What I Spent On Groceries Last Week $
If you’ve heard that plant-based is more expensive, don’t believe everything you hear. Plant-based can be the least expensive and the most expensive, it depends on what you’re buying.
I hope this post gives you ideas for building your shopping list, and also clears up some misconceptions on plant-based being unaffordable. If budget is an immediate concern, Google search “money saving plant based diet” for more tips.
Here’s one week of shopping.
carrots
Farmer’s Market
I spent roughly $20 at the farmer’s market. Maybe less since it’s winter, I didn’t specifically track it this time. $20-$40 is what I typically spend in a given week. $40 is in the peak, mid-to-late summer picking season when the farm stands are fully stocked and overflowing with options.
It’s true, NYC farmer’s markets are not inexpensive. I feel good giving my money to local, organic farmers. They are working hard to provide us with fresh, vibrant, nutrient-packed produce.
Produce at Whole Foods Market
Grocery Stores
$18.65, $16.59, $14.96, $14.30, $12.44, $6.99, $21.76, $3.99, $3.58, $3.99, $31.98
Total: $149.23
This captures a ‘maintenance’ week, rather than a ‘stock up’ week. Most weeks are maintenance. Storage is limited in my apartment.
Whole Foods Market receipts
Takeout
It’s not common that I’m doing takeout even once per week. This takeout was for last week’s blog post on what to order at Vietnamese restaurants.
$37.25, $25.04
Total: $62.29
takeout bag
Shopping List
Grocery store
Westlife soy milk
WFM organic romaine hearts
organic naval oranges
organic mandarin oranges
WFM organic grape tomatoes
WFM organic baby arugula, 5 oz box x 6
WFM organic baby spinach, 16 oz box
WFM organic frozen mango chunks
WFM quartered artichokes in water
organic lemon
organic sweet potato
organic red cabbage
organic red pepper x 3
Wildwood organic super firm tofu
Abraham’s baba ghannouj
Lara bars — cherry pie, peanut butter & jelly
Farmer’s market
carrots, radishes, red onion
radishes
Tip
Shop the sales.
My primary market is Whole Foods. Post-Amazon acquisition (I was worried!) I have to say it seems the sales are better — more frequent + additional Prime discounts.
1) Know your go-to’s
2) Pay attention to what’s on sale
2) Stock up when your go-to’s are on sale
How much do you spend on food relative to the rest of your budget?
Food is my second highest spend following housing. I’m comfortable with that because health is my priority. My relationships, my work, everything else flows from my health. When I need to shave my spending, I will do it elsewhere.
Happy food shopping!
Thanks for reading!
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