$20 Vegan Grocery Haul + 10 Budget-Friendly Meal Ideas!

[@CaitlinShoemaker]

I realized when I uploaded this that I spent exactly $20.18.... and it's the new year #SHOOK (In other news, check out my grocery haul playlist here: kzbin.info/aero/PLILI9TO44f1Bq0G4kgj6l3DaSH98pocEy )

[@mkmaster19]

still a good video the being vegan in western countries might not be the biggest privelege especially since there are budget friendly options but there are countries they dont have the same luck as we do and for them having a meal alone might be luxury because they have nothing there where they live we ppl in the modern countries often dont really appreciate what we have unfortunate .. not trying to judge tho just saying what i expierienced often

[@avelinej6155]

could you please make a video on cheap vegan meals for larger families? i'm in a family of 5, and it's difficult finding budget-friendly meal ideas. my parents always complain how expensive it is to be healthy, so i want to prove to them it can be easy. thank you and i love your videos

[@youmakemehappy7]

Whoa.. I'm SHOOK too!

[@SapphicSista]

Being vegan is a privilege and so is being zero-waste! You are so right! It's refreshing to hear a vegan blogger acknowledge that without any reservations.

[@CynthiaAva]

I loved that she said that as well. Let's not forget the way things are in most of the world.

[@sydneynicole837]

Even for people with money. I mean access is limited. If I have the funds but still can't find a place to buy in bulk, I still am not able to live zero-waste. I think before zero-waste I think it's important to shift people's mentality to ask for less wasteful options so companies and businesses will sense the shift and create more options

[@mishuchyba6027]

I think its harder to be zero waste in highly developed countries. I live in Polad and here it's cheaper to buy fruits & veggies on farms market - they are also almost never wraped in plastic. U can also find nice home made bread there (it's kinda more expensive but it's also more filling so its still a good deal) and beans and seeds in bulk. Often there are dryied fruits and stuff like sea salt or other spieces. And even in supermarkets you usually have a choice between putting your veggies, fruits and bread into plastic bag or your own bag (cotton, linen, mesh what ever u have) We also have this small grocery shops where you can buy things like pickles or sauerkraut in bulk so u just need to ask them to put it into your own containers And of course it doest mean u can be easily completly zero waste but at least less wast ;)

[@brokkie28]

I was going to comment on that as well until I read your comment. She is so down to earth and ironically some vegans just aren't. Refreshing and inspiring!

[@bzed744]

I really admire that you are always conscientious of adapting to what viewers/subscribers need in terms of what their budgets. The video that got me hooked on your channel was the one where you spent $1.50 a day, and I thought, "Hey, this is so refreshing, and all vegans don't have to be using sprouted almond butter in well designed glass jars." You have a vast array of available recipes, and I think it's wonderful.

[@christinamariemoney]

Love that you put so much emphasis on budget friendly food items caitlin! It can seem so difficult to eat well on a budget but its really not, we just need more people like you who show others that you can do it! As a university student and someone who it trying to save as much money as possible, I love getting new ideas for budget friendly food! :) xo

[@tiff389]

I’m absolutely obsessed with your channel. It’s really refreshing that you addressed that being vegan and definitely zero waste is a privilege.

[@ayleensweb1158]

I am so obsessed with these budget-friendly hauls! Cheap but delicious meals can make or break a month.

[@amandaprovines3308]

Ive used a fair few of your recipies, they're all pretty easy to remember (super important because my brain flees everytime I try and make something new). I was wondering if you would do a themed budget meal prep? Maybe keeping a mexican or italian or indian style? It could be a series.

[@CaitlinShoemaker]

I definitely could! I also have videos on both Italian and Mexican Inspired recipes linked in the video description that would be great for meal prep :)

[@amandaprovines3308]

:) Oh, I didnt see the links, sorry. But the other themes are still an option. I dont see a lot of other cultural food aside from mexican and italian. Thank you for all the recipies.

[@JamiePatterson]

It’s so refreshing to hear a vegan say it’s a privilege. 👏🏻 Kudos, girl.

[@ericad3850]

Right?!

[@davednuhenabla]

Why is it a privilege being vegan though? Genuine question. Things like Rice, Pasta, Tinnes Tomato etc. are the cheapest things in the supermarket. Whats expensive is meat and substitutions to things like meat, cream, cheese etc. But If you live without that its super affordable. I spend way less now than I did when I ate meat. Of are you refering to a privilege not concerning price?

