Vegan Grocery List for Beginners

If you're new to the colorful world of plant-based living, building the ultimate vegan grocery list is like creating your own culinary adventure. Forget the misconceptions – eating vegan is not about sacrificing flavor; it's about embracing a vibrant array of delicious options!

Jump to:

• Eating Vegan is More Flavorful
• Getting Enough Protein
• Eating a Vegan Diet is More Affordable
• Fruits and Vegetables
• Whole Grains and Legumes
• Non-Dairy Alternatives
• Healthy Fats
• Pantry Staples
• Shopping Tips

Eating Vegan is More Flavorful

Going vegan isn't a taste downgrade; it's an invitation to be your kitchen's flavor steward. Picture the rainbow of fruits and veggies, and the hearty satisfaction of grains like quinoa and farro. But don't forget about the wide world of spices, herbs, and condiments that turn everyday ingredients into unforgettable dishes!

Whether it's mouthwatering curries, drool-worthy desserts, or cool vegan twists on classics, the vegan scene isn't just good for you; it's a celebration of flavors that'll make you rethink what delicious really means.

Getting Enough Protein

Getting enough protein on a vegan diet is easier than you might think. Meet the MVPs: beans, lentils, and their pals. These plant powerhouses are not just affordable, but they pack a protein punch that can rival any meaty counterpart.

Don't forget about nuts and seeds – almonds, walnuts, and chia seeds bring the crunch and the protein. And, of course, quinoa deserves a shout-out for having a complete protein profile!

Eating a Vegan Diet is More Affordable

Believe it or not, diving into the vegan lifestyle can be a budget-friendly game-changer. Contrary to the myth that plant-based eating is a pricey affair, going vegan can actually be kind to your wallet.

Think about it – staples like rice, beans, lentils, and veggies are often way more affordable than their animal-based counterparts. What's more, despite canned beans being quite reasonably priced, dried beans are an even cheaper option.

To learn more about saving money on your grocery bill, you can sign up for my free weekly newsletter and I will send you a pdf of my "Money Saving Tips for Buying Groceries".

Fruits and Vegetables

In the colorful realm of vegan goodness, fruits and vegetables are the undeniable rockstars. Packed with essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, these vibrant delights fuel your plant-based journey.

Vegetables

I like to buy fresh seasonal vegetables from my local farmers market, but I always have frozen vegetables in my freezer for last minute dinner ideas. My favorite way to eat vegetables is roasted, but they're also delicious sauteed in stir-fries, or added to salads.

Depending on where you live, you can find vegetables fresh, canned, or frozen. Here are some options:

Fruits

I try to always have mandarins or oranges on hand, but I also love eating my fruit seasonally (e.g. apples in fall, pears in winter, peaches in summer). I also keep a bag of frozen mixed berries in the freezer for when I run out of fresh fruit.

Depending on where you live and what's in season, you can find your fruit fresh, frozen, or dried. Here are some options:

Whole Grains and Legumes

Whole grains like quinoa, brown rice, and farro bring a hearty and satisfying element to meals. They're the reliable sidekicks that add substance and keep you fueled throughout the day.

Now, let's talk legumes – the protein-packed champions of the vegan plate. From chickpeas and lentils to black beans, they're the muscle behind creating savory stews, creamy hummus, and mouth-watering veggie burgers.

I like to make a large batch of brown rice or quinoa at the beginning of the week, as well as black beans or pinto beans, so I can add them to curries, grain bowls, salads, soups, and tacos throughout the week.

Whole Grains

Legumes

Non-Dairy Alternatives

The world of non-dairy alternatives has expanded so much in recent years. From almond and oat milk to coconut and soy options, the variety is as rich as the flavors they bring to the table.

I keep a container of almond milk or soy milk on hand for my morning coffee, as well as for baking and cooking. I also make sure to have a few cans of coconut milk in my pantry to make a variety of Asian dishes, as well as coconut whipped cream.

Non-Dairy Milk Alternatives

• Almond milk
• Soy milk
• Oat milk
• Rice milk
• Coconut milk
• Cashew milk
• Hemp milk
• Flaxseed milk
• Hazelnut milk

Non-Dairy Cheese Alternatives

• Vegan cheddar, mozzarella, Swiss, goat cheese, or your favorite plant-based cheese
• Plant-based cream cheese
• Nutritional yeast (used as a cheese flavoring)

Non-Dairy Yogurt Alternatives

• Coconut yogurt
• Almond yogurt
• Soy yogurt
• Cashew yogurt
• Oat yogurt

Non-Dairy Butter Alternatives

• Vegan butter
• Coconut oil (as a butter substitute)

Non-Dairy Ice Cream Alternatives

• Almond milk ice cream
• Coconut milk ice cream
• Soy milk ice cream
• Cashew milk ice cream
• Oat milk ice cream

Non-Dairy Cream Alternatives

• Coconut cream
• Soy cream
• Oat Cream

Non-Dairy Sour Cream Alternatives

• Cashew sour cream
• Coconut sour cream
• Soy sour cream

Healthy Fats

Healthy fats not only add a satisfying richness to your meals but are also good for you. Avocados, nuts, seeds, and olive oil are the plant-based all-stars that bring the good kind of fats to the party.

I like to keep several different types of nuts in my pantry for snacking or baking, and I use olive oil for my everyday cooking. Of course, regular readers know about my love of chocolate, so I have a bin in my pantry that's dedicated to dark chocolate!

Oils, etc.

• Avocado
• Dark chocolate (make sure there are no milk solids)
• Olive oil
• Coconut oil
• Sunflower oil
• Safflower oil
• Canola oil
• Grapeseed oil
• Flaxseed oil
• Chia oil
• Avocado oil
• Soybean oil

Nuts, Seeds, and Nut Butters

Pantry Staples

When it comes to a vegan diet, condiments, spices, and herbs are the unsung heroes that transform ordinary meals into culinary masterpieces. Think zesty hot sauces, tangy mustards, aromatic basil, and smoky paprika!

Condiments

Spices and Herbs

Think about what type of cuisine you will be cooking most frequently, and buy the dried spices (and herbs) that correlate with that cuisine to have them at the ready. Here are some options:

Sweeteners

• Maple syrup
• Agave nectar
• Dates/date syrup
• Coconut sugar
• Brown rice syrup
• Molasses
• Stevia
• Monk fruit sweetener
• Applesauce (as a natural sweetener in baking)
• Banana puree (as a natural sweetener in baking)
• Date sugar

Shopping Tips

I really enjoy going to my local farmers market every week. Not only is it a communal experience, but I know that I'm purchasing excellent-quality produce and supporting small farmers at the same time.

That said, there are obviously many items that I can only find at the supermarket. Because those long and wide grocery store aisles can be tempting, I always have a shopping list written up ahead of time to keep me focused.

As a rule of thumb, try to start your grocery store shopping around the perimeter of the store. This is where the whole foods are placed (i.e. fruits and vegetables), as well as dairy/non-dairy items. Happy shopping!

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