How to Grocery Shop (and SAVE MONEY!) as a Vegan | Life Hacks

[@tiinah5602]

Been vegan for quite a while, yet I'm still watching all these tips for new vegans

[@sanyrub]

I´m addicted too. The life style is life changing. Just love watching it even if I already know eveything. I wish everybody could see this stuff and change the world for good.

[@LexiePersonForever]

well i mean we're vegan for life right? always good to learn money-saving tips and stuff along the way

[@spirituallyconscious94]

Me too. Lol being vegan never gets any easier I'm always on KZbin looking for meals

[@IamIam88]

relatable af

[@gensearcaigh4738]

Same. God, I'm so fucking tired and also a busy and broke vegan so I'm always watching these hoping there are some time saving hacks for making healthy (mostly) things quickly that also don't get old and boring. Lmao I love how I thought I'd automatically get healthier by going vegan lol nope, I still have a pretty shit diet, even after 4 years as a vegan. @ VEGAN JUNK FOOD, THANK YOU FOR EXISTING BUT ALSO YOU'RE NOT MAKING HEALTH ANY EASIER FOR ME Help. Sincerely, a low-energy vegan

[@tedg.4772]

Saw a notification for this as I pulled into the grocery store parking lot and watched the whole thing before I went in lol

[@CaitlinShoemaker]

haha! perfect timing!

[@VeganGroceryLife]

That’s so funny because I am at the grocery store now...about to do the same.

[@brandywinelewis]

Ted G. Lol that's awesome

[@jadew60]

Guys ur local asian market will have the cheapest tofu!!! And so many varieties! I got a block of tofu for 1$!

[@christinamariemoney]

that is amazing! Definitely have to try that out :)

[@meghanbugg]

My local Asian market makes their own tofu (its soooo good) and it’s thirty five cents a block! It’s insane!

[@sequinsmtg]

Yes! Other things that are typically much cheaper than at other stores: curry pastes, coconut milk, rice, rice noodles, nori sheets, and some produce items. Totally worth checking out!

[@christinamariemoney]

meghanbugg 35 cents?! I would live off of only tofu 😂

[@kendallmorgan3425]

Hispanic grocery stores are really great too! Super cheap bulk produce and dry goods like rice and beans.

[@jessytang6082]

literally not snacking is the one thing i did that saved me so much freaking money while grocery shopping also granola is so expensive when you buy it but it’s just oats and oats are so cheap

[@evalore9498]

My biggest money-saving and health-counscious trick is "shopping" at my mother's garden and/or pantry. It's not leeching because I help with the planting/watering/tending/preserving etc.

[@billyveganmecanic4440]

Eva Lore and it's fresh :)

[@buffycatnip]

same! my grandma grows potatoes and she always gives me some, they taste a lot better than the ones in the grocery stores lol

[@koko6609]

Please never stop making videos like these! It’s really helpful to learn how to be budget friendly. Also loved your videos about creating a week of meals for under a certain $ amount.. helps to practice being more creative!! Thank you!

[@maureenbullis1805]

I use the reusable produce bags for the bulk bins too so I don’t have to weigh a jar. Great video as always😄

[@CaitlinShoemaker]

Great tip!!!

[@Zyane]

In Germany there is usually at least one weekly fresh market per city or larger village and most of the veggis and fruits are from regional farmers or directly bought from wholesale. It´s often much cheaper than in the cheapest supermarkets if you look carefully (apples 0,90 € per kg vs 2,40 at a discounter). And erverything comes unpackaged and no one will say a word if you bring your own bags.

[@IndieJenny]

Got that here too! Im from Portugal are it's something much done here too.

[@Zyane]

it´s just so good and makes a vegan life much easier

[@alegl5759]

Im from Germany too and I save the most money by buying my fruits and veggies from Turkish markets and some from Asian. Definitely the cheapest 😁

[@Zyane]

yeah asian markets are great !

[@lunaxxx674]

Echt? Ich dachte immer, da wäre alles viel teurer

[@ayleensweb1158]

I absolutely love your videos! I'm finally starting my transition from vegetarian to vegan and your KZbin and Instagram are the biggest support and help! Especially in finding cheap recipes and shopping on a budget, which is so tough for a student.

