The cost of living crisis has forced us to be smarter and more mindful when it comes to our financial decisions.

And with the continuous rise of the cost of living, it pays to shop smarter—and a simple switch in the meat aisle could make all the difference.

The experts at Finder say we should be cutting down on the amount of meat we purchase, and Angus Kidman, a Money Expert at Finder, believes it's actually a lot easier than many think.

Cutting down on meat and eating more vegetables can help save you money. Image source: rawpixel.com on Freepik.

'If you think of meat as the protein component of a meal—which is essentially what it is—you can definitely do that much, much cheaper with the right mix of vegetables,' Mr Kidman said.

'You're talking a savings of 10 times or more in the price of some of those things. So having that flexible attitude does help a lot to save money.'

Mr Kidman said meat prices have 'absolutely' increased by a 'huge amount' in Australia, and unfortunately, these increases are expected to take hold for the new future.

'It doesn't seem likely that we're going to see any major drops there for a while, because there's still no clear indication in supply chain terms that there's going to be much of a decline,' he said.

'We may not see the same rises as we've seen in the last year, but it's unlikely that we're going to see huge bargains happening within the meat industry either.'

But the good news is, it's never been a better time to be a vegan or vegetarian. While for some, these diets may seem restrictive and incompatible with their lifestyle, it's important to note that right now, fruit and vegetables are actually cheap.

The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) recently reported that in the 12 months to July, fruit and vegetable prices recorded a downward movement of 5.4 per cent.

'Clearly, people are looking towards some of those cheaper alternatives,' Mr Kidman said.

'Especially because it's very hard to imagine a scenario in which meat ends up being cheaper than the alternatives because there's fundamentally a difference in the cost of production. And that's never really going to change.'

Globally, 57 per cent of the greenhouse gas emissions of the entire food production industry is due to meat consumption. Consuming meat also has other effects, like mass deforestation and the loss of biodiversity. Given the grave implications, reducing meat intake is surely worth considering.

That said, barring dietary considerations and conscious choices, cutting out meat completely isn't necessary. You can still eat it—just not as much as you are used to.

According to Aussie dietary guidelines, it's recommended an adult eats no more than 455 grams of cooked red meat per week, or less than 65g a day. This would be roughly equivalent to one lamb chop.

So, where do we start?

Well, Mr Kidman recommends being smart when looking for vegetarian meal alternatives—it's important to note that meat-free protein substitutes, such as soy or tofu products, are fine, but they're not necessarily healthier or cheaper.

'If you go for the vegan meat alternatives, Beyond Burgers, things like that, those are just as expensive as meat, if not more so. So for going vegetarian or vegan to work as a budget, you have to be smart,' he said.

He also encouraged people to research vegetarian meal options before grocery shopping to see which items on the list could be swapped out.

Aussies are also sharing how they’ve managed to save some dollars by reducing their meat intake, with one saying: 'I mean a pack of lentils cost $1, quinoa $3-4, chickpeas $1, veggies and fruits are usually on the cheaper side.'

'Vegan staples are usually in general cheap. Beans, veggies, seeds, grains, fruits, etc. Depending on where you live, being vegan can be cheaper for you, especially if you buy in bulk!’

‘Eating processed vegan products is what really runs your grocery bill up. Whole food plant-based eating will save your pockets,' the shopper added.

'93 grams of protein for $2.30 and they say being vegan is expensive. Lots of goodness and no cholesterol,' another shared about a bag of Woolworths Peanuts Unsalted.

Another shopper shared how they were able to buy an entire box of fresh produce for only $6 by shopping at their local grocer.

'Bought a box for $6 containing everything you see in the picture. Couldn’t pick and choose what I bought and wasn’t able to even see everything I was buying but I think it was worth it,' the shopper said.

Furthermore, a recent US study conducted by the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine (PCRM) found that cutting out dairy and meat can lead to significant savings. According to the research, those who stuck to their regular diet did not save any money, while food costs dropped by 16 per cent for participants who switched to a vegan diet.

Key Takeaways

• According to Angus Kidman, a Money Expert at Finder, cutting out meat could result in drastic savings.
  
• Mr Kidman explains that meat prices have increased significantly in Australia and it seems unlikely that this trend will reverse anytime soon.
  
• The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) reports that the prices of fruits and veggies have declined by 5.4 per cent in the 12 months to July.
  
• A study conducted by the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine (PCRM) in the US finds that switching to a vegan diet can lead to a 16 per cent reduction in food costs.
  

So, members, do you have tips or stories to share about how you’ve saved money by reducing your meat intake? If not, would you consider trying it out, if only to save? Let us know in the comments below

 

[Dija]

The cost of living crisis has forced us to be smarter and more mindful when it comes to our financial decisions.

And with the continuous rise of the cost of living, it pays to shop smarter—and a simple switch in the meat aisle could make all the difference.

The experts at Finder say we should be cutting down on the amount of meat we purchase, and Angus Kidman, a Money Expert at Finder, believes it's actually a lot easier than many think.

