Save Money With These Vegan Recipes Under $3 | PETA (2024)

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Published by PETA Staff.

If done intelligently, you can cook a healthy vegan meal for less money than you would normally blow on a soy latte. To make your meal even more affordable, use cheap ingredients like lentils and beans, buy ingredients in bulk, look for sales and coupons, buy store-brand items, and bike or walk to the store to save on gas money. Happy cooking!

Save Money With These Vegan Recipes Under $3 | PETA (1)

Note: The following recipes are $3 or less per serving. Costs per serving were calculated using Sense to Save.

1.Avocado Cream Pasta (approximately $2.80 per serving)

Pasta is the classic cheap-yet-filling food, and nowadays, it’s not just made from flour. You can choose from pasta made from wheat, quinoa, soy, and even zucchini.

2.Vegan ‘Chicken’ Salad(approximately $1.88 per serving)

This seven-ingredient recipe will probably take less than seven minutes to make!

3.Macaroni-and-‘Cheese’ Casserole (approximately $2.75 per serving)

The key ingredient in this mouthwatering dish is the nutritional yeast. Try Bragg brand.

4.Vegan Breakfast Sandwich, Courtesy of I Love Vegan (approximately $2.56 per serving)

In this exquisite post, I Love Vegan breaks down this recipe, giving us various options for each ingredient along the way.

5.Sweet Potato Chickpea Buddha Bowl, Courtesy of Minimalist Baker (approximately $3 per serving)

This bowl is full of powerful foods such as kale, sweet potatoes, and chickpeas.

6.Mexican Noodle Soup (approximately $0.68 per serving)

Peppers, cilantro, and a touch of cumin, along with a few other ingredients,make for a complex, flavorful dish.

7.Easy Vegan Naan Pizza (approximately $3 per serving)

Naan is a delicious bread used in Indian cuisine, and it happens to make a wonderful pizza crust, too.

8.Vegan Mushroom Rosemary Stroganoff, Courtesy of One Ingredient Chef (approximately $3 per serving)

This famous Russian dish deserves a little more attention from us vegans. The mushroom version is heavenly, and thanks to the One Ingredient Chef, we can make a simple, affordable version.

9.Southwest Lime Corn Salad, Courtesy of The Vegan 8 (approximately $3 per serving)

You won’t have to tighten your purse strings when your taste buds take a trip to Texas with this hearty salad.

10.Strawberry-Almond-Kale Salad with Citrus Vinaigrette (approximately $2.15 per serving)

The mix of sweet strawberries and bitter kale is truly a taste to relish.

11.Smoky Black Bean Beet Burger, Courtesy of Minimalist Baker (approximately $1.50 per serving)

This burger is so delicious that you won’t believe it’s also the healthiest thing ever.

12.Tofu Scramble (approximately $1.67 per serving)

You’ve got to love a tofu scramble—you get so much bang for your buck and a walloping punch of protein, too.

13.Stuffed Crust Tomato Basil Pizza with Vegan Mozzarella (approximately $2.66 per serving)

This pizza is even more divine with homemade crust, although the Trader Joe’s variety does just fine.

14.Spaghetti with White Bean Alfredo Sauce (approximately $1.73 per serving)

Keep in mind that this Alfredo sauce is vegan and made of white beans, so it’s creamy and delicious but not high in calories like the Alfredo sauce of yesteryear.

15.Lentil-Quinoa Salad (approximately $0.83 per serving)

Lentils are a staple for any vegan. They’re versatile, nutritious, and extremely affordable. Oh, and they’re scrumptious. Yum.

16.Smashed Chickpea and Avocado Salad Sandwich (approximately $1.43 per serving)

Chickpeas, avocado, lime, and cilantro—what’s not to like?

17.Hearty Vegan Chili (approximately $0.89 per serving)

I love making a pot of chili and not worrying about cooking for the rest of the week, and you can’t go wrong with this recipe.

18.Easy Vegan Pad Thai (approximately $3 per serving)

I thought pad Thai was difficult to cook until this recipe proved otherwise!

