One of the biggest misconceptions about eating a vegan diet is that its too expensive.

But cheap vegan meals are a thing, and they taste good.

Look to natural, not processed, ingredients to save money.

Tempeh and tofu sit on a cutting board with lentils and spices

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Our team has compiled alist of creative waysyou can fatten your bank account this week.

This is a long list, so dont get overwhelmed.

Well keep it updated as offers changes or expire.

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So many people are looking for ideas for vegan meals.

Top with cilantro and pico de gallo to add some extra, fresh flavor.

According to theBean Institute, its cheaper to cook with dried beans than canned.

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They are easy to make, exceptionally healthy and completely customizable.

Sprinkle some pumpkin seeds and soy sauce on top if youre feeling extra.

The typical 32-ounce bag of rice only runs you about $1, which makes 20 servings.

Fruits and vegetables are in season during the time of the year they are naturally harvested.

It has been a staple of vegetarians and vegans for decades, and has existed for over 2,000 years.

A block of tofu is only a couple of bucks, and can be prepared in many different ways.

Its topped with fluffy, golden brown biscuits making it a dinner the whole family will love.

This recipe calls for a 16-ounce block of super firm tofu which costs under $2.

If you have an Asian market nearby, you could sometimes find it for even cheaper.

An 8-count container of refrigerated biscuits is about $2 and some brands are accidentally vegan.

For example, Pillsbury Grands!

includes vegetable oils rather than butter to add flavor and moisture.

Tempeh is cheap and has a myriad of health benefits.

Its high in prebiotics and a wide array of vitamins and minerals.

For about $3 you could buy a 7.5-ounce package of tempeh.

If youre feeling adventurous, you could ferment your own tempeh at home.

Potato-Based Vegan Cheese

Who doesnt love potatoes?

For best results when making this vegan cheese sauce, youll want to use yukon gold potatoes.

you’ve got the option to get a 3-pound bag for under $5.

This variety of potato is in season between late summer and early fall.

Crispy Roasted Cauliflower with Creamy Garlic Parmesan Pasta

We all know how cheap and easy pasta is to prepare.

Pasta is versatile too.

It serves as a perfect foundation for any hearty vegan recipe.

Theyre packed with B vitamins, magnesium, zinc and potassium.

Lentils are made up of over 25% protein, which makes them an excellent meat alternative.

Unlike dried beans, dried lentils are much less labor intensive when it comes to cooking.

They dont have to be soaked overnight and only take about 20 minutes to cook.

The recipe also calls for raw walnuts and cashews.

Nuts are one of the more pricey ingredients commonly used in vegan recipes.

However, buying nuts in bulk makes a noticeable difference on your receipt.

Banana Ice Cream

Bananas dont have to always be just a quick, healthy snack or topping on cereal.

Broke vegans around the globe have relied on this cheap fruit to make delicious and easy vegan ice cream.

A bunch of bananas costs less than $2.

Plus, the riper the banana, the sweeter its taste.

Perfect for a frozen confection.

Healthy Two-Person Berry Crumble

Oats are among the healthiest grains on earth.

Theyre a gluten-free whole grain and a great source of important vitamins, minerals, fiber and antioxidants.

Studies show that oats and oatmeal have many health benefits.

These include weight loss, lower blood sugar levels and a reduced risk of heart disease.

Oats arent just for breakfast though.

A 42-ounce container of Great Value Old Fashioned Oats is under $3.

(Great Value is Walmarts store brand.)

you could also blend your oats into a fine flour, making a great gluten free alternative for baking.

Fresh berries are typically pretty expensive so confirm to buy fresh in season or at a farmers market.

Even better, keep an eye out of U-pick farms near you.

Washed-Flour Seitan

Duh, flour is cheap and vegan.

Seitan is typically made with vital wheat gluten, which can be pricey and is usually hard to find.

A 10-pound bag of all-purpose flour costs under $3.

A 5-pound bag of King Arthur all-purpose flour that contains 11.7 percent protein is just under $4.

Consider the Myth Busted

Now you know.

Cheap vegan meals with great taste and easy-to-find ingredients are possible and often under $5.

Contributor Tiffany Beyer is a social media coordinator and marketer based in St. Petersburg, Florida.

She specializes in real estate and lifestyle stories.

(Can you sense my millennial sarcasm there?)

You know which ones were talking about: rent, utilities, cell phone bill, insurance, groceries…