Vegetarian Association disputes Deco and says vegan diet is the cheapest

The Portuguese Vegetarian Association (AVP) this Monday challenged Deco Proteste’s analysis, which called the vegan diet the most expensive diet in Portugal, saying it is, after all, the cheapest.

“Contrary to what Deco Proteste reports, “vegan” consumers [veganos, em português] these are the ones who spend the least on food in Portugal,” the AVP said in a statement.

According to the association, Deco’s analysis “has eating habits that may not be true,” such as “a shopping cart full of dairy substitutes,” vegan alternatives to milk and yogurt.

The AVP cites a study by three researchers at the University of Beira Interior — Daniel Francisco Pais, Antonio Cardoso Marquez, and José Alberto Fuinas — which concluded that “those who choose a plant-based diet (more specifically, ‘vegan’ diet) are more likely to spend less money on groceries.”

The study was based on responses to 1,040 “online surveys” and the researchers also argue that adopting a food policy that balances sustainability and affordability can have a positive impact on the promotion of plant-based diets.

“The Portuguese government can make organic food more accessible and cheaper through legislative changes,” he adds.

According to the AVP, more than 60% of vegans spend less than €60 per week on food (about €240 per month). This figure was named only by 32% of respondents who adhere to a meat diet. , fish, eggs and other ingredients of animal origin.

Looking at lacto-ovo vegetarians, 46% of respondents say they spend less than 60 euros on food.

“Using for comparison the share of respondents that excludes meat but includes fish and other animal by-products, 24% have a weekly budget between 40 and 59 euros. There are also 24% of the surveyed vegetarians with weekly expenses between 60 euros and 79 euros,” he emphasizes.

In conclusion, the researchers state that “food spending is higher for consumers who include meat and fish in their diet compared to all other consumers analyzed.”

“These costs amounted to €75.96, which is the highest compared to other diets,” they say, considering spending €62.35 for those who eat only fish, €68.6 for flexitarians, 59. €39 for lacto-ovo vegetarians and €47.78. euro for vegans.

Looking at spending outside the home, vegans “continue to spend the least amount of money,” according to the study. Less than five euros per week for half of the respondents.

“The same figure was indicated by only 22% of respondents who consume meat, fish and animal products,” AVP points out.

Last week, Deco Proteste found that the vegan diet, followed by at least 12% of Portuguese people, was the best for the planet, albeit the most expensive among the top four diets.

The consumer advocacy organization said in a statement that it analyzed the vegan, ovo-dairy-vegetarian, Mediterranean, and planetary regimens (which involve combining diet, health, and planetary protection) and concluded that the former was “the most expensive, requiring more products.” than seven thousand euros per year.

Deco explained that the values ​​presented were based on “a balanced diet plan for four people (two adults, one child and one teenager).”