View attachment 29607

Cutting down on meat and eating more vegetables can help save you money. Image source: rawpixel.com on Freepik.

'If you think of meat as the protein component of a meal—which is essentially what it is—you can definitely do that much, much cheaper with the right mix of vegetables,' Mr Kidman said.

'You're talking a savings of 10 times or more in the price of some of those things. So having that flexible attitude does help a lot to save money.'

Mr Kidman said meat prices have 'absolutely' increased by a 'huge amount' in Australia, and unfortunately, these increases are expected to take hold for the new future.

'It doesn't seem likely that we're going to see any major drops there for a while, because there's still no clear indication in supply chain terms that there's going to be much of a decline,' he said.

'We may not see the same rises as we've seen in the last year, but it's unlikely that we're going to see huge bargains happening within the meat industry either.'

But the good news is, it's never been a better time to be a vegan or vegetarian. While for some, these diets may seem restrictive and incompatible with their lifestyle, it's important to note that right now, fruit and vegetables are actually cheap.

The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) recently reported that in the 12 months to July, fruit and vegetable prices recorded a downward movement of 5.4 per cent.

'Clearly, people are looking towards some of those cheaper alternatives,' Mr Kidman said.

'Especially because it's very hard to imagine a scenario in which meat ends up being cheaper than the alternatives because there's fundamentally a difference in the cost of production. And that's never really going to change.'

Globally, 57 per cent of the greenhouse gas emissions of the entire food production industry is due to meat consumption. Consuming meat also has other effects, like mass deforestation and the loss of biodiversity. Given the grave implications, reducing meat intake is surely worth considering.

That said, barring dietary considerations and conscious choices, cutting out meat completely isn't necessary. You can still eat it—just not as much as you are used to.

According to Aussie dietary guidelines, it's recommended an adult eats no more than 455 grams of cooked red meat per week, or less than 65g a day. This would be roughly equivalent to one lamb chop.

So, where do we start?

Well, Mr Kidman recommends being smart when looking for vegetarian meal alternatives—it's important to note that meat-free protein substitutes, such as soy or tofu products, are fine, but they're not necessarily healthier or cheaper.

'If you go for the vegan meat alternatives, Beyond Burgers, things like that, those are just as expensive as meat, if not more so. So for going vegetarian or vegan to work as a budget, you have to be smart,' he said.

He also encouraged people to research vegetarian meal options before grocery shopping to see which items on the list could be swapped out.

Aussies are also sharing how they’ve managed to save some dollars by reducing their meat intake, with one saying: 'I mean a pack of lentils cost $1, quinoa $3-4, chickpeas $1, veggies and fruits are usually on the cheaper side.'

'Vegan staples are usually in general cheap. Beans, veggies, seeds, grains, fruits, etc. Depending on where you live, being vegan can be cheaper for you, especially if you buy in bulk!’

‘Eating processed vegan products is what really runs your grocery bill up. Whole food plant-based eating will save your pockets,' the shopper added.

'93 grams of protein for $2.30 and they say being vegan is expensive. Lots of goodness and no cholesterol,' another shared about a bag of Woolworths Peanuts Unsalted.

Another shopper shared how they were able to buy an entire box of fresh produce for only $6 by shopping at their local grocer.

'Bought a box for $6 containing everything you see in the picture. Couldn’t pick and choose what I bought and wasn’t able to even see everything I was buying but I think it was worth it,' the shopper said.

Furthermore, a recent US study conducted by the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine (PCRM) found that cutting out dairy and meat can lead to significant savings. According to the research, those who stuck to their regular diet did not save any money, while food costs dropped by 16 per cent for participants who switched to a vegan diet.

Key Takeaways

• According to Angus Kidman, a Money Expert at Finder, cutting out meat could result in drastic savings.
• Mr Kidman explains that meat prices have increased significantly in Australia and it seems unlikely that this trend will reverse anytime soon.
• The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) reports that the prices of fruits and veggies have declined by 5.4 per cent in the 12 months to July.
• A study conducted by the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine (PCRM) in the US finds that switching to a vegan diet can lead to a 16 per cent reduction in food costs.

So, members, do you have tips or stories to share about how you’ve saved money by reducing your meat intake? If not, would you consider trying it out, if only to save? Let us know in the comments below

We used to have roast or other meat on Sunday only. The rest of the weak it was chicken or fish or veggie dishes pasta. We can do it and it’s healthier

 

[Lizzie1149]

The cost of living crisis has forced us to be smarter and more mindful when it comes to our financial decisions.

And with the continuous rise of the cost of living, it pays to shop smarter—and a simple switch in the meat aisle could make all the difference.

The experts at Finder say we should be cutting down on the amount of meat we purchase, and Angus Kidman, a Money Expert at Finder, believes it's actually a lot easier than many think.

View attachment 29607

Cutting down on meat and eating more vegetables can help save you money. Image source: rawpixel.com on Freepik.

