan would be risky for you. I know a couple of people like that. But a lot of us are not like that, thank God!
Been vegan since April 1st and I'm so darn proud of myself. 💪💪
And yes, meal prepping has been so helpful along the way. 😍💯💯 This channel has been so resourceful and I couldn't be more thankful 😍😍
You should check out pickuplimes and mina rome then as well :) good choice!! 🌱
MissLissy90 Thanks. Have already subscribed to Pick Up Limes 😍😁😁.
Have also subbed to Kate Flowers, Mad Lymburner, Naturally Stephanie to mention but a few of vegan channels.
I am proud of you tooo!!!
SweetPotatoSoul Thank you so much !
Veggie Soul 👏👏 GO YOU!!!
I live in China, I go to the farmers market and with 60 yuan I get veggies for 2 or 3 weeks! Dry grains are also super cheap and last forever.
Vegan food isn’t really that expensive. dairy and quality meat are expensive! The vegan food I find expensive are the specialty items that may be nice but that you don’t really need. :)
Yes! They are treats 🙌 and they help when transitioning 🤗
Just started a 30-day vegetarian challenge where I'm hoping to transition into veganism, so this video was EXTREMELY helpful. Thanks for all the tips!
I recently transitioned to vegetarianism and it’s sooo much cheaper. I don’t consume dairy but I do still eat eggs for protein, I’m looking to eventually transition to a completely plant based diet. While I think processed or prepackaged healthy foods can be pricey, I try to stay far away from those and I’ve found that buying nice fresh produce has been so much less of a strain on my wallet. I can literally make about 5 meals from one $3 head of cauliflower!! Thanks so much for this video; I am so excited to learn what else I can dive into and create 💙☺️
Same here, but i only eat from my chickens or small farms I'm familiar with.
Agree all your suggestions ❤ broccoli stems are absolutely delicious , carrot tops go great in breads and muffis, radish leaves makes insane pesto ... make a cupboard/fridge tour before going for grocery shopping, google recipes with what you have before buying something else. Having a freezer definitely helps 🙏
Yummy!! Thanks for sharing those ideas and tips!
Processed vegan foods are expensive. When you eat raw and make your own homemade milk, cheese, breads and meats are cheap and easy.
Absolutely true. Which gets us back to: if you want to eat healthy, learn to cook.
But switching your diet, stopping to eat all the non-vegan meals you're used to, _and_ learning to cook ... I can understand why people are scared off.
I think that makes it all the more important to be supportive if somebody says "I'll just be vegetarian first" or "I'll just try some vegan meals each week". I've seen an awful lot of "nooo, you're a fool" reactions to that, and it's sad.
What's more bizarre is that the tables have turned. It used to be only the rich could afford meat and fatty foods. Most of the impoverished ate a plant based diet up until the last century. Ethnic groceries are amazing. Not only are the prices great, you can find a wider variety of produce, spices, and grains / beans.
Dairy and meat was considered a luxury - a luxury only the rich could afford. Plant based eating saved me a lot of money , and my skills in the kitchen advanced
Yes!!!
Four minutes in, and my laziness restricts me to hearing "go to Costco." Cutting costs takes effort; Sweet Potato Soul is a hardworking girl.
I love Lidl (north Carolina) because they have good produce and a surprisingly large amount of vegan meals, like gyoza, pizza and overstocks on certain brands like sweet earth, green giant protein bowls.
Lidl or Aldi. Here where I live it is Aldi.
I freeze fruit when they are in season. Frozen mango is fantastic. Just let it thaw while eating meal and finish with desert. Cabage, potatoes, rice, beans, tofu, bananas etc. are usually budget friendly.
Yes this video is so great! Going vegan has made my grocery bill so manageable. Thanks for the extra tips :)
Thank you!! I love to hear that you've experienced those benefits too!
Also you can pre-peel and chop up your ginger root and garlic, place it in a freezer bag and pop it in the freezer. It’s fresh, lasts wayyyy longer so none goes to waste, and it’s convenient when your cooking because all the hard work is already done. You can do the same with left over tomato paste too 🙂
Oh yay! She went to Sprouts for the Bulk stuff! I work at Sprouts and it’s the best for bulk stuff!!!
I love Sprouts!! Everyone who works there is so friendly 😄
SweetPotatoSoul yes I work at one in North Carolina. It’s a fabulous store! Food is amazing too. Produce is amazing too and SO delicious! The sweet potatoes and avocados are the best!!
