Budget vegan meal plan
Plan a week of vegan meals on a budget with our thrifty meal plan, including a peanut butter curry, 30-minute tofu noodles and a bean-packed chilli
Following a vegan diet has a reputation for being costly and difficult, but this doesn't have to be the case. A plant-based diet on a budget is achievable, in fact a vegan diet is naturally budget-friendly if you choose to use storecupboard staples and avoid expensive meat alternatives and cheeses.
To help cut costs, we've collated our favourite wallet-friendly vegan meals, meaning you can plan a whole week of meals with ease. This meal plan features plant-based curries, pasta dishes, chillies and casseroles, with any leftovers perfect for lunch the following day.
For more guidance on how to stick to a vegan diet, see our nutritionist's guide to following a balanced diet for vegans, plus the 10 best vegan protein sources and top 10 health benefits of a vegan diet. We also share the best vegan egg substitutions for more meal prep guidance.
If you're looking to expand your repertoire, check out our general vegan recipe collection as well as these vegan lunches and vegan snacks. Or check out more plant-based meal plans with this healthy vegan meal plan.
For more cost-effective recipes that take everyday ingredients to new heights, visit our budget hub, featuring guides such as budget salads, budget comfort food and budget 'superfood' swaps.
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7-day vegan meal plan on a budget
Monday: Squash & spinach fusilli with pecans
You don’t have to be non-vegan to enjoy a comforting bowl of pasta. This is a winner if you're after something simple on a weeknight while upping your veggie intake. It's also low in fat and calories. It's worth noting this recipe serves two, but it can be easily doubled if you're feeding a family of four.
It’s a good idea to include plenty of nuts if you're vegan, and this dish makes brilliant use of rich, crunchy pecans.
Tuesday: Teriyaki tofu
Rustle up these easy vegan noodles for a dinner that's on the table in under 30 minutes. You'll be surprised at how few ingredients are required, and the ingredients listed are cheap and easy to shop for: broccoli, spring onion, rice or noodles. Marinading tofu with teriyaki sauce brings umami depth to this dish.
Tofu has a large number of health benefits and is a brilliant source of protein for vegans. Learn more about its benefits here.
Wednesday: Vegan chickpea curry jacket potatoes
Find comfort midweek with this simple jacket potato. Loaded with a flavourful chickpea curry, it's a brilliant way of adding more protein into your diet. It's packed with vegan storecupboard goodness, such as chickpeas, chopped tomatoes and spices.
Discover more high-protein vegan meals.
Thursday: Sweet potato & peanut curry
We're big fans of incorporating peanut butter into savoury meals, and this vegan curry is just one example of how to showcase this beloved nut butter. It's all creamy, zingy and fragrant, which are all the makings of a family favourite curry. Plus, it makes use of cheap, everyday veg, such as onion, ginger and garlic. Our online community love it too – this recipe has accrued almost 1000 five-star ratings.
Turn the rest of that jar of peanut butter into a batch of vegan peanut butter cookies.
Friday: Double bean & roasted pepper chilli
This hugely popular vegan chilli is perfect for a cheap Friday night dinner. It's bulked up with storecupboard heroes, such as kidney beans and black beans, which are also brilliant sources of protein. Boost the flavour by serving with hot sauce and vegan yogurt.
Beans and pulses are great vegan protein sources – see our collection of kidney bean recipes and pulse and grain collections for more inspiration.
Saturday: Slow cooker ratatouille
Thought slow cookers were reserved to tough cuts of meat? Think again. This budget slow cooker ratatouille makes for a mean weekend feast, best served with sourdough bread. This classic vegan French dish packs in four of your five-a-day, and the slow cooker allows the veg to get extra tender.
If you don't own a slow cooker, see our regular recipe for vegan ratatouille. You can also find more freezable vegan meals here.
Sunday: Slow cooker spiced root & lentil casserole
Let the slow cooker do the work on Sunday with this colourful spiced root casserole. This one is perfect for making during the colder months, when parsnips are in season. Plus, using your slow cooker helps cut energy costs, compared to using an oven. It serves up to four, and it's freezable, so any leftovers can be stored for future midweek meals.
No slow cooker? No problem. See our collection of vegan stew recipes, including this tomato, pepper & bean one pot.
