New To The Vegan Diet? Here's A Grocery List (& Inspo For Plant-Based Meals)

We put together a master list of the best plant-based essentials.

Koichiko

Jan 31, 2025 - 21:03

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New To The Vegan Diet? Here's A Grocery List (& Inspo For Plant-Based Meals)

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mbg Spirituality & Relationships Editor

By Sarah Regan

mbg Spirituality & Relationships Editor

Sarah Regan is a Spirituality & Relationships Editor, and a registered yoga instructor. She received her bachelor's in broadcasting and mass communication from SUNY Oswego, and lives in Buffalo, New York.

eusable bags with fresh healthy vegetables and fruit on wooden table in the kitchen.

Image by Martí Sans / Stocksy

January 31, 2025

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Heading to your favorite grocery store, list in hand, ready to pick up everything you need for a week of fun recipes and meal prep, is a great feeling. Unless, of course, you find yourself out of food and have no idea where to start for next week's shop.

If you're trying Vegan-uary on for size this year, diving into plant-based eating might mean leaving some of your old standbys on the shelf—which can make grocery shopping a lot more complicated.

Luckily, we're here to help. We put together this master list of plant-based pantry essentials to help you nail your trip to the market, and also added in enough meal inspo for a whole week of plant-based eating—breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

All the vegetables

Leafy greens (spinach, kale, lettuce, etc.)CucumberBroccoliCauliflowerBell peppersBrussels sprouts Mushrooms (technically a fungus, but here we are)Artichokes or artichoke heartsSquash (butternut, spaghetti, summer, etc.)OnionGarlicGreen peas (frozen are great to have on hand)Snow peasSweet potatoFresh herbs

All the fruits

ApplesBananasBlueberriesStrawberriesOrangesGrapefruitWatermelonAvocadoTomatoesGrapesDatesPomegranate

Protein

TofuTempehLentilsBeans (any: black, pinto, cannellini, etc.)ChickpeasSeitanNuts and seeds (almonds, walnuts, pepitas, etc.)

Snacks

HummusDark chocolateQuinoa or bean tortilla chipsPopcorn (Make it on the stove and add your own seasoning!)Pita chipsEdamameTrail mixRice cakesNondairy yogurtVegan cheeseSalsa

Miscellaneous

Nut butter (almond, cashew, etc.)Dried coconutChia seedsSpirulinaGoji berriesCacao powder or nibsHemp seedsFlaxseedsNutritional yeastOil of choice (olive, avocado, sesame, etc.)Balsamic vinegarVegetable stockDried herbs and spices of choiceHot sauce of choice

Drinks

Nondairy milk of choice (oat, cashew, etc.)KombuchaCoconut waterHerbal teaCoffeeVegan alcohol

There are a ton of great options on the market today that are plant-based and healthy—just be sure to check the label. "Vegan" doesn't always equal "healthy," and ultra-processed foods should still be eaten sparingly.

Before you head to the store, think about what you'd like to eat. Having an idea of your upcoming meals will make sure you're not left with a fridge full of groceries but no idea what to cook. Check out Fridge to Table for recipe ideas based on particular ingredients!

In the meantime, these seven breakfast, lunch, and dinner recipes will get you started on a week's worth of plant-based eating.

And of course, these groceries and recipes are just a jumping-off point if you need some inspiration. There are lots of brands offering great vegan products that didn't make this list, so get familiar with your store's health food section!