[@meda2325]

Lukas Breuer because a lot of vegan food is a bit on the expensive side. Stuff like rice, beans, potatoes, and tofu are not that good on their own and it’s recommended a vegan gets more protein than a regular diet person, so you end up eating more bland, gross food because you can’t afford most of the fancy vegan seasonings or vegan stores. Buying fresh produce is especially expensive where I live. Especially if you live in a food desert, a filling and nutritious vegan diet is somewhat hard to obtain and maintain. Obviously, anyone can call themselves vegan if all they eat is rice and beans because they are vegan. But they’re not getting all the nutrients they need from them. There are also a ton of cheap cereals that you can’t really buy because they’re apparently not vegan due to something with sheep skin secretion?? So some cheap things you usually buy may end up being not vegan :(. Hope that helps a bit!

[@karensabortionclinic7491]

@@meda2325 "so you end up eating more bland, gross food because you can’t afford most of the fancy vegan seasonings or vegan stores." that doesn't make any sense. being vegan ≠ bland food. Also seasonings, herbs, spices ARE vegan, last time i checked meat eaters don't season with meat. Seasonings don't even have to be fancy either. I've never heard of vegan stores, I've heard that the only things that are expensive are just processed vegan subsitutes and most you can just make yourself for cheaper and much better quality. Vegans don't only eat rice and beans what- beans are also a good source of fiber and protein, etc. They also keep you full longer and are much easier to prepare and can be relatively cheap too. Y'all don't know how to cook or ration your food and it shows.

[@meda2325]

@@karensabortionclinic7491 you’re coming from a place of privilege and it shows. If you live paycheck to paycheck you don’t have the money to be shilling out on nutritional yeast. If you live in a food desert you’re not going to be finding many foods commonly found in a vegan diet. Also, I’m saying rice and beans are the most affordable vegan options with the most nutrients, not that they’re the only foods vegans eat. Improve your reading comprehension and understand that you are privileged to live in an area with a stores that carry enough vegan alternatives and have a somewhat steady income.

[@Adrienne82891]

Funny you'd post this because my budget for next week is about $20 lolllll But I already planned out a hearty chickpea stew (roasted zucchini & potatoes tossed with chickpeas, spices & crushed tomatoes) and kale salads with tofu, quinoa, other veggies and a simple lemon dressing. Whenever I'm low on money I look in my pantry, write down what I have (usually quinoa, rice/farro, some type of canned beans) and go from there. But I also keep in mind what's in season right now. :) Shopping seasonally is always my first tip to people who say eating vegan is expensive.

[@CaitlinShoemaker]

That's a great practice to have! And your meal plan sounds yummy :)

[@madilyons8665]

Making meals out of my pantry is what i'm doing right now too! I was super stressed last semester & went home for the holidays and ended up having a bunch of random things stocked up, so i'm trying to base all my meals on what I have already. (Lots of beans, rice, lentils, pasta, potatoes...)

[@girllionness5944]

your attitude towards veganism and living on a budget is so refreshing! main reason why i'm subscribed to you

[@AudreyCee]

Im obsessed with the budget friendly videos. I also teeter on the zero waste guilt. Veganism saves the planet so much but plastic is also on the planet forever. 😩😩

[@Neverseenstars]

thank you for aknowledging its a privledge because first of all Not all people have internet, i went a few years w/o it except at school or in cafes because my parents couldnt afford internet 1) you need the internet to research about nutrition and planning a vegan lifestyle Also my second point here 2) not all of us live in families who will bend their lifestyles for us, and not all young people can beg their parents to buy them foods just for them. 3) my third point, produce availablity depends on how far you live from the grocery stores..i live 30 minites away from the nearest produce. That may not sound like a lot, but its enough where it becomes a hassle to buy fresh produce. And most of it rots in your fridge unused. So with that said, im not vegan yet but im interested in it, and i wanna try it.

[@alexmoctezuma8902]

Omg Army! Same here it can be a hassle and quite difficult at times, but I'm trying to be vegan too ✌❤

[@Neverseenstars]

InfiresAreRedJamsAreBlue StrongPowerThankYou :)

[@keviannaaa]

Please do more like this! I'm a grad student paying off my undergrad loans... I'm in desperate need for budget tips and grocery hauls. Great video

[@terihello7805]

As a pregnant vegan on a budget this video is a life saver!!!!