I love how conscious you are of the environment
I love this video! Everyone always tells me that it's so expensive being vegan. Meat is way more expensive!
So true, my mom is 62 and she has told me life stories that they have a lot of meat but they ate veggies mostly with a little meat.
Really good vlog. Total agree with the shout out for Asian markets. The scraps for broth idea is brilliant.
Eating whole food plantbased is the easiest way to eat and fun! I personally love it and so would everyone else. Anyone can do it 💯 remember health is wealth 💙🙏🏼
do you still do it? any recommendations on a website to get started that makes it easy? I don't like learning recipes haha
The reason people think going vegan is expensive is because they look at the price of vegan processed food which of course is expensive and should only be consumed sparingly or occasionally.
They forget that vegan basics like dried or tinned chickpeas, lentils, rice, couscous, beans, coconut milk stuff like that is really affordable, lasts ages, and a little goes a long way. Veg/fruit prices seems to vary from country to cou try but if you buy seasonally, it is not expensive.
Sometimes people use cost as an excuse because they aren't committed to trying a vegan or plant based diet.
Too true!
Love how these are so similar to tips for living sustainably!
Just got your book, so excited to start cooking from it.
Yay! Thanks for your support. Hope you love it!
Thank you for these amazing tips! My heart and health is calling me back to vegetarianism and who knows someday soon : vegan. Your channel is amazing.
Homemade veggie broth for the win! Saving so much money (and much less salt, too). Thank you for all your tips!
Great tips Jenné! My fave (and I’ve been practicing this for months now) is saving scraps to make broth. Zero sodium, tastes different every time, and easy to make in the instant pot! ♥️🌱♥️
Yes! The broth is where it is at!
Yes farmers markets out here in l.a. are the best
I recently kept the tips of my beets and sat them in some shallow water in order to grow the greens. They have grown fast! I’m excited to harvest them.
I LOVEEE the buford highway farmer's market! I can get 2 weeks of groceries easy for under $50, which is amazing for a college student budget. SO MUCH FOOD, SO MANY GREENS!!
If you don’t have access to a health foods store with a good bulk section and you live on the west coast winco is the way to go! They have one of the most extensive bulk sections for pretty much everything but tea. It’s employee owned and treat their workers super well too
I love that you shared this! Eating vegan is totally affordable! 🌱
I went plant based 2 weeks my grocery bill was so low I was amazed
Love these vegan budget tip videos! I have yet to implement the veggie scraps 🙌
1 tip you can find in season produce during this pandemic but check price some stores are over priced if you live in Texas discount grocery store, ethnic stores, if you live near a Kroger, sprout, food town, Aldi check price there sometime you will find produce cheap.
Helping people save money and be healthy is positively angelic! 😇
I've been batch cooking and freezing my meals. It saves time in the long run and guarantees I'll eat properly.
Meal prep hack: if "meal prepping" entire meals separate from normal cooking sounds intimidating to you (like it is to me), whenever you make regular meals just make more than you will actually eat at that mealtime! Then you will frequently have leftovers to grab for lunches or dinners the following day. Especially for things that keep well, I'll sometimes make 3-4 times the amount I'll need! It saves so much time!
I am new to committing to plant based eating. I LOVE your channel! I learn something helpful on EVERY video I view. I ordered your book... can’t wait to get it!! Thanks for all of your awesome work! ❤️
n2meuc2 , her channel has really helped me too, my kids are vegan, I’m on and off. My kids actually love her recipes.
Thank you!!! Wishing you the best!
I lived in Atlanta for 16 years. You named all of the spots! I'm in California now too. I feel like I was able to get a lot more farm fresh produce in the south, especially at the State Farmers Market off I-75. I could get a whole box of ripe, organic bananas for $10, and all kinds of deals.
All kinds of deals in Atlanta! It's amazing!
Atlanta is the place to be for vegans. My friends from Wisconsin are so jealous of us and the choices we have!
Yes I love Atlanta 😊, my city has made my transition back vegan smooth, no going back 🤞🏾
We wanna see more budget friendly recipes! 🙌
Budgetbytes.com have the best vegan/vegetarian recipes. Highly recommend!
Buying seasoning in bulk is a great suggestion. Seasoning could be expensive. So buying the amount you need makes sense.
I'll definitely start buying my beans in bulk. I just got serious about being plant based this month and will be doing better with my fruits and vegetables and cutting out processed fatty foods. Happy I meal prepped my meals this week, I already only drink water so yes I'm excited for the rest of this year and years to come with being consistent. Thank you for the tips.
