Dollar Saver Tip #21
Save: $1,844
Tip overview:
Going meat-free, or even reducing the amount of meat you eat, can save you up to $1,844 a year.
Amy here, Finder's credit card senior writer and editorial lead for Finder Green.
There's a lot of talk about the environmental and health benefits of going vegetarian or vegan. But there's also a financial reason to swap meat for veg – even if it's just a few times a week.
In fact, Finder research has found reducing meat consumption could save Australians $1,844 a year. You don't even have to cut it out completely (unless you want to).
Did you know?
Meat and seafood prices rose 1% in the previous quarter, while fruits and vegetable prices dropped 7.3%, according to Australian Bureau of Statistics data.
There are plenty of great meat-free recipes, as well as tips for bulking up meals with veggies to make them go further.
Personally, I'm a fan of using mushrooms, smoked paprika and other herbs or spices to add variety to meals that hero veggies instead of meat, such as bolognese.
As well as helping you save on costs, reducing meat consumption helps lower carbon emissions and gets a tick from the Heart Health Foundation. And if you pair this tip with other ways to save on groceries, you'll make your money go even further.