Plant based grocery shopping is easier when you start with simple sections of the store. Instead of focusing only on specialty vegan products, build your cart around basic foods you can use in many meals.
Start with produce. Choose fruits and vegetables you already enjoy, plus a few easy options like bananas, apples, spinach, carrots, potatoes, onions, and frozen vegetables. Frozen produce is useful because it lasts longer.
Next, add protein staples. Beans, lentils, chickpeas, tofu, tempeh, edamame, peanut butter, nuts, and seeds can help make meals more filling. Canned beans are especially helpful for quick meals.
Grains and starches are also important. Rice, pasta, oats, tortillas, bread, quinoa, and potatoes can create the base for many dishes.
Then choose plant based milk, dairy free yogurt, or vegan cheese if you want them. These products are helpful, but they do not need to be the center of your diet.
Before shopping, plan three or four meals. This keeps the cart focused and reduces waste. For beginners, the goal is not to buy everything vegan. The goal is to buy foods that make daily cooking easier.
