Discussion
SECONDARY
This secondary analysis of an RCT found that a low-fat vegan diet was associated with an approximately 16% decrease in total food costs. In addition to health benefits, a vegan diet may have economic advantages. A 2021 study estimated that diets including less animal and more plant foods were up to 25% to 29% less expensive than omnivorous diets.The strengths of the current study include a randomized, parallel design, which accounted for seasonal effects. The study also has limitations. Food costs were based on self-reported diet records and did not include supplements or medications. Food cost estimates in the Thrifty Food Plan are conservative and exclude alcohol. The participants were research volunteers and may not represent the general population.