Plant-Based Diets Nearly 20% Cheaper Than Standard American Diet, Research Finds

New research conducted by the Physicians Committee For Responsible Medicine (PCRM) suggests that adopting a low-fat vegan diet is nearly 20% cheaper than both a standard American diet and a Mediterranean diet. The analysis found that total food costs were 19% lower on a vegan diet compared to a standard American diet, and 25% lower compared to a Mediterranean diet. The savings were mainly attributed to the absence of meat, which offset the additional costs of vegetables and plant-based proteins.

Previous research from PCRM also supported the idea that vegan diets are more cost-effective than diets containing animal products. The lead author of the new study stated that a low-fat vegan diet based on fruits, vegetables, grains, and beans could not only save money but also improve health by helping to prevent conditions like obesity, type 2 diabetes, and heart disease. Additionally, a separate report found that universities could save money and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by switching to entirely plant-based catering, a move described as "common sense" by campaigners.