The Secret to the Most Affordable High-Protein Diet Isn’t Meat, Says New Research

A recent survey by the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine revealed that the majority of US adults believe that eating a plant-based diet is more expensive than including meat and dairy. However, data shows that grocery prices are actually driven up by the cost of meat, with meat, poultry, fish, and eggs experiencing a 36 percent price increase since January 2020. In contrast, plant-based staples like beans, lentils, tofu, grains, and vegetables offer a more affordable and nutritious option.

Research has shown that a low-fat vegan diet can cut food costs by 19 percent compared to a Standard American Diet that includes meat and dairy, saving an individual about $650 per year. Additionally, plant-based diets have been linked to better health outcomes, such as weight management, reduced risk of cardiovascular disease, lower cholesterol, improved insulin sensitivity, and reduced risk for type 2 diabetes and certain cancers. Despite misconceptions, plant-based diets can provide adequate protein through sources like beans, lentils, tofu, oats, whole grains, and vegetables.