Eating vegan doesn’t have to break the bank!
Living a vegan lifestyle in the UK can be fulfilling and affordable with the right tips and tricks.
Whether you’re a seasoned vegan or just starting your plant-based journey, these secrets will help you whip up delicious meals on a budget. Ready to dive into the world of affordable vegan cooking? Let’s get started!
1. Embrace Seasonal Vegetables
Think of seasonal vegetables as nature’s gift, wrapped in different packages throughout the year.
Eating with the seasons isn’t just for foodies. Seasonal vegetables are fresher, tastier and significantly cheaper. Imagine butternut squash in autumn or strawberries in summer — delicious and cost-effective!
2. Bulk Buy Basics
Staples like rice, pasta, lentils and beans are your best friends — the unsung heroes of the vegan pantry.
Buying in bulk saves money and ensures you always have a base for your meals.
Keep an eye out for offers at your local supermarket and stock up like a squirrel preparing for winter.
3. Cook in Batches
Batch cooking is like having a time machine in your kitchen.
Prepare large quantities of your favourite dishes, portion them out and freeze them.
This way, you have ready-to-eat meals on busy days, cutting down on the temptation to order takeaways.
4. Get Creative with Leftovers
Don’t let leftovers become lost treasures at the back of the fridge. Last night’s stir-fry can be transformed into a tasty wrap for lunch.
Be inventive — the possibilities are endless and cost next to nothing. Think of your kitchen as a laboratory where experiments always yield tasty results.
5. Master the Art of the One-Pot Meal
One-pot meals are budget-friendly and save on washing up. Think hearty stews, soups and casseroles — meals that feel like a warm hug on a cold day.
Add whatever veggies you have on hand and some spices and you’ve got a feast fit for a king or queen.
6. Grow Your Own Herbs
Fresh herbs can elevate any dish but can be pricey.
Growing your own herbs on your windowsill is easy, cheap and adds a personal touch to your meals.
It’s like having a mini garden in your kitchen, offering bursts of flavour whenever you need them.
7. Plan Your Meals
Meal planning is your roadmap to culinary success. It prevents impulse buys and food waste. Spend a few minutes each week plotting your meals and make a shopping list to stick to.
It’s like having a strategy for a game — you’re more likely to win with a good plan.
8. Explore Discount Stores
Don’t underestimate the power of discount stores. Places like Lidl, Aldi and local markets often have fantastic deals on fresh produce and vegan-friendly products. Think of them as treasure hunts where the prize is affordable, healthy food.
9. Make Your Own Plant Milk
Store-bought plant milk can be pricey. Making your own oat or almond milk at home is simple, cost-effective and you avoid unwanted additives.
Imagine turning oats into creamy milk with a blender — it’s almost like magic.
10. Love Your Freezer
Freezing fruits and veggies not only preserves them but often makes them cheaper.
Frozen berries for your morning smoothie or spinach for your curry?
Yes, please! Your freezer is like a time capsule, keeping your ingredients fresh until you need them.
11. Homemade Is Best
Pre-made vegan products can be expensive. Making your own snacks, like energy bars or hummus, is much cheaper and healthier.
Plus, crafting your own culinary masterpieces from scratch is so much more rewarding than buying pre-made ones.
12. Use Budget-Friendly Proteins
Beans, lentils, chickpeas and tofu are inexpensive protein sources. They’re versatile, nutritious and can be the star of many dishes.
Think of them as the building blocks of your meals, providing the foundation for many culinary creations. Plus, they’re so much healthier than processed fake meat.
13. Shop Supermarket-owned Brands
Supermarket-owned brands often have fantastic vegan options that are cheaper than branded products. Don’t be afraid to try them!
When discovering hidden gems, sometimes, the best things come in plain packaging.
14. Explore the International Aisles
The international food aisles in supermarkets are treasure troves for budget-friendly vegan ingredients.
You’ll find staples like chickpeas, coconut milk and spices at a fraction of the cost. Think of it as a culinary adventure, exploring new ingredients and flavours.
15. Learn to Love Legumes
Legumes are not only cheap but incredibly versatile. They can make everything from soups and stews to salads and burgers.
They’re filling and nutritious, like the Swiss Army knife of the vegan world — useful in countless ways.
