The umami flavor from tomato paste adds richness to soups, casseroles, and sauces. Buy the tomato paste in a tube if you can find it. This has been a game changer since I used to open up a can of tomato paste and use only a tablespoon or two for a recipe.

The tube is just so much easier! This wonderfully creamy, nutty condiment is a great way to add flavor and nutrition to many dishes. It makes everything from hummus to salad dressings much more delicious.

Plus, its shelf life is surprisingly generous! I usually keep a bag of my favorite vegan protein powder around to add to my smoothies. I love the taste of it the chocolate kind, of course!

Plus, it tastes like a chocolate milkshake! My go-to smoothie is just some frozen banana, one cup of plant milk, a teaspoon of nut butter, and a scoop of chocolate protein powder! Having any of these items on hand means I can quickly satisfy my sweet tooth when the moment strikes.

Chocolate chips are ideal for baking or popping in my mouth when I want chocolate but not a whole dessert. Keeping all the different forms of chocolate stocked in my vegan pantry means I always have some way to indulge my cravings!

If you keep these core vegan pantry staples on hand, the combination of meals and recipes you can make is only limited to your imagination.

Long time vegan living in upstate NY. Web developer and founder of Vegan ShowOff. She's addicted to ice cream and loves hiking, snowboarding, gardening, and travel.

Read more from Nicole! Home » Lifestyle » 25 Affordable and Nutritious Vegan Pantry Staples 25 Affordable and Nutritious Vegan Pantry Staples. Jump to Printable. Nutritional yeast nooch Nutritional yeast is deactivated yeast packed with nutrients like B vitamins, folic acid, protein, and trace minerals.

Soy sauce, tamari, or liquid aminos These vegan-friendly sauces are all great options to bring some umami flavor to plant-based dishes. Peanut butter or other nut butters Nut butters are incredibly versatile, acting as delicious spreads and cooking ingredients in their own right.

Shelf-stable plant milk I always keep a container or two of shelf-stable plant milk in my pantry. Extra virgin olive oil, coconut oil, and avocado oil While all cooking oils have unique benefits and drawbacks, extra virgin olive oil, coconut oil refined and virgin , and avocado oil are among my top options.

Rices, quinoa, millet, couscous, and grain mixes I love trying out new kinds of rice and grain mixes! Nuts especially cashews , or whatever nuts you prefer Although I rarely grab a handful of nuts and eat them plain, I always have a bag of raw cashews around for making creamy vegan sauces and cheeses.

TVP or soy curls TVP is textured vegetable protein. Shelf-stable tofu As a tofu enthusiast, I love the convenience of shelf-stable tofu. Veggie broth or bouillon cubes I keep a good supply of both vegetable bouillon cubes and veggie broth on hand at all times.

Jars of roasted red peppers, olives, hearts of palm, artichoke hearts, or capers Keeping jars of roasted red peppers, hearts of palm, olives, and capers on hand in my pantry is a must-do. Flax seeds, chia seeds, or powdered egg replacer Both flax and chia seeds are packed with omega-3 essential fatty acids and are perfect for adding a nutritional boost to salads and smoothies.

Hemp hearts, sunflower seeds, or pumpkin seeds I love having my vegan pantry or kitchen cupboard stocked with hemp hearts, sunflower seeds, or pumpkin seeds. Spices, herbs, and spice mixes It probably goes without saying that you should have a variety of spices around if you plan on doing any cooking regularly.

Maple syrup, agave, or vegan honey My liquid sweetener of choice is definitely maple syrup! Premade shelf-stable foods like boxed vegan mac and cheese, canned soups, etc.

Jarred marinara sauce and tomato paste I always like to make sure that I have a few jars of marinara sauce and some tomato paste in my vegan pantry. Tahini This wonderfully creamy, nutty condiment is a great way to add flavor and nutrition to many dishes.

Protein powder I usually keep a bag of my favorite vegan protein powder around to add to my smoothies. The Recap If you keep these core vegan pantry staples on hand, the combination of meals and recipes you can make is only limited to your imagination.

No ratings yet. This recipe is perfect for a light lunch or served with freshly baked bread for something more filling. This soup-er recipe is so simple to make, but it has a whole rainbow of flavours coming from the mixture of amazing spices, stewed lentils and creamy coconut milk.