'If you think of meat as the protein component of a meal—which is essentially what it is—you can definitely do that much, much cheaper with the right mix of vegetables,' Mr Kidman said.

'You're talking a savings of 10 times or more in the price of some of those things. So having that flexible attitude does help a lot to save money.'

Mr Kidman said meat prices have 'absolutely' increased by a 'huge amount' in Australia, and unfortunately, these increases are expected to take hold for the new future.

'It doesn't seem likely that we're going to see any major drops there for a while, because there's still no clear indication in supply chain terms that there's going to be much of a decline,' he said.

'We may not see the same rises as we've seen in the last year, but it's unlikely that we're going to see huge bargains happening within the meat industry either.'

But the good news is, it's never been a better time to be a vegan or vegetarian. While for some, these diets may seem restrictive and incompatible with their lifestyle, it's important to note that right now, fruit and vegetables are actually cheap.

The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) recently reported that in the 12 months to July, fruit and vegetable prices recorded a downward movement of 5.4 per cent.

'Clearly, people are looking towards some of those cheaper alternatives,' Mr Kidman said.

'Especially because it's very hard to imagine a scenario in which meat ends up being cheaper than the alternatives because there's fundamentally a difference in the cost of production. And that's never really going to change.'

Globally, 57 per cent of the greenhouse gas emissions of the entire food production industry is due to meat consumption. Consuming meat also has other effects, like mass deforestation and the loss of biodiversity. Given the grave implications, reducing meat intake is surely worth considering.

That said, barring dietary considerations and conscious choices, cutting out meat completely isn't necessary. You can still eat it—just not as much as you are used to.

According to Aussie dietary guidelines, it's recommended an adult eats no more than 455 grams of cooked red meat per week, or less than 65g a day. This would be roughly equivalent to one lamb chop.

So, where do we start?

Well, Mr Kidman recommends being smart when looking for vegetarian meal alternatives—it's important to note that meat-free protein substitutes, such as soy or tofu products, are fine, but they're not necessarily healthier or cheaper.

'If you go for the vegan meat alternatives, Beyond Burgers, things like that, those are just as expensive as meat, if not more so. So for going vegetarian or vegan to work as a budget, you have to be smart,' he said.

He also encouraged people to research vegetarian meal options before grocery shopping to see which items on the list could be swapped out.

Aussies are also sharing how they’ve managed to save some dollars by reducing their meat intake, with one saying: 'I mean a pack of lentils cost $1, quinoa $3-4, chickpeas $1, veggies and fruits are usually on the cheaper side.'

'Vegan staples are usually in general cheap. Beans, veggies, seeds, grains, fruits, etc. Depending on where you live, being vegan can be cheaper for you, especially if you buy in bulk!’

‘Eating processed vegan products is what really runs your grocery bill up. Whole food plant-based eating will save your pockets,' the shopper added.

'93 grams of protein for $2.30 and they say being vegan is expensive. Lots of goodness and no cholesterol,' another shared about a bag of Woolworths Peanuts Unsalted.

Another shopper shared how they were able to buy an entire box of fresh produce for only $6 by shopping at their local grocer.

'Bought a box for $6 containing everything you see in the picture. Couldn’t pick and choose what I bought and wasn’t able to even see everything I was buying but I think it was worth it,' the shopper said.

Furthermore, a recent US study conducted by the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine (PCRM) found that cutting out dairy and meat can lead to significant savings. According to the research, those who stuck to their regular diet did not save any money, while food costs dropped by 16 per cent for participants who switched to a vegan diet.

Key Takeaways

• According to Angus Kidman, a Money Expert at Finder, cutting out meat could result in drastic savings.
• Mr Kidman explains that meat prices have increased significantly in Australia and it seems unlikely that this trend will reverse anytime soon.
• The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) reports that the prices of fruits and veggies have declined by 5.4 per cent in the 12 months to July.
• A study conducted by the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine (PCRM) in the US finds that switching to a vegan diet can lead to a 16 per cent reduction in food costs.

So, members, do you have tips or stories to share about how you’ve saved money by reducing your meat intake? If not, would you consider trying it out, if only to save? Let us know in the comments below

Why would you want to sacrifice protein even on a budget. So many meat options. Good quality sausages, mince, even cheaper steaks in 4 packs at Woolworths and you could cut them in half and get 8. No way I would give up meat or cut down. You can't get the nutrients out of fruit and veg like you can out of meat and many have issues with legumes

 

[Wiso]

The cost of living crisis has forced us to be smarter and more mindful when it comes to our financial decisions.

And with the continuous rise of the cost of living, it pays to shop smarter—and a simple switch in the meat aisle could make all the difference.

The experts at Finder say we should be cutting down on the amount of meat we purchase, and Angus Kidman, a Money Expert at Finder, believes it's actually a lot easier than many think.

View attachment 29607

Cutting down on meat and eating more vegetables can help save you money. Image source: rawpixel.com on Freepik.

'If you think of meat as the protein component of a meal—which is essentially what it is—you can definitely do that much, much cheaper with the right mix of vegetables,' Mr Kidman said.

