A recent study conducted by the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine has found that switching to a low-fat vegan diet can significantly reduce food costs. The research, published in JAMA Network Open, compared the costs of a standard American diet, a Mediterranean diet, and a low-fat vegan diet.
The study revealed that a low-fat vegan diet was the most cost-effective, saving individuals 19% or $1.80 per day compared to a standard American diet. In contrast, the Mediterranean diet was 60 cents more expensive per day than the standard American diet. Overall, the total food costs were 25% lower on a vegan diet, amounting to a savings of $2.40 per day compared to the Mediterranean diet.
Lead author of the study, Hana Kahleova, MD, Ph.D., emphasized the financial benefits of adopting a vegan diet, stating that individuals could potentially save over $650 a year compared to a standard American diet, and over $870 compared to a Mediterranean diet. Additionally, she highlighted the health benefits of a vegan diet in preventing conditions such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, and heart disease.
The cost savings on the vegan diet were primarily due to reductions in spending on meat, dairy products, and added fats. These savings offset the slightly increased costs of vegetables, grains, and meat alternatives on the vegan diet. The research also compared the outcomes of a low-fat vegan diet versus a Mediterranean diet in terms of weight, body composition, insulin sensitivity, and cholesterol levels, finding that the vegan diet had superior results.
The study utilized data from participants who followed either a low-fat vegan diet or a Mediterranean diet for 16 weeks, with no calorie restrictions. The findings were based on an analysis of food costs linked to the U.S. Department of Agriculture Thrifty Food Plan, 2021. Previous research by the Physicians Committee had also shown a 16% decrease in food costs on a low-fat vegan diet compared to a diet including animal products.
In conclusion, the research underscores the financial and health benefits of transitioning to a low-fat vegan diet. By making simple dietary changes, individuals can not only save money on their grocery bills but also improve their overall well-being. The study provides valuable insights for individuals looking to make healthier and more cost-effective food choices.
For more information, the study “Food Costs of a Low-Fat Vegan Diet vs a Mediterranean Diet” can be accessed in JAMA Network Open.