You might think making a vegan quiche would be difficult and expensive but in reality this is an easy recipe that only needs a few ingredients to make.

Few dishes are more affordable or versatile than the humble jacket potato. This potato bake recipe may seem simple, but the best things often are!

The combination of broccoli and peanut butter in this vegan potato bake recipe make this a real crowd-pleaser. This creamy risotto is perfect for asparagus season and easy to make in bulk to feed the whole family. This pasta bake recipe is loaded with carbs and cheesy goodness, perfect for a family dinner.

Crab might be a pricey ingredient, so making this affordable version of crab cakes with banana blossom is both kinder animals and lighter on your wallet too. Check out our tips on how to cook vegan on a budget. As a passionate vegan for over ten years, Rachel loves creating delicious vegan dessert recipes for her award-winning blog, Rawberry Fields.

Rachel's recipes and photography have been featured in numerous international print and digital publications including the Daily Mail, Huffington Post, Thrive, and Buzzfeed. You can follow Rachel at rawberryfields.

This vegan beetroot and cream cheese terrine is flavoured with rich garlic and thyme for a perfect romantic centrepiece. Sticky pomegranate-glazed tofu rests on a bed of fluffy couscous, laden with juicy pomegranate seeds. It's the perfect date night meal Fuel your day with vegan sweet potato pancakes.

These gluten-free treats are delicious topped with fresh strawberries and maple syrup. Serve this wholemeal vegan beetroot cake with fruity herbal tea for an invigoratingly alternative coffee morning treat.

Designed and built by Bopgun. NEWS RECIPES PRODUCTS. VEGAN RECIPES NEWS PRODUCTS LIFESTYLE. Author: Rachel Smith. Cheap vegan meals for when you want great taste but don't want to spend much. All recipes include less than 10 ingredients.

If you come across a great deal on fresh produce, stock up and freeze it. This works great with berries, bananas, and other fruit for use in smoothies. Remember, frozen produce usually contains more nutrients then fresh produce - this is because the product is frozen at its peak ripeness and will not lose nutrients during transport to your grocery store.

It is a misconception that nutrients are somehow lost during the freezing process. Purchasing some items from the bulk sections can be a great way to save money, especially if you only need a small amount. Often, the largest package will be the cheapest by weight, but don't bother if you don't need much.

Great things to pick up in the bulk section include:. Whether you choose to buy organic or not is up to you. In general, organic foods tend to be more expensive. If you don't usually buy organic produce, make sure you check out the organic section anyways.

When organic produce goes on sale it can be cheaper than non-organic. Generic brand items can be an great way to save money when shopping. Items that are awesome for buying generic are:. Always check the flyers of all your nearby grocery stores online, and build your shopping list from there.

If you happen to live somewhere where there are a few grocery stores to choose from that are located in the same area, I suggest shopping all of their sales. This can be time consuming, but it can be really worth it.

Try to get there earlier in the day for the best selection if there are specific sale items you want to pick up. Paying for a membership at a wholesaler such as Costco can be very worth it, even for a single person or small family you can still save a lot of money.

Before purchasing a membership, try to find someone who already has one and go in with them, this will give you a good idea of whether or not it will be worth it for you.

If you're shopping for only 1 or 2 people, focus on buying non-perishable and far-dated items to prevent wastage. Some of my favourite foodstuffs to pick up at Costco are:.

Find out when things are marked down, some places do markdowns in the evenings and you can pick them up before the store closes, and some put out their markdowns early in the morning so you'll want to try and get there right after the store opens.

My grocery store puts out a large display of discount bakery products every morning, I use this as an opportunity to stock my freezer with whole grain breads, bagels, wraps, etc.

Luckily, this also means a slower turnover rate on these products and more frequent opportunities for markdowns. Take a quick peak at the dates of items on the shelf, if something is out-dating in a few days and there's still a lot of stock left you can try coming back a couple of days later.

Pay attention to find out how many days prior to the Best Before date that items are marked down or put on clearance. Like I mentioned earlier, wholesale memberships are great to save on items like nut butters, convenience foods especially frozen , snack foods, vegan bars, and super foods like chia seeds and hemp hearts.

