
“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.
Share this story to let others know about the multiple benefits of following a plant-based diet.
Lifestyle
Vegan culture, food, beauty & more
Is Tobey Maguire vegan? Here’s what we know
- Mohsina Dodhiya
- 17th August 2023
Tobey Maguire often speaks about veganism and animal issues. Tobey Maguire, the actor best known for playing Spider-Man in the Sam Raimi trilogy, is a vegan. He has been a vegetarian since 1992 and became a vegan in 2009. A lifelong commitment to animal rights Maguire’s decision to go vegan was motivated by his love …
Continue reading “Is Tobey Maguire vegan? Here’s what we know”
Plant-based food jobs surge with 32% growth in just 3 months
- Mohsina Dodhiya
- 17th August 2023
The number of open jobs advertised in the plant-based industry increased by almost a third from April to July 2023, GlobalData reported. The plant-based food industry is booming, and this is reflected in the number of job openings in the sector. According to data from GlobalData, the number of open jobs advertised in the plant-based …
Continue reading “Plant-based food jobs surge with 32% growth in just 3 months”
VEGAN MEMES
NEED A LAUGH?
QUIZZES
All the quizzes you love to binge!
QUIZ: If you score 11/12 on this quiz, you’re a verified vegan food expert
- Marlon Farrugia
- 10th January 2020
How much vegan knowledge do you have stored away? Do you have to Google your way through a shopping trip, or do you have all the bad E-numbers memorised? Find out now with this quiz. Marlon Farrugia Marlon Farrugia is a freelance writer from Brighton. He has been a dedicated vegan for many years, and …
Continue reading “QUIZ: If you score 11/12 on this quiz, you’re a verified vegan food expert”
QUIZ: What is your perfect Vegan Halloween Costume?
- Marlon Farrugia
- 13th October 2019
Spook Season approaches. There will be ghosts, goblins, ghouls, and glucose. You need a costume, and you want to it to show off your personality, which means VEGAN. But what to choose? Take our quiz to find out your perfect outfit. Marlon Farrugia Marlon Farrugia is a freelance writer from Brighton. He has been a …
Continue reading “QUIZ: What is your perfect Vegan Halloween Costume?”
QUIZ: What kind of vegetable are you?
- Marlon Farrugia
- 26th September 2019
“If you were a vegetable, what kind would you be?” A question that has tormented humanity throughout the ages – until now. Read: QUIZ: If you score 19/20 on THIS quiz, you’re a Vegan God Marlon Farrugia Marlon Farrugia is a freelance writer from Brighton. He has been a dedicated vegan for many years, and …