Pantry Staples

I can’t tell you how many times I have said, “there’s nothing to eat for dinner,” but then I’ll open my pantry and realize it never fails me. I keep my pantry well stocked with all kinds of things. The great advantage of doing so is that canned goods and dry goods are relatively inexpensive and last a long time. I know what I use frequently, and I almost never run out! I think when first transitioning, it’s important to have a well stocked pantry as the backbone for cooking meals. Below are some foods that I believe are necessary.

Beans, beans, and more beans!

Chickpeas (garbanzo beans)
Kidney beans
Black beans
Cannellini beans (white kidney beans)
Refried beans (be sure these are vegetarian and do not contain lard!)

Diced tomatoes
Tomato paste
Tomato sauce
Pizza sauce

Brown rice
Quinoa
Lentils

Green chilies
Canned coconut milk
Barbecue sauce
Dijon mustard
Hot sauce (I prefer sriracha, in most my recipes)
Ketchup
Mustard
Nutritional yeast
Salsa
Sweet chili sauce (Trader Joe’s brand is fantastic!)
Vegan Worcestershire sauce (regular contains anchovies 😖)
Vegan mayonnaise (my favorite is Just Mayo, but there are many vegan options)
Soy sauce
Smooth peanut butter
Rolled oats
Instant oats
Vegetable broth
Mori-Nu silken tofu
Vital wheat gluten (only if no gluten intolerance!)

Crushed pineapple
Canned pumpkin
Applesauce
Agave nectar

Vegan chocolate chips

Rice vinegar
Balsamic vinegar
Apple cider vinegar
Liquid smoke
Maple syrup
Corn meal
Corn starch

Dry pasta in a variety of shapes

Hard shell and/or soft shell taco shells

TVP (textured vegetable protein)

Variety of spices

Having most of these items on hand from the beginning will be beneficial when making some of the delicious recipes that I plan to post! While several of these are commonplace, there are a few that maybe haven’t found their way into an omnivorous kitchen. (Nutritional yeast is so amazing, it deserves a separate post!) If you haven’t yet tried nutritional yeast, I suggest getting some immediately. I use it many times a week in different recipes. It can be found online, at Whole Foods and at health food stores such as Vitamin Shoppe. (It is much different from Brewer’s yeast; don’t get the two confused!) You are going to need it when I post the vegan nacho recipe, so save yourself the heartache and prepare now.😉

Author: thevegtablevegan

Becoming vegan has been a life changing experience for me. Cutting back on animal products gives us the ability to change the world in so many ways. I started this blog to have all of my favorite recipes handy when someone asks, "What do you eat?" I am by no means a professional photographer, but I always enjoy visually seeing a recipe, so I do like to include pictures. I'm a busy, stay at home mommy, but try to find the time to add new recipes. I hope to offer delicious and easy plant-based recipes for those who are having trouble transitioning, already vegan, or simply want to incorporate a few vegan meals here and there. 🙂 View all posts by thevegtablevegan