Stocking the plant-based kitchen

Here is a nice list of items to have on hand…and how to store them in your kitchen. To make room, go through each area and remove any items that contain animal products, dairy or oil. Reading product labels will help in deciphering which items to toss. Please refer to the label reading 101 section for guidance.

On the shelves:
  • Beans - canned

  • Beans - dried

  • Whole grains & flours

  • Herbs & spices - dried

  • Pasta & noodles

  • Nuts & seeds

  • Soy sauce / Tamari

  • Tomato Products - canned

  • Vinegars

  • Prepared condiments: dressings/salsa/asian sauces garlic/onions/potatoes/sweet potatoes

In the fridge:
  • Non-dairy milks that have been opened (we mainly use rice and almond milk)

  • Hummus

  • Salsa and other sauces (after being opened)

  • Breads

  • Mason jars of hemp seeds (chia, sunflower, and sesame need not be refrigerated)

  • Fresh coffee beans or fresh ground coffee

  • Vegan buttery spread like Earth Balance

  • Well-sealed containers of leftovers

  • Mustards

  • Ketchup

  • Vegan mayonnaise

  • Sriracha and other hot sauces

  • Lemon and lime juice (for those times when we run out of fresh)

  • Nutritional yeast

  • All-fruit jams

  • Fruit (after being cut)

  • Vegetables, greens, fresh herbs (after being cut)

  • Tofu

  • Peanut butter

  • Vegetable broth (homemade or after being opened)

In the freezer:
  • Basic frozen veggies

  • Berries (for smoothies!)

  • Non-dairy ice cream

  • Non-dairy type breads such as corn and/or flour tortillas and pita or panini breads.

On the counter:

Note: Once you've peeled or cut into any fruit or vegetable, you should refrigerate any leftovers right away. Wrap the cut fruit or vegetable tightly with plastic wrap or store in an airtight container and use it within three or four days.

  • Fruits:

    Bananas, apples, pears, peaches, plums, cherries, pineapples, avocados, oranges, lemons, limes, clementines, grapefruit, berries, melons, etc...

  • Vegetables:

    Potatoes, sweet potatoes, onions, garlic, peppers, squash, carrots, tomatoes, green beans, peas, zucchini, cucumber, etc...