Things That Should Be In The Vegan Pantry

Having a well-stocked vegan pantry is absolutely essential. And a few simple ingredients can go a long way. So whatever the time and whatever your mood, you can reach into your cupboards and whip up a delicious plant-based meal. 

We’ve separated this list of vegan pantry essentials into three sections. First, there are the basics. These are the things you should always have. The base for a great meal. 

Then there are the great additions. These are things that go great on dishes. Adding umami and tang and crunch when you need it most. 

And then there’s the fun stuff. Because no plant-based pantry would be complete without an emergency supply of sweet things you can reach for in your time of need. 

The Basics

1. Delallo - Pasta Whole Wheat Linguine

Feeling uninspired on a weeknight? Don’t know what to cook for lunch? This pasta is a stone-cold classic. Made from whole wheat, the thick linguine noodles are perfect for gathering sauce. 

Whether you’re cooking up a tomato sauce, mixing in a vegan pesto or even baking it with creamy vegan mozzarella, this is a pasta that should be in every plant-based pantry. 

2. Arrowhead Mills - Gluten-Free Flours

 

 

You never want to be caught unprepared for that last-minute bake. These gluten-free flours are just the ticket. There’s all-purpose flour, a buckwheat option, coconut and even tapioca. So whatever your baking needs, you’ll have flour ready to go in your pantry. 

These also work great when thickening sauces or whipping up a roux. 

3. Bob's Red Mill - Nutritional Yeast

Nutritional Yeast, or “nooch”, as many call it, is a gift straight from the vegan gods. Literally. It’s just so versatile. Sprinkle it on your scrambles, coat your veg in it, or use it as a cheese replacement on your pasta. It adds that extra depth to any cuisine. Plus, it elevates even the most boring salads.

It brings a deep umami flavor and what’s more, it’s packed full of Vitamin B12. We weren’t lying. This really is a vegan’s dream. 

4. Newman's own - Sockarooni Pasta Sauce

 

 

This is a no-brainer. A pasta sauce in seconds. Lost for inspiration for that weeknight meal? Only got a few minutes spare to whip something up for the kids? Look no further than Newman’s Own Sockarooni Pasta Sauce. A bold flavorful pantry essential. 

5. Native Forest - Coconut Milk

 

 

No vegan pantry should be without coconut milk. In fact, it’s a law. It’s just so useful when cooking plant-based food. It’s a lovely way to make your curries creamy and your smoothies thick. A vegan pantry should be stacked full of the stuff!

This product from Native Forest is also non-GMO. When it comes to vegan pantry essentials, coconut milk is near the top of the list. 

6. Pacific Foods - Oat Milk Reduced Sugar

Oat milk is fundamental. And SO versatile. Put it in your coffee or tea, chuck it into a sauce as a thickener, or drink it over ice. And the best thing about this Pacific Foods Oat Milk is that you can store it in the cupboard until you open it. 

Have your plant-based pantry full of the stuff, and you’ll never be short of oaty deliciousness. 

7. Once Again - Organic Crunchy Peanut Butter No Salt

We all need nut butter. Thicken up your smoothies, spread it over your morning toast, or grab it out of the cupboard and eat it straight out of the jar for that cheeky midnight snack. 

There’s a reason why every vegan needs nut butter in their pantry. It is a stone-cold essential. And it’s stone-cold delicious. 

8. RW Garcia - BBQ Corn Chips

Ok, snack time. These RW Garcia BBQ Corn Chips are absolutely fabulous. Don’t think chips belong in the ‘Basics’ list? We disagree. Curling up in front of a movie? Craving a late-night snack? Need something to bridge the gap between lunch to dinner? These are your guys you can depend on. 

They’re gluten-free too, so make sure your vegan pantry is stocked up. 

Great Vegan Pantry Additions

1. Cadia - Sauerkraut

 

 

Sauerkraut is such a useful thing to have. It’s a great addition to so many dishes and cuisines. Top off your sandwiches with a tangy crunch, put it in your salads for a fermented twist, or munch it out of the jar for your mid-afternoon snack. 

And it’s uber-healthy too. Packed with healthy probiotics, it’s a huge plus for your gut health. An acquired taste? Not anymore. Put it on your list of vegan pantry essentials and you’ll be converted in no time. 

2. Annie's Homegrown - Vegan Worcestershire Sauce

Plant-based cooking often needs a little depth. Without the use of meaty stocks, those new to the vegan way of life are often looking for that punchy umami flavor. Well, look no further. 

Make sure you’ve got a bottle of Annie’s Homegrown Vegan Worcestershire Sauce in your plant-based pantry and you’ll be throwing it into each and every meal. Works great on top of your vegan ‘cheese’ on toast, or to add a little depth to soups and stews.

It’s a lifeline that deserves its place in your vegan pantry essentials. 

3. Lakanto - Maple Syrup

Ok. Maple Syrup is just simply divine! There are no two ways about it. And it’s the ideal honey replacement. Sweet, rich and delicious but with all the plant-based goodness and none of the animals involved. 

Works great to sweeten up your coffee or spread on your favorite dessert. You can even use it as a sweet glaze for your favorite vegetables. It’s a plant-based pantry miracle. 

The Fun Things

1. Siete - Grain-Free Mexican Cookies

Now the fun stuff! Grain-Free Mexican Cookies. Erm, need we say more? Crunchy pecans. Delicious almond flour. Sweet coconut sugar. And with no refined sugar. It’s a guilt-free snack you should always have to hand. 

They also come in a bunch of flavors. Mexican chocolate, shortbread or wedding cookies. So your vegan pantry can offer up a selection to suit whatever mood you find yourself in. 

2. Unreal - Dark Chocolate Coconut Bar

These Dark Chocolate Coconut Bars are… Well, they’re Unreal. Dark, coconut-y and darn right irresistible. Good luck walking past your plant-based pantry without reaching for another. They’re the perfect little snack to break up your day, or a yummy treat when you’re craving something sweet.

But the best thing? It’s all deliciously healthy. GMO-Free. Gluten-free. Just pure natural goodness. 

3. Jojo's - Guilt-Free Chocolate Bites

Jojo’s Chocolate Bites are the best of both worlds. We all know nuts, chocolate and fruit is a match made in heaven. So what’s better than having it bite-sized? Indulgent and flavorsome, but healthy too. They are a melt in the mouth snack that will keep your energy up and your appetite satisfied. 

Always made from as few ingredients as possible, these beauties are keto-friendly, gluten-free and soy-free. They are, quite simply, a wonder snack. A vegan pantry essential if we ever saw one. 

To wrap things up 

So there you have it. All of your vegan pantry essentials. So next time you are at home on a Wednesday evening wondering what to cook, all you have to do is open those cupboard doors and let the inspiration hit. 

Still looking for a few more tips? Give this great video a watch. Kelly has some great ideas for your pantry. She goes for all the staples such as lentils, brown rice and so much more.

Make sure to keep your plant-based pantry nice and well-stocked, and as your pantry grows so too will your repertoire of delicious vegan meals. Before you know it, you’ll be a pro!