The biggest challenges for me, are the costs of high quality vegan ingredients. Still a struggle. Thank you for your suggestions 😊
I live in Lawrenceville Ga and you are so right about the ethnic markets. They are everywhere in Gwinnett county. I go there first for my food then whatever I can’t find I will go to Aldi, Sprouts, Walmart & Kroger. Sprouts & Kroger also have coupons too. I am not vegan but plan to go vegan next month. I really look forward to the benefits.
I loveeeee the Asian Market. They have awesome deals on produce.
Hey, great video (as usual -- thank you!). Just a note on using scraps to make stock (I learned this the hard way the other day): don't use things like bell pepper tops and stems, green beans, or even the bottoms of butternut squash. If you use any herbs from the freezer bag, remove the stems. I love to make my own stock, but this was the first time it came out bitter, and when I did a google search, I found out why (don't use any of the listed above). If you have any kombu in the fridge (the HARD type of seaweed that's dried, used for soups), pop in a sheet of that (along with the carrot, onion, and celery tops/bottoms and the mushroom stems). If you're not totally vegan, freeze your parmesan rinds in the freezer and add a rind to the stockpot, too. Hope you're enjoying your summer so far, cheers!
Chop and freeze produce to keep it from going bad. Especially vegetables you use as a base for soups and other things, such as celery, onion, and garlic.
I love your positive energy so much! I’m always trying out the recipes from you and tips you share with us! Vegan is not mainstream here in Japan yet but I’m hoping that we can educate ourselves for the gentle way of living and eating!
Thank you!! I love Japan. I found it difficult to eat there unless I cooked for myself or ate at strictly vegan restaurants. It was worth it though. Such an amazing experience, and a wonderful country!
I always steer clear of the bulk section and I have no idea why...I guess it just looks more expensive to me. I'm definitely going to start buying my grains and spices in bulk. Thanks!!!
I'm really glad that I came across this channel! Never even knew the hack about the veggie tops!
Could you please make a video about all the stuff you can eat thats normally thrown away! I would love to waste a lot less and try new things!
I live in the netherlands and we have no bulk stores where you can bring your own container and get a certain amount. You can only get like the very big packages they use in restaurants. that's what the bulk stores are actually for. We also don't have a lot of local fruits and vegetables at the grocery store and only once a week do we have a market and because no one is going they'll have to close down soon. So it's getting harder and harder to get produce at a good price. I don't know what it's like in other cities, I'm sure different cities have more flourishing farmers markets! I just think it's very privileged to be able to so it's easy to be a vegan and it's cheap when there are so many food deserts in the world where people don't often get the choice of eating vegan because of the lack of vegetables and fruits etc. I do think it's really good to highlight that we should be more mindful of how we treat food, especially with people buying more than they need and ending up with a lot of waste. Also the veggie broth from scraps looks really interesting. Here we compost our food scraps in the backyard to make nutritious soil for frowing our own veggies. One last thing I think is important to note its that making your own plant milk can be cheaper but in some cases store bought is healthier. I always get the soy milk that has added B12 and Calcium and vitamin D etc, and you don't get that when you make it yourself.
Thank you!!! I am going to keep the top of my beets and carrots now and go hit up local farmers around my area.... God Bless You!!!
Its really fun to get in the kitchen and make your own foods. Ive started making everything myself. It tastes better, cheaper and you can control the amount of sugar n salt thats in it.
I‘ve been watching your channel for yeaaaars. I am vegetarian now but I used to be vegan for 2 years, years ago. You are my favourite vegan RUclipsr. You always have the tea, and I moved into a more ethnic area and it’s a great tip cause ya, ethnic markets are the bomb. Anyway, you are amazing.
Shopping in bulk intimidates me because I don’t know the amounts. I suck at math.
But I will start!
YES...I SHOP at Farmer Markets, Asian and ethnic markets for all produce and Hala Markets for beans, grains and other things like teas. I stay so close to Buford Hwy...yessssss...I only do Kroger, Publix and other chains for household products and the small amt of can products.
I buy all fresh fruit from Buford Hwy Farmers Market and freeze it for my smoothies instead of buying from grocery store. This SAVES A TON of money and you get more.
When it comes to living vegan on a budget, I'm just wondering how important is buying a variety of ingredients, or if it's ok to skip on the expensive ones.
