WASHINGTON, D.C. — More than 60% of U.S. adults incorrectly think that eating a plant-based diet is more expensive than eating a diet with meat and dairy, according to a new Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine/Morning Consult survey. Baby Boomers were the most likely to believe this, with 67% saying plant-based eating is somewhat or much more expensive than the Standard American Diet.
The survey also shows 77% of adults say the cost of all groceries is currently too high. When asked what grocery item they spend the most money on, 70% said meats.
The Physicians Committee poll included 2,206 U.S. adults surveyed June 10 to June 12, 2025.
Xavier Toledo, a registered dietitian with the Physicians Committee, a health advocacy group with 17,000 physician members, says the survey suggests many consumers may not realize that meals built around whole or minimally processed plant foods—like beans, grains, tofu, and vegetables—are often far more affordable than meals centered on animal products like meat and dairy.
This comes at a time when 3 in 5 U.S. adults say the cost of food at the supermarket is extremely or very important to them when deciding what to buy, according to the Pew Research Center . Pew research shows the cost of meats, poultry, fish, and eggs has seen the fastest inflation of any food category since January 2020; prices are up 36.4%.
“Centering a plant-based diet on whole, minimally processed foods is one of the most effective ways to not only nourish your body, but also cut grocery costs,” Mr. Toledo said.
Research supports this, including:
“Simple shifts—like buying produce in season, choosing frozen or canned when it’s more affordable, cooking in batches, and leaning on budget-friendly staples like potatoes, beans, and brown rice—can make a big difference,” Mr. Toledo said. “These strategies add up—helping you save money without shortchanging your health.
“The benefits don’t stop at saving money. A plant-based diet can support weight management and help prevent—and in some cases even reverse —lifestyle-related diseases like heart disease, obesity, and type 2 diabetes. The diet can also reduce risk for certain cancers,” Mr. Toledo added. “And it doesn’t hurt that plant-based eating can taste amazing, too!”
Below, he offers an example of a day of frugal, plant-based eating.
Sample Day of Frugal Plant-Based Eating
Breakfast Tofu Scramble
Makes 4 servings
Ingredients
Estimated Cost per Serving: $1.70
Side note: Egg prices have fluctuated dramatically in recent months. This hearty tofu scramble comes in at about $1.70 per serving, offering protein, fiber, and flavor at an affordable price compared with its egg counterpart.
Protein Power Three-Bean Chili
Makes 6 servings
Estimated Cost per Serving: $1.75
Side note: Swapping ground beef for beans can slash your grocery bill while packing in fiber and plant protein. This three-bean chili costs under $1 per serving—which is significantly less than the price of something like a beef chili.
Sunshine Chickpea Burgers
Makes 10 servings
Estimated Cost per Serving (1 patty + 1 bun): $1.05
Side note: These satisfying chickpea burgers, served on a whole-wheat bun, are a budget-friendly, heart-healthy alternative to beef burgers with a bunch of fiber and plant protein.
All recipes and directions can be found on PCRM.org/Recipes .
Note to reporters: To arrange an interview with Mr. Toledo, please contact Kim Kilbride at 202-717-8665 or kkilbride@pcrm.org .
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