£15 VEGAN WEEKLY BUDGET GROCERY SHOP AT SAINSBURY'S 💰 

I'm a wildlife conservation student and just as a heads up for everyone, sustainable palm oil is often a misleading term. It can be used to describe the cutting down of palm and replacing it with another tree, but the new tree isn't necessarily palm, it can be a tree of much less ecological value but they can still call it sustainable as they are technically 'replacing' the tree. It's worth investigating what the definition of sustainable is in a lot of cases and thinking critically about it if you can be bothered to do so. That being said, sustainable palm oil is probs better than nothing :)

I’ve been to Borneo Malaysia and seen the destruction first hand, it was utterly depressing. I would love to know the parameters to classify palm oil as sustainable. As far as I could see the damage had already been done, you can’t grow back forests that look thousands of years to develop. Also sunflower/ rapeseed oil can be produced much closer to home so also need to take that into account when considering the sustainability of a product.

I hope things have actually changed with the palm oil industry. I wrote a uni paper back in 2017 and concluded that even RSPO sourced palm oil isnt sustainable. Back then when I researched, I found that they're allowed to mix sustainable and non-sustainable palm oil and are legally allowed to still call it sustainable. What I can remember, I think it was even 50/50 mix... I also found that 2/3 of ALL products contain palm oil... and they don't have to lable it on cosmetics. There's a list if you search on Google, it contains the hundreds of names that palm oil can have. So even if you think you're buying something without palm oil, it could still contain it... and likely not the "sustainable" kind. Palm oil is almost impossible to avoid, unless you go raw. Of course RSPO has to tell you that it's more sustainable, but I would love a video where you look into their process and what actually accounts to the label "sustainable". As I wrote in the beginning, I hope the industry has changed. I love what you do Maddie! Idk, I just hope you've done the research before giving this much credit to an organization that might not be as great as you're making them look.

Oh I’m so happy that the budget supermarket shop videos are back! Yeah!

I am vegan and avoid palm oil. I respect the opinions that you expressed but as a tropical ecologist (masters degree and over 15 yrs experience working with NGOs), I don't believe that palm oil can truly be sustainable. There is a lot of literature about it in scientific journals. Please read these to fully understand and make an informed decision. I have also been to Malaysia and seen the devastation myself - deforestation, loss of habitat to wildlife, and also destruction of marine ecosystems due to run-off from the palm oil industry. Most of the foods that I eat don't contain cheap oils anyways though - for example I prefer the taste of nut butters that don't have any added oil. Just the nuts. If I get products with oil, it would be "quality oils" in hummus, pesto, etc. edit: Since a lot of you have asked about "quality oils" - I was referring to oils that are not cheap filler oils and are not really needed in the product. For example, olive oil in hummus and pesto would be a "quality oil" vs palm oil or sunflower oil in bouillon or nut butters where it is used by the company to save money. Therefore I wasn't referring to the type of oil itself but how it is used. However I completely understand that these type of quality products might not be in someone's budget or be available (I don't have time to get into food deserts, etc but sadly a lot of these oils are used in products in areas where there is a lack of access to nutritious and healthy foods and this might be your only option). So of course do what is best for your budget. Also, I completely respect that some people are oil free and think that all oils are not quality and should be avoided - you do what is best for you! Avocado oil is an entirely different topic as that also is typically produced in a way that is negative to the environment and human wellbeing. Unfortunately there probably isn't a "good" substitute for palm oil since Madeleine is correct in that oils that are typically used as a substitute for fillers do usually have other negative consequences such as that they use more land to produce the same amount of oil. However their overall environmental footprint might be less if you take into consideration the entire lifecycle of the product - there is a lot to consider and a lot of research that still has to be done on this plus the impact varies depending on where the product is produced and where it is being shipped to. That is why it is best to use products that don't require these filler oils if you have the access and the budget. If you can't avoid palm oil completely it is best to use the "sustainably certified" palm oil as there is a chance that it could be more sustainable than the non-sustainable palm oil. Then there are other products that are more difficult. Example, vegan butter. I use Miyoko's because she doesn't use palm oil, her packaging is 100% compostable, and I am supporting a small vegan company. She does use coconut oil, cashews, and sunflower oil, which do have environmental impacts. However all foods have some level of environmental impact and I think that these oils/fats are less damaging to ecosystems, animals, and people than palm oil (based on the literature searches I have done and talking with experts). Yes, it is more expensive but I don't use butter very often so it works for me. Plus I don't think that any vegan butters are certified sustainable (but please correct me if I am wrong). So, if you can afford it, this really is the best sustainable butter in the US (I have no idea about Europe!). Bottom line - don't let it overwhelm you and just do the best you can "to exclude-as far as is possible and practicable-all forms of exploitation". Another thing to consider. Madeleine is correct that some of the sustainably certified palm oil farms are small landowners and we would want to support them. HOWEVER, large corporations can be certified to be sustainable as well so you don't know which farm the oil in your product is coming from.

