Stocking your kitchen with plant-based essentials is simple with my easy vegan grocery list!🥕 Cooking becomes more fun - and a whole lot tastier - when you’ve got the right ingredients on hand. Here is everything you need, to know how to shop for vegan groceries!
Grocery shopping might not be the highlight of your week - but it doesn’t have to be a chore! If you're new to plant-based living, it's totally normal to feel a little unsure about where to start. What’s actually vegan? How do you stock your kitchen without blowing your budget?
As a seasoned vegan shopper who's been navigating the aisles for over four decades, I can tell you this: it’s never been easier - or more fun - to shop for vegan foods. With so many tasty, plant-based options out there, I’m excited to share my top tips and tricks to help make your shopping trips simpler, smarter, and way more delicious.
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Vegan Grocery Shopping Tips:
Transitioning to a plant-based pantry doesn’t have to be expensive or complicated. Here are some of my favorite real-world tips for stress-free, budget-friendly vegan shopping:
✔️ Plan meals, shop smart
Tip: One of the easiest ways to save both time and money is by planning your meals before you shop. When you know exactly what you're going to cook for the week, you can create a focused grocery list with only the ingredients you need - nothing extra, nothing wasted. This helps avoid impulse buys and ensures you’ll use up perishable items like fresh produce, greens, and herbs before they spoil. Bonus: It takes the guesswork out of "What's for dinner?" every night!
✔️ Keep a running list
Hang a small chalkboard, whiteboard, or notepad inside your pantry door or on the fridge. Jot down things you need throughout the week, then snap a quick photo before heading out. It saves time and keeps you organized.
Need a place to start? My free downloadable shopping list is ready to print and take with you. You can even jot down your weekly favorites right on it!
✔️ Find the best deals
If you have several grocery stores in your area, it’s worth taking a little time to compare prices. You might be surprised at how much you can save. I’ve seen identical name-brand vegan products priced up to 50% lower just a few blocks apart!
✔️ Bring a cooler bag
If you’re hitting multiple stores or shopping in warmer weather, bring an insulated bag and ice packs to keep frozen and refrigerated items nice and cold between stops.
✔️ Mind the expiration dates
Many non-dairy products like vegan cheese or plant milk last 7–10 days after opening. I keep a Sharpie in the kitchen to write the open date on the lid - no more guessing or waste.
✔️ Stock flavor basics
Never leave the store without lemons, limes, onions, garlic, and fresh herbs (especially basil—I love having a live basil plant on the counter for that amazing aroma). It's always a good thing to keep flavor boosters like soy sauce, hot sauce, veggie bouillon, and an all-purpose spice blend on hand. These simple items can make a huge difference in home-cooked meals.
✔️ Buy in season & local
Visit farmers markets when possible for affordable, fresh, seasonal produce you plan to use right away. Tender salad greens, tomatoes, and avocados are best used within a few days of purchase. Many small vendors offer fantastic organic items - and it’s a great way to support local vegan purveyors.
Can't find specific brands at your local markets? Check the company websites for stores near you. You can find lots of vegan food items and products online! Talk to your store managers. Let them know about products you would like them to carry. Visit your neighborhood Farmers Markets. They are great places to find vegan food vendors and super fresh, locally grown organic produce.
Be sure to take reusable shopping bags with you. Don't leave home without them!
Start with a Plan - and a Purpose
When you shop plant-based, you're not just buying food - you're making choices that are better for animals, your health, and the planet. That alone is something to feel good about.
But let’s make it easier.
A little planning goes a long way. Set aside a moment each week to think about the meals you want to prepare. This helps you shop smarter, save money, and avoid impulse buys that go to waste in the fridge.
Once you’ve got a meal plan in mind, you can start building your grocery list based on categories: fresh produce, pantry staples, plant-based proteins, frozen foods and a few fun finds.
Explore the Store Like a Pro
Here’s a little secret: Vegan-friendly items are everywhere - you just need to know where (and how) to look.
1. Produce is your power zone
Start in the produce section - it’s the heart of every healthy vegan kitchen. Fruits, vegetables, herbs, leafy greens, root veggies - they’re all naturally vegan.
TIP: You’ll often find plant-based proteins like whole and chopped nuts in the produce department, and foods like tofu, tempeh, and seitan in refrigerated sections nearby.
2. Pantry staples to the rescue
The pantry aisles are full of vegan-friendly essentials: grains, beans, pasta, canned tomatoes, spices, sauces, and more.
TIP: Be sure to checking the baking aisle for packaged egg-replacers. With a well-stocked pantry, you'll always be just a few ingredients away from a delicious meal or scrumptious baked treat.
