Myth Debunked
EthicsMisleadingThe Myth
Vegan food is too expensive for most people
Veganism is expensive
Last reviewed: January 10, 2026
Quick Answer
The cheapest foods in most grocery stores are vegan: rice, beans, lentils, pasta, oats, frozen vegetables. Specialty vegan products can be expensive, but they're not necessary for a healthy vegan diet.
Evidence Summary
The claim: "Vegan food is too expensive—it's only for privileged people." The reality: The cheapest foods are vegan:
- Dried beans: ~$0.10-0.20 per serving
- Rice: ~$0.10-0.15 per serving
- Lentils: ~$0.15-0.25 per serving
- Oats: ~$0.10-0.20 per serving
- Pasta: ~$0.15-0.25 per serving
- Frozen vegetables: ~$0.50-1.00 per serving
- Bananas, potatoes, carrots: among cheapest produce What's expensive:
- Specialty vegan products (fake meats, vegan cheese)
- Organic, artisanal, or