Utilize online options to take advantage of all sorts of great deals. Sites like The Better Health Store and iHerb are great options for getting vegan products especially personal care items, specialty snack foods, and supplements.

Take advantage of sales, coupon codes, and referrals for even better deals. This is a great opportunity for me to stock up on toothpaste, deodorant, face wash, moisturizer, soap, vitamins, supplements, etc. ELF eyes lips face is a fantastic option for vegan, cruelty free cosmetics and skin care products.

They have frequent sales, free shipping to the US, and very reasonable shipping rates to Canada. Sign up for their newsletters to stay informed about sales events as well. Prepackaged foods are often more expensive than preparing your own food from scratch.

By being prepared and cooking for yourself you can easily save a lot of money. Preparing your own meals also allows you to be aware of exactly what's in your food. If you often find yourself needing to pick up convenience foods, consider buying an insulated lunch box and making your own meals and snacks to take with you.

An even more budget friendly option is to use a reusable grocery bag for a lunch bag. Keep your food cold by freezing one or two water bottles and throwing them in with your lunch, later in the day your lunch will still be cool and you'll have ice cold water to drink.

Super lazy, fast and cheap vegan meals? · Soba noodles · Leafy greens (spinach/kale) · Extra firm tofu · Soy sauce · Rice vinegar · Agave/maple Oatmeal is cheap and filling for lunch. Or mashed chickpea on whole grain bread. Or toasted tomato sandwich. Or cucumber sandwich. Pasta with Frozen vegetables can sometimes be cheaper than fresh - for example frozen peppers, broccoli or spinach - and taste just as good. They also keep for longer

Affordable vegan options - Cheap, loaded with protein, and endlessly versatile, tofu and tempeh belong on every budget-minded shopping list. These foods cost less than half the price of Super lazy, fast and cheap vegan meals? · Soba noodles · Leafy greens (spinach/kale) · Extra firm tofu · Soy sauce · Rice vinegar · Agave/maple Oatmeal is cheap and filling for lunch. Or mashed chickpea on whole grain bread. Or toasted tomato sandwich. Or cucumber sandwich. Pasta with Frozen vegetables can sometimes be cheaper than fresh - for example frozen peppers, broccoli or spinach - and taste just as good. They also keep for longer

Sure, ready-made meals and fast food are an option for most people, depending on where you live, but maybe neither of those aligns with your health goals or your bank account. And, another problem might arise when you search for easy, healthy, budget-friendly vegan meals.

jump to the meal ideas. It often goes like this: you come across a purportedly simple vegan recipe on a blog, but then the first step asks you to chop an onion or dice up vegetables for mirepoix.

Cue the record scratch sound in your head. So, we asked Rhyan Geiger, an RDN and owner of Phoenix Vegan Dietitian , for simple, healthy, delicious vegan meal ideas that also happen to be budget-friendly. Her top tips?

Vegan food may have a reputation for being expensive, but many plant-based ingredients are among the cheapest options available. Geiger recommends stocking your pantry with staples like frozen fruit and vegetables, brown rice, peanut butter, and of course, whole-grain pasta, and whole-grain bread.

Looking for inspiration? Sam Turnbull. Pasta often comes to the rescue on those busy days when appetites are ravenous and the willingness to cook is low. For an easy pasta dish packed with greens, combine a serving of your favorite whole grain noodles with frozen spinach, shelled edamame, and extra virgin olive oil.

This combination of complex carbohydrates, protein, and healthy fat is an excellent way to get all of your macrobiotics on one plate. Whole grain pasta tends to contain more B vitamins, fiber, and protein. As a finishing touch, top it with frozen shelled edamame to balance out your meal with some protein.

For some easily added flavor, mix your pasta dish with garlic powder, red pepper flakes, black pepper, and nutritional yeast.

For a recipe to model your meal after, try this spaghetti with spinach and white beans. Just swap the chopped onion and garlic with one tablespoon of onion powder and one teaspoon of garlic powder.

SEE D JAN. Spread some peanut butter on top and add sliced bananas for a quick, affordable meal or snack. This meal includes both complex carbohydrates from the whole grain toast, plus simple carbohydrates from the banana, both of which provide energy to help you go about your day.

