Being vegan does not mean that you need to limit yourself in terms of tasty ingredients. You can cook and create some incredible vegan dishes. People become vegan for different reasons. However, the most common reasons are due to animal rights and personal health.
Although there are meat substitutes available, they’re generally highly processed. They’re basically vegan junk food. Just because it’s a vegan grocery list, doesn’t mean it’s healthy. Get creative with your meals. Before you create a dish, you need to choose ingredients.
The following Vegan Grocery List is a good place to start:
Dairy
1. A Milk Alternative:
You have several options regarding milk substitutes (soy, almond, hemp, or rice). Almond milk is a great choice not only because it tastes great, but because it provides you with protein.
2. Butter Substitute:
You will want to purchase a non-hydrogenated option. Earth Balance makes a great ‘butter’ spread. You can also make your own vegan butter. Another option is to use various oils such as flaxseed or olive oil. These can be put on dishes instead of butter.
3. Cheese Substitute:
For vegan cheddar and mozzarella, Daiya is a popular choice. Tofutti sells vegan cream cheese and sour cream. You can also get vegan grocery list Parmesan and Ricotta.
Grains
1. Oats:
This is a great breakfast option. Dress up a bowl of oats with almond milk and fresh fruit. Oats are high in fiber and contain various minerals and vitamins.
2. Brown rice:
Rice is a create ingredient to have in your cupboard. Make sure you’re purchasing brown rice, not white. Brown rice is unrefined, making it the healthier, more beneficial option. It is high in protein, fibre, thiamine, and magnesium.
3. Quinoa:
Not only is quinoa delicious, but it’s also packed with protein. They’re also high in iron, fibre, manganese, magnesium, and zinc. You can get red, black, or white quinoa.
Protein Sources
1. For a Roast:
With Thanksgiving around the corner, you may be missing a traditional turkey dinner. Fortunately, you can purchase a Tofurkey. It is a blend of wheat protein and organic tofu.
2. Nuts:
Nuts provide you with so many benefits. They’re packed with protein, and essential fatty acids.
3. Tempeh:
This is a soy-based meat alternative.
4. Variety of Beans:
Chickpeas, for instance, are highly versatile, being great sources of fibre, folate, and protein. When purchasing beans, choose dried, then cook them at home. This is not only the cheaper option, but it’s also the healthiest.
5. Edamame:
You can purchase fresh, organic soybeans that have been frozen. They’re a great snack, which is rich in protein, iron, vitamin A, fiber, and vitamin C.
6. Tofu:
Silken tofu is great as an egg alternative for baking. There is also Asian tofu, which is firmer. This tofu absorbs the flavor of whatever you’re cooking, so it’s great to use a variety of spices (which also benefit your health).
For Cooking
1. Dried mushrooms:
These add a meat component to stews and soups.
2. Tomato Paste:
This is a great source of iron, which vegans can easily be deficient of.
3. Vegetable broth:
A good broth can be the base for so many great meals. Purchase organic whenever possible.
4. Vegetables:
Of course, vegetables can (and should be) consumed both raw and cooked. Make sure you’re eating a wide variety. Each vegetable provides unique benefits.
5. Leafy Greens:
Cook with spinach and kale, as these provide iron, protein, various vitamins, and minerals.
6. Ingredients for Flavor:
Cook with various spices and herbs, adding flavor to your dishes. Some of the essentials to have are; garlic, ginger, chilies, lemon, onions, parsley, basil, and fresh black pepper.
Get creative with your list. Make sure you’re choosing healthy vegan options while consuming all the necessary vitamins and minerals. Make sure you’re purchasing ingredients that can compose staple meals. You can also choose from a wide variety of snack foods (hummus, raw vegetables, whole wheat pita chips, figs, and so much more).