19.‘Bacon’ Wedge Salad with Vegan Bleu Cheese Dressing (approximately $3 per serving)

There’s something simple yet hearty about this salad that we just love.

20.Cruelty-Free Chick-fil-A Copy-Cat Burger (approximately $2.25 per serving)

Copycat recipes are fun, and this Chick-fil-A burger is everything! Extra pickles, please!

21.Avocado Reuben (approximately $2.15 per serving)

Pumpernickel bread is the best. And avocados. End of story.

22.Mini Zucchini Pizzas (approximately $1 per serving)

With this simple and surprisingly filling recipe, you get all the goodness of pizza without the carbs.

23.Faux-Turkey and ‘Cheese’ Roll-Up (approximately $3 per serving)

This lunch treat is easy to make and packs a lot of protein, too.

24.Power Punch Kale Caesar Salad (approximately $1.60 per serving)

We’re not kidding when we say “power punch,” because this salad is a real whopping helping of protein power.

25.Curried Spinach Rice Lentil Bakecourtesy of Light Orange Bean(approximately $0.75 per serving)

The most affordable dish on this list, this is a curry lover’s dream.

26.‘Beef’- and Orzo-Stuffed Peppers (approximately $2.25 per serving)

This recipe is worth the hefty price tag of $2.25. (Joke. It’s not expensive!) Equal parts vegetable and protein, it’s a well-rounded meal.

27.Lentil-Vegetable Soup (approximately $0.50 per serving)

28.Sumptuous Spinach Salad with Orange-Sesame Dressing (approximately 1.38 per serving)

The name says it all with this sumptuous salad. It’s one of the most affordable recipes on this list, adapted fromFettleVegan.com.

29.Spinach Orzo Salad (approximately $1.40 per serving)

Hello, orzo, you rice-shaped pasta! The tomatoes and basil are the clincher for me with this recipe.

30.Rainbow Zucchini Rolls (approximately $2.75 per serving)

These pretty rolls feature the tasty trio of zucchini, cilantro, and hummus.

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Save Money With These Vegan Recipes Under $3 | PETA (2024)

FAQs

What are the cheapest vegan foods? ›

Vegan on a budget
  • tinned beans and dried pulses of various kinds.
  • vegetables (particularly seasonal ones)
  • potatoes.
  • egg-free pasta and noodles.
  • rice.
  • bread (wholemeal is ideal from a health point of view)
  • dried herbs and spices.
  • seasonal fruit.

Can you be vegan on a low budget? ›

Is a vegan diet really expensive? Honestly, it doesn't have to be. A study by Oxford University discovered that plant-based eating is actually the most affordable diet. It also found that a vegan diet reduced food costs by up to one-third due to the use of whole foods over meat and meat replacements.

How to shop like a vegan? ›

Vegan Grocery List
  1. Fruit. Fresh, frozen.
  2. Vegetables. Fresh, frozen, canned.
  3. Legumes. Canned, dried, fresh soy products.
  4. Herbs and Spices. Fresh and dried.
  5. Pantry Items. Natural sweeteners, condiments, baking items.
  6. Dairy Alternatives.
  7. Whole grains and whole grain products.
  8. Packaged Items.
Feb 11, 2019

How to make vegan food satisfying? ›

I highly recommend having a mixture of grains, protein, and vegetables — it provides a great balance not only with flavor/bulk but also texture. Grains and legumes help keep the meal filling while the vegetables bring everything together.

What is surprisingly not vegan? ›

Honey. Honey is a controversial food for many vegans. Bees do produce it, and it is also a food source in the hive. Because bees produce it, and bees have died to make it, honey is not considered vegan.

What is a vegan who only eats fish? ›

Most simply, a pescatarian is someone who doesn't eat red meat or poultry, but does eat fish and other seafood. The term pescatarian was coined in the early 1990s and is a combination of the Italian word for fish, “pesce,” and the word “vegetarian.” Sometimes it's spelled “pescetarian,” but this means the same thing.

How to eat super cheap vegan? ›

Purchase in bulk: Buying grains, legumes, and nuts in bulk can save you money in the long run and are staple foods in a vegan diet that provide a good source of protein and fiber. Opt for seasonal produce: Seasonal produce is usually cheaper than out-of-season produce.

