My Top 10 Plant-Based Pantry Staples
Want a healthy kitchen? Make sure you’ve got these 10 plant-based pantry staples on hand!
When people first go plant-based, many have trouble with meal planning.
A lot of people end up eating nutrient-poor “vegan junk food” due to a lack of ideas about healthy meals to make.
As a mom, I also know the challenge of trying to figure out healthy meals to make at the last minute when you’ve been busy working all day.
My solution? Always have a few key pantry staples on hand.
Today I’m going to show you the products that I always have stocked to ensure an easy, delicious, nutrient-dense meal is just minutes away.
FYI, most of these plant-based, organic products can be found on brandless.com, which provides high-quality foods at affordable prices.
My Top 10 Plant-Based Pantry Staples
1. Beans
I’ve got bags, cans, and boxes of just about every kind of bean stocked up in my pantry.
It takes me about two minutes to open one up and add a dose of plant-protein to salads, buddha bowls, stir-fries, or curries.
I particularly love chickpeas (aka garbanzo beans) for their versatility.
You can even roast them to enjoy alone as a snack!
2. Pasta
Whole wheat spaghetti, penne, red lentil pasta, you name it, I’ve got a box in my pantry.
Pasta is such a quick and easy dinner option to throw together at the last minute, and it makes for delicious leftovers.
I’ll usually roast or saute a few veggies to toss in and add beans, tempeh, or veggie sausage for a plant-protein boost.
And because what’s pasta without a delicious sauce…
3. Marinara
I also use marinara to make tofu parmesan for my little one, and he absolutely loves it.
4. Olive oil
From roasting veggies to whipping up yummy homemade salad dressings, I use olive oil multiple times a day in Whit’s Kitch.
It’s a heart-healthy option to add fat to typically low-fat, plant-based meals.
5. Grains
Some of my favorites include quinoa, wild rice, farro, and wheat berries.
I make a big batch of grains at the beginning of the week for easy incorporation into salads, bowls, and dinner sides.
6. Seeds
If you’ve seen my super seed oatmeal video, then you know I’m a seed fanatic.
I consume massive amounts of chia, flax and hemp seeds every week.
They’re full of awesome nutrients and an easy way to add a boost of plant-protein to your meals.
Seeds are a must-have pantry staple for tossing in smoothies and oatmeal, and to make vegan egg substitutes.
7. Nutritional yeast
Just because you go plant-based doesn’t mean you’re over the taste of cheese. Nutritonal yeast is the vegan’s answer to cheesy cravings.
These yellow flakes add nutty, cheese-like flavor to plant-based dishes – plus a dose of B vitamins!
I like to sprinkle it on roasted veggies or use it to make vegan cheese sauce.
8. Peanut powder
I love all things peanut butter. But did you know that natural peanut butter should actually be refrigerated? Yup. It’s perishable.
Peanut powder, on the other hand, is a perfect pantry staple and easy to whisk together with some garlic and oil for a quick nutty sauce.
My Thai peanut tofu recipe is a staple in my kitchen, so I always have peanut powder on hand to make this dish and so many others.
9. Vegetable Broth
You don’t need meat or some fancy bone broth to add flavor to your dishes. Veggie broth brings the umami.
I always have a box in my cupboard to add a little extra something to soups and stir-fries.
And last but certainly not least…
10. Popcorn
Many people have trouble figuring out healthy plant-based snacks. Popcorn is a great option!
Corn provides plant-based protein and belly-filling fiber.
I pair my air-popped organic kernels with olive oil and nutritional yeast for a tasty, balanced snack.
And those are my top ten must-have plant-based pantry staples. I’d love to hear what pantry items you can’t live without – share them in the comments below!
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Weigh in: What are some of your plant-based pantry staples? Which of these are you likely to stock up on?
Amanda Howard says:
This is such an awesome post, to make meals quick and easy but most importantly healthy and nutritious.