• ericbomb@lemmy.worldOP
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    1 year ago

    I mean a pound of beef costs $4.

    A pound of raw lentils like a $1.

    Lentils are more calorie dense.

    Lentils are more protein dense.

    Black beans are in similar camp.

    Rice and wheat products are cheaper per calorie, but lack the protein.

    So yeah, it’s just cheaper to be a vegetarian, even with massive beef subsidiaries. But veggie patties are still more expensive because of processing and they are smaller batches.

    • scala@lemmy.ml
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      1 year ago

      To add to this as a vegan of 10+ years. To supplement the lack of protein, I use pea based protein powder for a meal. And add hemp seeds for other meals/snacks during the day.

      We occasionally get the processed grounds/meat substitutes only when they are on sale. Which would be 2lbs for $6 for a gardien/beyond/impossible alternative to animal flesh in pounds.