'You're talking a savings of 10 times or more in the price of some of those things. So having that flexible attitude does help a lot to save money.'

Mr Kidman said meat prices have 'absolutely' increased by a 'huge amount' in Australia, and unfortunately, these increases are expected to take hold for the new future.

'It doesn't seem likely that we're going to see any major drops there for a while, because there's still no clear indication in supply chain terms that there's going to be much of a decline,' he said.

'We may not see the same rises as we've seen in the last year, but it's unlikely that we're going to see huge bargains happening within the meat industry either.'

But the good news is, it's never been a better time to be a vegan or vegetarian. While for some, these diets may seem restrictive and incompatible with their lifestyle, it's important to note that right now, fruit and vegetables are actually cheap.

The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) recently reported that in the 12 months to July, fruit and vegetable prices recorded a downward movement of 5.4 per cent.

'Clearly, people are looking towards some of those cheaper alternatives,' Mr Kidman said.

'Especially because it's very hard to imagine a scenario in which meat ends up being cheaper than the alternatives because there's fundamentally a difference in the cost of production. And that's never really going to change.'

Globally, 57 per cent of the greenhouse gas emissions of the entire food production industry is due to meat consumption. Consuming meat also has other effects, like mass deforestation and the loss of biodiversity. Given the grave implications, reducing meat intake is surely worth considering.

That said, barring dietary considerations and conscious choices, cutting out meat completely isn't necessary. You can still eat it—just not as much as you are used to.

According to Aussie dietary guidelines, it's recommended an adult eats no more than 455 grams of cooked red meat per week, or less than 65g a day. This would be roughly equivalent to one lamb chop.

So, where do we start?

Well, Mr Kidman recommends being smart when looking for vegetarian meal alternatives—it's important to note that meat-free protein substitutes, such as soy or tofu products, are fine, but they're not necessarily healthier or cheaper.

'If you go for the vegan meat alternatives, Beyond Burgers, things like that, those are just as expensive as meat, if not more so. So for going vegetarian or vegan to work as a budget, you have to be smart,' he said.

He also encouraged people to research vegetarian meal options before grocery shopping to see which items on the list could be swapped out.

Aussies are also sharing how they’ve managed to save some dollars by reducing their meat intake, with one saying: 'I mean a pack of lentils cost $1, quinoa $3-4, chickpeas $1, veggies and fruits are usually on the cheaper side.'

'Vegan staples are usually in general cheap. Beans, veggies, seeds, grains, fruits, etc. Depending on where you live, being vegan can be cheaper for you, especially if you buy in bulk!’

‘Eating processed vegan products is what really runs your grocery bill up. Whole food plant-based eating will save your pockets,' the shopper added.

'93 grams of protein for $2.30 and they say being vegan is expensive. Lots of goodness and no cholesterol,' another shared about a bag of Woolworths Peanuts Unsalted.

Another shopper shared how they were able to buy an entire box of fresh produce for only $6 by shopping at their local grocer.

'Bought a box for $6 containing everything you see in the picture. Couldn’t pick and choose what I bought and wasn’t able to even see everything I was buying but I think it was worth it,' the shopper said.

Furthermore, a recent US study conducted by the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine (PCRM) found that cutting out dairy and meat can lead to significant savings. According to the research, those who stuck to their regular diet did not save any money, while food costs dropped by 16 per cent for participants who switched to a vegan diet.

Key Takeaways

• According to Angus Kidman, a Money Expert at Finder, cutting out meat could result in drastic savings.
• Mr Kidman explains that meat prices have increased significantly in Australia and it seems unlikely that this trend will reverse anytime soon.
• The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) reports that the prices of fruits and veggies have declined by 5.4 per cent in the 12 months to July.
• A study conducted by the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine (PCRM) in the US finds that switching to a vegan diet can lead to a 16 per cent reduction in food costs.

So, members, do you have tips or stories to share about how you’ve saved money by reducing your meat intake? If not, would you consider trying it out, if only to save? Let us know in the comments below

What a load of woke bias this post is !! Humans have been eating meat since the beginning of time and it is part of any balanced diet. There are much better, healthier ways to cut spending on meat than going vegetarian or vegan. Buy cheaper cuts of meat and cook from scratch using vegetables and legumes to bulk the dish out and make it go further, while still retaining all the goodness of the meat protein. One kilo of mince lasts me a whole week. I can get 7 dinners out of this, so at $8.99 kg that is economic in my reckoning.

 

[Lizzie1149]

The cost of living crisis has forced us to be smarter and more mindful when it comes to our financial decisions.

And with the continuous rise of the cost of living, it pays to shop smarter—and a simple switch in the meat aisle could make all the difference.

The experts at Finder say we should be cutting down on the amount of meat we purchase, and Angus Kidman, a Money Expert at Finder, believes it's actually a lot easier than many think.

View attachment 29607

Cutting down on meat and eating more vegetables can help save you money. Image source: rawpixel.com on Freepik.

