A recent study by CouponBirds challenges the belief that plant-based diets are more expensive than conventional eating habits. The analysis, which looked at grocery costs for six common dietary preferences in the US, found that vegetarian and vegan diets are among the most affordable options. In fact, on average, a vegan shopper can save $34.24 per month compared to those with an unrestricted diet.

The study collected data from top grocery retailers in the US, focusing on vegan, halal, gluten-free, and other relevant categories. The findings showed that while specialty dietary restrictions like gluten-free and lactose-free can increase grocery costs significantly, plant-based diets offer savings by replacing animal-based proteins with more affordable plant-based options. With the increasing availability of vegan and vegetarian products in mainstream stores, plant-based eating may become even more cost-effective in the future.