Sprouts is a vegan’s paradise! There are TONS of options to stock up your fridge and pantry to make eating vegan a breeze. Here are some of my favorites:

1. Fruit & Veggies

Sprouts has the best, freshest produce at a great price. Double Ad Wednesdays make saving money on a variety of produce even easier!

2. Bulk Nuts, Seeds, Granola & More

The bulk section of sprouts is a lifesaver! There are endless options here. You can find any nut or seed you can think of, tons of delicious granola mixes, oats, flours, beans and more—all at an affordable price.

3. Vegan Protein Powder

I like to add protein powder to my smoothies and baking for an extra nutritional boost! Sprouts has all different kinds of vegan protein powders – from soy protein, to pea protein, to rice protein—you can find the perfect vegan protein powder to fit your taste buds and preferences.

4. Vegan Chocolate

My personal favorite is Lily’s sugar-free chocolate (chocolate bars AND chocolate chips), but there are a few other vegan chocolate and chocolate chip options at Sprouts. They are all delicious (and you will never be able to tell that they are vegan!)

5. Plant-Based Milks & Coffee Creamers

Sprouts has a huge selection of plant-based milks—almond milk, rice milk, hemp milk, soy milk and more. Plant-based milks are the perfect dairy-free alternative to regular milk in smoothies, cereal, oatmeal, and any other recipe that calls for milk. They also have a great selection of coffee creamers that turn your cup of joe into a delicious, decadent treat.

6. Vegan Cheese

You can find tons of vegan cheeses at Sprouts—sliced, blocks, and shredded. They have vegan mozzarella, Gouda, cream cheese and more!

7. Tofu & Tofu Products

Tofu is a staple of mine, and I use it in tons of recipes. Sprouts has many different varieties of tofu in the dairy section.

8. Meat Alternatives

Veggie burgers, vegan chicken patties, vegan sausages, vegan bacon—Sprouts has it all! These make whipping up a hearty, comfort-food meal simple and delicious.

9. Vegan Marshmallows

When I learned that I could still have marshmallows as a vegan, I was ecstatic! Dandies marshmallows can be found in the Sprouts baking aisle and are the perfect, vegan marshmallow alternative that are exactly like regular marshmallows. Great for baking, making vegan hot chocolate, and just snacking on straight from the bag!

10. Crackers & Chips

Sprouts has the BEST selection of crackers and chips! I like the Sprouts Brand Golden Round crackers to pair with hummus and their Blue Corn Tortilla Chips are my absolute favorite! Perfect for snacking with salsa or guacamole.  

If you’re new to veganism, avoiding animal-based products might seem fairly straightforward. However, there are a few things you’ll want to pay special attention to. We’ll help you navigate through these ingredient lists so you can steer clear of some potential hidden animal products that may surprise you.

Whey

Often used in baked goods, whey is one of those words you may or may not be familiar with—it’s the watery part of milk that is leftover after curds are formed in the cheese-making process. Because whey contains much of the lactose and about 20% of the protein in milk, it has become a valued byproduct. (It used to be something that got thrown away!) Whey powder is a mainstay in many non-vegan protein powders. Combined with other ingredients in processed foods, whey conveys a host of desirable properties—for this reason, you might find it listed in the ingredients for baked goods, beverages, dressings and a myriad of other products.

Casein

Another milk-based protein is casein. One of the two primary proteins in milk, it accounts for 80% of the protein in cow’s milk. You may also see casein in the ingredient list as caseinate or lactic acid which sometimes contains casein. Some foods where you might also see casein listed are margarine, non-dairy coffee creamer, cheese-flavored chips and snack crackers, as well as baked goods.

Gelatin

Created from the skin, bones and connective tissues of (typically) cows and pigs, gelatin can be found in things like candy (think gummy bears), gum, capsules used for supplements and marshmallows. A vegan substitute for gelatin is agar-agar. A flavorless gelling agent, agar-agar is derived from cooked and pressed seaweed. Whether you want to gather ‘round a campfire and roast marshmallows, or just sneak a few from the pantry (we won’t tell) you can try this Vegan Marshmallow recipe—you’re friends and family will love them!

Natural and Artificial Flavorings

You might want to err on the side of caution with this phrase when you encounter it in an ingredient list as it can be either animal- or vegetable-sourced. Listed in the FDA’s Code of Federal Regulations Title 21, natural and artificial flavors are both described as able to include “meat, seafood, poultry, eggs, dairy products, or fermentation products thereof”—a pretty wide window!

Vitamins and Supplements

Vitamins and supplements are a part of many people’s healthy living journey. As a vegan, you’ll want to pay a little more attention to the labeling. Found in many multivitamins, vitamins A, D and B₁₂ can be derived from animal products. Additionally, many supplements come in capsule format, which may be made of gelatin. When shopping for vitamins and supplements, it’s best to check the label and look for those that are labeled as vegan. 