I'd just like to add that if palmoil is RSPO certified it's BS! The whole problem with palmoil is that the ground isn't usable anymore after harvest. I don't remember for how many years but definitely more than 2. Which makes the farmers want to get rid of more rainforest so they can plant more (obviously because they need to feed their family) or the big enterprises just get rid of a big piece of forest so they can do more at once etc.. not quite sure how it's possible to do that sustainably?

I try to minimize the number of products with palmoil in it. Sustainably or not, rapseed oil comes from europe, palm oil has to be transported from tropical areas. It’s not easy to make a right desicion, there are so many informations to research. Love your shopping haul 😊

I was encouraged several years ago when Wilmar, the company responsible for the lion's share of palm oil production, made a commitment to go RSPO certified. Then a year or so later, there was a huge expose about how sustainable palm oil supply chains were overwhelmingly using slave labour on their plantations. Palm oil when done right can be a life-saving crop for independent farmers, but the world just isn't there. It's a no from me.

Recommendation for food not ending up in the bin; buy the single bananas instead of a bunch. These often don't get bought and go to waste due to standard shopping habits. :)

I think the more important thing to consider in respect of palm oil is the link to the spread of cancer. Research has found that palmitic acid (the fatty acids) in palm oil may raise the risk of metastasis. I think this is a good reason to avoid it as much as possible, which is difficult because it is in so many processed foods.

At the beginning of the video comment. And I’ll add an opinion after. Do you think that this ad company is basically lobbying to to turn views on palm oil and green washing it so that the over all customer will look at it in a way that’s different, even if there really isn’t a difference. After watching: From the research that I’ve done post watch, don’t trust this aspect with American grocery shopping. Also to give an equal viewpoint on how other oils are environmentally worse then palm oil, then those stats should have been made in the video. A questionable ad choice but something that definitely is a good conversation.

I would say instead of avoiding palm oil specifically, I try to avoid unnecessary oil additives anywhere. If there isn't a product that is oil free, I will just try to buy they best option, organic, with certifications etc. I just like to buy products that have the least amount of ingredients, the most whole food options. LOVING the kitchen - excited to see the full video :)

Thank you for doing these again! I've watched your other budget shop videos so many times. If you repeat the stores you've already done, I'd love to watch more 💕

do you think that the "sustainably produced palm oil" is actually sustainable? When you first mentioned that my very first tought was the Seaspiracy movie where it can be learned that comapnies are basically paid off to have the "sustainable fishing" label (I don't know the exact name of the label sorry). I'm just genuenly curious what do you think of this :)

Go to Malaysia or Indonesia and then answer the question of whether palm oil is sustainable. There is so much corruption in these countries that I find these claims very, very hard to believe. That being said, the damage has already been done so if you're going to consume palm oil then try to make a better choice.

I’m so glad you’re doing shop with me videos again, they are my favorite! And thank you for sharing about sustainable palm oil, always love to learn new things

We've gone back into lockdown where I live and your videos are cheering me up! Love the budget shop vlogs a lot!!! :)

Really glad to see these videos are back! Also Maddy, I'd love to see what you do with that basil plant. I'd love to start growing some basics at home but have no idea where to start.