'If you think of meat as the protein component of a meal—which is essentially what it is—you can definitely do that much, much cheaper with the right mix of vegetables,' Mr Kidman said.

'You're talking a savings of 10 times or more in the price of some of those things. So having that flexible attitude does help a lot to save money.'

Mr Kidman said meat prices have 'absolutely' increased by a 'huge amount' in Australia, and unfortunately, these increases are expected to take hold for the new future.

'It doesn't seem likely that we're going to see any major drops there for a while, because there's still no clear indication in supply chain terms that there's going to be much of a decline,' he said.

'We may not see the same rises as we've seen in the last year, but it's unlikely that we're going to see huge bargains happening within the meat industry either.'

But the good news is, it's never been a better time to be a vegan or vegetarian. While for some, these diets may seem restrictive and incompatible with their lifestyle, it's important to note that right now, fruit and vegetables are actually cheap.

The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) recently reported that in the 12 months to July, fruit and vegetable prices recorded a downward movement of 5.4 per cent.

'Clearly, people are looking towards some of those cheaper alternatives,' Mr Kidman said.

'Especially because it's very hard to imagine a scenario in which meat ends up being cheaper than the alternatives because there's fundamentally a difference in the cost of production. And that's never really going to change.'

Globally, 57 per cent of the greenhouse gas emissions of the entire food production industry is due to meat consumption. Consuming meat also has other effects, like mass deforestation and the loss of biodiversity. Given the grave implications, reducing meat intake is surely worth considering.

That said, barring dietary considerations and conscious choices, cutting out meat completely isn't necessary. You can still eat it—just not as much as you are used to.

According to Aussie dietary guidelines, it's recommended an adult eats no more than 455 grams of cooked red meat per week, or less than 65g a day. This would be roughly equivalent to one lamb chop.

So, where do we start?

Well, Mr Kidman recommends being smart when looking for vegetarian meal alternatives—it's important to note that meat-free protein substitutes, such as soy or tofu products, are fine, but they're not necessarily healthier or cheaper.

'If you go for the vegan meat alternatives, Beyond Burgers, things like that, those are just as expensive as meat, if not more so. So for going vegetarian or vegan to work as a budget, you have to be smart,' he said.

He also encouraged people to research vegetarian meal options before grocery shopping to see which items on the list could be swapped out.

Aussies are also sharing how they’ve managed to save some dollars by reducing their meat intake, with one saying: 'I mean a pack of lentils cost $1, quinoa $3-4, chickpeas $1, veggies and fruits are usually on the cheaper side.'

'Vegan staples are usually in general cheap. Beans, veggies, seeds, grains, fruits, etc. Depending on where you live, being vegan can be cheaper for you, especially if you buy in bulk!’

‘Eating processed vegan products is what really runs your grocery bill up. Whole food plant-based eating will save your pockets,' the shopper added.

'93 grams of protein for $2.30 and they say being vegan is expensive. Lots of goodness and no cholesterol,' another shared about a bag of Woolworths Peanuts Unsalted.

Another shopper shared how they were able to buy an entire box of fresh produce for only $6 by shopping at their local grocer.

'Bought a box for $6 containing everything you see in the picture. Couldn’t pick and choose what I bought and wasn’t able to even see everything I was buying but I think it was worth it,' the shopper said.

Furthermore, a recent US study conducted by the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine (PCRM) found that cutting out dairy and meat can lead to significant savings. According to the research, those who stuck to their regular diet did not save any money, while food costs dropped by 16 per cent for participants who switched to a vegan diet.

Key Takeaways

• According to Angus Kidman, a Money Expert at Finder, cutting out meat could result in drastic savings.
• Mr Kidman explains that meat prices have increased significantly in Australia and it seems unlikely that this trend will reverse anytime soon.
• The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) reports that the prices of fruits and veggies have declined by 5.4 per cent in the 12 months to July.
• A study conducted by the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine (PCRM) in the US finds that switching to a vegan diet can lead to a 16 per cent reduction in food costs.

So, members, do you have tips or stories to share about how you’ve saved money by reducing your meat intake? If not, would you consider trying it out, if only to save? Let us know in the comments below

What a load of woke bias this post is !! Humans have been eating meat since the beginning of time and it is part of any balanced diet. There are much better, healthier ways to cut spending on meat than going vegetarian or vegan. Buy cheaper cuts of meat and cook from scratch using vegetables and legumes to bulk the dish out and make it go further, while still retaining all the goodness of the meat protein. One kilo of mince lasts me a whole week. I can get 7 dinners out of this, so at $8.99 kg that is economic in my reckoning.

I've been eating mostly meat for ages. Keeps me healthy. I buy some meat when it is on special and also do a bit of a buy up when I want to use my 10% off at Woolworths. I also buy bones and make bone broth and use the meat off the bones for stews. Chicken wings are another good one. Cheap at Woolworths and make a nice meal

 

[Ricki]

I must admit I was quite the carnivore. Meat for brekkie, lunch and dinner. Over the last few years we've gradually reduced that to evening meals. Even then we might have a filling veg soup with some homemade bread. I've started using a lot more pulses in meals and we feel a lot better for it. We also grew up with Sunday dinners of one roast or another. I don't think I'd like to omit meat altogether but less isn’t out of the question.