How to be vegan while poor? ›

Buy in Bulk

Nuts and seeds can also be very affordable if bought in bulk. Products like oats and rice are filling and keep extremely well. Comparing different stores and planning your shop ahead of time can really keep the cost down, as can batch cooking meals for the week.

Can you live off a vegan diet? ›

With good planning and an understanding of what makes up a healthy, balanced vegan diet, you can get all the nutrients your body needs. If you do not plan your diet properly, you could miss out on essential nutrients, such as calcium, iron, vitamin B12, iodine and selenium.

What common candy is vegan? ›

Fortunately, loads of candies are vegan, so we can indulge our cravings (mostly) guilt-free. Most dark chocolate is vegan, as are popular sweet treats such as Smarties (known as Rockets in Canada), Oreos, Airheads, Jujubes, and Swedish Fish (some Swedish Fish contain beeswax, so be sure to check the label).

What snack foods can vegans eat? ›

Try These Popular Vegan Snacks (Chips, Cookies, and More)
  • Vegan Rob's Chips.
  • Rivalz Extra Chedda' Mac.
  • Outstanding Foods PigOut Pigless Pork Rinds.
  • Nature Valley Crunchy Granola Bars—Peanut Butter Dark Chocolate.
  • Trader Joe's Almond Butter Filled Pretzel Nuggets.

Is Peanut Butter vegan? ›

As with many food items, in its simplest form, peanut butter should always be vegan. The vast majority of peanut butters you find in grocery stores will therefore be fully plant-based. Traditional peanut butter is made from peanuts and often a small amount of salt or oil.

What is the most filling vegan food? ›

Plant-based foods you can add to your meals to help improve satiety
  • Oats. ...
  • Chickpeas. ...
  • Walnuts or Almonds. ...
  • Sweet Potatoes. ...
  • Brussels Sprouts. ...
  • Avocado. ...
  • Brown rice or quinoa. ...
  • Dark Chocolate.

What do vegans struggle with the most? ›

Numerous studies have shown that vegans consume insufficient calcium and vitamin D, not only owing to the absence of dairy products but also due to calcium bioavailability problems in plant-based diets [28]. Vitamin D insufficiency exacerbates calcium shortage further owing to impaired intestinal absorption.

What are the most filling plant foods? ›

Healthful foods that are high in protein, fiber, or both tend to be filling. Rich sources of protein for vegans include foods such as soybeans, pulses, and some nuts and seeds. Oats, vegetables, nuts, seeds, legumes, and fruit are all good sources of fiber.

How do vegans on a tight budget? ›

Healthy vegan staples such as legumes, grains, and seasonal fruits and vegetables are some of the most budget-friendly foods out there. And they are also the healthiest options for you, the planet, and your bank balance. Buying grains, nuts, and pulses in bulk can help to reduce the cost of your shop.

How to save money on food vegan? ›

Vegan on a budget: 10 money-saving tips
  1. Make a list. Aim to sit down every week and create a shopping list. ...
  2. Steer clear of vegan eating trends. ...
  3. Get herb plants for your home. ...
  4. Avoid the flashy vegan alternatives. ...
  5. Bulk buy and discover your 'lazy day dish' ...
  6. Eat before you shop. ...
  7. Make too much dinner. ...
  8. Embrace frozen peas!
Nov 1, 2023

How to make vegan food cheaper? ›

The Best Ingredients For Vegan Meals On A Budget
  1. Bananas. These humble fruits are not only inexpensive but also versatile. ...
  2. Bell Peppers. Bell peppers can be used in various dishes, from fajitas, kabobs, ratatouille, and stuffed peppers. ...
  3. Cabbage. ...
  4. Canned Beans. ...
  5. Canned Coconut Milk. ...
  6. Canned Corn. ...
  7. Canned Pineapple. ...
  8. Canned Tomatoes.
Feb 1, 2024

What foods are vegan free? ›

A vegan diet is based on plants (such as vegetables, grains, nuts and fruits) and foods made from plants. Vegans do not eat foods that come from animals, including dairy products and eggs.

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