A recent study conducted by the Institute for Organic Farming (FiBL) has provided new insight into the cost of various diets, revealing that a fully vegan diet is the least expensive option for a family of four in Austria. The research, commissioned by WWF, compared the costs and environmental impacts of several dietary patterns, including the typical mixed diet, a healthy omnivorous diet, a healthy ovo-lacto-vegetarian diet, and a healthy vegan diet, all based on Austrian dietary guidelines. The study also evaluated the effect of purchasing organic foods.
The study focused on a basket of 75 foods deemed essential for each diet and analyzed the weekly or monthly food costs for a family of four. In addition to economic factors, the study examined the greenhouse gas emissions associated with each diet.
Saving big by cutting meat
Results indicate that reducing meat consumption significantly lowers food expenses. For example, switching from the standard mixed diet, which includes a high intake of meat, dairy, and eggs, to a diet that adheres to current health recommendations can save approximately €127 per month for a family of four. A vegetarian diet offers even greater savings, amounting to €187 per month, while a fully vegan diet can reduce food costs by 41%, or €225 per month.
The study also examined the impact of switching to organic food. While organic products generally increased the cost of each diet, the vegan diet remained the most affordable even when organic foods were chosen. Conversely, a meat-reduced omnivorous diet with organic products was still cheaper than a standard mixed diet consisting of conventional foods.
Vegan diet = lower emissions
On the environmental front, the study found that a vegan diet produces the least greenhouse gas emissions. The typical mixed diet in Austria generates 1,653 kg of CO2 equivalents per person annually, whereas a vegan diet results in only 587 kg per person. This represents a 65% reduction in emissions. Further reductions were observed when organic foods were incorporated into the vegan diet, leading to an additional 7% decrease in emissions.
To provide a clearer assessment of the diets in terms of sustainability, health, climate impact, and affordability, the researchers developed the NGKL index. The vegan diet with 100% organic products scored the highest on the index, underscoring the alignment between cost savings, environmental benefits, and health outcomes.
Vegan doesn’t have to be expensive
The study challenges the perception that vegan diets are expensive, especially when considering the base ingredients of such diets, including grains, legumes, vegetables, and fruits, are typically more affordable than meat, dairy, and eggs. Although processed vegan foods, such as plant-based sausages and cheeses, are often priced higher than their animal-based counterparts, they are not essential for a balanced vegan diet.
The findings also raise questions about the true cost of food, taking into account the environmental and health-related externalities associated with food production. In particular, the study calls for policy changes, including adjustments to VAT rates for plant-based foods and increased support for sustainable nutrition through pricing strategies, nutrition education, and more plant-based options in public catering.
