VeganVsVegetarian.com is an independent informational resource. Content is for general information only and does not constitute medical or nutritional advice. Consult a registered dietitian before making significant dietary changes.

Real grocery prices, 2026

Vegan vs Vegetarian Cost: Real Grocery Bills Compared (2026)

The headline: whole-food vegan eating is among the cheapest diets in the world. Processed vegan substitutes are among the most expensive. Here is exactly where the money goes.

Three-Tier Monthly Cost Comparison

Whole-Food Vegan
$200-300/mo
$6.50-10 per day

Lentils, beans, rice, oats, seasonal vegetables, fruit, tofu, nuts, seeds. The cheapest sustainable diet available.

Standard Vegetarian
$300-450/mo
$10-15 per day

As above plus dairy (milk, yogurt, cheese) and eggs. Slightly more expensive but nutritionally complete without supplements.

Processed Vegan
$450-700/mo
$15-23 per day

Relies on Beyond Meat, Impossible products, Oatly, Violife, Miyoko's, and other premium substitutes. Convenient but costly.

Price Per 20g of Protein: The Real Comparison

Protein cost is one of the most useful ways to compare food value. Here is how common vegan, vegetarian, and conventional protein sources compare on cost per 20g of protein (a typical single serving):

FoodProtein per 100gApprox. Price per 100gCost per 20g proteinDiet type
Dried lentils26g$0.22$0.17Vegan
Dried chickpeas19g$0.20$0.21Vegan
Canned black beans8.9g$0.18$0.40Vegan
Firm tofu8g$0.40$1.00Vegan
Tempeh19g$0.80$0.84Vegan
Edamame (frozen)11g$0.45$0.82Vegan
Peanut butter25g$0.30$0.24Vegan
Hemp seeds32g$1.20$0.75Vegan
Beyond Burger patty20g$2.50$2.50Vegan (processed)
Eggs (large)13g$0.35/egg$0.54Vegetarian
Greek yogurt (plain)10g$0.40/100g$0.80Vegetarian
Cheddar cheese25g$0.70/100g$0.56Vegetarian
Chicken breast31g$0.55/100g$0.35Omnivore
Ground beef 80/2017g$0.65/100g$0.76Omnivore

Sample Weekly Grocery Lists with 2026 Prices

Whole-Food Vegan Week~$52/week
Dried red lentils (1kg)$2.20
Dried chickpeas (1kg)$1.80
Brown rice (2kg)$3.00
Rolled oats (1kg)$2.00
Firm tofu (2 x 400g)$5.00
Spinach + mixed greens$4.50
Broccoli, carrots, peppers$6.00
Bananas, apples, oranges$5.50
Mixed nuts (200g)$4.50
Canned tomatoes (x4)$3.20
Oat milk (2 x 1L)$5.00
Peanut butter (500g)$3.50
Olive oil, spices, stock$5.80
Standard Vegetarian Week~$78/week
Dried lentils (500g)$1.10
Eggs (12-pack)$4.50
Whole milk (2L)$3.80
Greek yogurt (500g)$4.50
Cheddar cheese (250g)$3.50
Pasta (1kg)$1.80
Brown rice (1kg)$1.50
Mixed vegetables$7.00
Bananas, apples, citrus$5.50
Canned beans (x3)$2.70
Butter (250g)$3.50
Bread (whole grain)$3.50
Oils, spices, condiments$6.00

Budget Tips by Diet Type

Buy dried, not canned

Dried lentils and beans cost 60-70% less than canned. They take more time (soaking overnight) but are far more economical. Dried chickpeas: $0.20/100g vs canned: $0.55/100g.

Shop ethnic grocery stores

Asian and South Asian grocery stores stock tofu, tempeh, edamame, and large bags of rice, lentils, and spices at significantly lower prices than mainstream supermarkets.

Buy frozen vegetables

Frozen vegetables are nutritionally equivalent to fresh and cost 50-70% less. Frozen spinach, edamame, broccoli, and peas are pantry staples for budget plant-based eating.

Skip the vegan substitutes

Beyond Burger, Violife, and Oatly add substantial cost. Treat them as occasional treats, not staples. Real food -- tofu, tempeh, beans -- provides better nutrition at a fraction of the cost.

See budget meal plans →Protein sources guide →

Cost Questions Answered

Is a vegan diet more expensive than vegetarian?
Whole-food vegan diets built around lentils, beans, rice, oats, and seasonal vegetables are typically cheaper than standard vegetarian diets. The average whole-food vegan spends $200-300 per person per month on groceries in the US. Standard vegetarians who eat dairy and eggs typically spend $300-450. However, if you replace meat and dairy with expensive processed vegan substitutes (Beyond Burger, Violife cheese, Oatly oat milk), costs can reach $450-700 per month.
What is the cheapest plant-based diet?
Whole-food plant-based eating centred on dried legumes, whole grains, seasonal vegetables, and fruit is one of the cheapest possible diets. A dried cup of lentils costs around $0.25 and makes 2-3 servings with 18g protein per serving. Canned beans at $0.80-1.00 per can provide 3-4 servings. A budget of $5-7 per day per person is easily achievable on a whole-food vegan diet.
Are vegan meat substitutes worth the cost?
Vegan meat substitutes are significantly more expensive than whole plant foods. A Beyond Burger patty costs around $2.50 and provides 20g protein. The same protein from lentils costs about $0.30. Vegan substitutes are convenient and can ease the transition, but building a diet around them will be more expensive than whole plant foods. Use them occasionally, not as staples.
← Back to comparison hubWeekly meal plans →