Obviously depends on the country you're living in. I can't see a big difference in Germany.The newer “hyper realistic” fake meats are expensive, but the semi-realistic veg burger patties are pretty cheap.
Obviously depends on the country you're living in. I can't see a big difference in Germany.The newer “hyper realistic” fake meats are expensive, but the semi-realistic veg burger patties are pretty cheap.
Yes, one can. But not everyone wants to do this as others have already said. If you like to do this, do it. Many others have no interest in doing so, including me.
Vegan convenience food might be as unhealthy and expensive as omnivore convenience food - but it helps people with no interest in cooking/food preparing becoming and stay vegan.
No one is forced to eat vegan junk food but I wish people would understand that not every vegan is into the WFPB diet.
canned beans are cheap and convenient.
I take exception to the idea that people like processed foods because they miss the taste of non vegan foods.Lots of folks have said this already, but I find vegan convenience foods (such as veggie burgers or other vegan meat/dairy/fish imitations) are comparatively costly, while whole foods such as grains or legumes are much less so.
Now, if you really miss the taste of nonvegan foods, of course you can have vegan substitutes, such as "Beyond Burgers" or imitation "cheeses", as a treat to yourself now and then. Besides being costly, they're not the healthiest things to eat, I suppose- for example, the vegan convenience foods I sometimes get are quite high in salt/sodium (as are most convenience foods).
This thread is about being frugal, so I have to mention that it's a good idea to try a sample of something to make sure you like it before buying an expensive amount of it. I suppose anyone could finish a package of 4 veggie burgers, unless they had a physical intolerance to it. But then, I've never been a fussy eater. Mom probably never knew that, as a child, I didn't care that much for ham, cream-style canned corn, or pickled beets because I always ate them- I just didn't ask for seconds.
.It definitely can be, especially when you are first stocking up on grains and seeds and such. But once you have a good stock pile, those foods typically stretch for a long time and have a very long shelf life.
I have found it's definitely worth paying more for whole food. Even people who eat meat and animal products will have a higher grocery bill if they buy whole foods, organic, free range, etc.
Last month I ran out of money for 12 days (I get paid monthly). And I was stuck eating nothing but processed snack foods (still vegan, but processed carbs). I had no fresh fruits or vegetables for about a week. I felt so tired and weak. When I got paid and bought fresh fruits and vegetables, I felt better that day after 2 healthy meals.
It was difficult, but a great reminder why I don't eat sugar, oil, or processed carbs (If I can help it lol).
They can be if you buy in bulk like I try to. I guess "expensive " is relative based on one's income..
Grains are expensive? The poorest people in the world eat rice and beans.
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They can be if you buy in bulk like I try to. I guess "expensive " is relative based on one's income.
.They can be if you buy in bulk like I try to. I guess "expensive " is relative based on one's income.
.I think there might be some confusion on what is meant by bulk.
@Emma JC is referring to the bulk bins at the grocery stores.
I think @Peace and happiness is referring to great big bags. Like a 25 pound bag of rice. Or a 50 pound bag of beans.
Buying dry goods in the bulk food aisle does have the advantages that Emma mentioned. but it still isn't as cheap as buying those really big bags.
Also here in California, during the pandemic a lot of the stores have taken out the bins. I'm not sure when or if they are coming back.
another thing I liked about the bulk bins is that I would bring my own container. Less plastic waste.
I think there might be some confusion on what is meant by bulk.
@Emma JC is referring to the bulk bins at the grocery stores.
I think @Peace and happiness is referring to great big bags. Like a 25 pound bag of rice. Or a 50 pound bag of beans.
Buying dry goods in the bulk food aisle does have the advantages that Emma mentioned. but it still isn't as cheap as buying those really big bags.
Also here in California, during the pandemic a lot of the stores have taken out the bins. I'm not sure when or if they are coming back.
another thing I liked about the bulk bins is that I would bring my own container. Less plastic waste.
you are correct @Lou , there are two different meanings to 'bulk'
I do miss the bulk bins! One store has the bulk cylinders still, that dispense with a lever.They don't let you bring your own,and for some reason, don't have bags there, just small plastic tubs . People still take bags from the produce area
You might need to shop around.
I never buy the big bags because I live in an apartment and have no place to store it in.
my sister buys rice in 50 pound bags at the asian market. However she lives in a house and has a walk-in pantry (and a garage). She and her husband and son eat rice almost every day.
just doing a little shopping comparison with google, buying a 2 pound bag of rice might cost $5, $2.50 a pound. Although just now I checked my grocery store and they have it on sale for $2/lb
A 50 pound bag might cost $25, $0.50 a pound.
At Costco a 25 pound bag of rice costs $20.
Two caveats.
It depends on where you shop. for instance my BIL works in Japan town and can easily stop by the Japanese market where (and I'm not making this up) they have a Rice Aisle.
There is also a quality issue. As Silva mentioned, some rice brands are better than others.
Huh, after doing this little bit of research, I am going to switch my rice buying. I don't have the room for a 50 lb bag, but you know I could probably store a 25 pound bag in that cupboard above the frig that I need a step ladder to reach. I could then just use it to fill a small container I could keep in the pantry.
Hmmm. I could probably do that with beans, too.
Maybe when the bulk food bins are back I can re-think this.