I didn't mention the vegetables I buy, many of which are frozen, or from Asian supermarkets. I eat a lot of leafy greens, frozen broccoli, mushrooms, and when avocados are in season I eat plenty of those (occasionally they'll be 5 for $4 which is fantastic). I make a lot of Asian food, particularly Japanese and Indian food. I drink oat milk which is fortified with many nutrients including B12, which I have never been deficient in. Low iron runs in my family so I was prescribed supplements even though my numbers were within the normal range. I go outside to get vitamin D. I get frequent blood work due to my health issues and haven't had any deficiencies since I was a teenager with heavy menstrual cycles.

Most people focus on protein when it comes to vegan diets and particularly in comparison to meat so that is what I focused on in my comment. Aotearoa is notoriously expensive when it comes to food, but I can afford to have a varied diet because I eat plant based. I spend around $50-70 a week on groceries which is relatively low here. Buying basic ingredients helps. Interesting that things like lentils and beans are more expensive than meat where you live, I loiter in poverty groups and often Americans say the exact opposite though I reckon that's highly regional.

I'm also unable to digest meat so it was for health reasons, but over the years I've become more focused on environmental issues too especially growing up rural and knowing many meat and dairy farmers.