Plant-Based Diet Cost Calculator
Here’s a comprehensive table listing estimated costs for popular plant-based food items in the United States. This can serve as a guide for grocery shopping, meal planning, or budgeting for a plant-based diet. Prices are based on general averages and may vary by location, brand, and store.
Food Item | Average Price (USD) | Unit | Notes |
---|---|---|---|
Fruits | |||
Apples | $1.50 – $2.00 | per lb | Prices vary by type and season. |
Bananas | $0.50 – $0.70 | per lb | Widely available and affordable. |
Oranges | $1.20 – $1.50 | per lb | Seasonal fluctuations in price. |
Strawberries | $3.00 – $5.00 | per lb | Higher cost out of season. |
Blueberries | $4.00 – $6.00 | per pint | Price is higher out of season. |
Avocados | $1.00 – $2.00 | each | Prices vary by season and region. |
Grapes | $2.50 – $3.50 | per lb | Cost varies by variety. |
Mango | $1.00 – $1.50 | each | Often on sale in bulk. |
Vegetables | |||
Bell Peppers | $1.50 – $2.00 | each | Higher cost for mixed colors. |
Broccoli | $1.50 – $2.50 | per lb | Prices vary by season. |
Cauliflower | $2.00 – $3.00 | per head | More expensive in winter. |
Carrots | $1.00 – $1.50 | per lb | Affordable year-round. |
Celery | $1.50 – $2.00 | per bunch | Price is stable throughout the year. |
Spinach | $3.00 – $4.00 | per lb | Cheaper in summer. |
Kale | $3.00 – $4.00 | per bunch | Price depends on variety and season. |
Romaine Lettuce | $1.50 – $2.50 | per head | Available year-round. |
Zucchini | $1.50 – $2.50 | per lb | Price varies seasonally. |
Potatoes | $1.00 – $2.00 | per lb | Different varieties at similar costs. |
Sweet Potatoes | $1.50 – $2.50 | per lb | Generally pricier than regular potatoes. |
Mushrooms | $4.00 – $6.00 | per lb | Prices vary by type. |
Green Beans | $2.00 – $3.00 | per lb | Seasonal pricing. |
Legumes | |||
Lentils | $1.50 – $2.50 | per lb | Widely available, shelf-stable. |
Chickpeas | $1.50 – $2.00 | per lb | Canned and dried options; dried is cheaper per serving. |
Black Beans | $1.50 – $2.00 | per lb | Common in canned or dried form. |
Kidney Beans | $1.50 – $2.00 | per lb | Used in many plant-based recipes. |
Grains | |||
Brown Rice | $1.50 – $2.00 | per lb | Long-grain is cheaper. |
Quinoa | $4.00 – $6.00 | per lb | Price higher for organic. |
Oats | $2.00 – $3.00 | per lb | Affordable and versatile. |
Barley | $1.50 – $2.50 | per lb | Common in soups and stews. |
Bulgur | $2.00 – $3.00 | per lb | Used in Mediterranean dishes. |
Nuts & Seeds | |||
Almonds | $8.00 – $10.00 | per lb | Price varies by brand and type (raw, roasted). |
Walnuts | $7.00 – $9.00 | per lb | Cost can vary by region and origin. |
Cashews | $9.00 – $12.00 | per lb | Price is higher for raw, unsalted nuts. |
Sunflower Seeds | $3.00 – $5.00 | per lb | Used as a snack or in recipes. |
Chia Seeds | $8.00 – $10.00 | per lb | High nutritional value, can be expensive. |
Flax Seeds | $2.50 – $4.00 | per lb | Commonly used in smoothies and baking. |
Peanut Butter | $2.50 – $4.00 | per jar | Prices vary by brand and type. |
Almond Butter | $5.00 – $10.00 | per jar | Typically more expensive than peanut butter. |
Tofu & Meat Substitutes | |||
Tofu | $2.00 – $3.50 | per lb | Widely available, affordable protein. |
Tempeh | $3.50 – $5.00 | per lb | Slightly more expensive than tofu. |
Seitan | $5.00 – $8.00 | per lb | Common meat alternative, often homemade. |
Plant-Based Burger Patties | $4.00 – $6.00 | per pack (2) | Prices vary by brand. |
Plant-Based Sausages | $5.00 – $7.00 | per pack | Price varies by flavor and brand. |
Plant-Based Milks | |||
Almond Milk | $3.00 – $4.00 | per liter | Slightly more for organic options. |
Soy Milk | $2.50 – $3.50 | per liter | One of the more affordable plant-based milks. |
Oat Milk | $3.00 – $5.00 | per liter | Price varies widely by brand. |
Coconut Milk | $2.00 – $3.00 | per can | Used in cooking and baking. |
Condiments | |||
Olive Oil | $5.00 – $10.00 | per liter | Extra virgin olive oil is pricier. |
Coconut Oil | $5.00 – $8.00 | per lb | Often used in cooking and baking. |
Vinegar | $2.00 – $4.00 | per bottle | Price varies by type (balsamic, apple cider). |
Soy Sauce | $2.00 – $4.00 | per bottle | Low-sodium and organic options cost more. |
Tahini | $6.00 – $8.00 | per jar | Used in Mediterranean and Middle Eastern dishes. |
Baking & Cooking Essentials | |||
Flour | $2.00 – $3.00 | per lb | Whole wheat slightly more expensive. |
Sugar | $2.00 – $3.00 | per lb | Brown and organic sugar cost more. |
Baking Powder | $1.00 – $2.00 | per can | Essential for plant-based baking. |
Cocoa Powder | $5.00 – $8.00 | per lb | Higher quality costs more. |
Nutritional Yeast | $6.00 – $8.00 | per lb | Used for cheesy flavor in vegan dishes. |
Snacks & Ready-to-Eat Foods | |||
Hummus | $3.00 – $5.00 | per container | Price varies by brand and flavor. |
Salsa | $2.00 – $4.00 | per jar | Prices vary by brand and type (mild, spicy). |
Guacamole | $3.50 – $5.50 | per container | Higher cost for fresh, high-quality ingredients. |
Chips (Tortilla) | $2.50 – $4.00 | per bag | Price varies by brand and flavor. |
Crackers | $2.00 – $4.00 | per box | Price depends on ingredients (whole grain, gluten-free). |