Most Americans Think Plant-Based Diets Are Too Expensive. They’re Wrong

A new survey revealed that a majority of US consumers believe that vegan diets are more expensive than the Standard American Diet, despite meat being the highest source of spending for 70% of them. Plant-based meat alternatives carry an 82% premium on conventional meat in the US, contributing to the misconception that veganism is costly. However, meals built around whole foods are usually more affordable than those focused on animal proteins.

Inflation has caused grocery prices to rise across the board, impacting both plant-based and animal-based food categories. While prices for meat, poultry, fish, and eggs have seen significant hikes, fruits and vegetables have experienced a more moderate increase. By choosing to center a plant-based diet on whole, minimally processed foods, individuals can cut costs and better nourish their bodies. Studies have shown that a low-fat vegan diet can actually save consumers money compared to the Standard American Diet, with savings attributed to reductions in spending on meat and dairy.