[@guadalupebautista9011]

I am not even vegan but I love watching your videos! You put so much work into your videos as well!!!Please make more of these!!!

[@healthiswealth3john279]

Totally agree on the frozen fruit. Blueberries frozen!! Especially for SMOOTHIES 😋

[@stephlyndsey3932]

Shopping at a flea market can help with avoiding plastic packaging. I find the fruits and veggies to look healthier and be cheaper than at grocery stores! Just always carry cash just in case!

[@opipcardenas]

I love that you acknowledged being vegan and zero waste being a privilege! And that you put a lot of emphasis on budget-friendly food items. Your tips, tricks, and recipes are really helpful.

[@cassielefeber9123]

As a broke vegan college student, your videos are beyond helpful. Please keep doing budget friendly grocery hauls and cheap recipes with them! I love your videos!

[@druelia9485]

Ok I never comment on videos but I have so much to say here : 1. I LOVE how versatile your recipes are. You totally take the stress out of meal prep by leaving your recipes open to the ability to swap out ingredients you don't have for other things. Your recipes are just so simple but so inspiring. 2. I love that you acknowledge that everyone is on a different path and not everyone can afford or have access to vegan or minimal living. I have two kids and it is NOT easy trying to cook and live green with children in tow! (I don't know why, but the healthy industry just really hasn't seemed to consider families with kids for some reason). 3. This goes with the last one but I love that you acknowledge the privilege of vegan /minimal living. All in all, I just found your blog two hours ago while going down my KZbin rabbit hole at work (night shift gets boring), and I'm already hooked. Definitely a fan! :)

[@bryanacamillebraxton4770]

$20 for groceries is college student level. I really appreciate this realistic budget haul. Proof you don’t have to spend a ton to eat a lot.

[@keelyhoughes6763]

When I first started living on my own and having to grocery shop like a decade ago, what was the most difficult thing for me to figure out was finding recipes to reuse the same item for a different recipe. It's great that you show a good weekly budget, reuse all your items you buy, and have healthy foods in your videos.

[@Jordannicole66]

I love how considerate and thoughtful you are

[@SeantaMarie]

I'm not vegan but I have been researching it for months now. This was so helpful

[@hmgibb]

Yes please more grocery hauls and meal ideas. I think the hardest part for me transititioning to vegetarian (eventually vegan) is meal ideas and being creative. I feel like somehow I always just end up making a burrito bowl LoL. I think variety is key so you don't get bored with your food. Thank you so much for your ideas every little bit helps!

[@emilywallander6291]

I think it is really awesome that you mentioned the plastic & zero-waste challenges!! I've beat myself up time and time again because as a vegan college student, it's hard to find financially-responsible food that is packaged in an eco-friendly way. Thanks for talking about it!

[@brennathompson3854]

I love Aldi's prices, but refuse to shop there because they have yet to offer plastic-free options. Fortunately, Fresh Thyme has two locations in my area, and the produce is even cheaper than Aldi's! It also has a wonderful bulk bin section by the produce.

[@AshleyMarone]

I think it’s unavoidable sometimes to buy things that are in plastic. I don’t judge people whether they buy more things in plastic or not I just always recommend recycling the plastics that you do use and then will become waste

[@MeanderingMeagan4]

I do 90% of my grocery shopping at Aldi, picking up tofu and the occasional specialty item at TJ or WF. During the summer I like to get as much as possible at farmers markets and bring my reusable produce bags etc., and I totally agree with you on the plastic issue. I reduce where I can (grocery bags, straws, coffee cups, utensils, etc.) but focus on minimizing/eliminating food waste as a "consolation" for the plastic.

[@katlynisgreen13]

I’ve been following you for a while now and I’ve noticed how much your channel has been growing so much. Congrats! Also, I’ve been wanting to be vegan for years, but it wasn’t until I found your videos that it made me want to faster. I’ve been vegan for over a few months now and I love it! I also saw you in the Veg Daily magazine! Thank you for all your videos, keep it up!!!

[@allisonpearson5851]

Feels good to watch a youtuber who isn't commanding. Love your content, as usual!

