Whether you’re new to veganism or just looking to add more plant-based foods into your diet, then you’ll want to stock up on some vegan cupboard staples! These are foods that are easy to store and can be used in a variety of recipes. We’ve put together a list of 10 items that we think every vegan should have in their cupboard. From nutritional yeast to plant-based syrups, you’ll find everything you need here!
Nutritional yeast
Nutritional yeast is an excellent source of B-12, which is essential for vegans. It’s also high in protein and fibre and has a cheesy flavour that makes it perfect for adding to recipes.
Try using nutritional yeast in these vegan dishes such as:
- Tofu scramble
- Vegan mac and cheese
- Soups
- Pasta Sauces etc.
Miso paste
Miso paste is fermented soybean paste that has a salty, umami flavour. It’s great for making miso soup and is also used in dressings and marinades to add depth of flavour.
Try using miso paste in these vegan dishes such as:
- Vegan Miso Soup with Tofu (pictured)
- Miso Quinoa Salad
- Sautéed Greens with Miso Dressing etc.
Plant-based syrups
As honey is not vegan-friendly (find out more about that here), you should have plant-based alternatives for sweetening in your cupboard. These include Agave syrup, Maple syrup, Date syrup or Molasses.
Seeds
Chia seeds and Flax seeds are very useful for plant-based cooking. They are a great source of omega fatty acids and fibre, as well as being rich in vitamins and minerals.
They are handy for binding in vegan cooking as they absorb water when soaked, forming a gel-like consistency. This is great for making patties or veggie burgers or replacing eggs in baked goods such as cakes and muffins.
Other seeds such as sesame seeds, poppy seeds and pumpkin seeds are also great snacks
Pulses and beans
Pulses and beans are great cupboard staples for vegans. They are a good source of protein, fibre and complex carbohydrates. Dried pulses or canned beans such as chickpeas, black-eyed peas, lentils or kidney beans can be used to make stews, soups and curries.
You can use chickpeas to create your own hummus or soybeans to make your own tempeh or tofu.
Vegetable stock
Vegetable stock is a cupboard staple for vegans. It can be used to replace chicken or beef stock in many recipes, adding flavour and nutrition to your dish.
You can use vegetable stocks in dishes such as
- soups,
- stews,
- lasagne
- risotto etc.
Get creative by making your own vegetable stock from onion, garlic, celery and carrot peelings, leftover herbs, or even fruit peels.
Nuts
Nuts are a great source of protein, fibre and healthy fats. They can be used in many different ways in vegan cooking, such as adding to salads, making homemade nut butter, or coating vegetables before roasting.
Try making a Waldorf Salad with some walnuts, create your own nut butters, use almonds to make almond milk and more.
Dried or tinned fruit
Dried fruit is an excellent source of fibre, vitamins and minerals. It can be added to oatmeal or muesli for a quick and nutritious breakfast or used in baking recipes. Tinned fruit is also a good option as it is already prepped and ready to use. Look for varieties that are packed in juice or water rather than syrup.
Tahini
Tahini is a sesame paste that is popular in Middle Eastern cuisine. It is a good source of protein, calcium and magnesium. Tahini can be used as a dip or sauce, added to smoothies or baked goods, or mixed with water to make a vegan dressing.
Herbs and spices
Herbs and spices can be used to add flavour to food without adding any calories, making them a great cupboard staple in any kitchen. They can also provide health benefits such as reducing inflammation. Some of the most popular herbs include basil, chives, coriander, and oregano. Spices include cumin, paprika and turmeric.
Try adding basil to tomato-based sauces, Rosemary to your roasties, cinnamon to your porridge and create mouth-watering dishes.
Ensuring you have these vegan cupboard staples in your kitchen means that you can always create nutritious and delicious plant-based dishes. If you’re looking for some inspiration, then you can check out our recipe section here.
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