If you are a new vegan, it may seem overwhelming when surfing the web or browsing through cookbooks to find vegan-friendly recipes. Having these pantry staples on hand will help you breeze through new recipes and make sure you always have something easy and tasty to whip up.
Oats – I love oats because they are so versatile! They work wonderfully as a binder in veggie burgers and are also perfect on their own to make oatmeal, overnight oats and baked goods. You can also blend them up into a fine powder to create your own oat flour, which is a wonderful gluten-free flour substitute for baking.
Beans – Having cans of beans on hand can be a lifesaver when you want to throw a quick meal together. From creating a delicious bean burger, to enjoying a bean chili, beans are an essential to any vegan pantry. You can even make healthy baked treats using beans, like these Healthy Fudgy Brownies!
Spices – Spices are amazing to add flavor to any dish. Some of my favorites are garlic powder, onion powder and smoked paprika, which can instantly take a dish from good to gourmet with a few dashes of each. I like to sprinkle them on top of French fries, roasted vegetables and plain raw veggies for snacking. Salt and pepper, too, of course!
Nutritional yeast – This ingredient is used very often in vegan cooking. It is deactivated yeast that adds a delightful, cheesy flavor to any dish. You may also see it referred to as “nooch” on the internet.
Cereal & granola – Don’t forget that vegans can also eat many cereals and granolas (with non-dairy milk!). I always have cereal and granola on hand for lazy or busy mornings.
Nuts – Nuts are a great go-to because they are packed with fiber, healthy fats and protein. No prep necessary, just grab a handful and you’re good-to-go!
Non-dairy milk – It’s always helpful to have a shelf-stable, non-dairy milk on hand when you’re in a pinch but want to make a smoothie or enjoy a bowl of oatmeal.
Nut butters – Peanut butter and almond butter are two essentials in my pantry. I love adding them to smoothies for a boost of protein and healthy fat or spreading them on toast for a delicious, nutritious breakfast or snack
Pasta and marinara – Spaghetti is one of the simplest meals to whip up, and is always a crowd pleaser. Having these ingredients around makes creating a quick weeknight dinner easy as pie! Add in some of your favorite spices to take it up a notch.
Grains – Having grains around is a must. I like to keep it simple with brown rice and quinoa. You can make a big batch and use them in different recipes all week long, like stir fries and chili. They also make a great side dish on their own.
Condiments – Having things like red wine vinegar and olive oil on hand makes it super simple to whip up a delicious salad dressing. Soy sauce drizzled over veggies and rice can turn your boring ol’ veggies into a lovely Asian meal. Ketchup and mustard are an essential, too, for your veggie burgers and French fries!
When it comes down to it, eating a paleo diet is simple—embrace your inner cave-dweller self! Seriously though, paleo is about eating real, nutrient-dense foods that would have been hunted or gathered before the agricultural revolution. That means veggies, fruits, meat, seafood, poultry, eggs, nuts, seeds, and healthy fats like olive oil, coconut oil, and ghee. You don’t need any exciting products to eat this way, just a great produce section and a quality meat department. But these paleo products make eating primally way more fun and easy. From Sunday morning pancakes to bacon on all things, take this list of the top paleo products at Sprouts next time you head to the store and stock up!
There are tons of vegan substitutes for common non-vegan baking and cooking products. Here is how to substitute some of the most popular ingredients used in baking and cooking, so that you don’t have to miss out on the foods you love!
Having a stocked Paleo pantry is critical when taking on a primal diet. Being prepared with Paleo ingredients means you’re more likely to stay on track with a commitment to your new diet and you’ll be ready to whip up a batch of homemade coconut-date bars or Paleo chocolate chip cookies at any moment! And really, the Paleo pantry looks an awful lot like the pantry you grew up with: flours, sugars, nuts, oils, and other dry goods like unsweetened, shredded coconut or cocoa powder. The only difference is that a paleo pantry avoids refined sugars and flours, legumes, dairy and vegetable oils. It may seem a bit overwhelming if you’re new to the diet, but we’re here to help with our guide to stocking a Paleo pantry at Sprouts Farmers Market.
Unless you’ve been living in a cave like, well, a true caveman, you’ve undoubtedly heard the buzz about the paleo diet. This way of eating is becoming more and more popular, thanks to its healthy nutrient-rich foods and the elimination of commonly allergenic foods. High in protein, healthy fats, fiber and complex carbs, the paleo diet is definitely worth a shot if you’re looking to eat clean and feel great. It might feel intimidating to dive in! Follow these steps to easily start a paleo lifestyle without feeling overwhelmed.
Chunky Guacamole
Mango Guacamole
Simple Shortcut Guacamole
About Jake Smollett