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Cost and affordability of plant-based diets: global evidence from 2000 to 2025
Plant-based diets (PBDs) offer notable health and environmental benefits; however, their adoption is hindered by perceived high costs. This narrative review synthesizes evidence regarding the cost-effectiveness of PBDs compared to conventional omnivorous diets through three analytical lenses: empirical expenditure studies, economic modeling projections, and consumer spending behaviors. Research conducted between 2000 and 2025 indicates that whole-food PBDs typically incur lower food costs than omnivorous diets across various geographic settings, although outcomes vary by socioeconomic status and reliance on processed plant-based options. The primary cost savings arise from the reduction of expensive animal products, which often offset the increased investment in fruits, vegetables, and legumes. Furthermore, global economic models that account for health and environmental externalities reveal that PBDs are more cost-effective than current omnivorous diets when these factors are included. Despite the evidence supporting the affordability of PBDs, consumer misperceptions remain a significant barrier to their adoption, particularly in affluent nations where premium specialty products are prevalent and heavily marketed. These insights have essential implications for public health policies and interventions aimed at fostering sustainable dietary practices through enhanced education and pricing strategies. [NPID: Plant-based diets, PBDs, perception, affordability]
Year: 2026
