How to Go Vegan on a Budget in Australia

For many people when they hear the word vegan they can think of gentrified cafes and expensive plant-based meat alternatives, but veganism isn’t just for the 1%

Going vegan on a budget is entirely possible and can be incredibly rewarding for anyone, regardless of their budget.

With some planning and smart shopping, you can enjoy a nutritious and delicious vegan diet without breaking the bank.

Here is our guide to help you transition to a budget-friendly vegan lifestyle here in Australia!

Cost-Saving Strategies

1. Plan Your Meals

Planning your meals in advance helps you avoid impulse buys and ensures you use up all the food you purchase.

Create a weekly meal plan and make a shopping list based on that plan. Stick to your list to avoid unnecessary spending.

2. Buy in Bulk

Purchase staples like rice, lentils, beans, and oats in bulk.

Bulk buying is often cheaper per unit and reduces packaging waste.

Stores like The Source Bulk Foods offer a variety of bulk products. For those in Melbourne Cheaper Buy Miles is another fantastic option for bulk buying.

3. Shop Seasonal and Local

Seasonal fruits and vegetables are usually cheaper and fresher.

Visit farmers’ markets or local produce stores. Websites like Aussie Farmers Direct can guide you on what’s in season.

4. Use Supermarket Discounts and Sales

Take advantage of supermarket discounts, sales, and loyalty programs.

Another great way to find out what is on special is to follow our Instagram and Facebook pages where we list weekly specials and deals!

5. Cook at Home

Eating out can be expensive. Cooking at home allows you to control ingredients and portions, saving money and ensuring healthier meals.

Affordable Shopping List

Here’s a sample shopping list for budget-friendly vegan staples which you can find at any local supermarket or independent:

• Grains: Rice, oats, quinoa, pasta
• Legumes: Lentils, chickpeas, black beans, kidney beans
• Vegetables: Potatoes, carrots, broccoli, spinach, tomatoes
• Fruits: Bananas, apples, oranges, seasonal fruits
• Proteins: Tofu, tempeh, peanut butter
• Nuts and Seeds: Sunflower seeds, chia seeds, almonds
• Condiments: Soy sauce, vinegar, nutritional yeast
• Frozen Foods: Frozen berries, mixed vegetables

Budget-Friendly Recipes

Once you have your produce, the next step is to start creating amazing vegan dishes that are inexpensive, hearty and taste amazing! Take a look at just a few easy ideas we had below:

1. Lentil Soup

Ingredients:

• 1 cup lentils
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 carrots, sliced
• 2 celery stalks, sliced
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a large pot, sauté onion, garlic, carrots, and celery until soft.
2. Add lentils, vegetable broth, and diced tomatoes.
3. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 30 minutes or until lentils are tender.
4. Season with salt and pepper. Serve hot.

2. Chickpea Stir-Fry

Ingredients:

• 1 can chickpeas, drained
• 2 cups mixed vegetables (e.g., broccoli, bell peppers, carrots)
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• Cooked rice to serve

Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a pan, add garlic, and sauté until fragrant.
2. Add mixed vegetables and stir-fry until tender.
3. Add chickpeas and soy sauce, cook for another 5 minutes.
4. Serve over cooked rice.

3. Banana Oat Pancakes

Ingredients:

• 1 cup oats
• 1 banana
• 1 cup plant-based milk
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Blend all ingredients until smooth.
2. Heat a non-stick pan and pour small amounts of batter to form pancakes.
3. Cook until bubbles form, then flip and cook until golden brown.
4. Serve with fruit or maple syrup.

Resources for Further Reading

We have a whole host of reading categories and areas to explore to help you on your vegan journey.

Take a look at a few of them here below:

Our Recipes

Our Lists

Our Supermarket Shopping Guides

Final Thoughts

By following these tips and making smart choices, you can enjoy a healthy and sustainable vegan lifestyle without overspending.

Happy cooking and eating!

If at any stage of your journey you need assistance, please reach out to us at anytime!

You can also sign up to our weekly newsletter which is jam packed full of great ideas and Australian vegan content!

Be sure to sign up to it HERE today.

LGV!