Your Vegetarian Pantry

Keeping a well-stocked vegetarian pantry is key to providing you with a variety of satisfying vegetarian meals that will feed you, your family and unexpected guests. Of course, you will want to vary some items and add some new ones that you have discovered, but this list will get you off to a good start.

Fresh/Refrigerated Items

Fruits – organic whenever possible. Can buy some fresh and some frozen.

Vegetables – including ingredients for salads as well as garlic and onion; also organic whenever possible. Can buy fresh and frozen.

Eggs & Cheese (if you are not vegan)

Whole Grain Breads or if gluten free, gluten free breads

Rolls for sandwiches and garlic bread, regular or gluten free

Tortillas, corn or flour

Vegetarian substitute meat products

Fish, if you are a pescatarian

Ice cream or ice cream substitute

Vegetarian burgers & buns

Frozen acai if you like to have it with fruit and protein powder or to use as the base for a smoothie

Coconut yogurt and/or coconut kefir

Butter or non-dairy butter

Essential Pantry Items

Pasta – wide varieties – fettucine, penne, lasagna, etc. Regular, whole grain or gluten free

Pasta sauce (if you do not make your own)

Chickpeas, beans (as well as refried beans) and lentils – some stores such as Trader Joe’s have begun keeping lentils in their refrigerated section, making them super easy to use.

Vegetable Broth

Non Dairy Milk and Creamer

Cereal

Almond butter to put on toast, fruit, or add to smoothie.

Chia Seeds

Oatmeal

Nuts

Dried fruit

Popcorn

Tortilla chips

Salsa

Olives

Brown rice

Protein bars to eat on the go

Baking Items

Flour

Sugar or other sweeteners (such as xylitol, agave nectar, maple syrup)

Vanilla

Chocolate chips

Cocoa powder

Condiments, Oils & Spices

Coconut Aminos

Mustard

Ketchup

Capers

Olive Oil

Coconut oil

Vinegar

Yeast

Spices for recipes you enjoy and those you would like to try. For sure keep salt, pepper, basil, oregano, garlic powder, and cinnamon. Add more as you try new recipes and discover new spices that you like.

With these basic ingredients, you can make vegetable soup, pasta, pizza, avocado toast, taco dip, veggie sandwiches, omelets, stir-fry, salad dressing, and a variety of other dishes.

You probably have most of these in your pantry already, so add those that you don’t and as you get more adventurous, add new items that you would like to try. Some stores have spices, beans, rice, etc., in their bulk food sections, allowing you to buy just a tiny bit, so you can try it before committing to a larger portion.

For inspiration, checkout our vegetarian recipes and add the ingredients you don’t have to your shopping list!