 

[Veggiepatch]

The human being is designed to be an omnivore and it will stay that way for at least the next 500,000 years.

As long as we eliminate the Tash Petersons of this world from the gene pool. For those who don't know, she is the vegan activist who invaded a Perth restaurant recently quite inappropriately on a couple of occasions, causing havoc amongst the diners and especially the owner, John Mountain.

 

[Trudi]

Frankly, I don't like meat and I won't touch seafood, although I am not a vegetarian. When it comes to meat, I will eat tiny amounts of pork and beef. As a child, I could not eat meat at all, it would make me vomit.

As to fish - yuck! Ghastly stuff!

If it wasn't for my meat eating partner, I would not buy any meat at all.

Goint to restaurants these days, I mostly order salads.

 

[Mikeyboy2012]

The cost of living crisis has forced us to be smarter and more mindful when it comes to our financial decisions.

And with the continuous rise of the cost of living, it pays to shop smarter—and a simple switch in the meat aisle could make all the difference.

The experts at Finder say we should be cutting down on the amount of meat we purchase, and Angus Kidman, a Money Expert at Finder, believes it's actually a lot easier than many think.

View attachment 29607

Cutting down on meat and eating more vegetables can help save you money. Image source: rawpixel.com on Freepik.

'If you think of meat as the protein component of a meal—which is essentially what it is—you can definitely do that much, much cheaper with the right mix of vegetables,' Mr Kidman said.

'You're talking a savings of 10 times or more in the price of some of those things. So having that flexible attitude does help a lot to save money.'

Mr Kidman said meat prices have 'absolutely' increased by a 'huge amount' in Australia, and unfortunately, these increases are expected to take hold for the new future.

'It doesn't seem likely that we're going to see any major drops there for a while, because there's still no clear indication in supply chain terms that there's going to be much of a decline,' he said.

'We may not see the same rises as we've seen in the last year, but it's unlikely that we're going to see huge bargains happening within the meat industry either.'

But the good news is, it's never been a better time to be a vegan or vegetarian. While for some, these diets may seem restrictive and incompatible with their lifestyle, it's important to note that right now, fruit and vegetables are actually cheap.

The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) recently reported that in the 12 months to July, fruit and vegetable prices recorded a downward movement of 5.4 per cent.

'Clearly, people are looking towards some of those cheaper alternatives,' Mr Kidman said.

'Especially because it's very hard to imagine a scenario in which meat ends up being cheaper than the alternatives because there's fundamentally a difference in the cost of production. And that's never really going to change.'

Globally, 57 per cent of the greenhouse gas emissions of the entire food production industry is due to meat consumption. Consuming meat also has other effects, like mass deforestation and the loss of biodiversity. Given the grave implications, reducing meat intake is surely worth considering.

That said, barring dietary considerations and conscious choices, cutting out meat completely isn't necessary. You can still eat it—just not as much as you are used to.

According to Aussie dietary guidelines, it's recommended an adult eats no more than 455 grams of cooked red meat per week, or less than 65g a day. This would be roughly equivalent to one lamb chop.

So, where do we start?

Well, Mr Kidman recommends being smart when looking for vegetarian meal alternatives—it's important to note that meat-free protein substitutes, such as soy or tofu products, are fine, but they're not necessarily healthier or cheaper.

'If you go for the vegan meat alternatives, Beyond Burgers, things like that, those are just as expensive as meat, if not more so. So for going vegetarian or vegan to work as a budget, you have to be smart,' he said.

He also encouraged people to research vegetarian meal options before grocery shopping to see which items on the list could be swapped out.

Aussies are also sharing how they’ve managed to save some dollars by reducing their meat intake, with one saying: 'I mean a pack of lentils cost $1, quinoa $3-4, chickpeas $1, veggies and fruits are usually on the cheaper side.'

'Vegan staples are usually in general cheap. Beans, veggies, seeds, grains, fruits, etc. Depending on where you live, being vegan can be cheaper for you, especially if you buy in bulk!’

‘Eating processed vegan products is what really runs your grocery bill up. Whole food plant-based eating will save your pockets,' the shopper added.

'93 grams of protein for $2.30 and they say being vegan is expensive. Lots of goodness and no cholesterol,' another shared about a bag of Woolworths Peanuts Unsalted.

Another shopper shared how they were able to buy an entire box of fresh produce for only $6 by shopping at their local grocer.

'Bought a box for $6 containing everything you see in the picture. Couldn’t pick and choose what I bought and wasn’t able to even see everything I was buying but I think it was worth it,' the shopper said.