As convenient as they are, vegan canned soups can sometimes leave the stomach wanting, calorie-wise. But, for a quick meal, you can and should add your own accouterments, such as frozen vegetables, brown rice, or whole grain toast on the side.

Be sure to pick a low-sodium soup, as regularly eating high-sodium foods can lead to high blood pressure over time. Oats are a good source of complex carbohydrates, fiber, protein, and an array of important vitamins and minerals, including manganese, copper, and vitamin B1.

Frozen fruit like strawberries and blueberries can be added on top and microwaved with the oats. But if you see fresh fruit on sale, buy it and freeze it at home. It probably goes without saying that you should have a variety of spices around if you plan on doing any cooking regularly.

At a minimum, if you are starting to stock your vegan pantry with basic spices, I suggest garlic powder, onion powder, curry powder, thyme, kala namak for eggy flavor , and a general taco seasoning. My liquid sweetener of choice is definitely maple syrup!

I live in an area of the US where real maple syrup is a big thing and pretty abundant. This heart-healthy and versatile grain has many uses, ranging from sweet treats like oatmeal cookies to savory creations like veggie burgers.

I tend to stick to buying organic oats as much as possible since conventionally grown oats have been linked to high levels of glyphosate the active ingredient in the herbicide Roundup.

Try my homemade vegan dog treat recipe that features oats as one of the main ingredients! Not only is it shelf-stable and super convenient, but there are so many unique dishes you can make with it.

I love the richness it adds to curries, soups, and stews and how well it works as a non-dairy alternative for making creamy sauces. One of my favorite uses for coconut milk is to make homemade coconut whipped cream with it!

I always like to make sure that I have a few jars of marinara sauce and some tomato paste in my vegan pantry. The umami flavor from tomato paste adds richness to soups, casseroles, and sauces. Buy the tomato paste in a tube if you can find it.

This has been a game changer since I used to open up a can of tomato paste and use only a tablespoon or two for a recipe. The tube is just so much easier!

This wonderfully creamy, nutty condiment is a great way to add flavor and nutrition to many dishes. It makes everything from hummus to salad dressings much more delicious.

Plus, its shelf life is surprisingly generous! I usually keep a bag of my favorite vegan protein powder around to add to my smoothies. I love the taste of it the chocolate kind, of course! Plus, it tastes like a chocolate milkshake! My go-to smoothie is just some frozen banana, one cup of plant milk, a teaspoon of nut butter, and a scoop of chocolate protein powder!

Having any of these items on hand means I can quickly satisfy my sweet tooth when the moment strikes. Chocolate chips are ideal for baking or popping in my mouth when I want chocolate but not a whole dessert.

Keeping all the different forms of chocolate stocked in my vegan pantry means I always have some way to indulge my cravings! If you keep these core vegan pantry staples on hand, the combination of meals and recipes you can make is only limited to your imagination.

Long time vegan living in upstate NY. Web developer and founder of Vegan ShowOff. She's addicted to ice cream and loves hiking, snowboarding, gardening, and travel. Read more from Nicole! Home » Lifestyle » 25 Affordable and Nutritious Vegan Pantry Staples 25 Affordable and Nutritious Vegan Pantry Staples.

Jump to Printable. Nutritional yeast nooch Nutritional yeast is deactivated yeast packed with nutrients like B vitamins, folic acid, protein, and trace minerals. Soy sauce, tamari, or liquid aminos These vegan-friendly sauces are all great options to bring some umami flavor to plant-based dishes.

Peanut butter or other nut butters Nut butters are incredibly versatile, acting as delicious spreads and cooking ingredients in their own right. Shelf-stable plant milk I always keep a container or two of shelf-stable plant milk in my pantry.

Extra virgin olive oil, coconut oil, and avocado oil While all cooking oils have unique benefits and drawbacks, extra virgin olive oil, coconut oil refined and virgin , and avocado oil are among my top options.

Rices, quinoa, millet, couscous, and grain mixes I love trying out new kinds of rice and grain mixes! Nuts especially cashews , or whatever nuts you prefer Although I rarely grab a handful of nuts and eat them plain, I always have a bag of raw cashews around for making creamy vegan sauces and cheeses.

