If anyone knows about the benefits of eating plant-based, it’s us. It’s why we started Southern Roots Vegan Bakery! After looking for healthier meal and snack alternatives for my grandma, we were inspired to create luxurious desserts that were completely vegan! We’ve seen the benefits of a plant-based diet, but we know it has a reputation for being inaccessible and expensive.

That’s why we've rounded up some practical tips, tricks, and budget-friendly strategies to make your journey to a nutritious and wallet-friendly plant-based diet not only doable but downright enjoyable. From embracing seasonal produce to DIY pantry staples, consider this your friendly guide to savoring the goodness of plant-based living without breaking the bank. Let's dive in!

Shop for North American Seasonal Produce

Eating plant-based on a budget starts with understanding what's in season. By aligning your grocery list with North American seasonal produce, not only do you support local farmers, but you also save money. Here's a quick breakdown for each season:

• Spring: Strawberries, asparagus, peas, spinach, and radishes.
• Summer: Berries, tomatoes, corn, zucchini, and watermelon.
• Fall: Apples, pumpkins, sweet potatoes, Brussels sprouts, and kale.
• Winter: Citrus fruits, carrots, cabbage, cauliflower, and winter squash.

Stock Up on Vegan Pantry Staples

Stocking up on vegan pantry staples is a great way to save money and ensure that you always have healthy food on hand. Here are some vegan pantry staples that you can buy in bulk and store for later:

• Canned goods: Beans, lentils, tomatoes, and vegetables.
• Grains: Rice, quinoa, pasta, oats, and couscous.
• Frozen items: Mixed vegetables, berries, and plant-based protein sources.
• Condiments: Olive oil, vinegar, soy sauce, and nutritional yeast.

Make Your Nut Milk, Sauces, Dressings, and Dips

Making your nut milk, sauces, dressings, and dips is a great way to save money and ensure that you know exactly what’s in your food. Here are some recipes to get you started:

• Nut milk: Almond, cashew, or oat milk at a fraction of the cost.
• Sauces and dressings: Whip up flavorful sauces using basic ingredients.
• Dips: Hummus, guacamole, or tzatziki for a budget-friendly snack.

Budget-Friendly Recipes

To help you get started, here are three budget-friendly, plant-based recipes:

Chickpea Stir-Fry

This vegan stir fry recipe from Veggies Save the Day is truly a lifesaver! It’s a quick savory meal that incorporates pantry staples and can be easily customizable with whatever veggies you have on hand!

Quinoa Salad with Seasonal Veggies

This recipe from allrecipes.com is a perfect dish on its own or as a side! It’s perfect for meal prepping so throughout the busy week you know you’re getting your veggies in! 

Sweet Potato and Black Bean Chili

Last, but certainly not least is this amazing vegan chili from Eating Well. It’s perfect for these colder months and packs a hearty and flavorful punch! Plus, this is a go-to dinner for when we know we’ll want tasty leftovers. 

With a small amount of planning, you can successfully start living a healthier plant-based life, without sacrificing taste or your wallet. I hope these tips were helpful and cheers to the end of Veganuary! 

If you are looking to treat yourself while grocery shopping, check out Southern Roots Vegan Bakery! We're rolling out in Sprouts stores throughout California and Texas, making it super convenient to treat yourself after a visit to the grocery store. We’ll be rolling into more Sprouts stores soon, but while you’re waiting you can still get our delicious treats on southernrootsvegan.com!