[@HomebodyDots]

follow @cheaplazyvegan, u will find more ideas for vegan. xx

[@ayleensweb1158]

Will do so right now! Thank you so much! :D

[@billyveganmecanic4440]

Your hair is on point today :) *Coming from a guy with long hair(growing it for cancer) You rock!

[@AimeeLeighx]

I’ve been vegan for 4 months now and I always budget for my shopping for the week, I think I do all these things already so I guess I’m doing well 😊

[@gensearcaigh4738]

How old are you? I am not yet a "Certified Adult" so I have no idea how to grocery shop or budget well. Like I don't even necessarily grocery shop often, just when I know I'm low/running out of something and I also have no idea how to buy groceries for the week/two weeks/specified time period. It can lead to a lot of waste as well as having no idea what to cook. Any tips?

[@RainbowPlantLife]

Such a useful video, Caitlin! Definitely going to check out the "is it vegan" app!

[@brandywinelewis]

Not vegan but trying to eat healthier and the allergen list is such a great tip, never thought of that! Great video 💜

[@smary_444]

i’m a newly vegan teen and you have no idea how much these videos are helping me. I’m figuring out everything as I go and shopping for groceries is always hard for me because i’m picking out my own food and i’m cooking my own meals myself for the first time since my family isn’t vegan but thank you for putting out all these helpful tips and tricks love your videos ❤️

[@CassieTranthesuperfitbabe]

I like going to some Asian supermarkets for sweet potatoes, kabocha, and other fresh produce! You save SO much money! I also love buying things in bulk, such as oats, beans, sweet potatoes, and seeds!

[@Nicki13Lover]

The county I live in just started charging 5 cents for every plastic bag a person needs to encourage reusable bags. I personally don't mind since I always have a few (or ten) bags stashed in my car but some people are definitely not thrilled

[@ritzafrancois4863]

wow your channel has grown so much since you started doing this full time. Quality is amazing too! Thank you so much Caitlin. I'm not even vegan but have found your grocery haul and food advice has helped me eat 75% vegan and save alot of money just from your delicious recipes!

[@lillirenemakeup]

I really liked your starter kit series. My sister has been vegan for a while and I have just recently started my vegan journey. Thank you for all these tips.

[@DennisJackson]

It's super helpful that we shop at the same Whole Foods. I totally understand the end-to-end in that store! Thanks for the tips!

[@Emily-yv1zt]

I absolutely love your videos! By chance I discovered you on KZbin and since then, you've inspired me to eat healthier and to live a healthier lifestyle. Thank you for all your time and effort you put into your videos!!

[@snel556]

I'm just now trying to be vegan, and your videos are so helpful omg. Some videos can be a bit overwhelming for me since I'm new, but your channel has really simple and easy videos. So glad I found your channel!❤️

[@sourgrapes716]

thanks for always providing affordable ideas even as your channel has grown! i'm a poor student and i really appreciate it!

[@anniehoneycomb7105]

Tbh I love shopping now, finding products with least amount of processing is so fun!

[@minivintageqweenkala.s.1939]

Oh my goodness!! thank you so so much for sharing the Is It Vegan? app because a lot of foods have those super long words that are like preservatives and stuff and I'm also so anxious to buy them because I never know!

[@matthewserino6786]

These are so informative, you're such a help, thank you for what you're doing!

[@LaurenCEnriquez]

I will definitely be using the tip on bringing reusable containers to the bulk bins! Thanks Caitlin!!!!

[@kathystoner5239]

What a great idea taking your own glass jars to the bulk section! I never thought of doing that! I also like the reusable produce bags. I need to get some of those.

[@rebeccamccoy1997]

Aldi is the grocery store I’ve found with the most consistent low prices. :) I already use all of these methods for grocery shopping, but this was a fun video to watch!

[@limeyfigdet7460]

I knew a lot of this stuff, partially thanks to my mother. Still, this lady is good. These tips are actually very useful to everyone.

[@ElyannaCalle]

Thank you so much for mentioning tips to reduce waste. Being vegan is so important yet living as close to zero waste is very important as well. It’s an issue that I think even a lot of vegans don’t realize. Thank you for making a difference

[@kaitlinbenz255]

You are SO lucky to have a Publix in your area! I lived in Orlando for a bit and always had the most pleasant experience shopping at Publix.

[@joyn9573]

Yes! Thanks for mentioning on using jars and such for bulk bins. I didn't know I could do that and was worried about paying more for something bc I had a heavier jar.

