by Clare Francis, Savings and Investment Director, Barclays
Vegan on Female First
Veganism as a trend is increasing in popularity year on year, with an estimated 600,000 vegans in the UK alone. There are multiple benefits reported from weight loss to clearer skin, yet many are put off from committing to the vegan cause due to the common perception that healthy plant-based foods are very expensive. However, the reality is that with careful planning, veganism does not need to blow your budget. Clare Francis has created the following top tips to help those considering veganism keep down the costs when they hit the shops:
Balance eating out with staying in
Dining out regularly adds up and restaurant meals are much more expensive than those you would cook for yourself. View dining out as a treat and make sure that you budget for these special occasions accordingly.
Cook in Batches
When preparing your meals, bigger is definitely better as by cooking in batches you’ll not only save yourself money, but also the hassle of preparing individual meals each day! If you are out and about, why not prepare yourself some healthy snacks to take with you such as protein balls or raw chocolate bars.
DIY
Vegan staples such as almond milks and cashew butters can all be made at home for a fraction of the price. While it will require more time and effort, the savings you will make in the long-term will make it even more worth it and making them in batches will help you get more for your money.
Buy in Season
Fruit and vegetables are key components of a vegan diet, but buying fresh produce out of season can put a huge dent in your bank balance. Try to avoid the mark up by keeping your shopping list seasonal, or you look in the freezer aisle to see if you can favourite products any time of the year.
Plan before you head out to the shops
Try planning your food shopping for the week ahead, this will make sure that you only buy what you need for meals, rather than spending money on items that might go unused. Shopping on a full stomach also helps you make better decisions and stick to budget. If you have time, why not do some research into which stores near you stock your essentials at the cheapest price.
Buy in bulk
Purchasing products in bulk is a great way to save money, especially if you regularly cook for family and friends. Often you will find that the larger packages are cheaper by weight and you won’t need to buy them as often! Look out for the unit price on packaging. This will tell you the exact cost per gram, litre etc, which makes it easy to compare between products and choose the cheapest option.
Grow whatever, wherever you can
Fresh produce can be expensive, especially if you are regularly picking up herbs. Why not create your own vegetable patch or grow your basil and coriander on your windowsill – just don’t forget to water them!
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