Say, where I live, local fruit and some imported exotics (bananas and citruses) are very affordable, but say avocados are quite expensive. Olive oil is quite expensive, so I use sunflower and canola oil instead. Good thing all grains and legumes are affordable, but nuts (except peanuts) and almonds are pricey, so I used to make oat milk whenever a vegan recipe called for almond or nut milk. Though I decided nuts are so important for health, I can't just avoid them to save money, so eventually I bought a variety of nuts in bulk.
Overall, many processed vegan products, say tofu, store-bought nut milks, cheese alternatives, vegan sour cream and mayo, etc. are quite expensive, so for me it's either avoiding those products, or making them at home. Which I'm gradually learning to do, but it takes time (and sometimes requires buying new kitchen equipment).
Spices are of course also quite expensive, but since you don't need much, I find them manageable.
Also, while not strictly a veganism issue, but related to healthy eating, trying to replace sugar with say stevia, or the various sweet syrups, or dates or other dried fruit also adds to the expenses.
Overall I'm getting the impression that living vegan on a budget is definitely possible, but requires a decent time investment (one, to learn, and secondly, to make ingredients you would otherwise buy), and secondly, with a higher budget it's possible to eat a healthier, more varied diet.
Then again, a meat-and-dairy diet on a tight budget is the source of so many health - and ethical - issues, even switching to a bare-(vegan)bones vegan diet is probably a big step forward.
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Oh, and I'd add a tip for vegans on a budget: learn to use the freezer and frozen products. Buying frozen veggies and berries is often cheaper than buying fresh. You can also employ the strategy of buying/making more food in one go, then freezing anything you can't eat within a few days - this can save time and money in the long run.
Great video! Next time you visit mom, try Dekalb Farmers Market in Decatur. I used to live near it, but now I'm aboutan hour from it, but I still make that trip to shop there. My wife and I have been going there for almost 30 years. They have the cheapest spices in the Atanta area.
Here in Canada markets sell beet tops and for a hefty price. Food here is always so expensive. Even during the summer months at the farm markets. It's ridiculous. There is no buying beet tops and such for cheap or getting them for free that I have seen anywhere. Nice to know though that it does exist in other places as it would help out so much!!
yaaaaas this is a fabulous video, i am vegetarian for 6 months now and trying to slowly go vegan, this is very helpful!
I'm not vegan but I eat a lot of plant based food and I think you're right. Buying vegetables and beans is pretty cheap, even tofu (which I buy sometimes for asian meals ) is way cheaper than meat. Now, I cannot eat only vegetables sadly because of a medical condition I have since birth, but I try to still make the most of it and save money ! =)
you always make fruits and vegetables look so delicious
I love your channel. I hope you’re safe during this time.Sending you love from England 💞
Yes for Suwanee! I grew up in that area. Closer to the city now though where there are more local farmer's markets, as well as international markets, Sprouts, Trader Joe's, etc.
I love your channel, your genuine personality, and delicious meals. Being vegan is way cheaper than when I was an omnivore. I buy all of my spices in bulk at a local Indian market, frozen veggies and tofu at Sams Club, H Mart just opened here very cheap for Asian mushrooms, daikon, green onions, napa cabbages, etc. Yes! I use all of my veggie ends to make stocks. SUBBED!
Farmer's market fan here. Fruits and veggies are really fresh.
Vegan junk and meat alternatives are expensive. Ive been plant based vegan most of my life and have noticed that when deciding to eat these. Fruit and veg are not (not here in the UK anyway), peas, beans, seeds, nuts are cheap too depending on where you buy them and grains are cheap. Things like tofu, tempeh, vegan cheese and plant milks can be costly but you don't need to eat these every day - they are processed anyway. You can actually make your own plant milks, butters etc. Bulk buy stores work out a lot cheaper as you bring your own containers and buy as little or as much as you want. I find it very affordable.
Just want to let you know that I just shared this video to my Facebook page. Keep being awesome and spreading knowledge.
I needed this! I recently went vegan and have been buying so many "replacement" products which are soo expensive... looking forward to trying many of these out! :)
Very informative video and btw, your skin in flawless.
I’m 59. I’ve been vegan now 3 years and eat 50% raw vegan. I spend much less on groceries than during my pre-vegan days. I think eating animal products causes a more voracious appetites. I find that my appetite is much more under control and I don’t feel “greedy “ like I used to when I consumed animal products.
