Shopping

Supermarkets are treasure troves of vegan goods and a great place to start your vegan journey! If you have a health food store nearby or prefer to shop online, then you will find many other options available to you, too.

Back to Basics

Many staple foods you already buy are vegan. Peanut butter, jams and jellies, beans, dried pasta, rice, almost all bread, vegetable stock cubes, chopped tomatoes, oven fries and hash browns, coconut milk, lots of curry pastes, many breakfast cereals, herbs, spices, ketchup, mustard and pickles, olive oil and vegetable oils, soy sauce, fruit juice, tea and coffee, lots of cookies, crackers, pretzels, and chips, and of course, fruits and vegetables – fresh, dried, canned, and frozen.

Simple switches

There are now vegan versions of almost everything, so you can simply switch like for like. In supermarkets, you will find a range of plant-based milks (oat, soy, almond, coconut, hemp, rice, and more) including flavored milks (chocolate, vanilla) in the refrigerator. There, you may also find a range of plant-based yogurts in various flavors and styles, and cheeses (slices, blocks, grated, cream cheese, all in different flavors).

In the freezer section, you will find burgers, sausages, chicken, meatless crumbles, faux fish, bacon, and other convenient products that will help you continue enjoying the foods you love – just without the animal parts. And don’t forget to check out the ice cream section as you will find a range of pints, cones, and bars.

On the shelf, you will find vegan mayonnaise and many more everyday items like chocolate.

Quick meals

There is an increasing range of vegan ready meals in supermarkets, from pizzas and frozen burritos to mac n’ cheese. Look for these in the refrigerator section, either alongside the non-vegan options, in the store’s designated meat-free section, or in the freezer section. You will also find canned and fresh soups, instant noodles, and microwaveable vegetable dishes for a super-quick meal.

Food on the go

Some supermarkets are now producing varieties of delicious sandwiches and wraps, from the traditional hummus and veggie to something more adventurous. Many chips and crackers are vegan, and you will find dips and pre-prepared salads to go with them, too.

Sweet treats

Virtually all supermarkets stock vegan candy, chocolate, and ice cream, and many also stock individual vegan cheesecakes, too. You never need to miss out on life’s sweet pleasures.

If in doubt, search online or head to your nearest health food shop. Take a look at out Vegan Label Reading Guide as well!

There is a vegan version of everything from caviar to crème fraiche and from panettone to pepperoni – you just need to know where to find it. If you’re unsure, ask the Veganuary Facebook Group or search online. Health food shops are also usually a great one-stop shop for all things vegan!