Study Finds You Can Save Thousands on Your Grocery Bills Just By Ditching Meat

When presented with the facts detailing the benefits of a plant-based diet, many people are often quick to say, amongst other excuses, that a vegan diet is simply too expensive to maintain. Sure, if you think that eating plant-based means living on spirulina infused smoothie bowls and matcha-based snacks that look like something out of an Instagram dream – then sure, it can be expensive – but that’s really not what your average plant-based consumer eats. A vegan diet consists of fruits, vegetables, grains, nuts, and legumes, all of which can be found at a fraction of the cost of meat products, and now a UK study proves this.

Financial reporters Tilney published the results of their research in their latest edition of “The Cost of Tomorrow.” In their studies, researchers figured that the average British family spends £50,000 (around $65,000) on meat products in their lifetime, compared to just £16,000 (approximately $20,000) on vegetables, most of which are potatoes. By switching to plant-based proteins, one can save about a third of their budget dedicated to protein. Although these studies focused on UK households, they can be applied to the U.S. and other countries as well.

A plant-based diet not only helps keep your wallet full, but the high fiber and protein in plants will help keep your stomach full too. Plant-based diets also contain no cholesterol and are rich in essential vitamins and minerals that are not found in animal-derived products. Additionally, most who make the switch to a plant-based diet report feeling healthier and more energized. Of course, you will also save the lives of innocent animals by omitting meat products from your life. Plus, when you factor in studies that have shown eating a diet heavy in meat heightens your risk of developing over nine illnesses, eating more whole, plant-based foods seems much cheaper than on-going medical costs.

If you are considering making a change to a plant-based diet, but are hesitant to make the switch, there are many things you can do to gradually become accustomed to it. Starting off with “Meatless Mondays” is a great way to become familiar with eating plant-based meals and being more conscious of your food choices. Download the One Green Planet Food Monster app to help give you ideas for delicious plant-based meals. As the largest vegan Food app, you will be sure to find a new favorite recipe to enjoy and share with friends!

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