TVP or soy curls TVP is textured vegetable protein. Shelf-stable tofu As a tofu enthusiast, I love the convenience of shelf-stable tofu. Veggie broth or bouillon cubes I keep a good supply of both vegetable bouillon cubes and veggie broth on hand at all times.

Jars of roasted red peppers, olives, hearts of palm, artichoke hearts, or capers Keeping jars of roasted red peppers, hearts of palm, olives, and capers on hand in my pantry is a must-do. Flax seeds, chia seeds, or powdered egg replacer Both flax and chia seeds are packed with omega-3 essential fatty acids and are perfect for adding a nutritional boost to salads and smoothies.

Hemp hearts, sunflower seeds, or pumpkin seeds I love having my vegan pantry or kitchen cupboard stocked with hemp hearts, sunflower seeds, or pumpkin seeds. Spices, herbs, and spice mixes It probably goes without saying that you should have a variety of spices around if you plan on doing any cooking regularly.

Maple syrup, agave, or vegan honey My liquid sweetener of choice is definitely maple syrup! Premade shelf-stable foods like boxed vegan mac and cheese, canned soups, etc. Jarred marinara sauce and tomato paste I always like to make sure that I have a few jars of marinara sauce and some tomato paste in my vegan pantry.

Tahini This wonderfully creamy, nutty condiment is a great way to add flavor and nutrition to many dishes. Protein powder I usually keep a bag of my favorite vegan protein powder around to add to my smoothies. The Recap If you keep these core vegan pantry staples on hand, the combination of meals and recipes you can make is only limited to your imagination.

No ratings yet. A printable shopping list of 25 vegan pantry staples. Diet: Vegan. Keyword: pantry, vegan. Author: VeganShowOff. Canned unsweetened coconut milk Jarred marinara sauce and tomato paste Tahini Protein powder Cocoa or cacao powder, chocolate chips, or chocolate syrup.

Nicole Long time vegan living in upstate NY. You might also be into Get our latest vegan product reviews! Affiliate Disclosure VeganShowOff. com is partially supported by affiliate links.

Affordable vegan options - Cheap, loaded with protein, and endlessly versatile, tofu and tempeh belong on every budget-minded shopping list. These foods cost less than half the price of Super lazy, fast and cheap vegan meals? · Soba noodles · Leafy greens (spinach/kale) · Extra firm tofu · Soy sauce · Rice vinegar · Agave/maple Oatmeal is cheap and filling for lunch. Or mashed chickpea on whole grain bread. Or toasted tomato sandwich. Or cucumber sandwich. Pasta with Frozen vegetables can sometimes be cheaper than fresh - for example frozen peppers, broccoli or spinach - and taste just as good. They also keep for longer

This dish requires only four main ingredients, but you can add more spices or serve the coconut chickpeas over rice or noodles for a bit more substance. This quick pizza is delicious with a simple tomato sauce, basil, and vegan mozzarella, but you can add any other ingredients you like.

Creamy, warm, and super cheesy—but without the cheese! Vegan cheese, potatoes, and nutritional yeast give this amazing soup a velvety texture and rich taste. It might seem impossible to make a delicious quesadilla without cheese, but a hearty, spicy bean paste makes this recipe even more scrumptious than the traditional cheese version.

Add veggies or vegan meat or top with salsa or pico de gallo for an extra kick. Ready for a dish that looks beautiful and tastes complex but is actually incredibly simple?

This rosemary garlic white bean soup is just the thing. There are only eight ingredients, but this gorgeous recipe creates a filling, satisfying, and, most importantly, delicious dish that takes no time at all. What could be better than a one-pot meal? How about something you can quickly toss together, pop into the oven, and leave to bake without any other hassle?

This southwestern vegan sheet pan dinner does just that. In fact, you can probably make it in less than half an hour. Pour the curry over white rice for a filling meal.

Cauliflower, oat milk, and either nutritional yeast or vegan cheese are the stars of this dish, and you can use any leftover sauce as a pizza topping or in vegan lasagna. A mixture of potatoes, onions, carrots, and celery, plus light seasonings, create an incredibly satisfying meal that only costs about 50 cents per serving.

Low in both calories and cost, Spanish beans with tomatoes is a traditional staple that will quickly become a favorite cheap dish. You can eat these spicy beans as a side or serve them with bread or even over pasta for a complete meal.