[@kurapikakurta3863]

My own strategy in keeping my cost down is meal prepping, sticking to very simple meals, I don't snack and only drink water at home. I also base my meals around dr. greger's daily dozen as well to streamline things a bit. Not sure if it's just me, but I never grow tired of eating my absolute favorite dishes, so I tend to just make at least 2 stews/soups over the over weekends and have them everyday for lunch and dinner every single day and eat them either over rice, pasta or bread(mostly rice because I'm Southeast Asian). For breakfast, I only eat oatmeal that I cook the same way every single day. This may not work for some people but it has really made things so much easier and cheaper for me. My grocery these days only cost me around 10-22usd (500-1200php).

[@morganchavis1835]

In my experience, between Aldi and Walmart I'm set on staples for very affordable prices. And any "specialty" items can usually be found at Trader Joe's for way cheaper than Thrive Market. I do have an Earth Fare around where I buy a few bulk items but sometimes even that's more expensive. I also can a lot of things myself which saves a lot of money and I know exactly what's going into my food.

[@leilanistarr4499]

Thanks for sharing where you purchased the canvas bag . I watched a separate episode of yours and was searching the internet and couldn't find it . So thank you 😊

[@vampirecloud56]

I've never made it to your videos this fast before! That's one dream checked off the list!

[@reemh6321]

I love to start my day with vegans video! I feel that I am with good friends when I do so!

[@marisakchartier]

i shop the clearance racks at 2 grocery stores near me and usually get a lot more food, its usually just near the date or dented box or whatever but still good i buy all my produce this way unless for some reason there arent enough clearnace items(but usually there are tons). i spend about $40 a week for my 7yr old son and myself and we dont go hungry. we get to eat a bigger variety of food this way which is great. i bought 12 big lemons this week for $2(normally .89 each at my store) so were making lemonade popsicles!

[@queensammydala]

When checking ingredients don’t forget to check for honey... such a pesky sneeker as a natural sweetener. It’s in loads of things from drinks to snack bars :(

[@ThisIsMamaBritt]

I am a newer subscriber and I am also a new Vegan. You are one of the first vegan youtubers I discovered. Your content definitely inspired me and helped make my decision to become vegan. Thanks for making great videos. Hoping you inspire others to become vegan also!

[@birdsofabone5127]

I had wisdom surgery (all 4 plus one really bad tooth for a total of 5 teeth surgically removed) two weeks ago and I couldn't eat solid foods or didn't feel comfortable eating them. So I consumed a lot of liquids. Veggie and fruit packed juices (I made sure they didn't have a lot of sugar in them or any at all) and then there were the protein shakes.... I had to drink them to stay healthy as I couldn't find vegan ones. I was so disappointed with myself. But! I'm back to solids and I'm back to my preferred diet and lifestyle (vegan) these are revving me up tbh and I'm excited

[@kimberlynicole8874]

Wish I had a store near me that had bulk bins bc I’ve recently started trying not to get as much unnecessary plastic when I get groceries

[@MaximumUtmost]

I am the exact same, but have no stores with bulk bins in at least a 30 mile radius of where I live.

[@pikajoaniechu]

I would love to see a series by you about getting started going vegan!

[@pikajoaniechu]

JUST KIDDING I JUST FOUND YOUR SERIES ON GETTING STARTED GOING VEGAN

[@marellabagnoli8868]

You are my favourite youtuber! Your videos always make me smile and are helpful as well❤ xoxo from Italy

[@lildebbie997]

Hi and thank you for your info. You’re right about shopping around. There is also an app called “Flipp” that shows you all the stores’ adds in your area. I don’t use coupons that much, but I do try to stretch my dollars as much as possible.

[@jessicahoffman5485]

Great tips Caitlin! I always end up going to a couple different grocery stores whenever I shop!

[@MyssMaggie]

You can also use the reusable produce bags for bulk items, as the holes are too small for rice, beans, nuts, etc. to fall through. This would skip the step of pre-weighing the glass jars on some items.

[@roseelise]

This video was really helpful! Can you do a video dedicated to your spice collection? I would be really interested in that cause I feel like I end up using the same 4 spices over and over again

[@bageba8]

Great video but I'm LOSING IT over using spices being one of your tips 😂😂😂😂😂 everyone BETTER be using spices!!