Furthermore, a recent US study conducted by the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine (PCRM) found that cutting out dairy and meat can lead to significant savings. According to the research, those who stuck to their regular diet did not save any money, while food costs dropped by 16 per cent for participants who switched to a vegan diet.

Key Takeaways

• According to Angus Kidman, a Money Expert at Finder, cutting out meat could result in drastic savings.
• Mr Kidman explains that meat prices have increased significantly in Australia and it seems unlikely that this trend will reverse anytime soon.
• The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) reports that the prices of fruits and veggies have declined by 5.4 per cent in the 12 months to July.
• A study conducted by the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine (PCRM) in the US finds that switching to a vegan diet can lead to a 16 per cent reduction in food costs.

So, members, do you have tips or stories to share about how you’ve saved money by reducing your meat intake? If not, would you consider trying it out, if only to save? Let us know in the comments below

I do like vegetarian food....with a good chop!!!

There's just nothing like a lamb chop, pork roast or spaghetti bolognese to get your saliva flowing. Yuuuum! You can keep your meat alternatives.

Whilst you have to watch your diet, especially as you age, you don't want to spend the rest of your life doing the "healthy" (debatable) thing and sacrificing the food that makes life worth living. Food that, dare I say, is to die for!

 

[Shane/#]

The cost of living crisis has forced us to be smarter and more mindful when it comes to our financial decisions.

And with the continuous rise of the cost of living, it pays to shop smarter—and a simple switch in the meat aisle could make all the difference.

The experts at Finder say we should be cutting down on the amount of meat we purchase, and Angus Kidman, a Money Expert at Finder, believes it's actually a lot easier than many think.

View attachment 29607

Cutting down on meat and eating more vegetables can help save you money. Image source: rawpixel.com on Freepik.

'If you think of meat as the protein component of a meal—which is essentially what it is—you can definitely do that much, much cheaper with the right mix of vegetables,' Mr Kidman said.

'You're talking a savings of 10 times or more in the price of some of those things. So having that flexible attitude does help a lot to save money.'

Mr Kidman said meat prices have 'absolutely' increased by a 'huge amount' in Australia, and unfortunately, these increases are expected to take hold for the new future.

'It doesn't seem likely that we're going to see any major drops there for a while, because there's still no clear indication in supply chain terms that there's going to be much of a decline,' he said.

'We may not see the same rises as we've seen in the last year, but it's unlikely that we're going to see huge bargains happening within the meat industry either.'

But the good news is, it's never been a better time to be a vegan or vegetarian. While for some, these diets may seem restrictive and incompatible with their lifestyle, it's important to note that right now, fruit and vegetables are actually cheap.

The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) recently reported that in the 12 months to July, fruit and vegetable prices recorded a downward movement of 5.4 per cent.

'Clearly, people are looking towards some of those cheaper alternatives,' Mr Kidman said.

'Especially because it's very hard to imagine a scenario in which meat ends up being cheaper than the alternatives because there's fundamentally a difference in the cost of production. And that's never really going to change.'

Globally, 57 per cent of the greenhouse gas emissions of the entire food production industry is due to meat consumption. Consuming meat also has other effects, like mass deforestation and the loss of biodiversity. Given the grave implications, reducing meat intake is surely worth considering.

That said, barring dietary considerations and conscious choices, cutting out meat completely isn't necessary. You can still eat it—just not as much as you are used to.

According to Aussie dietary guidelines, it's recommended an adult eats no more than 455 grams of cooked red meat per week, or less than 65g a day. This would be roughly equivalent to one lamb chop.

So, where do we start?

Well, Mr Kidman recommends being smart when looking for vegetarian meal alternatives—it's important to note that meat-free protein substitutes, such as soy or tofu products, are fine, but they're not necessarily healthier or cheaper.

'If you go for the vegan meat alternatives, Beyond Burgers, things like that, those are just as expensive as meat, if not more so. So for going vegetarian or vegan to work as a budget, you have to be smart,' he said.

He also encouraged people to research vegetarian meal options before grocery shopping to see which items on the list could be swapped out.

Aussies are also sharing how they’ve managed to save some dollars by reducing their meat intake, with one saying: 'I mean a pack of lentils cost $1, quinoa $3-4, chickpeas $1, veggies and fruits are usually on the cheaper side.'

'Vegan staples are usually in general cheap. Beans, veggies, seeds, grains, fruits, etc. Depending on where you live, being vegan can be cheaper for you, especially if you buy in bulk!’

‘Eating processed vegan products is what really runs your grocery bill up. Whole food plant-based eating will save your pockets,' the shopper added.

'93 grams of protein for $2.30 and they say being vegan is expensive. Lots of goodness and no cholesterol,' another shared about a bag of Woolworths Peanuts Unsalted.

Another shopper shared how they were able to buy an entire box of fresh produce for only $6 by shopping at their local grocer.

'Bought a box for $6 containing everything you see in the picture. Couldn’t pick and choose what I bought and wasn’t able to even see everything I was buying but I think it was worth it,' the shopper said.

