How to grocery shop when you eat plant-based – 8 simple tips
Plant-based grocery shopping doesn’t have to be an intimidating endeavor! Somewhere between the dreaded meat and dairy aisles of the supermarket are delicious, plant-based items. Take an online trip with us to the grocery store and get ready to food shop like a star with our plant-based grocery shopping tips!
1. Plan your meals ahead of time
The food you will be purchasing will be incredibly fresh — just another benefit to living a plant-based lifestyle! With that being said, fresh food spoils the fastest, including green beans, kale, and broccoli, so be sure to plan your meals ahead of time before venturing to the grocery store!
For more information about how to keep food from going to waste, check out these 8 simple ways to stop throwing out food.
2. Read the labels
You never know what’s hiding in food unless you read the label. For example, many frozen veggie burgers contain ingredients like eggs or dairy. Some frozen vegetables and fruits have added dairy ingredients, as well.
Here’s a handy list of 7 scary animal products that might be hidden in your food.
Other foods you may think adhere to your plant-based lifestyle may be hiding something, so be sure to check the labels! Check out this quiz to find out if your favorite snack isn’t actually vegan-friendly.
3. Beeline for the produce section
This is where you’ll get the majority of your plant-based grocery shopping list. We are all about fruits and vegetables, especially fresh, organic ones! Some of the healthiest foods you can consume include:
- Broccoli
- Spinach
- Leafy greens
- Carrots
- Kale
- Brussel sprouts
- Green peas
- Asparagus
- Celery
Check out these posts for info on some of our favorite veggies:
- 5 reasons kale is basically the best vegetable
- Here’s the reason you need to jump on the celery health trend ASAP
4. Pick the best produce
One of the most intimidating parts of adopting a plant-based diet is knowing which fruits and veggies to pick. Check out this super handy graphic from Real Simple magazine that breaks down everything you need to know to select the most delicious produce.
4. Steer clear of packaged food
The occasional can of corn is okay, but if you really want to make the most out of your plant-based lifestyle, be sure to shop fresh whenever possible. You’ll save on wasting unnecessary packaging when you do so, and your meals will always be fresh!
If you want to save money, consider buying extra fresh fruits and veggies and freezing them – in planet-friendly containers, of course! Here are a few other tips for eating healthy and saving money.
5. Bring your own bags
Be sure to bring a reusable shopping bag with you whenever you venture to the grocery store, like our ‘Protect Our Home’ tote bag!
And don’t forget produce bags! We love ChicoBag Recycled rePETe Produce Bags.
6. Don’t go shopping on an empty stomach
Since purchasing fresh fruits and vegetables is the way to go, you don’t want to overshop and let any of your food go to waste. Instead, frequent a grocery store you love more often and only buy what you need.
7. Check out the international food aisle
Wherever you are in the world, there is likely an international food aisle at your local supermarket. This section is stocked with spices, curry mixes, and more – letting you explore cuisine from the far ends of the Earth without leaving your kitchen!
8. Stock up on your protein
Getting enough protein is so not a problem when you’re vegan! Be sure to stock up on the following excellent plant-based sources of protein:
Foods like dry beans and lentils, nuts, and quinoa can often be found in the bulk section. Buying in bulk will save you money – just don’t forget to bring your own glass jar to avoid using plastic bags!
Did you love this article about how to kick-start your plant-based lifestyle? Do you want even more information about how exciting it is to live dairy, egg, and meat-free? Then check out these articles we have rounded up for your dining pleasure!
- How to pick the perfect veggie burger
- This is the truth about the 5 craziest vegan stereotypes
- Get the most out of summer with the best vegan “nice cream” recipe!
- Can you spot the non-vegan product? Take our quiz & find out!
- The unbelievably easy guide to going vegan