Madeleine...one of the best vlogs! Thank you for all this useful information on food, budget and palm oil info. Watched this with hubby and he found it really interesting. You even reminded me to add Kello stock cubes to my Sainsbury’s list! You are a genius!!! 🦋

I got so excited when I got the alert for this video! I've missed your grocery shop videos ♥️

Glad you guys are back to the budget shopping videos! 🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻 I’ve missed the shopping and food videos.

Wow sad. I posted respectfully that I disagree with links to scientific journal findings that sustainable palm oil is not always sustainable. And ask people to do their own research and make up their own minds. And it was deleted. Apparently censorship is a thing. Still enjoyed the shopping aspect of the video. P.s love the bloopers!

Thank you so much for this video! So happy your budget supermarket videos are back I loved them in the past! I never knew much about the links between palm oil and veganism I just always assumed it was a bad ingredient but hard to avoid when shopping! I’ve learnt so much from your video so thank you 🥰

Such a great laugh at Alex posing at grocery unload🤣 And the painting in the corner, smashing!! Kitchen looks so luxurious..color, lighting...yum!!

I luv this video in particular because of the beginning section about palm oil. You have made my life so much simpler, I thank you ❤

I avoid palm oil, I'm on a plant based diet but I don't eat anything with added oil. It helps with inflammation in the body.

I definitely steer away from palm oil! Not even "sustainable'.

I loved the blooper at the end! But also, thank you for providing the sustainability information regarding palm oil, because I was not aware. I love your videos and I really enjoyed seeing a new budget shop!

You're seriously the best! You're one, if not the only best vegan content creator I enjoy watching! ❤️

Great video! I tend to avoid palm oil altogether, as it's a bit ubiquitous (like flavoured corn starch that manufacturers use to bulk up tinned & packaged products that are actually low on real food content). It's now easier to find peanut butter with no palm oil at all and, to my palate, it tastes so much better. Btw ~ your beautiful kitchen was photo-bombing your carrier bag unpacking!

On growing lemons: we grow lemons in a greenhouse (in norway, but there is heating in the greenhouse) and we do get a couple but they're tiny and very low yield but the plant is just beautiful

I am just amazed at all of the vegan options you have. I'm in the the US in a smallish Texas town. Love your videos! They make me wish I could move to Cornwall.

Wooo so happy to see you do this video again I absolutely love these and how you can really make a small budget work 👍

In my household, we do avoid palm oil because we love orangutans :) but we eat oil free anyway because we eat a whole food vegan diet.

Yes I do avoid palm oil. It’s fattening, and unsustainably sourced on the whole. The peanut butter that I buy doesn’t contain any oil. I live in Italy and eat olive oil. It’s possible to buy the oil which is produced from trees that I can see out of my kitchen window. 🫒

Hi Maddie & Alex - nice to see a budget grocery shop. Really informative too re Palm Oil - I have tried to avoid it as I must admit I have been confused - good to read other peoples views & get your advices too - Thank You - good to know you will be doing other Supermarket Budget Shops in future - as every week food prices go up - enjoyed ! x :)

I've missed these so much! I haven't been keeping up with the reno process, just because that's not my thing, but I hope it's been going well for the two of you!

Honestly have never given palm oil a thought because most of the food I eat is whole foods, and I use olive oil or coconut oil pretty much exclusively. Everyone in our house has multiple food allergies so there's very few processed foods we can eat anyway, so it's a non-issue for us.

Always enjoy watching you two out shopping! The Kitchen is absolutely gorgeous, the bargain print looks wonderful where it is 💚

I find Sainsbury’s really vegan-friendly too. It’s definitely where I shop the most. And I dip into Waitrose occasionally for Ombars and other treats, or different fruit and veg, as they have a slightly wider range than Sainsbury’s 😊

Love this! Would also love to see the meals you make with these groceries though / what I eat in a week.