[@stephanyg2208]

Hey Caitlin! Love your videos! I’ve been watching your channel for quite a while. I have gotten so many wonderful meal ideas and have been so inspired by your videos. I appreciate how quick, simple and yummy your recipes are! Thank you for addressing what you did in the beginning about the packaging. Unfortunately there can be a lot of judgement in the vegan and plant based community. There is always someone holding everyone else to the standard that they have set for themselves and judging/criticizing everyone else that doesn’t hold the same values or have the same resources. I love that you are not afraid to be you. You are so right, we are all at our own place in our journey! I never understood how people can look down on someone who is at the same place they were a week, a month or year ago!! 🤔🙄🤷🏻‍♀️

[@healthiswealth3john279]

I like the plant based, healthy variety of deals you got!!😀

[@einhaus30]

I love your grocery hauls! Keep ‘em coming! Your one of my favorite food channels! I just found you and love your videos. ☺️😍🥑🥦🥫🥒🍅

[@eden5166]

I would love to see a video of recipe ideas for a potluck/ for feeding friends! Always looking for easy things to make that can feed a lot of people and use affordable ingredients!

[@katec3571]

What a fun video! Love the set budget + pantry staples + easy recipe ideas concept! I agree with you on the cheaper means more plastic problem here in the US, it makes no sense!! I just try hard to do as much as I can. For instance not using plastic to bag loose apples, carrots, avocados and other “tough skin” veggies and fruits. If you’re going to wash it thoroughly when you get home, it can sit in the “dirty” cart and not in a plastic bag!!

[@latangelapaige3473]

I love the entire concept of your budget friendly grocery haul/meal ideas!!! I hope that you create a series of these!!!

[@emmaxxpeanut]

Great video I like the style. it’s different from normal recipes videos as you didn’t actually make the food but just showed the ingredients you could use. I like that it allows you to share more than just a few ideas without the video being really long. Grocery hauls are one of my favourites to watch.

[@savannahlomeli6136]

This is so helpful! Please do another video like this again! I am in college and really struggle with buying ingredients and actually utilizing them (especially on a budget). I find that a lot of time things go to wast or I buy random things.

[@faithhorbatch6671]

I think a grocery haul + what I eat in a week from those groceries would be awesome!

[@caitlina2739]

I love your mindset on plastic/organic etc., it’s not worth it to be judgmental of yourself or others...just gotta make as much of an effort as you are actually capable of doing!! Also you are one of the only people who gets how to budget grocery shop for healthy food like me! I post pics all the time of my food and people think it’s expensive because it looks fancy, but it’s probably cheaper than McDonald’s haha!! Just gotta shop ads, what’s in season, and focus on more produce and staples and less meat and processed food. Also, aldi is the shit.

[@caitlina2739]

Also a tip on fruit- buy what is in season and they will usually be on really good sale at some point (check ads) and then flash freeze and store in freezer for when they aren’t on sale...and that’s usually way cheaper than frozen fruit even. I always do that with berries and cherries when they are in season.

[@caitlina2739]

Also check out minimalist bakers vegan Shepard’s pie...I always use that bag of mixed veggies for that. Okay I’m done now haha

[@nancyplants757]

I agree that it is hard to be zero waste, especially if there are no stores nearby that offer affordable loose produce. You still help the environment a LOT by being vegan. I shop at Aldi all winter because of the prices, and mostly shop the farmer's market and in my garden in the summer/spring/fall for produce. You gotta do what you gotta do.

[@RobinOrzo]

Love this format, would love to see some more like this! Sometimes I struggle with different ways to use what I buy in a week and not eat the same things for breakfast lunch and dinner so this was really helpful!

[@kgrin3421]

More hauls like this!!! Super helpful! I always have a hard time coming up with meals from grocery trips

[@rubyscott6685]

What I do to reduce waste on a budget. I reuse the empty bags of the frozen fruit that I used up. They also make great pre prep morning meals.

[@joyclendening9908]

I really enjoy the budget meal videos, I've been trying to cut back on how much I spend on groceries so the videos really help.

