Save money: try vegan this January

A new year often brings a new you. Perhaps you’ve already made your resolutions for 2025, or you’re looking for something a little different.

Enter Veganuary – a simple month-long challenge that can improve your health and the environment as well as saving you some serious dosh.

Cutting out animal products can put some extra pennies back in your pocket – as much as 40%, according to data from Kantar. Yes, you read that right!

Let’s dive into how making this switch can help your wallet.

What is Veganuary?

Veganuary is a month-long challenge where participants pledge to eat a vegan diet during January.

That means no meat, fish, eggs, dairy or honey for 31 days.

Why? The idea is to raise awareness about the benefits of veganism for people and the planet by encouraging you to try a plant-based lifestyle without any animal products.

But many don’t realise veganism can also be a money-saver.

How cutting out animal products saves you money

Meat and dairy are often the most expensive items in a typical shopping basket.

Replacing them with nutritious plant-based alternatives can bring your weekly spend right down.

Here’s how going vegan can help your finances:

Lower grocery bills

Grains, legumes and vegetables are often cheaper than meat and dairy.

Fewer processed foods

Focus on whole foods, which tend to be more affordable than heavily processed products.

Less waste

By planning meals around plant-based ingredients, you can reduce food waste and save money in the long run.

Bulk buying

Staples like rice, beans and lentils can be bought in bulk at a lower cost.

Environmental costs

Plant-based whole foods have a lower carbon footprint than animal products while climate change has been linked to higher food prices.

Preparation time

A meat- or fish-based meal often takes longer to prepare and cook, leading to higher energy bills.

Understanding your grocery list

Creating a budget-friendly grocery list is essential for cutting costs while going vegan.

Take time each week to plan your meals

This helps avoid impulse buys and keeps your shopping focused.

Buy fruits and vegetables that are in season

They are generally cheaper and taste better.

Cook from scratch

Preparing meals at home can save you money compared to buying pre-made vegan options.

Avoid processed meat alternatives

While these can be a good way to ease you into a different diet, they’re often quite pricey.

Cheap and cheerful vegan staples

The following ingredients can all help you create a variety of meals without breaking the bank:

• rice
• lentils
• chickpeas
• beans, e.g. kidney, black, pinto, cannellini, etc.
• tofu (make sure you press it for best results)
• oats
• pasta
• seasonal vegetables
• frozen fruits and vegetables
• nut butters

These ingredients are versatile and can be used in countless recipes, keeping your meals exciting and budget-friendly.

Simple vegan recipes on a budget

Your cupboard is stocked, but now what? How do you make a meal without any meat or cheese, anyway?

Bosh! are popular for their quick and no-fuss recipes with ingredients you’ve heard of – perfect for keeping costs down.

From curries and pasta dishes to desserts and sides, find a range of delicious recipes for any budget on their website.

Miguel Barclay, known for his straightforward £1 budget meals, has also dabbled with veganism with his dedicated Vegan One Pound Meals book.

Try an artichoke paella or Singapore cashew noodles to get you started.

Want more inspiration? Second-hand copies of Bosh! and Miguel’s cookbooks can be picked up for a few quid, or your library might have copies you can borrow.

Keep an eye out for digital offers too, as they’ve all been available for just 99p in the past.

Finally, these vegan recipes for less than a quid per person can also be found on BBC Food.

A win-win for your wallet and the planet

Cutting out animal products can genuinely save you money. By focusing on whole, plant-based foods, you can enjoy nutritious meals while keeping your budget in check.

So, grab your shopping list, embrace the challenge and discover the financial benefits of a vegan lifestyle. Happy Veganuary!