Yayyy love it! Please do more weekly shops! Love seeing these for money saving ideas and meal ideas! X

these are my favorite videos!!!!!

I adored this video...you and Alex were so comical and it was super fun to watch!! I miss UK supermarkets and all the choices! Whenever I visit I love wandering around the supermarket and seeing all the new products 😍

Finally!! I love this type of videos, thank you!!!!!!

I try not to use palm oil based on Iceland's ad a couple of Christmases ago where they showed it was killing orangutans. I'm not vegan but I watch you for inspiration and I do have more meat free days than I used too.

Great to see this type of video from you again! ☺️ Can you do what you did previously and do a weekly meal plan with these specific ingredients you have bought?

I have loved your Reno videos but soo loved you bringing back these food shop vids!! Ah so amazing :) if i am honest I have in most recent days heard of articles saying palm oil research shows links to it helping cancer spread. I am not sure if it is correct or not as i have been skeptical about articles but do not know if it is true facts :/ so ever since hearing it i see the words palm oil and it scares me a bit. On the back of your video i now am educated in knowing the labelling of sustainably sourced palm oil so i will check that from now :)

It was excellent to see a video like this again, thank you! Will you be doing a follow up one showing the meals that you made?

These videos always get me excited to go grocery shopping. 🤩

I read an article about Mutti tomatoes. Apparently they use a lot of foreign workers, don’t pay them a living wage nor have any kind of sanitation near the fields (which is super unfair for the workers plus unhygienic, since people need to go during a working day).

Yes I avoid palm oil because of deforestation and loss of habitat for animals. Also, palm oil just isn't good for you. It's full of saturated fat.

Woohoo 🥳🙌 budget shopping videos are back! I try to avoid palm oil e.g in my chocolate I don't have palm oil, but unless it states palm oil free, for other products I tend to forget

This was a really helpful & interesting video & it’s made me want to shop at Sainsbury’s a bit more now ☺️👏🏻🌱

I LOOOVE those videos

Thanks guys. I love these vids 😊

Thank you so much for this video. Indeed I have stoped buying products long time ago with palm oil so this was definitely educational for me! Also small comment I love seeing you and Alex in the videos together, I understand why you stoped the other channel but still just want to let you know that.

This is a very interesting video and thank you for prompting us to think about sustainability in our everyday choices, especially food shopping. I’m honestly not sure how to make such decisions because I find the information to be partial or biased for most things. Regarding palm oil and sustainable palm oil, I’m too skeptic to believe the institutions that provides the sustainable label are not corrupt as many others that provide food labels. The idea that reduced items go straight to the bin is not true either. Most retailers have MANY steps in place to reduce food waste and reducing items is the first step (and the only one that we see as customers). As I said, quite often I feel the information about sustainability is incomplete. For instance, I’ve been thinking and researching about electric and hybrid cars. I can find data on reduced carbon footprint for using those cars but I can’t find data comparing the whole carbon footprint cycle, including manufacturing the car and recycling the batteries. So I honestly don’t know if that’s a better choice and might be lying to myself that I’m doing something good for the environment when I can’t find all the data. How do others feel about such things? Do you also feel that often there’s just partial information attempting to manipulate our choices and play on our personal values of sustainability and caring for the animals?

Fave vegan RU-vidr 😍 Great video! I’m vegan & only use cruelty free or vegan makeup/ beauty/household products & am focussing on buying ethical clothing & produce from farmers markets & sustainable local products ❤️ palm oil is something I want to ensure I’m not consuming too & this was so helpful xx

A tip for beans: you can soak them in bulk and then freeze them in separate bags, so when you want to use them, you just boiled them directly!