Worcestershire Sauce

Worcestershire sauce seems to show up in loads of recipes that you may want to convert to your new plant-based diet. The ingredient that will kick this condiment from your fridge, however, is anchovies. But fret not—here is a vegan version you can whip up in no time!

Beer and Wine

It might come as a surprise that some wines and beers may not be vegan. After all, wine is made from grapes, and beer from hops and barley—all plants! Yet, some beers and wines might be made with non-vegan-friendly ingredients like dairy or honey. There is also the question of process: Animal products are often used in the filtering and fining, or clarification process of both wine and beer making. These include things like isinglass (from fish), sea shells, albumen (egg whites) and gelatin. Luckily, this website contains a comprehensive list of well over 35,000 beer, wine and spirits, showing whether they’re vegan-friendly or not.

Carmine

A naturally sourced red dye used in food and drink, the most surprising thing about carmine is its source—a bug! For centuries, red dye has been created from the cochineal bug that lives on the pads of prickly pear cacti. Rich in history, this bug-centric colorant eventually made its way into modern-day food production. Some other names you might also see carmine listed as include cochineal, carmine lake or natural red 4.   Did you know? Broccoli, bok choy, chinese cabbage, collards and kale are all great, non-dairy sources of calcium.

Vegan doesn’t have to be complicated!  There are tons of super simple, healthy and delicious meals that come together in a snap and require little to no prep. Here are some easy and tasty breakfast ideas that will fill you up and satisfy you until lunchtime. Whole-grain cereal – many cereals are vegan and a perfect, nutritious breakfast for a busy morning when paired with non-dairy milk. Look for one that has fiber and protein for a fullness that lasts. Overnight oats or oatmeal – the possibilities really are endless! Walnuts, pecans, peanut butter, chia seeds, and shredded coconut are some of my favorite toppings. To prepare overnight oats, just combine oats and water or milk in a 1:1 ratio in a jar the night before you want to enjoy it. Place it in the fridge, and your oats will be softened and ready for you in the morning. Toast topped with avocado or nut butter – with the nut butters, try adding fresh fruit, dried fruit, nuts, or shredded coconut on top! Smoothies – smoothies are a great way to load up on tons of fiber, protein, healthy fats, vitamins and minerals, all at once! They are also easily customizable. Combine any fruits and veggies of your choice (my favorite simple combination is banana and a handful of leafy greens) with chia seeds, and your favorite nut butter for a nutritious boost.

Tofu Scramble

Tofu scrambles come together quickly and taste remarkably like scrambled eggs! Here is an easy, delicious recipe that is loaded with protein.

Ingredients

• 1 block extra firm tofu
• 1 cup kale, chopped
• 6 grape tomatoes, halved
• 3 Tbsp. nutritional yeast
• 1 Tbsp. Dijon mustard
• 1 tsp. Garlic powder
• 1 tsp. Onion powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Drain the tofu by wrapping the block in paper towel. Place cutting board on top of the block of tofu. Apply even pressure to the top of the block by placing a cookbook (or something of equal weight) on top of the cutting board. Let tofu drain for about 10–15 minutes.
2. Crumble tofu with your hands until it resembles scrambled eggs and place in large skillet. Cook over medium-high heat for 2 minutes (to get rid of any extra water).
3. Add in kale and cook for 1 more minute.
4. Add in the rest of the ingredients, and stir to combine thoroughly.
5. Cook for 5–10 minutes. If the tofu sticks to the pan, add a splash of almond milk.

Annie Markowitz is the blogger behind VegAnnie.com

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!

Annie Markowitz is the blogger behind VegAnnie.com

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!

Eggs

Any of these can be used to substitute one egg in a recipe.

• 1 tablespoon ground flax seeds or ground chia seeds mixed with 3 tablespoons of water
• ¼ cup blended tofu
• ¼ cup applesauce
• Ener-G egg replacer

Butter

Any of these can be substituted in a 1:1 ratio for butter in baking and cooking.

• Coconut oil
• Margarine
• Vegetable shortening

Milk

There are many vegan milk alternatives available that can be substituted in any recipe that calls for milk. These are some of my favorites:

• Almond milk
• Cashew milk
• Oat milk
• Rice milk
• Coconut milk
• Hemp milk
• Soy milk

Chocolate

You can find chocolate for baking, chocolate bars, and chocolate chips that are all vegan and taste just like their non-vegan counterparts. Here are some of my favorites for baking (and eating when I need a chocolate fix!):

• Lily’s chocolate baking bars
• Lily’s chocolate chips

Enjoy life vegan chocolate chips

Cheese

Many vegan cheeses exist that are sliceable and can be melted perfectly on a pizza or sprinkled over vegan tacos. You can find vegan cheddar, mozzarella, gouda, and even ricotta! Some common brands are:

• Daiya
• Tofutti
• Follow Your Heart

 

Annie Markowitz is the blogger behind VegAnnie.com