Crunchy, tangy, and decidedly refreshing, sour cabbage soup is a perfect dish when served cold on a hot summer day, but the acidic taste also works well if you want to serve the soup warm during the winter.

You can make a simple version of this recipe or add vegetables, additional seasonings, or beans to take the soup to a new level. Easy, inexpensive, low in calories, and super quick to make, this lentil dahl recipe really has it all. f you want something colorful, this pea soup is the ticket.

Made with frozen peas, vegetable stock, onion, and oil, this soup is super quick and simple, and any excess can be frozen and warmed up as needed. An easy, inexpensive dish that can serve a crowd, this baked garlic and mushroom rice recipe is sure to please.

Sweet, spicy, and easy, carrot ginger soup is quick and inexpensive. Its bright color, warm aroma, and zesty flavor are also sure to please all of your senses. The heartiness of pasta and the flavors of Mexican foods combine in this quick-yet-satisfying soup.

Toast the pasta before adding it to the soup for a nutty flavor. Just as tasty as it looks, this colorful pasta dish uses Cajun seasonings for a surprising and delightful kick. Produce that was grown locally in season costs a lot less to grow and transport, therefore being more affordable.

Usually the bigger amount you buy from a certain ingredient of product, the more discounted the price is. Meal prep! Preparing your lunch will stop you from ordering expensive take out. By eating filling meals, you will spend much less money on snacks, junk food and other impulse purchases.

great college meal list! very college student-friendly, thank you! saving a fortune, thanks:. Home About. Cheap Vegan Meals 1. Smoky Vegan Lentil Soup Photo: The Green Loot Warm, smoky, and aromatic, this lentil soup is super budget-friendly.

Vegan Tempeh Bolognese Photo: Happy Kitchen Rocks Bolognese seems complicated, but vegan Bolognese is anything but. Scalloped Potatoes Photo: The Green Loot What could be more comforting and satisfying than warm, creamy scalloped potatoes?

Vegan Ramen Soup Photo: The Hidden Veggies Most people are intimidated by the thought of making ramen at home, but vegan ramen is easy and inexpensive.

Spicy Black Bean Soup Photo: The Belly Rules The Mind Beans are filling, nutritious, budget-friendly and in this spicy black bean soup, they serve as a delicious backdrop to a range of zesty Mexican flavors. Use them in smoothies, turn them into homemade banana ice cream, smoothies , milkshakes , popsicles , in muffins , or enjoy them as a quick and budget-friendly snack.

From black beans to chickpeas, these protein-packed legumes are not only budget-friendly but also incredibly versatile. You can whip up affordable and satisfying dishes like refried beans , bean salads , plant-based chili , burritos, and creamy hummus with ease.

Bell peppers can be used in various dishes, from fajitas , kabobs , ratatouille , and stuffed peppers. They provide vibrant color and a sweet crunch while staying within your budget. Cabbage is a budget-friendly vegetable that deserves more attention.

Whether used in coleslaw, tacos , stir-fries, wraps , or stuffed cabbage rolls, it adds a unique and affordable twist to your meals. Canned beans are a convenient and affordable source of plant-based protein. Canned coconut milk is a versatile ingredient that can be used for creamy curries , soups, and vegan whipped cream.

Canned corn adds a sweet crunch to your dishes, from salads to soups and cornbread. Canned tomatoes are a staple in budget-conscious kitchens. They serve as a versatile base for pasta sauces , chili, and hearty soups , allowing you to create delicious meals without spending a fortune.

Carrots are a crunchy and budget-friendly snack, perfect for munching on their own or adding to soups, stews, smoothies , and salads. Cauliflower is a versatile vegetable that can be roasted, mashed, used in tacos , or transformed into cauliflower wings or steaks. Chia seeds are small but mighty and can be used to make chia pudding or used in a jam.

A little goes a long way, making them an economical choice for adding texture and nutrition to your meals. Frozen vegetables are not only convenient but also budget-friendly. They retain their nutritional value and can be used in stir-fries, pot pies , casseroles , and side dishes with ease.

Green peas are a classic addition to rice dishes, salads , soups , and pot pies. They can even be roasted! They bring a burst of color and nutrition to your meals while being budget-friendly. Their versatility shines in dishes like hearty casseroles , vegan meatloaf , spicy curries, and comforting stews.