Looooove these videosss I found the sustainable palm oil conversation really interesting, I'll definetely look it up ! I wonder how the distance vs. efficiency balance will be Cannot wait to the part 2 :))

Great video. So much vegan variety in the U.K. I do miss the grocery stores back home and prices are really good compared to the US. I love your out and about vlogs too. I buy some vegan and gluten free (daughter is celiac) as well as regular food.. weekly cost is close to $200! So on my previous trips to the U.K. I’d bring back suitcase full of these goodies at a fraction of the cost I pay in the US. Been awhile since I’ve been back home!! Flav City dissects food labels and discusses palm oil on a few of his vlogs. Thank you

You are so fortunate to live in such a vegan friendly part of the world! I have often thought this when I watch you shop. I moved to the rainforest of NW Panama where United Fruit & Chiquita had plantations in the 20th century. Palm oil here is not sustainably produced and neither are most vegetables grown organically. My eyes have certainly been opened here! There are more vegans living here than we originally thought (great!) but there is still a lot of social animosity and need for education. An opportunity 😊 Thank you & Alex for sharing your efforts

So happy to see these videos make a return!!

I've been waiting for this for SOOOO bloody long omg!

Cant believe my favourite type of yours films are back! 🤩

I love your videos Maddie but have to disagree about "sustainable" palm oil as many people have mentioned below. Also, you can't be impartial if you're being paid by someone who benefits from the sale of palm oil. Boycotting palm oil isn't being uneducated, it's feeling strong enough about an issue you don't want to be involved in it. Like veganism. And comments regarding over consumption of other oils in its place is tricky because if everyone chose an oil harvested closer to them/less air miles/etc it would probably cause less overconsumption of one certain oil. It's never black and white though. All of our food habits are so far removed from past generations where simple wholefoods predominated rather than ultra processed foods where ingredients like palm oil are favoured due to its availablity and low cost.

So interesting I was avoiding palm oil because of what I had read on it. I thought that it was all same, I have bought and used stuff with it but didn't like the idea because I always thought it was so bad. Thank you for your info and great recipes and videos.🙂❤

A great budget shopping in Sainsbury's. I have spent £15.00 per week in Lidl. My nearest supermarket is a Lidl a 15 minute walk away but Aldi and Tesco between 25-30 minutes walk away so it means taking longer to walk there and using either a bus or taxi to get back home. Palm oil regardless whether it's sustainable or not isn't the healthiest because like coconut oil it contains high levels of saturated fat which increases heart disease risk. Love 🥰 the video and love 💕 Madeleine & Alex.

Yay love these vids maddy

Yes, you can actually grow mushrooms really really easily! Can't wait to see you doing it in your future videos!

Hi Maddie! I would love to see a video like this (if you have the option of doing it!) about using food that would otherwise go into landfill - I will preface this by saying I am super lucky where I live in Nottingham, we have two social supermarkets that redistribute surplus food, and I also use Olio a lot (would really recommend!) and Lidl does a £1.50 box which contains food that would otherwise go to waste (I don't know if that is rolled out across the country or is just here in Notts). I think it would be so cool to see what recipes you could create with food that's 'rescued', I was so interested by your comments on how to reduce waste by buying reduced food and thought this might be a logical progression! Thank you so much for creating such incredible vids- from a very newbie vegan, you are bringing me so much joy and inspo!

Thank you for this video, I didn't know of sustainable palm oil. I will check my labels more thoroughly from now on 👍

One thing I've noticed with Sainsbury's, is they seem to be a lot better for loose fruit and veg compared to other supermarkets. They also do a few wonky veg items like peppers and carrots

You guys seemed to have such a good day together! Loving the side commentary from Alex. Hope you both are doing well! ❤️

Thank you so much for this, you guys are the best 💚🌱

We just moved to the UK 4 months ago from the US my favorites are Tesco for sure, and aldi is great just like at home

Looooove these kinds of videos! 👏 England is so far ahead than Denmark on the vegan scene - Wanting all the christmas things!! 😍

I must be lucky, my local ASDA has a great vegan and free from section! They also do their own dehydrated soy mince for 70p! Bang that in with some pasta and sauce and you've got a super cheap and quick bolognese!

palm oil is not "better" that is wrong to say, imagine if companies started to put only, as you say, sustanaible palm oil in all their products that would make a inbalance, just like there is already a problem with the avocado plantations and the almond plantations because of the nut butter and almond milks... I guess that we will never be able to get rid of palm oil now that it has been accepted in the food industry unfortunately, but we can choose variety, because variety is key ! Palm oil is absolutely awful to health just like any oil that solidifies like coco oil, etc if you only take one type of oil...the best one is olive oil that's for sure but not all the time too.