I switched to veganism back in January and this channel has helped me so much. I just got your cookbook and I can’t wait to try all of these recipes!
Simple but very informative eating in season. Never really thought I’d that. I’m new to the vegan world and learning to shop local - I love it!
only complaint about this video-- while regular meat consumption used to be only for rich people, dairy was not! most families had at least one cow or goat they would milk every day, along with eggs from chickens. otherwise great video!
I've been watching youre videos all day. You have actually helped me a ton. I have health issues i know would be handled properly with a major diet change. Thank you
New sub! Absolutely love your authentic, down to earth, healthy energy. You pay testimony to the benefits of a WFPB lifestyle. Time to start to binge on your vids.✌🏼
I go to Aldi's they have a lot. They also have a nice organic line.
I need this right now! Grateful for this downtime! Focusing on nurturing my mind, body, and soul & this/your channel really helps. Thanks Jenne! YOU. ARE. THE. BEST.
love your content, I have been vegan since 2015 and I have been trying hard to get my family transition more to a plant based lifestyle and same with some friends and I always get "it's sooo expensive" yes, I agree most certified vegan pre-made meals/food can be expensive. Thank you for sharing your content, amazing stuff. WIll be sharing this video.
yes!! i love this!!! being vegan can be an expensive or inexpensive as you want it to be - i went grocery shopping about a month or so ago and the cost of 3 bags worth of produce and unprocessed whole foods came out to the same price as a bag full of vegan meats and cheeses. did i have to get the fake cheese? of course not! but i had the funds to do so, and i would've been perfectly satiated with balanced meals made from the whole foods i also purchased!
been doing my own dressing for awhile and she's totally on point. money saver
your videos make me feel so happy and inspired
Thank you for your advise. Very informative. Starting vegan slowly. Need all the help I can get.
Great video, thanks!
I think the reason for the "vegan eating is so expensive" is:
1. with convenience food being so wide-spred and some of it dirt-cheap (for a reason ... ), a lot of peope don't cook, and if you're a beginner at anything it takes up a lot more time.
2. too many people have to work several jobs, or work and raise children, so convenience food (open, heat, serve) is convenience food or eating out is a go-to.
3. vegan convenience food is a lot more pricey than the recycled-meat-glued-together sort.
So, switching from "lots of ready-to-eat meals and eating out" to "vegan ready-to-eat meals" would be expensive. Maybe that's why vegan was so long associated with rich folk.
Of course, once you look at all the vitamin supplements and medications you don't have to buy, and the doctors visits you don't have to do, it looks very different.
Hello I am a new person on a plant based journey. Thanks for the tips.
I agree with you about everything. But... I live in Belgium and bulk food is 2 or 3 or 4 or 5 or even 6 times more expensive than the exact same foods, from regular shops. There is no logic... It's like being penalised for wanting to be more ecological and for wanting to sustain the local farmers, etc. Just an example: oats at regular shop - almost 2,40 euros/kg, the same oats in a bulk shop - almost 7,00 euros/kg. And I did this comparison for dozens of items. Is there something I'm missing?
I have the same issue partly because the bulk food store is organic there's no real affordable options
Eye opener! Thank you so much. I've been doing most of these but the using of the veggie tops and stems are new
It's SO TRUE. So many people try to put BARRIERS to becoming VEGAN. KNOCK THEM ALL DOWN. Don't be afraid to go vegan. Great Video.
I'm lucky to have a discount salvage grocery store nearby. I bought 3 bags of 1 pound bag of kale for $1 and 24 oz of blue berries for $1.99 it's awesome
I just saw an ad for watermelon at sprouts for 2.99 each. Not the mini ones!
I LOVE your budget friendly videos. I've been cooking from them for the past few months now and some of the recipes have become staples for me. Also now I feel like I need to try beet greens and stems since you've been mentioning them a lot lately.
Also, it's funny how vegan/plant based has been associated with being too expensive given that there's also the stereotype that vegans eat nothing but kale and water. XD
As I always tell people, alcohol and meat are the two most expensive things in the store to consume. Gallons of (cow) milk are also ridiculously priced, as much $5/gallon. Beans, veggies, fruits, pasta, peanut butter (vegan stuff)can be bought pretty cheaply.
Haha! You're right about that stereotype! Thank you so much 💗
I’ve fed myself vegan for nearly three years and my dog an almost full carnivore raw diet of fresh meats and such. My dog’s weekly food budget is always wayyy more than mine. 🤣