Is a Plant-based diet expensive?

Ever since adopting a plant-based diet, people often tell me that  "Vegan food options are expensive." And I am always tempted to reply with the most overused term in management "it depends!".

It is not entirely wrong to say that "it depends" because it does depend on your eating pattern and liking. But I think it is similar to any other diet, in terms of variations of expenses incurred.

If you already eat out a lot, like to dine in expensive places, and order delivery,  then going plant-based might make it more expensive. Currently, the food and beverages industry charges a premium on plant-based alternatives for most of its products, targeting the premium segment.

If you mostly eat at home, your expenses would change based on food preferences. Substituting dairy with soy milk is twice expensive, similar would be the case with plant-based cheese, fake meat and confectionery. But if you mostly eat non-dairy-based food, then it barely makes any difference.

For me, my food expenses have drastically gone down after adopting a plant-based diet. I have been eating out less, and the frequency of ordering food delivery has also decreased, which has reduced food expenses. I substituted dairy with soy milk, and Tofu has taken the place of Paneer, but nothing much has changed apart from that. I eat simple Indian food and snacks daily,  and thankfully most Indian curries and bread are plant-based.

Initially, there were some challenges as I could not eat most of the western food, but over time I actually started feeling good because of my food choices. I have started appreciating south-east Asian food as most use coconut milk. The plant-based food makes me feel more energized and is easier on the gut. It also makes me proud of the fact that I am contributing to my long-term health and that of this planet.

"Eat to live and not live to eat" is the motto I live by, and it keeps me motivated to eat good healthy food and pursue experiences that have great lasting memories. The plant-based diet has been beneficial to me, and I have found a way to keep it sustainable, so I would continue to eat a plant-based diet.