How Much Does Keto Cost? Burn Fat, Not Your Bank Balance!

When it comes to healthy eating, keto is one of the most popular diets in Australia right now. But alongside questions about what to eat and how it works, one big concern always pops up: how much does keto cost?

There’s a common misconception that the keto diet is expensive. With all the talk about grass-fed meat, almond meal, and avocado oil, it’s easy to assume you need to spend hundreds more each week just to keep your macros in check. But the truth is more nuanced.

The keto diet, short for ketogenic diet, is a high-fat, moderate-protein, very low-carb eating plan. It works by shifting your body into ketosis, a fat-burning state where fat becomes your primary fuel source instead of carbohydrates. This switch can help you lose weight, reduce cravings, and improve energy levels.

But does keto burn through your bank balance, as well as fat? Is it pricier than other popular diets? And can you do keto on a budget without giving up nutritious foods or your health goals?

In this guide, we break down the real costs of going keto. We’ll look at grocery prices, hidden expenses, and the benefits of using Bondi Meal Prep's meals to simplify your health journey. 

Is the Keto Diet More Expensive Than Other Popular Diets?

The idea that the keto diet is more expensive than other diets is common, but not always accurate. The truth depends on how you shop, what foods you prioritise, and how much time you have to plan your meals.

Compared to high-carb diets built around rice, bread, pasta, and legumes, keto can seem slightly higher in cost. That’s because many high-fat, low-carb ingredients come with a higher price tag. But that doesn't mean keto has to break your weekly food budget.

Here’s how keto compares to other popular diets in Australia:

• Standard Australian Diet: Often includes packaged snacks, takeaways, and processed food groups that can add up quickly. While carbs are cheap, the hidden costs of poor nutrition and health care can be high later on.

• Plant-Based or Vegan Diet: Beans, legumes, and vegetables can be cost-effective, but some specialty items and plant-based meat alternatives are quite pricey.

• Mediterranean Diet: Focused on whole foods, olive oil, fish, and fresh produce. This is similar in cost to keto when shopping for quality protein and fat sources.

• Keto Diet: High-fat, low-carb, moderate-protein. Costs depend on your ingredient choices, but with smart shopping and planning meals, it can be very affordable.

When done right, keto can offer great value. Many people find they save money by cutting out snacks, sugary drinks, and constant takeaways. Plus, you eat fewer large quantities of food because high-fat meals help you stay full longer.

So, while some ingredients cost more upfront, the overall food costs may balance out. With smart substitutions, keto can cost the same as many everyday diets, and often help you achieve even bigger results.

What Drives the Cost of Keto?

The cost of following a ketogenic diet depends on the foods you choose, how you shop, and how much preparation you are willing to do. While the keto diet can include premium ingredients, it also allows flexibility to shop within your budget.

Here are some of the biggest factors that influence how much keto costs:

• Protein choices: Grass-fed beef, free-range chicken thighs, and fresh seafood are nutrient-dense but can be more expensive than processed meats. However, options like canned tuna and eggs offer high protein at a lower cost.

• Fats and oils: Healthy fats such as olive oil, avocado oil, coconut oil, and butter are essential on keto. These add up quickly if you're buying premium brands, but can last a long time when used properly.

• Low-carb vegetables: Broccoli, zucchini, cauliflower, spinach, and spaghetti squash are all keto-friendly and affordable when bought in season or frozen.

• Nuts, seeds, and dairy: Almond meal, chia seeds, cream cheese, and coconut milk are common in keto recipes. These items can vary in price, so it helps to buy in bulk or look for specials during your regular grocery shopping.

• Keto-friendly extras: Fat bombs, low-carb snacks, and sugar-free condiments like soy sauce or keto-friendly dressings are convenient but can drive up your grocery bill if used often.

Ultimately, your food costs come down to how often you cook, what ingredients you prioritise, and how much time you want to spend planning meals. With a bit of structure and smart shopping, the keto diet does not have to cost more than any other well-balanced eating plan.

Breaking Down the Cost of Keto Groceries

Let’s look at what a typical week of keto grocery shopping might include and how much it could cost. These estimates are based on current prices in Australia and reflect a mix of fresh produce, protein, and pantry staples used in a typical ketogenic meal plan.

Example weekly grocery list for keto:

• 1 dozen free-range eggs – $6

• 1kg chicken thighs – $15

• 500g grass-fed beef mince – $9

• 2 cans of tuna – $3

• 1 avocado – $2

• 1 head of cauliflower – $4

• 1 bag baby spinach – $3.50

• 1 zucchini – $1.50

• 1L full-fat cream or coconut milk – $4

• 250g block of cheddar cheese – $5

• Olive oil – $10 (per bottle, lasts multiple weeks)

• Chia seeds – $6 (per bag, used across multiple weeks)

• Almond meal – $9 (per pack, lasts longer)

• Butter – $5

• Pantry extras (herbs, garlic, salt, pepper) – $3

Total (approximate for one person): $80–$100 per week

This amount can be slightly higher if you opt for organic produce or premium meats. On the other hand, you can save money by buying in bulk, choosing frozen vegetables, and swapping premium items for budget-friendly alternatives like canned tuna or cheaper cuts of meat.

Planning meals in advance and reducing food waste also helps keep your weekly spend in check. With a little strategy, the cost of keto groceries can be surprisingly manageable, even comparable to a standard low-carb or calorie-controlled diet.

How Meal Delivery Services Make Keto Easier 

Cooking all your own keto meals sounds ideal, but it takes time, effort, and planning. You need to count carbs, balance macros, and keep your fridge stocked with the right ingredients. For busy people, that often means last-minute compromises, skipped meals, or blowing the budget on a takeaway.

This is where keto meal delivery services like Bondi Meal Prep can save the day. With chef-prepared, nutritionally balanced meals delivered fresh to your door, you get all the benefits of the ketogenic diet, without the shopping, prepping, or guesswork.

Here’s how a meal delivery service can help you save:

• No food waste. You only pay for what you eat, with zero spoiled produce or unused ingredients.

• Built-in portion control. Each meal is designed to hit your fat, protein, and net carb targets.

• No specialty shopping. You skip the hunt for almond meal, avocado oil, or coconut milk at multiple stores.

• Time is money. Less time shopping and cooking means more time for training, working, or relaxing.

While the upfront cost per meal may be higher than cooking at home, the convenience, consistency, and reduced waste can make it a smarter investment, especially if it helps you stay on track long term.

Keto Made Simple with Bondi Meal Prep

You don’t need to spend hours grocery shopping or calculating macros to stick to your keto goals. Bondi Meal Prep delivers fresh, high-fat, low-carb meals straight to your door, ready to heat, eat, and help you stay consistent.

Each dish is crafted by chefs and nutritionists using premium ingredients like grass-fed meat, free-range chicken, and seasonal vegetables, with macros designed for fat loss and energy. If you’re new to keto or just too busy with work and training to cook, our keto-friendly meals take the stress out of eating well.

Explore our Keto Collection today and discover how easy, tasty, and affordable the keto lifestyle can be.