Tips for Eating Gluten Free and Plant Based on a Budget

In recent years, plant-based and gluten free foods have become as ubiquitous as their conventional counterparts in supermarkets across the country. Whether you’re searching for foods that better support your health, the planet, or both, it’s not hard to find delicious foods, ingredients, and recipes to make just about anything your heart desires. However, one downside to these diets is the price tag. While easy to find, these foods often come with higher costs, and using them for every meal can leave your wallet drained.

Here are some quick and easy tips you can start implementing today to eat gluten free and plant-based on a budget:

• Cook at home more often. Eating out can be expensive, especially if you're eating at restaurants that cater to gluten free and plant based diets. The average American spends half it’s food budget on eating out which equates to around $3000 per year. Cooking at home allows you to control the ingredients and costs. Try making your own gluten free and plant based snacks and desserts as well. With countless recipes available online, there’s a lot of opportunity to find new meal ideas to try!
• Buy in bulk online. When you buy in bulk, you can save money on the cost per unit. Look for gluten free and plant based foods that are sold in bulk online to save you time and avoid making impulse purchases at your local grocery or health food store. In addition to bulk options, some online retailers, like Blue Moon Goodness, help you save with subscription services for your favorite plant based and gluten free pantry staples.
• Plan your meals ahead of time. From soothing soups, pasta dishes and more, there’s a gluten free and plant based meal everyone will love over and over again. Planning your meals ahead of time and keeping a weekly or monthly rotation of your favorites will help you avoid impulse purchases and make sure you have everything you need on hand. Make a grocery list and stick to it. 
• Use coupons and discounts. Many grocery stores and health food stores offer coupons and discounts on gluten free and plant based foods. Be sure to check for these savings before you buy or wait to buy certain foods when you know the retailer has a sale coming up.
• Grow your own food. No matter the amount of space you currently have, you can find ways to grow your own food and save money doing it. Start small and as you gain experience you’ll be able to grow gluten free and plant based vegetables, fruits, and herbs. Research the best growing methods for your space, climate, and budget, and get growing!  

Here are a few gluten free and plant based recipes that are budget-friendly:

• Gluten free soup: There are many nutritious, comforting gluten free soups that are easy to make or affordable to buy premade for a quick meal on those busy nights. Some popular options include classic tomato soups such as Tomato Fennel Soup, black bean soups, and vegetable soups like Moroccan Vegetable Soup or Carrot Ginger Soup.
• Granola: Granola is a great breakfast option that is gluten free and plant based. You can make your own granola at home or buy it pre-made.

Some of these tips and ideas may take time to implement, but the effort and investment will pay off in the long-term, saving you money and supporting your health. Some other ways to save include shopping at discount grocery stores, trying free samples of new foods before you buy, and joining a gluten free or plant based online community for resources and support.

With these tips and recipes in your back pocket, you’ll be on your way to a healthy, budget-friendly, planet-loving diet in no time!