[@zthedancingqueen]

Yes more of these please! I would love to see you shop and then show us what you ate that week

[@ximenaperales581]

Hi Caitlin 😊 I totally agree that avoiding plastic can be really hard sometimes but I also think that we should do as much as we can to progressively use as less as possible. I think veganism is quite similar to being zero waste, because what it comes down to is this: we avoid something we don't need, can live without and which causes great harm to animals and to us ultimately. I think not using plastic can be more tricky than not consuming animal products but it really is important to reduce it. On the plus side, there are fortunately many wayd we can replace some of the items most commonly found in plastics, for example making our own types of vegan milk, sauces, personal washing itmes, and more... and we can all maybe slowly but surely change some of our ways 👌 i know you're doing your best and really hope you can give us many more ideas on the topic!!!!! 💖

[@tofuneverbleeds]

Love this! Shared with my mom, a vegetarian, I’m trying to help transition to vegan.🤞🏼 Thank you for showing how accessible, affordable, and rad a vegan diet is!

[@iambatman9420]

LOVE the format of this video and it would be awesome to see more like this. Thank you Caitlin!

[@blakestevens5794]

I usually have one huge haul of 150 bucks once per month which is frozen goods, grains, large bag of potatoes, seasonings, nutch, etc... then the following three weeks are about 20-40 dollars for the fresh produce... again this feeds my husband and I! Vegan diets are soooooooo much cheaper... period. Thanks for the video :)

[@juliatheinternetuser]

I love these budget friendly food videos! They help me out and inspire me so much!

[@sadiee3413]

I loved this mini haul and then including the simple meal ideas at the end! Very insightful

[@hannahashley2882]

I love these videos so much!! Also, I have hella respect for you for saying that being vegan or zero waste is a privilege. I feel like many in the vegan community get carried away with their passion and almost become resentful towards nonvegans. Nothing but positivity on your channel tho!

[@larrynlewis53]

What helps with produce that isn’t organic is just soaking them in water with a bit of ACV and then just give them a quick scrub under water. Helps get residue of pesticides or any other nasties off 😊

[@lindsayj30]

Definitely a grocery haul then what you ate that week. After being vegan 3.5 years I'm mixing up food/recipes again so this would be great!

[@bellelunebleue]

Loved this video! I am vegan but can't always afford to buy organic (it's fairly expensive in England) or be zero waste but I try to recycle when I can. I've always felt guilty about that until I watched this video - you helped me realise that while I can't do that now, I'm still doing my bit for the planet. Love your channel! 💚

[@luvisamixtape]

Awesome! $20 is my exact budget for this week so thank you, Caitlin :)

[@healthiswealth3john279]

2018 and $20.18!!😄😊😁😇☑

[@lizquandt]

I loved this video so much! Aldi is the main store I buy groceries at, and actually a lot of what you bought are my exact staples! Very helpful to see the different way these foods can be rearranged to build meals, too; I'd love to see more of this :)

[@livinglife321]

I love that you have so many great, simple recipes with ingredients I am likely to have or can easily find! Your videos are the best! Thank you for making them :D

[@annabeahm4264]

I love this video format! I'd like to see more videos like this :) It's very helpful for people trying to transition into a plant-based diet.

[@nivia7684]

I respect how conscientious you are about people's dispensable funds.

[@weareeternal81]

I’m so glad I found your channel! Inspiration and budget tips all in one. Thanks!! 💜😄💜

[@botezaturoxana1925]

I love yours grocery hauls! Well done for your entire channel, it’s very different and unique! 😻🧜🏻‍♀️

[@katiegarcia1646]

I’m not vegan but you’re full of so much knowledge and I love watching your videos. All of your recipes sound delicious and I do try some here and there :)

[@jess89O]

YESSSSSSSSS for the continual conversation about privilege and veganism!! 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼 SO important.

[@smritikushwaha4026]

I'm also a vegan since I was born❤!So its always great watching your videos😍😘

[@morganjackson7862]

Yes! More grocery hauls with prices and meal plans please!

[@awesomeaub12]

Yes do a grocery haul and vlog if how you used them that week!!! Love u girl

[@MadalinaZbranca]

I love grocery hauls! And I love your energy and ideas! Thank you for being a inspiration!

[@anneblommaert]

I'd like to see a grocery haul and see what you actually make with it, it would help motivate me and get more creative

[@growschooling3508]

I totally do 80% of my shopping at Aldi and I’m still standing what I said before when I shopped there for the first time: they are gonna take over the world! Have you seen their new Vegan line?!

