When I first went vegetarian about a year and a half ago, I had no idea what I was supposed to eat. I had eliminated an entire food group from my diet, and now somehow had to find healthy replacements for the nutrients I was lacking. However, after a lot of research, trial, and error, I slowly built my kitchen back up.

So, for anyone who is new to the plant-based life, I have created a vegetarian and vegan-friendly shopping list to help you stock up on the necessary nutritional goods.

Also! As a little *disclaimer*– I am by NO MEANS a dietitian, nutritionist, or health expert; I am simply talking from experience. These are personal recommendations, not a nutritional plan! So, don’t forget to go do your own research too.

Now, anyway, let’s get started…

Beans, Beans, Beans (and more beans!)

For plant-based eaters, making sure to incorporate some source of protein into every meal is more important than you may realize. Though, it can be tricky to do at first. Since most people do get their proteins and good fats from animal products, I decided to start off this list with one of the easiest and most versatile ways to get in your fuel. There are so many types of beans to choose from (pinto, red, black, kidney, garbanzo, etc.) as well as a wide array of simple dishes that you can make with them! Some of my personal favorites are: vegetarian chili, bean burritos, and black bean burgers.

Tofu

Tofu is something that may seem utterly disgusting at first. It is a bit slimy and has a weird, incomparably squishy texture, but when marinated and seasoned well, these plain cubes will burst with flavor. Tofu is yet another incredible source of protein that can be used in many, many ways– from tofu scramble for breakfast, to baked and breaded tofu nuggets for dinner.

Tempeh

Like tofu, tempeh looks pretty gross at first glance. Though, again, it is great for protein intake and also a probiotic food! When cooked right, this lumpy texture stands no match to the incredible taste that it brings to the table. As pictured above, my all-time favorite way to make tempeh is barbecue-style with sauteed onions and bell peppers!

Nuts

Almonds, cashews, pistachios, chopped walnuts, or what have you. Nuts are an easy-to-grab snack, a fun add-in ingredient when baking, and just an overall solid food to have in your pantry.

Nut Butters

Or nut-free butters, like WowButter or SunFlower Butter! Whether you prefer natural creamy almond butter, or Nutella, I am sure this already holds its presence in your kitchen. Nonetheless, I had to add it to my list.

Seeds

Seeds are minor kitchen staples that took me months to realize just how simply fabulous and resourceful they are! Some examples of staple seeds to buy are: chia seeds, flax seeds (both ground and whole), sunflower seeds, sesame seeds, and pumpkin seeds.

Now, I know what you’re probably thinking, what on Earth do I use seeds for? And boy, let me tell you. I incorporate seeds into almost every meal. Sunflower and pumpkin seeds make for great salad toppings, chia seeds can be made into their own pudding, ground flax seeds are the perfect additives to give smoothie bowls their thick consistency, sesame seeds help give flavor to tofu and sauces, and the list goes on.

Grains (quinoa, rice, farro, etc..)

This is most likely a staple you already have somewhere in your pantry, but still a noteworthy item. Rices and quinoa are major components in stir-fries, stuffed peppers, rice and bean bowls, and pretty much anything else you can think of.

Oats

Oats are also a part of the grain family, but I wanted to group them separately since they’re used in different kinds of dishes. Quick oats are a breakfast favorite for me. I make oat pancakes, overnight oats, stove top oatmeal, and even add oats into my smoothie bowls for texture and consistency.

Protein Powder

This isn’t necessarily a staple, but something I use quite a lot. People use protein powder for a wide variety of reasons, and there are also many different types that aid your body in different ways! That being said, I will leave this one up to you to look into for yourself if you’re considering trying it out!

However, I will say, the use for protein powder is not limited solely to protein shakes. I add my powder to smoothie bowls, chia seed puddings, protein pancakes, stove top oatmeal, and overnight oats. To me, the added flavor and thickness is everything.

Frozen Fruits & Veggies

Of course, fresh fruits and vegetables are incredible, but I do recommend stocking up on some frozen goodies as well. These last longer, give you more variety of produce in the winter months, and are crucial ingredients for a perfect smoothie bowl!

Vegetable Stock

Vegetable stock is one of those things that I never really kept in my kitchen until I started branching out my cooking skills. I now use it in more recipes than you may think– chilis, soups, quinoa blends, stuffed peppers, mixtures for homemade sauces, and so much more. It’s cheap and has a decently-long shelf life when unopened, so definitely worth a buy.

Seasonings, Spices, Sauces, and Oils

As I mentioned for tofu and tempeh, the way you season and cook your food is half of the battle for flavor. Thus, keeping your kitchen stocked with seasonings, spices, and sauces will ensure that no matter what dish you make, it will have your taste buds dancing.

Here are some of my personal kitchen seasoning staples:

  • Nutritional yeast (Is this even considered a seasoning? Either way, it’s a MUST-HAVE.)
  • Onion Powder
  • Chili Powder
  • Garlic Powder
  • Paprika
  • Rosemary
  • Oregano
  • Ground Ginger
  • Turmeric
  • Salt & Pepper (of course)
  • Cinnamon
  • Soy Sauce
  • Teriyaki Sauce
  • Apple Cider Vinegar
  • Balsamic Vinegar
  • Olive Oil
  • Sesame Oil
  • Vegetable Oil

And, well, there you have it! I hope this list was able to spark some ideas for your next shopping adventure. Happy cooking, everyone!