[@katethecoffanatic6516]

Your channel is one of the reasons I actually think veganism is possible. Thanks for being so insightful!

[@Ak-qc7qc]

Always buy lentils, beans, rice at the Indian Super markets. Great variety and good prices 👍🏽

[@WARRIOR4LIFE9761]

Thank you for the advice Caitlin. It will really help me when I start.

[@philia9351]

I have a question about your tip to buy organic spices; you say they lose more nutrients in the refining/heating process, but since one usually uses such little amounts of seasonings in relation to their entire meal, wouldn't the differences in nutritional information between organic and non-organic (which I already assume can't be that big of a difference) spices be negligible? I'm just wondering for myself because I usually opt for the normal ones since they're so much cheaper (and damn, they already be expensive af), but don't know if I should start investing in organic spices?

[@cnasaraha.2140]

Thank you Caitlin, this video sure is helpful.I buy organic too, it really is great and I love it.

[@andreapouso7885]

I'm interested in what you think about organic foods and GMOs, I've noticed you seem to prefer those over "regular" products. thnx

[@kelleyfrye8909]

I agree that you should get to know which store has what and at what price. The plant milk I like is cheaper at the high-end organic market!

[@alva6785]

Can you continue with "the vegan starter kit" serie? 😘

[@sss35178]

Love the overlap between the vegan and zero waste communities! it's all about being aware of your impact on the planet and its beings

[@fabic1567]

Awesome video!. Well done Caitlin 👍👍. I'd like to make request if that's ok; can you please make a video on your favorite oil free products from the grocery store?. I've been vegan for a year now and I still struggle finding oil free options for dressings, pasta sauce etc. I could make my own, but I have a very busy work schedule and the store bought products are very helpful. Thank you very much. Happy New Year!!!!

[@DmsStudios]

Awesome tips Caitlin! Will definitely be using these tomorrow 😉

[@CasianaCarmazan]

I go to Aldi’s. It’s the best for me, very cheap. I also like Whole Foods, but only for a few things (like vegan meats and ice cream)

[@amandalou7420]

I know some grocery stores will price match with another grocery store if you find a better price somewhere else than their store usually are willing to match it so don’t be hesitate to ask.

[@kimberlybouchard6913]

These are all really great tips! Thanks for posting!

[@SoulintheRaw]

Loved these tips! Really helps me stick with my intention of being more zero waste when grocery shopping (I am sooo bad at this hahaha but I am getting better!) Thanks Caitlin :)

[@marystestkitchen]

Awesome tips! I live out of the frozen section these days. No more produce going bad before I can eat it :-)

[@laurelwelch6295]

I've noticed nut prices are MUCH cheaper online compared to most stores. If you're looking for cheaper nuts (especially more rare/pricey nuts like pine nuts), check out eBay! I've found a few farmers who sell theirs online for lower prices than my grocery store, so I also get to support small farmers.

[@CaitlinShoemaker]

oh neat! I never would have thought to look there

[@CarlitaVinci]

I loved this video and I found it very helpful, amazing as always Caitlin!

[@TaraV.]

I have recently went vegan a few months ago ... does it make it a difference if it says warning "may" contain?

[@omadmydude1957]

New subscriber! 😄 loving all the videos and already tried several of your recipes ❤

[@justinecreighton7529]

U seem like the sweetest person ever💗💗

[@mjg97]

wow caitlin, this video is so helpful.. thank you for sharing your tips and hacks :) i am a vegan ,living in china and when i go for grocery shopping ,at the billing counter , people always wonder that what this guy is buying and i always tell them i am a vegan , do u wanna be? i feel so great to be a vegan.. :) a big fan of yours caitlin .. lots of love :)

[@m.landucci2934]

Whyyyy Caitlin! I needed this like 7 hours ago!

[@nadinexo]

I usually go straight to the produce clearance section 😍

[@alevvela5209]

Here in the Netherlands, food that have to fresh are cheaper at the end of the day. They sell them for at least 35% cheaper at the end of the day, because otherwise they have to throw them away anyway. My tip is to do groceries at the end of the day.

[@mymanson77]

Great video, great tips! Living outside of the US and watching all these coupon-crazy TV shows in amazement, I was wondering whether those coupons are also available for vegan cruelty-free items?