Thank you for this, avoided palm oil for donkeys years but have listened to your comments with interest

The soup maker!! 🤣🤣 I think about that all the time Maddie lol🖤

I just think you guys are so adorable!!! Even though I'm not vegan, I found this to be very informative, useful and very entertaining..I would love to hop the big pond and stay for a spell..can't wait to see what the place looks like for the holidays!! Happy Thanksgiving to you and your families:>)

is sustainable palm oil actually sustainable? I thought green peace said it was just getting certified without any change in practices (hence why 95% are certified)

Loved this video - what else do you eat for snacks ? Thanks as well for the info on palm oil 😊

Hi love these videos helps with my shopping so much. Can you do a waitrose one please as I have one near me and would love advice on what to get. Keep up the fab content and thanks for the palm oil stuff and was confused about what all the different oils meant and did .😀

Loved this! Another way to avaid food waste when shopping: buy the single bananas because they are most likely to end up in the bin 😊

Although I'm not vegan, I try to eat mostly plant-based foods. Everything else is locally-sourced and sustainable. In the last six months, I've stopped using all oils except olive oil for health reasons. I did not know about this particular information about palm oil, so thank you for this. As with anything I buy, the less ingredients on the package, the better. Although I don't trust the packaging as much here in the US. The UK is heads above the US when it comes to vegan foods. I would love it if I could shop for items I've seen in your other videos, and this one, that includes "meat" products.

I love Alex's shirt!!! Love the useful info.

Loved your shopping trip. Nice to see Alex too.

The UK is so lucky in terms of vegan groceries and products which are decently priced and delicious. While I do live in California, I live where my being a vegetarian is hard to shop for and often expensive.

These are my favorite videos!

Thanks for this, I’ve been vegan for two years, but I’m still getting better at trying to be more waste-free and sustainable

You could possibly grow a lemon tree indoors, but you would have to keep it trimmed (bush-sized). When you have time, you should try it and see how it goes. :)

Very good video. I like to buy frozen veggies and fruit too,very useful... The thing with the palmoil....i only take that special one you were talking about. This video is very informative,thans alot. Something i love about your supermarket,you have so much vegan stuff. We only get alot of vegan stuff in special organic markets,well at least,where i live. Stay safe you two❤💕 Alex 42-52secs.i would say,he looks very tired like:madeleine,i need my bed🤣 Btw.i love plain porridge,just with some oatdrink and sugar maybe cinnamon too.

I'm surprised you managed to film in a Sainsbury's. My friend and I once saw a department sign in one of their stores that said deserts instead of desserts. He took a photo and then we were quite quickly approached by security and told we couldn't take photos in there. I suppose they've relaxed the rules as it was about 7 years ago.

Yaaay love your food hauls and any vegan recipes. Lacking on some meal inspo ideas every so often this happens hate it 😒

It's actually insane how many big companies are finally getting on the vegan train. Like, Cadbury doing vegan options?! Kit Kat has vegan options, you can even get vegan Kraft mac and cheese now! All the major supermarkets in my country have a store brand vegan section now.

More of Alex please and your reactions to his sillyness 🤣🙌🏻

I do try to limit my palm oil intake and always check for that, but I did hear in a podcast (plant proof with an environmental scientist) that palm oil has a much higher idle than alternatives like coconut oil. So for the same demand there is less deforestation when palm oil is used than when it is replaced by for instance coconut oil. I thought that was an interesting fact to be aware off! Of course there are lots of products that don’t need either (like peanut butter) so in that case I think it’s definitely best to avoid palm oil.