This is not the case, especially when we are talking about veganism. In fact, I'm a bit confused as to how this excuse came to be as 8oz of steak costs dollars per pound yet beans or mushrooms are cents/pennies per pound.

The main components of a vegan diet are fruits and vegetables; along with grains, legumes, nuts and seeds. These are all ingredients that can be found cheaply in bulk at most food stores or supermarkets. 

One of the basic tastes is umami (the others being salty, sweet, bitter and sour). Humans love umami because it makes our mouths water for more food. The reason humans crave meat is because it contains glutamate which is where the umami taste comes from.

One great source of the umami taste is yeast extract also known as Marmite or Vegemite. This delicious spread can be eaten on toast or added to pasta to satisfy the desire for umami. As it also has a salty taste it can be added to soups, stews, sauces and casseroles for a double whammy of flavour. 

The use of spices and condiments like salt and pepper can make any meal delicious without adding expensive ingredients like meat or seafood. It's easy to create flavourful dishes with these simple ingredients. They last for ages and you only need a little bit so they save you money too.  

Protein quality is important and despite the quantity of protein in meat being higher than in plants, vegetables pack a punch too. We're talking quality over quantity. Vegan protein is varied and delicious including tofu, legumes, nuts, seeds, tempeh and edamame 

There are actually way more nutrients in plants. Pound for pound they are more nutrient-dense. I find it incredible that someone living on a fast food diet with all the nutrients processed out of it can challenge me on a diet full of vegetables