[@CaitlinShoemaker]

not really, no :(

[@mymanson77]

what a shame! It must be a way for big companies to somehow get more money/space in supermarkets. I want to see the days where coupons happen for brocolli = buy one, get for 2 free!!! But sadly making a population healthy does not bring in the big bucks.

[@bananiac]

Oh man that's the whole foods I used to live right on top of! Miss Miami SO much! 😢 Great video! 😀✌️

[@jamiecee4960]

I see you have an Airfryer. We have one too and love it. Nice video and tips. Wish our store was like that one lol.

[@user-sv7ub3fd5w]

Great video! I will look into that app! Sounds very helpful!

[@pippaduarte]

Hi Caitlin, I have a question if you don’t mind, I notice in your vids that you always put water to salte your garlic and onions, I would like to know why water and not vegetable oil instead? I’m starting a journey as vegan, and after so many years eating non vegan I’m having a hard time adjusting mainly because of those small details. Please help me out 😭😩😭! By the way I adoooore your recipes!

[@emilychristine000]

Yaaaaaas Whole Foods! I work there. It’s my happy place ❤️

[@sylviebk987]

I loved it! Your hair is shining what do you do? Is it only food or you use something? Thanks!

[@nkellyuk]

Great tips Caitlin!

[@kellibailey1500]

My friends think I’m crazy because i go to 2-3 grocery stores to get all of my food. Glad to know I’m not alone 💜

[@ashleymuenchau7694]

I bought a bag of spinach, a bag of tomatoes, a bag of onions, a bunch of green onions, coffee creamer, goat cheese, 3 avacados, and a package of jalapeno peppers at Aldi for 11.52. No joke!

[@brittanirowe6934]

Ashley Muenchau Yeah Aldi is the shit

[@christinamariemoney]

that is amazing! Wish things were that cheap in Canada!

[@nuggeturassout586]

Ashley Muenchau is goat milk vegan? are you vegan?😭😂im confused

[@yasminpaul3068]

NUGGET UR ASS OUT the comment is showing you don't have to be vegan for your food to be cheap. It's where and how you shop

[@ashleymuenchau7694]

No, I'm not vegan at all, but I figured I'd mention it as part of the price. Without the goat cheese, my total would be $9.52!

[@allieessen906]

I love your account I think you have such a good personality

[@h.i.l.l.]

THANK YOU 🙏 I needed this video so much

[@onichi2995]

:) going too show my sister's this videos thanks for big help and very informative content Caitlin heart it :)

[@loafyu5405]

:3 I’m so glad that there are so many vegan youtubers... it makes my life so much easier 😂

[@joe_zupko]

Are there certain types of containers you have to use when getting stuff from the bulk bins? I want to use my 32oz mason jars, but idk how they would weigh them at the cash register. The plastic bags suck and are so wasteful and what about when buying fruits and veggies?

[@Isabella-vm3ir]

These videos are so helpful thank you!!!

[@erwinablas5024]

Thanks for all your tips...im a beginner and still transitioning. Raw cashews, I see that it is used a lot. Where do I get them?

[@mj5697]

Also, ‘name brand’ grocery items tend to have more salt and/or sugar, which is the part that makes them addictive.

[@CaitlinShoemaker]

interesting! I never noticed that

[@jadew60]

Loveee the jar idea!!!

[@christinamariemoney]

Hey caitlin! Loved this video as always :) I find i'm pretty good at saving money while grocery shopping, but I find it is sometimes hard to add flavour to the plain foods like rice, veggies, etc. What are the main spices/combinations you would recommend? xo!

[@kellybeechen2271]

Loved this very informative video.

[@MrWhitelightning73]

Glad I stumbled upon your channel. Great advice and presentation. Why the thumbs down 🤔

[@erinsmakes2933]

I love the produce bag tips, I hate those at the store on the roll and trying to get them open so will definitely be buying those. Do you have a recommendation on replacing ziplocs? They are the easiest for my child to get into so I would love to have the reusable but we have tried the ones with zippers in the past and he will not go in them for the food so they need to be clear and open like a ziploc. Any recommendations :)

[@CaitlinShoemaker]

I use reusable silicone ziplocs! Two brands I like are Stasher and Blue Avocado

[@watermoonbb]

Love you Caitlin!!

[@amandaarson8977]

Loved this! 🍃🌿🌱

[@pagespurls]

Chicago has a bag tax and I love it. Most people bring reusable bags to avoid it so it’s really become the new norm. 🌱