One of the biggest concerns people have about the No Plant GAPS (NPG) diet is the cost. Many assume that eating only animal foods means buying expensive steaks and fillets. However, No Plant GAPS is all about using the whole animal—not just the premium cuts but the most nourishing and affordable parts that are often overlooked or even discarded. With the right approach, this way of eating can be incredibly cost-effective. Here’s how:
1. Make Meat Stock Using Cheap, Nourishing Cuts
Meat stock is the foundation of No Plant GAPS, providing collagen, minerals, and amino acids that heal the gut. Instead of expensive cuts, focus on parts that butchers or farmers often throw away:
- Chicken feet, necks, backs, and carcasses
- Beef knuckle bones, marrow bones, and oxtail
- Pork trotters, hocks, and skin
These cuts are cheap, deeply nourishing, and perfect for making gelatin-rich meat stock—a core healing food that supports digestion, detoxification, and overall gut repair.
2. Buy in Bulk and Invest in a Freezer
One of the best ways to save money is to buy meat in bulk. A whole or half animal costs significantly less per pound than buying individual cuts. If you don’t have space, consider investing in a second-hand freezer—you can find affordable options on Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, or other online resale sites. This allows you to stock up on high-quality meat at the best price.
3. Shop Around: Find Farmers and Butchers for the Best Deals
Instead of relying on grocery stores, take the time to find local farmers, butchers, and co-ops offering better prices on grass-fed and pastured meats. Many small farms sell directly to consumers at lower prices than supermarkets.
- Look for farmers’ markets, meat CSAs, and local ranchers
- Ask butchers for discounted cuts and offal
- Check online farm directories to find bulk meat suppliers in your area
- Contact your local Weston A Price Foundation leader for help where to find affordable animal based foods. You can find them here.
Look for farmers who may not have an official organic certification but still raise their animals ethically on pasture without soy-based feed, growth hormones, or antibiotics. Keep in mind that obtaining an organic license is extremely expensive, and many farmers choose not to pursue it to avoid passing high costs onto their customers. Instead of paying a premium for a label, seek out these honest farmers, ask them about their farming practices, and if possible, visit their farms. This way, you can support sustainable and high-quality animal husbandry without the extra cost of certification.
Building relationships with farmers can lead to bulk discounts and better deals over time and quilte often they will be giving you offcuts and some parts of animal for free. Fishmongers usually throw away fish heads – that’s your fish stock for free! Please make sure to always support these honest farmers and fishmongers by purchasing from them and promoting their business. This way, you maintain balance and avoid any karmic debt. If you only take without giving back, your equilibrium will be disrupted.
4. No Plant GAPS Wastes Nothing
One of the most budget-friendly aspects of NPG is that nothing goes to waste. Every part of the animal has value:
- Bones and nibbly bits become nutrient-rich stock
- Fat is rendered into cooking oil (tallow, lard, schmaltz) – for extended No Plant GAPS
- Organ meats provide essential vitamins at a fraction of the cost of muscle meat
- Leftover meat from stocks are used as a meal
By using the entire animal, you maximize nutrition while keeping costs low.
5. Skip Expensive Supplements—Get Nutrition from Food
Many people spend a fortune on supplements to compensate for nutrient deficiencies. On No Plant GAPS, your food becomes your medicine, eliminating the need for most supplements.
- Liver replaces multivitamins
- Meat stock provides minerals and collagen
- Naturally occuring Animal fats support brain function and hormone balance
Since real food is more bioavailable than synthetic supplements, you save money while getting superior nutrition.
6. Your Body Will Require Less Food Over Time
As your gut heals, you will naturally need less food. Inflammation and malabsorption cause people to eat more than necessary because their bodies aren’t properly absorbing nutrients. On No Plant GAPS:
- Gut healing increases nutrient absorption, meaning you need smaller portions to feel satisfied and fullfil any nutritional needs.
- Blood sugar stabilizes, reducing cravings for unnecessary snacks and extra meals.
- Hunger signals regulate, meaning you naturally eat only what your body truly needs.
Over time, this means lower grocery bills, making No Plant GAPS even more cost-effective in the long run.
No Plant GAPS doesn’t have to be expensive. By focusing on the most nourishing parts of the animal, buying in bulk, wasting nothing, and skipping costly supplements, you save money while deeply nourishing your body. And as your gut heals, your food intake naturally decreases, making this way of eating even more sustainable and affordable.
Want to learn how to transition into No Plant GAPS safely and effectively? Check out our comprehensive online training for expert guidance and support!