[@JennA-nz8zd]

Thanks so much for your videos. You’re so real like I feel like you’re someone I already know.

[@raynaduggan2083]

Thank you for linking to the spice video--so helpful!

[@nicoleallen7013]

this was a great video!! love how many ideas you had :) a lot of the stuff you bought are staples for me so this is great!!!

[@mollyhanna9783]

I would love to see grocery hauls with what you eat throughout the week

[@CantTameBeauty]

First time watching your videos and I like them. I am not vegan but I am dairy free. This is really helping me come up with ideas for dinners. :)

[@floweroftheuni]

Love this, super helpful! Thank you 🙏🏼 would love to see more like this. You explain very well

[@Ms.NigeriaParker]

Pause... The camera quality is amazing and you're absolutely beautiful.. Thank you for this video..

[@lauralu04]

Love this format!

[@IloveHamlet]

really interesting, I'm trying to eat healthier, and these videos have been really helpful to me. Thanks so much for sharing!

[@jennibean71]

You are such an inspiration! You made eating healthy look so good and proved it is affordable. I wanted to post my own grocery haul here, but it won’t let me.😉

[@jamiecee4960]

I agree with the frozen fruit and veggies. I got to where I love the frozen Raspberries. Love them. :) It was very helpful. Love the meal ideas. Would love to see more of that. :)

[@laurenj.5312]

I like hauls. adding the meal ideas at the end makes it beneficial and wonderful. Thanks for this.

[@melissacanales1688]

I would really love to see a video on meal ideas for sick days. I was sick a while ago and while I still haven’t gone vegan I started wondering what would be some nice, comforting foods for when I’m going through a tough day.

[@jianellhaughton9730]

Yes! Budget friendly meal plans! Love it!

[@Laura-sz6xc]

This was really helpful. I would like it if you could do another grocery haul that is similar to this, in a different price range :).

[@Selena8461]

yass do a grocery haul and wht you eat in a week with that food. I love ur videos

[@olivia1910]

Love these videos, tons of inspiration ! Being vegan is definitely a privilege and not only because of the money, it's difficult when your family isn't supportive... I watch your videos in preparation for when I move out xD But I try to have a few vegan days during the week (I'm currently vegetarian) and my parents don't notice it haha. I also try to cook for myself as much as I can and your recipes are a big help !

[@tokkia1384]

The smoky eye look really suits you! You look gorgeous! I love how you keep it real with how being vegan is a privilege and we must consider that poverty problems are part of the bigger problem that encompasses animal agriculture and wealth imbalances across the globe. People Judging people for not being vegan or being not vegan enough is harming the actual cause.love your videos as always.:)

[@janesmith5689]

awesome! i love the easy, simple, budget friendly meal ideas!! :)

[@momlifeoflindsey987]

Hey girl. Yes love these types of videos!! I shop at Aldi and I'm bout to go there today or tomorrow and now I have some ideas! thanks girl

[@cassieholinaty9445]

just when i needed a budget friendly vegan video!!!!!!

[@racheljones1738]

Yes more grocery videos especially like this using ingredients again and again

[@danaliesen]

As ALDI is a German grocery store I actually find it quite interesting, that they use so much plastic wrapping in your stores, which I don't find to be the case here in Germany. Did I get this right that they don't offer loose fruit and vegetables? I loved the video though! Since I am a student I try to spend about 20-30€ a week on food, so this really comes in handy. Greetings from Germany xx

[@jadew60]

Sweet potatoes aren’t more nutritious, they just have a different nutrient profile than white potatoes! Like for me, I eat more white potatoes because I’m typically low on potassium. But if I want to eat less carbs, I’ll go for the sweet potatoes.

[@sarahs9404]

i thought she said "no more nutritious" idk it wasn't super clear

[@jadew60]

Sarah Soliman oops idk

[@evaszabo5588]

I love Aldi for their produce and prices but hate the plastic.. but as you said, it's all give and take. great video thanks!

[@Ohheyykatiehart]

I was so excited to see Aldi was carrying powdered peanut butter. It seemed like it was by the register and they were trying to get rid of it. Womp womp

[@shippermd]

Hey there. Love all your vids! Could you sometime do a vid about what to eat when travelling or not at home and you are stranded without your premade foods?