There are a few reasons than vegan food can be quite expensive. Firstly, veggies tend to be costly, especially if they’re not in season. Vegan “meat” is also pricey because it’s not subsidized; it’s a free market meaning brands need to maximize profit or fail. Plus, compared to the animal meat market, vegan meat still tiny (though growing), which means producers are less able to achieve economies of scale. There’s also a lot more research and development required to create meat alternatives, which costs money. Finally, as with any restaurant, your meal price also includes rent, labor, supplies, delivery, and overall dining experience.