Furthermore, a recent US study conducted by the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine (PCRM) found that cutting out dairy and meat can lead to significant savings. According to the research, those who stuck to their regular diet did not save any money, while food costs dropped by 16 per cent for participants who switched to a vegan diet.

Key Takeaways

• According to Angus Kidman, a Money Expert at Finder, cutting out meat could result in drastic savings.
• Mr Kidman explains that meat prices have increased significantly in Australia and it seems unlikely that this trend will reverse anytime soon.
• The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) reports that the prices of fruits and veggies have declined by 5.4 per cent in the 12 months to July.
• A study conducted by the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine (PCRM) in the US finds that switching to a vegan diet can lead to a 16 per cent reduction in food costs.

So, members, do you have tips or stories to share about how you’ve saved money by reducing your meat intake? If not, would you consider trying it out, if only to save? Let us know in the comments below

Vegan ,vegetarian, when you can show me tits on nuts etc that you milk from then you might have a chance in this world and why do you eat stuff that looks like meat is it to fit in with society more chemicals and other to make it look like meat

 

[Veggiepatch]

Vegan ,vegetarian, when you can show me tits on nuts etc that you milk from then you might have a chance in this world and why do you eat stuff that looks like meat is it to fit in with society more chemicals and other to make it look like meat

I believe that some European countries are making it illegal to market "milk" substitutes, such as oat, soy, almond and rice milk as milk. About bloody time!

Just false advertising as milk is derived from a female mammal to suckle her young. And to give us real milk, cheese, butter, yogurt, cream, etc.

EDIT: This has got me thinking. Is there such as thing as almond cheese or rice yogurt?

 

[freedy50]

I assume this is some kind of veggie speech?

I'll buy and eat meat when I want. Certainly not going to have strangers lecture me as to what they think I should be eating.

 

[Gsr]

As we have grown older we have started to eat smaller meals which means we eat less meat, we have 1 sausage or rissole, instead of 2 like we used to eat. We eat fish 1/2 times a week and try to have chicken at least once a week. Hubby is not keen on too much chicken. I am quite happy to have just vegies or salad with no meat but hubby likes his meat or fish with his main meal of the day. I also use my crockpot and make a lot of meals with cheaper cuts of meat.

 

[Gaena]

Frankly, I don't like meat and I won't touch seafood, although I am not a vegetarian. When it comes to meat, I will eat tiny amounts of pork and beef. As a child, I could not eat meat at all, it would make me vomit.

As to fish - yuck! Ghastly stuff!

If it wasn't for my meat eating partner, I would not buy any meat at all.

Goint to restaurants these days, I mostly order salads.

Same for me, my husband insists that dinner is not really a meal unless there is meat on the plate. He happily eats any vegetable but is not happy unless there is a piece of meat to go with them.

 

[Stevo114]

I have adjusted and don't mind the odd veggie dish. I won't get rid of my meat loves though. The only plant based thing I can eat is the mince in spagbol. But the rest is horrid.

Again the minority preaching to the majority and the tide is turning - go to Coles/Woolies/Aldi and compare the size of the meat aisles to the plant based one squirrelled away in the corner.

You cannot force veganism.

 

[Ricki]

I believe that some European countries are making it illegal to market "milk" substitutes, such as oat, soy, almond and rice milk as milk. About bloody time!

Just false advertising as milk is derived from a female mammal to suckle her young. And to give us real milk, cheese, butter, yogurt, cream, etc.

EDIT: This has got me thinking. Is there such as thing as almond cheese or rice yogurt?

There is coconut yoghurt. I'll be buggered if I know how they milk coconuts though.

 

[Veggiepatch]

There is coconut yoghurt. I'll be buggered if I know how they milk coconuts though.

They have three "eyes". That might have something to do with it.

 

[Veggiepatch]

As we have grown older we have started to eat smaller meals which means we eat less meat, we have 1 sausage or rissole, instead of 2 like we used to eat. We eat fish 1/2 times a week and try to have chicken at least once a week. Hubby is not keen on too much chicken. I am quite happy to have just vegies or salad with no meat but hubby likes his meat or fish with his main meal of the day. I also use my crockpot and make a lot of meals with cheaper cuts of meat.

Sometimes I'll make a meat free mushroom stroganoff which is rich and yummy. Haven't used meat in the stroganoff for ages but substitute diced chicken instead.

 

[Veggiepatch]

Same for me, my husband insists that dinner is not really a meal unless there is meat on the plate. He happily eats any vegetable but is not happy unless there is a piece of meat to go with them.

Sounds like hubby is a keeper....

 

[Trudi]

I believe that some European countries are making it illegal to market "milk" substitutes, such as oat, soy, almond and rice milk as milk. About bloody time!

Just false advertising as milk is derived from a female mammal to suckle her young. And to give us real milk, cheese, butter, yogurt, cream, etc.

EDIT: This has got me thinking. Is there such as thing as almond cheese or rice yogurt?

And does it really matter what name it is called? I love all dairy products, but I also know how to appreciate non-dairy milk substitutes.