3. Dairy-free delights
Most grocery stores now carry a variety of non-dairy milk, yogurt, cheese, creamers, ice cream, whipped toppings and more.
TIP: Look for almond, oat, rice, soy, coconut, and cashew-based products. These are great swaps for traditional dairy without sacrificing flavor or texture.
4. Plant-based proteins
Look for vegan meats, burgers, sausages, nuggets, and more - either in a designated plant-based section or near the meat department. New products are available in markets all the time.
TIP: If to are hesitant to try new brands, you might like to use this free handy printable Vegan Grocery List with my personal recommendations for plant-based products I use and love.
5. Bakery bites
Bread can be tricky- some varieties contain eggs or dairy. But many are naturally vegan! Sourdough, baguettes, and most bagels are usually safe bets.
TIP: Some whole grain, whole wheat and cinnamon raisin breads contain honey. Always check the label or ask a store employee if you’re unsure.
6. Frozen finds
I always hit the frozen foods section last, so everything stays cold. Keep your freezer stocked with frozen veggies, berries, and of course - vegan ice cream!
TIP: Frozen vegetables are typically harvested at peak ripeness and flash frozen to lock in nutrients - often preserving them better than fresh produce that sits on shelves. Plus, they can be more affordable and available year-round, even when fresh options are out of season.
Be sure to put your reusable shopping & produce bags back in the car after you unload your groceries.
🔍 How to Read Labels Like a Vegan Detective
Learning to read ingredient labels is one of the most valuable skills you’ll develop. Keep an eye out for common animal-derived ingredients like gelatin, whey, casein, and beeswax. If something looks unfamiliar, a quick search or a vegan label-checking app can help.
PRO TIP: Some packaged foods labeled “plant-based” can be misleading, as they might still contain animal-derived ingredients. Always check the full ingredient list to be sure the product is truly vegan. Better yet, look for products labeled “certified vegan”, as they have been verified by organizations to be free from animal ingredients and not tested on animals.
Make Shopping Affordable (yes, really!)
There’s a myth that eating vegan is expensive, but I promise, it doesn’t have to be. Here are some tried-and-true tips that have helped me save money while still eating amazing meals:
🥕 Shop Seasonally
Buying fruits and veggies that are in season means better prices, better flavor, and less environmental impact.
🥕 Skip the pre-made stuff (most of the time)
Convenience meals are handy, but they’re usually more expensive. When possible, cook from scratch. It’s cheaper, healthier, tastier and more satisfying.
🥕 Buy in bulk
Oats, rice, lentils, beans, nuts, seeds, cereals, granola, - these are all budget-friendly staples that can be bought in bulk and stored for months. I keep mine in mason jars, labeled with the purchase date.
🥕 Dried over canned
Dried beans and legumes are more affordable than canned versions. They take a bit longer to cook, but the taste is worth the extra time.
🥕 Plan ahead
Meal prepping can help save time, money and keeps your grocery list focused. Planning a few meals ahead can make a difference.
Get my vegan grocery list - it's FREE!🥕
I've included more than 300 plant-based ingredients and food products in this handy printable shopping list.
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🛒 Vegan Grocery Shopping FAQ's
Do I have to shop at specialty stores to find vegan products?
Not at all! While natural grocers and vegan markets are wonderful, most chain supermarkets stock a wide range of plant-based options. You’ll find vegan items in every department - from produce to frozen to pantry.
Is it expensive to eat vegan?
It doesn’t have to be. Focus on whole foods like beans, rice, seasonal veggies, and legumes. Avoid overbuying pre-made vegan substitutes and instead use them as fun add-ons. Planning meals ahead is a game-changer for staying on budget.
Can I get enough protein on a vegan diet?
Absolutely. Plant-based sources of protein include lentils, beans, tofu, tempeh, seitan, quinoa, nuts, seeds, and even some veggies. You don’t need to rely on expensive protein powders or fake meats.
What are some staples every vegan kitchen should have?
Think of your kitchen in zones: fresh fruits and vegetables, grains (like rice and oats), legumes (like beans and lentils), condiments (like soy sauce and tahini), non-dairy milk, and a few snacks and treats that make you smile.
What should I do if I feel overwhelmed at the store?
Start small. Begin with what you know - fruits, vegetables, grains - and build from there. Bring a list, avoid shopping when you’re rushed or hungry, and don’t worry about being perfect. Every plant-based purchase is a win!
My Favorite Everyday Kitchen Essentials
Now that you have your grocery list figured out, here are a few of my favorite everyday vegan kitchen essentials I use all the time here in The Carrot Underground🥕kitchen!
🥕 TIP: Having the right tools can make cooking a lot more fun, successful, (and delicious!).
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