16. Utilise Coupons and Apps
Apps like Olio and Too Good To Go can help you save on groceries by connecting you with local stores offering discounts on surplus food. It’s like having a digital assistant that helps you find the best deals.
17. DIY Vegan Cheese
Vegan cheese can be expensive. Making your own from cashews, nutritional yeast and spices is surprisingly easy and far cheaper.
Think of it as alchemy — turning simple ingredients into something wonderfully cheesy.
18. Embrace Potatoes
Potatoes are incredibly versatile and inexpensive. They’re a fantastic base for many dishes, from baked potatoes to homemade chips and hearty stews.
Potatoes are like the blank canvas of the culinary world, ready to be transformed into something amazing.
19. Get Saucy
A good sauce can transform a simple meal.
Learn to make your own sauces and dressings — they’re cheaper and often tastier than store-bought. It’s like adding the perfect accessories to an outfit, taking it from basic to brilliant.
20. Invest in Spices
A well-stocked spice rack can turn any bland meal into a flavour explosion. Spices are a cost-effective way to add depth to your cooking.
Think of them as the paint palette of your kitchen, allowing you to create vibrant, exciting dishes.
21. Make Use of Scraps
Vegetable scraps can be used to make your own stock. It’s a great way to reduce waste and add flavour to your dishes.
Turning what would be rubbish into a rich, flavourful broth is culinary recycling at its best.
22. Find Alternatives for Expensive Ingredients
Avocado toast is delicious but pricey. Try smashed peas or beans as a tasty and cheaper alternative. It’s a thrifty substitute that doesn’t skimp on taste or nutrition.
23. Use the Whole Vegetable
Don’t just use the florets of broccoli; the stems are edible, too!
Beetroot greens, carrot tops and cauliflower leaves are all nutritious and can be added to soups and salads.
It’s like discovering hidden chapters in a book — there’s so much more to enjoy.
24. Shop at Farmers’ Markets
Farmers’ markets can be a goldmine for fresh, affordable produce. Plus, you’re supporting local growers.
Think of it as a direct connection to the earth — fresh, flavourful and often cheaper than supermarkets.
25. Make Big Salads
Salads don’t have to be boring. Make them hearty with grains, beans, nuts and seeds. They’re filling, nutritious and budget-friendly.
A big salad is like a vibrant tapestry of flavours and textures — anything but bland.
26. Blend Your Own Smoothies
Store-bought smoothies can be expensive and sugar-laden. Make your own at home with frozen fruits and veggies (or yellow-sticker items!) for a healthy, cost-effective treat
27. Reuse and Repurpose
Before tossing that old bread, think about making croutons or bread pudding.
Be creative and repurpose ingredients to minimise waste. It’s like breathing new life into something old, turning it into something delicious.
28. Find Inspiration Online
There are countless vegan blogs and YouTube channels dedicated to budget-friendly vegan cooking.
Find your favourites and get inspired! It’s like having a personal chef guide you through new recipes and ideas.
Conclusion
Eating vegan on a budget is not only possible but can be an exciting culinary adventure. With these 28 secrets, you’ll be whipping up delicious, affordable meals in no time.
Don’t forget to share your budget-friendly vegan tips as well! Let’s inspire each other to eat well without breaking the bank!
Really loved the ‘Bulk Buy Basics’ part! It’s such a money saver in the long run. Anyone else tried mixing it up with different grains each week?
omg
growing your own herbs is literally the best advice. saves so much money and nothing beats the taste of fresh herbs in your meals.
Make your own plant milk? Sounds like a lot of hassle for little reward, unless someone can prove me otherwise.
Blending your own smoothies is a game changer for sure! I’ve been doing it for months and feel so much better for it. Any favourite recipes?
How eco-friendly are these homemade vegan cheeses? Curious about the footprint compared to buying locally made ones.
Homemade versions usually have a lower carbon footprint, assuming you’re sourcing ingredients thoughtfully.
Makes sense, thanks for the insight!
using budget-friendly proteins sounds great and all but does anyone have tips for making them tasty? sometimes they’re just so bland.
using whole vegetables, from leaf to root, is such an important message. not just for saving money but for waste reduction too.
love a good one-pot meal. keeps the washing up down too. any one got a killer chilli recipe?
@Siobhan_Q Making your own plant milk can actually be quite rewarding, and there are plenty of simple methods out there. Give it a try!
fair enough, might look into it. any recommendations for starters?