Grocery shopper asks how to afford enough protein without meat and learns the bean problem may not last forever
The Cool Down
Last updated: June 9, 2026
Faced with rising meat prices, a shopper sought affordable protein alternatives on Reddit. The community responded with numerous budget-friendly suggestions, primarily focusing on plant-based and dairy options.
- The Reddit community offered a variety of inexpensive protein sources to supplement or replace meat, including eggs, Greek yogurt, cottage cheese, tofu, edamame, lentils, beans, chickpeas, seitan, and textured vegetable protein (TVP).
- Commenters highlighted the cost-effectiveness of these alternatives, with tofu costing around $1 per pound and a 4-pound bag of lentils priced at $4.47. Eggs were also cited as a very cheap protein source.
- Many of these suggested foods are shelf-stable or freezer-friendly, allowing for bulk purchasing and reducing food waste.
- Shifting towards plant-based proteins can offer health benefits and reduce environmental impact due to the lower pollution associated with their production compared to meat.
- Tips for incorporating these alternatives include stretching meat with beans or lentils, mixing them into popular dishes like chili or pasta sauce, and soaking/rinsing beans to mitigate gas side effects. Lentils, tofu, edamame, and eggs are suggested as initial alternatives if beans are a concern.
