Plant-based shopping list
THE BASICS
WONDERING WHERE TO START? WE SEE THE WHEELS TURNING...
TO LIGHTEN THE LOAD, WE’VE PUT TOGETHER A LIST OF MUST-HAVE ITEMS
TO GET YOUR PLANT-BASED PANTRY FULLY STOCKED
WHOLEGRAINS
Why?
These guys are the
energy boosters and
loaded with vitamins
and fibre. They keep
you feeling fuller and
energised for longer.
Choose from:
Wholewheat pasta
Brown rice
Spelt
Rolled oats
Pearl barley
Bulgur wheat
Samp
Splurge: Quinoa
NUTS AND SEEDS
Why? We usually
associate calcium with
dairy products but some
nuts and seeds are a
source of calcium too..
Plus they contain
heart-healthy fats (such
as omega-3s), essential
for a balanced diet.
Choose from:
Flax seeds/linseeds
Pumpkin seeds
Peanuts
Almonds
Walnuts
Cashews
Splurge: Pine nuts
Sesame seeds
Don’t forget the
nut butters! Opt for
those without the
nasties (no added
sugar or salt).
They’re more
beneficial when
they simply contain
the nuts that have
been ground into
a paste. If you can,
splurge on tahini
(sesame seed
paste) for buckets
of flavour!
LEGUMES
AND BEANS
Why?
Excellent sources of
protein and fibre, plus
they provide a slow
release of carbs (energy),
making them low-GI.
Choose from:
Chickpeas
Lentils
Kidney beans
(white and red)
Red adzuki beans
Split peas
Butter beans
Baked beans
Black beans
DID YOU KNOW?
Red lentils cook
quickly which
means they work
well as a thickener
for soups or stews.
Black lentils take
longer so they are
perfect for adding
chunky texture
to dishes.
DAIRY
Why?
You might be missing
the creaminess of dairy
products. These will fill
the gap and add protein
if you’re using soy- or
nut-based products.
Coconut products will
also add tons of flavour
and creaminess.
Choose from:
Coconut-based
yoghurt (as opposed
to coconut-flavoured)
Plant-based/vegan
cheeses
Oat milk
Almond milk
Soy milk
Coconut milk/cream
(canned, for cooking)
If you can, splurge
on protein-rich
tofu (made from
soy beans), which
stands in for
chicken and
mushrooms in
many recipes.
GOOD
INVESTMENTS
Buy one or two new
spices each month to
boost the flavour of
your everyday staples.
Choose from:
Coriander and cumin
(ground and seeds)
Fresh turmeric
Smoked paprika
Masalas and curry
spices
Splurge: Sumac
Chipotle chilli
LIVING ON THE VEG
CUT OUT
AND KEEP
Stick this on
your fridge
or pantry
cupboard so
it’s always
on hand
when you
plan your
next shop.
CONDIMENTS
Stock up on a few
basic sauces packed
with savoury umami
flavour. This adds
great depth of flavour,
and that “meatiness”
meat lovers will
be missing.
Choose from:
Soy sauce
Tamari (gluten-free
soy sauce)
Hoisin sauce
Miso paste
Marmite
Molasses
(this one’s
a splurge)
START WITH ONE
SMALL THING
Instead of throwing
out an entire pantry
to go plant-based,
transition into it by
eating a plant-based
meal once or twice
a week to start with.
And even if that’s
your limit, it’ll be
good for your health
and easier on our
planet too!
82 | Fresh Living – Spring 2021
81-Plant Based COR 2.indd 82
2021/08/23 15:32