What to stock in a vegan pantry

Vegan pantry essentials are cupboard products that help you prepare plant-based meals quickly and easily. These products are especially useful for weekday cooking, batch meals, packed lunches, quick dinners and last-minute meal planning.

A practical vegan pantry does not need to be complicated. Start with base ingredients, add protein-rich staples, include flavour-building sauces and keep herbs, spices and seasoning available for variety.

• Base ingredients such as rice, pasta, noodles and grains.
• Protein and fibre sources such as beans, chickpeas, lentils and pulses.
• Cooking bases such as tinned tomatoes, coconut milk and curry pastes.
• Sauces and condiments for flavour.
• Herbs, spices and seasoning blends.
• Snacks and cupboard extras where suitable.

Rice, pasta, noodles and grains

Rice, pasta, noodles and grains form the base of many vegan meals. They are useful because they store well, cook quickly and work with a wide range of vegetables, sauces, tofu, beans and plant-based ingredients.

Useful meal ideas

• Rice bowls with vegetables, tofu and chilli sauce.
• Noodle stir-fries with soy sauce, sesame, garlic and ginger.
• Pasta with tomato sauce, herbs and vegetables.
• Grain salads with beans, roasted vegetables and dressing.
• Soup noodles with vegetables and plant-based toppings.

Pulses, beans and lentils

Pulses, beans and lentils are useful vegan pantry ingredients because they can add texture, substance and versatility to meals. They are suitable for many dishes, from curries and soups to wraps, salads and stews.

Useful pantry options

• Chickpeas for curries, salads, wraps and hummus-style dips.
• Lentils for soups, stews, dhal-style dishes and batch cooking.
• Beans for chilli, rice bowls, salads and quick lunches.
• Mixed pulses for hearty one-pot meals.

Vegan sauces and condiments

Sauces and condiments can turn simple vegan pantry ingredients into satisfying meals. A small selection of sauces can help you create Asian-inspired dishes, pasta meals, curries, rice bowls, salads, marinades and dipping sauces.

Useful sauce ideas

• Soy sauce for noodles, rice bowls, tofu and stir-fries.
• Chilli sauce or hot sauce for heat and flavour.
• Tomato-based sauces for pasta, stews and casseroles.
• Curry pastes and cooking bases for quick curries.
• Vinegar, oils and mustard for dressings and marinades.

Shop Vegan Sauces and Condiments

Herbs, spices and seasoning

Herbs, spices and seasoning help build flavour in plant-based cooking. They can make everyday vegan meals more varied without requiring complicated ingredients.

Useful options to keep in your cupboard

• Garlic, ginger, chilli and onion-based seasonings.
• Curry powder, paprika, cumin, coriander and turmeric.
• Mixed herbs, oregano, basil and parsley.
• Black pepper, sea salt and seasoning blends.
• Sesame seeds, chilli flakes or spice mixes for finishing dishes.

Quick vegan meal ideas using pantry essentials

Once your pantry is stocked, you can create simple meals using a few ingredients and sauces. These ideas can be adapted depending on the products you have available.

1. Vegan noodle stir-fry: noodles, vegetables, tofu, soy sauce, chilli and sesame.
2. Chickpea curry: chickpeas, curry paste, coconut milk, tomatoes and rice.
3. Tomato pasta: pasta, tomato sauce, herbs, vegetables and seasoning.
4. Rice bowl: rice, beans, vegetables, chilli sauce and herbs.
5. Lentil soup: lentils, stock, spices, tomatoes and vegetables.
6. Vegan snack plate: crackers, dips, nuts, dried fruit and plant-based extras.

For more ideas, visit Plant-Based Meal Ideas and Vegan Tofu Recipes.

Checking vegan labels, ingredients and allergens

Online product information is helpful, but you should always check the product packaging before preparing or consuming any item. Ingredients, allergen statements and dietary claims can change.

Vegan does not automatically mean allergen-free. Vegan pantry products may still contain or be produced near allergens such as gluten, soya, sesame, nuts, peanuts, mustard, celery or sulphites.

Read more on our Ingredients, Allergens & Dietary Information page.

Useful vegan pantry links

Use these pages to continue shopping or learn more about vegan groceries and dietary guidance.

• Vegan Groceries Online UK
• Shop All Vegan Products
• Shop Vegan Pantry Essentials
• Shop Vegan Sauces and Condiments
• Shop Vegan Snacks
• Vegan Recipes
• Ingredients, Allergens & Dietary Information