“Australians can be confident that it is more affordable to eat a healthy diet that supports the planet compared to what they might typically eat.”

Australian families eating plant-based diets could be saving more than $1,800 per year on their groceries, according to a new study.

The Deakin University study, published in Nutrition Journal, arrived at the figure by comparing the cost of a basket of weekly groceries containing more sustainable meals to one that included much higher amounts of meat and processed foods. 

Saving $1,844 annually

The researchers found that the planetary health diet – which is also likened to a Mediterranean diet – involves eating mostly fruits, vegetables, whole grains, plant proteins (beans, lentils, nuts), and unsaturated plant oils, and saves an average family of four around $35.50 per week, and $1,844 per year.

Dr Georgie Russell, the Senior Lecturer in Food Innovation, said the planetary diet is affordable in an Australian context.

“It’s a very positive message. We often talk about healthy diets being less affordable,” Russell said.

“[But] the healthy and sustainable diet was actually cheaper.”

Researchers included groceries purchased from Coles supermarkets in various socioeconomic areas around Australia’s capital cities.

Tara Goulding, Lead Researcher of the study added: “There is often a perception that eating a healthy diet that is also good for the environment is unachievable, partly because it will cost more.

“This study shows that Australians can be confident that it is more affordable to eat a healthy diet that supports the planet compared to what they might typically eat.”

Eliminating unsustainable meat

Several studies have shown that eliminating meat and dairy from one’s diet can reduce an individual’s carbon footprint from food by up to 73%.

In addition, an Oxford study revealed that meat and dairy production is responsible for 60% of agriculture’s greenhouse gas emissions.

On the other hand, a planetary health diet, as shown in this study, is far more sustainable and affordable.

“Our research shows that low socio-economic households need to spend 17% of their income on average to eat a healthy and sustainable diet but 21% of their income to eat a typical Australian diet,” Goulding said. 

“We really hope these results will convince shoppers that making healthier and more sustainable choices at the supermarket will not blow their food budget.”

The study added that the planetary health diet, which allows for modest amounts of meat and dairy, could be even cheaper by further reducing or even eliminating the meat portion, eating fresh produce seasonally, buying dry goods in bulk, and using supermarket specials.

• Read: UK’s ‘ethical alternative to Deliveroo’ to deliver vegan food across the country

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Mohsina Dodhiya

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