Volume IV · The Debate on Animal Exploitation · chapter 10
Is Veganism Only for the Rich?
Before you read study layer, not part of the original text
Veganism isn't just for the rich: the staple foods of a vegan diet (rice, beans, vegetables, fruit) are among the cheapest; expensive processed vegan products aren't necessary, and more demand would bring prices down.
Rice, beans, potatoes, bananas, and greens are everyday foods and usually cost less than meat. Being vegan doesn't mean buying fancy, expensive things.
A plate of rice and beans with a side salad is vegan, and it's one of the cheapest meals there is.
- P1 The argument says veganism is out of reach because it's expensive.
- P2 The staple foods of a vegan diet are among the cheapest.
- P3 More expensive processed vegan products aren't necessary.
- P4 And if they were expensive, that would be a reason to increase demand and bring prices down.
- C Therefore, veganism isn't just for the rich.
The chapter’s central argument in logical form. If the premises are true, the conclusion follows. To disagree, you have to show which premise is false.
They say “Vegans only eat expensive stuff from fancy stores.”
Answer They can, but they don't have to. The basics are the cheapest food there is. And people who stop buying meat, cheese, and cold cuts usually spend less.
More objections and answers in Debunking objections.
Original text Luciano Carlos Cunha · Volume IV, p. 55 of the PDF edition · English translation
is the practice of avoiding harming nonhuman animals. Where food is concerned, adopting veganism means not consuming animal products.
It is sometimes argued that veganism is feasible only for those who have a lot of money, on the grounds that vegan products are more expensive.
The first problem with this argument is that, even if this were the case, there would still be reasons to call for more and more people to become vegan, since the increase in demand would bring prices down.
The second problem with the argument is that living as a vegan is not more expensive than living as a non-vegan. Vegetables, greens, fruits, and grains are usually cheaper than animal-based food.
Of course, there are certain processed vegan products that are more expensive than certain equivalent animal products (largely because of low demand). However, it is not necessary to consume such products. And even if someone chooses to do so, since they have stopped buying many kinds of animal products, their total spending is likely to be even lower than it would be with animal products.
Practice
Study layer. The answers are based on the chapter’s text.
Why would the price argument, even if true, still give a reason for veganism?
Why are some processed vegan products more expensive?
Food for thought
Picture a cheap vegan meal you could make with what you can find near your home.
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