Mushrooms add a rich umami flavor to vegan dishes like stroganoff and risotto. They are an affordable way to infuse your meals with depth and complexity.

Oats are a budget-friendly breakfast superstar. They can be used to make hearty oatmeal, crunchy granola , or even indulgent overnight oats, making them an excellent choice for affordable morning meals. Onions are an essential ingredient in countless savory dishes and are incredibly budget-friendly.

Use them in vegan french onion soup , batter them and make onion rings , or pickle onions for a tasty topping. They add depth and flavor to your meals without breaking the bank. Take a quick peak at the dates of items on the shelf, if something is out-dating in a few days and there's still a lot of stock left you can try coming back a couple of days later.

Pay attention to find out how many days prior to the Best Before date that items are marked down or put on clearance. Like I mentioned earlier, wholesale memberships are great to save on items like nut butters, convenience foods especially frozen , snack foods, vegan bars, and super foods like chia seeds and hemp hearts.

Utilize online options to take advantage of all sorts of great deals. Sites like The Better Health Store and iHerb are great options for getting vegan products especially personal care items, specialty snack foods, and supplements.

Take advantage of sales, coupon codes, and referrals for even better deals. This is a great opportunity for me to stock up on toothpaste, deodorant, face wash, moisturizer, soap, vitamins, supplements, etc.

ELF eyes lips face is a fantastic option for vegan, cruelty free cosmetics and skin care products. They have frequent sales, free shipping to the US, and very reasonable shipping rates to Canada. Sign up for their newsletters to stay informed about sales events as well.

Prepackaged foods are often more expensive than preparing your own food from scratch. By being prepared and cooking for yourself you can easily save a lot of money. Preparing your own meals also allows you to be aware of exactly what's in your food. If you often find yourself needing to pick up convenience foods, consider buying an insulated lunch box and making your own meals and snacks to take with you.

An even more budget friendly option is to use a reusable grocery bag for a lunch bag. Keep your food cold by freezing one or two water bottles and throwing them in with your lunch, later in the day your lunch will still be cool and you'll have ice cold water to drink.

Luckily for vegans, most of the necessary staple items are cheap! Fresh or frozen fruits and vegetables, whole grains, beans, legumes, tofu, nuts and seeds are typically very affordable. Make sure to take advantage of all of the tips mentioned above to guarantee that you're paying the lowest price possible.

Fruits and Vegetables - Buy in season and on sale produce, stock up on good deals and preserve any extras by freezing them. Watch for sales and markdowns in the frozen aisle and stock up when you see fit.

I keep all of my bread, wraps, English muffins, bagels, etc. in my freezer and just take out what I need on a daily basis.

You can also use canned beans or legumes for convenience. They're a little more expensive, but still a very viable option for a budget vegan diet. When it comes to canned goods, look for low-sodium options whenever possible.

Tofu is also very budget-friendly and is a fresh product. Keep an eye out for mark downs as tofu can be frozen too, the texture will become a little bit chewier which is good for using tofu as a substitute for ground beef in recipes like chili or pasta. It's usually best to go with the largest available package, provided you know that you will finish the product before it expires.

Nuts and seeds freeze very well, so I suggest that you freeze most of what you won't use right away and keep a small amount at room temp for you to consume. I often find that a lot of packaged vegan meat and cheese substitutes are similarly priced compared to their non-vegan counterparts of medium quality.

However, they're often the items that cost the most compared to their volume. Watch for sales, or close-dated items that are discounted, and pick up these items then. Where I live, vegan substitutes don't have a high turnover rate so they get marked down fairly often.

Make sure to use them quickly, or freeze them if appropriate. Consider making your own vegan burgers, they're very cheap to make, more nutritious and fresh than most store bought veggie burgers.

You can easily form our Vegetable Lentil Loaf recipe into veggie patties and cook them in a skillet - cheap and super nutritious! Volume purchase items that you're certain you will use before their expiry date. Watch best before dates, if there's a great deal on a product, buy multiples if the item is far dated.

An example where I find this works great is on shelf stable non-dairy milks like Pacific Natural Foods Organic milks , they're often dated for a month or more if left unopened, so it's a great item to stock up on.

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