SHOPPING

Your guide to shopping on a plant-based diet

Supermarkets are treasure troves of plant-based 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.

Everyday pantry staples including pasta, tinned beans, herbs and spices that are naturally vegan

Back to Basics

Many staple foods you already buy are vegan, including:

Peanut butter
Yeast extracts
Jams and marmalades
Baked beans
Dried pasta and rice
Most bread
Gravy granules
Vegetable stock cubes
Chopped tomatoes
Oven chips and hash browns
Coconut milk
Curry pastes
Many breakfast cereals
Herbs and spices
Tomato ketchup and HP sauce
Mustard and pickles
Olive and vegetable oils
Soy sauce
Fruit juice, tea and coffee
Biscuits, crackers and crisps
Fresh, dried, tinned and frozen fruit and veg

Simple Switches

There are now vegan versions for almost everything, so you can simply switch like for like.

Plant-Based Milks

Find a range of plant-based milks in the chilled aisle — oat, soya, almond, coconut, hemp and rice — plus flavoured options like chocolate, strawberry and iced coffee.

Yoghurts & Cheeses

You’ll also find plant-based yoghurts in various flavours and styles, and cheeses — slices, blocks, grated and cream cheese. Check out our best vegan cheese picks.

Frozen Items

In the freezer, find burgers, sausages, sausage rolls, soya mince and faux fish fingers. Don’t miss the vegan ice cream section too — tubs, cones and bars.

Shelf Items

On the shelf, you’ll find vegan mayonnaise, chocolate, custard, pouring cream, squirty cream and many more everyday items.

Quick Meals

There’s an increasing range of vegan ready meals in supermarkets, from pizzas and curries to mac ‘n’ cheese, pies and stews. Look for these in the chilled aisle — either alongside the non-vegan options or in the store’s dedicated meat-free section — or in the freezer.

You’ll also find tinned and fresh soups, instant noodles and microwaveable vegetable pots for a super-quick meal.

Ready-to-eat vegan meals including curry and pasta dishes

Vegan sandwiches and snacks ready for eating on the go

Food on the Go

Supermarkets are now producing ranges of delicious sandwiches and wraps, from the traditional cheese and pickle to something more adventurous like spicy butternut squash.

You’ll also find pasties, sausage rolls and other baked ready-to-eat goods. Many crisps and crackers are vegan, and you’ll find dips and pre-prepared salads to go with them, too.

These shops have great vegan food to go options:

Boots
Tesco
Sainsbury’s
Co-op
M&S
ASDA
Waitrose
Morrisons
Aldi
Lidl

Sweet Treats

All supermarkets stock vegan chocolate and ice cream, and many also stock individual vegan cheesecakes, too. Some also have brownies, croissants, pain au chocolat, cakes and doughnuts, so you never need miss out on life’s sweet pleasures.

Vegan cakes and desserts displayed on a plate

If in doubt, search online or head to your nearest health food shop!

There’s a vegan version of everything from caviar to crème fraîche, 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!

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Thinking of trying vegan?

Veganuary inspires and supports people all over the world to try vegan for January and beyond. Millions of people have already taken part. Will you join them?