Welcome to Plant-Based on a Budget
Welcome! I’m Toni Okamoto — cookbook author, budget cooking expert, and founder of Plant-Based on a Budget, a resource designed to make plant-based eating affordable, approachable, and absolutely delicious.
After years of struggling with the rising cost of groceries and facing health issues in my family, I started this site to answer a simple question: Can you eat plant-based without spending a fortune? The answer is a big, flavorful YES.
Since launching Plant-Based on a Budget, I’ve helped millions of people save money while eating more plants through easy recipes, meal plans, and practical cooking tips. My mission is to prove that nutritious, satisfying meals don’t require expensive ingredients, fancy equipment, or hours in the kitchen.
Why Trust Plant-Based on a Budget?
Credibility: Author of the Plant-Based on a Budget cookbook — awarded VegNews’ Cookbook of the Year and a Goodreads Choice Awards finalist
As Seen In: The New York Times, Forbes, NPR, NBC News, What the Health on Netflix, and more
15+ Years of Experience: Teaching others how to eat well on a budget using practical strategies that actually work
Community-Driven: All recipes are tested by everyday home cooks — students, parents, seniors, and families just like yours
What You’ll Find Here
Budget-Friendly Plant-Based Recipes – Pantry staples, one-pot meals, and comfort food made affordable and easy
Meal Plans on a Budget – Organized, fuss-free weekly plans with grocery lists and batch-cooking tips
Money-Saving Strategies – Smart shopping guides, bulk-buying hacks, and tips to reduce food waste
Beginner-Friendly Content – Whether you’re plant-curious, vegan for health, or just trying to save money, you’re in the right place
Vegan Meal Prep Tips – Learn how to plan, prep, and cook efficiently — even on a time crunch
A Bit More About Me
When I began my plant-based journey back in 2007, I was driven by my love for animals and a desire to feel healthier. What I didn’t have at the time was money—or time, honestly. I was working multiple low-paying jobs while juggling student loan debt, car troubles, and trying to keep up with basic living expenses. I knew I wanted to eat better, but I had to figure out how to make that work on a shoestring budget.
Grocery trips back then were strategic. I’d go straight to the bulk bins, bringing my own measuring cups to avoid buying more than I needed. It might’ve looked odd, but I didn’t care—I was determined to make this work. I remember scraping the bottom of my bowl to make sure I didn’t waste a single grain of rice. Slowly, I figured out how to maximize simple, affordable ingredients like beans, rice, and frozen vegetables into meals that were both nourishing and satisfying.
At the same time, I was watching my family struggle with serious diet-related health issues. My uncle had a heart attack in his 40s. My aunt passed away from complications related to type 2 diabetes. My grandfather died during a triple bypass surgery. That was the wake-up call. I knew I had to share what I was learning with the people I loved most—and do it in a way that felt familiar, flavorful, and most importantly, affordable.
That’s what led me to launch Plant-Based on a Budget. What started as a side project I worked on between dog-walking, nannying, and house-sitting turned into something bigger than I ever imagined: a thriving business, four cookbooks, and a global community of people who just want to eat better and live healthier without going broke.
And while I’ve come a long way from measuring dry beans in the grocery aisle, I still hold those values close. These days, I’m not just focused on saving money—I’m also all about saving time, because I want you to spend less of it in the kitchen and more of it doing what lights you up.
Thanks for being here. I’m honored to support your journey.
Fun Facts!
🌟 I’ve been swing dancing for over a decade, and Lindy Hop is my absolute favorite!
🐶 My husband and I foster pit bulls, and Eddie was actually a foster fail we couldn’t let go of.
🍜 When I was five, my grandma taught me how to make instant ramen—my first-ever meal! It became a budget-friendly staple in my early years, and to this day, it still brings me comfort.
Thanks for being here—I hope my recipes make plant-based eating easier, more affordable, and more enjoyable for you!
All About Affordable Vegan Food
Today, Plant-Based on a Budget is loaded with 900+ easy budget-friendly vegan meals tested & loved by thousands of readers. I’ve even converted many of my family members into plant-based cooks!
My blog focuses on plant-based recipes that are…
- Easy to make (an average 30 mins or less!)
- Free from meat, dairy, and eggs
- Made with easily accessible, low-cost, whole-food ingredients
- Versatile and built for any time of the day (including drinks, breakfast, and desserts!)
- So delicious that everyone will enjoy them
Alongside popular recipes like Vegan Lasagna, Chickpea Tuna Salad, Avocado Pesto Pasta & Coconut Curry, you’ll also find recipe collections like vegan soups & FREE budget-friendly vegan meal plans.
I’ve also published three vegan cookbooks – Plant-Based on a Budget, The Friendly Vegan Cookbook, and Plant-Based on a Budget Quick & Easy – the latest of which was a Publisher Weekly Bestseller. You can also find me on the Plant-Powered People podcast or morning television shows across the country.
FAQ: Plant-Based on a Budget
If you’re learning how to eat vegan food on a budget, WELCOME! We’re so glad to have you here. Let’s clear up a few FAQs before you get cooking…
Yes! With the right shopping and cooking strategies, plant-based meals can cost less than $2 per serving. Staples like beans, rice, oats, frozen veggies, and pasta are incredibly affordable — and super versatile.
No worries! It’s not all or nothing. Even a few plant-based dinners a week can have a big impact on your health and the health of our planet. Take it one meal at a time.
Time-saving recipes and meal prep guides are a big part of what I share. From 15-minute meals to batch-cooked staples, you’ll find practical ways to make healthy eating fit your schedule.
Absolutely. Whether you’re cutting back on meat for health, budget, or the planet, you’ll find tons of recipes and tips to support your journey. No judgment. Just good food.
Try my beginner-friendly meal plans — they’re totally free and perfect for easing into plant-based eating without stress.
If you’re new here, we also recommend that you…
- Start with some favorite simple recipes like Lentil Tacos, Lentil Potato Soup, Vegan Blueberry Banana Muffins, or Edamame Salad. We also love all these morning smoothie recipes!
- Use these free meal plans to help build your vegan meal prep & shopping routine.
- Check out my Plant-Based on a Budget cookbook, especially if you prefer printed recipes in the kitchen.
- Sign up for my newsletter to get meal ideas every week.
If You’re a Plant-Based Recipe Pro…
There’s tons of info for you here too! We recommend that you…
- Listen to the Plant-Powered People Podcast, where we share the stories of folks like you who’ve embraced plant-based living
- Visit my other blog, Food Sharing Vegan, for even more delicious, share-worthy plant-based recipes.
Let’s stay connected on social media:
Browse my recipes to get started, sign up for my newsletter for weekly tips, and follow along on Instagram for kitchen inspiration, travel adventures, and everyday budget wins.
Thanks for being here — let’s make plant-based eating work for your real life.
