Essential Vegan Pantry Staples for Every Kitchen

Olive Oil

Olive oil is a staple source of healthy fats in the vegan diet. It’s used for sautéing, roasting, and dressing salads. Extra virgin olive oil contains flavour and health benefits, monounsaturated fats and antioxidants.

Tamari

Tamari adds depth and saltiness to dishes. Tamari is a gluten-free version of soy sauce. It works well in marinades, stir-fries, and dipping sauces, bringing a savoury and umami flavour to your meals.

Tahini

Tahini is a paste made from ground sesame seeds. It’s used to make hummus and dressings in Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisines. With its nutty flavour, tahini is a good source of healthy fats and protein.

Oats

Oats are incredibly versatile, and can be transformed into oat milk, oat flour, or used to make porridge. A great source of fibre, oats also provide sustained energy. They can be enjoyed as a breakfast cereal, used in baking for cookies and muffins, or blended into smoothies.

Miso

Miso is a fermented soybean paste that adds a rich, umami flavour to recipes. It’s commonly used in soups, dressings, and marinades. Miso comes in various varieties, each offering distinct flavours, and it’s an excellent way to enhance the taste of plant-based dishes.

Legumes

Legumes, such as beans, lentils,  and chickpeas, are essential for a vegan diet due to their high protein content. They can be used in everything from soups and stews to curries and salads. Along with protein, legumes are also packed with dietary fibre, vitamins and minerals.

Coconut Milk

Coconut milk is a flavourful, creamy dairy milk alternative derived from coconuts. It’s used in both sweet and savoury dishes, adding richness to curries, sauces, smoothies and desserts. Its luscious texture and natural sweetness make it a valuable addition to a vegan pantry.

Make your own Coconut Milk

Mustard

Mustard is a condiment that adds tanginess and depth to dishes. It’s commonly used in dressings, marinades and sandwiches. With various types of mustard available, from yellow to Dijon to spicy brown, it’s an essential flavour enhancer in the vegan kitchen.

Nutritional Yeast

Nutritional yeast is a prized ingredient in the vegan pantry, known for its ability to mimic a cheesy flavour. Beyond its taste, nutritional yeast provides essential B-vitamins and a dose of umami to dishes. It can be sprinkled on pasta, popcorn, or roasted vegetables.

Vegan Mayonnaise

Vegan mayonnaise is a plant-based alternative to traditional mayo, made without eggs. It’s perfect for spreading on sandwiches, mixing into salads, or using as a dip. Vegan mayo provides the creamy texture of traditional mayo without any animal products.

Maple Syrup

Maple syrup is a natural liquid sweetener extracted from maple trees. It’s an excellent vegan substitute for honey and can be used in baking, as a topping for pancakes or waffles, and to sweeten beverages. It adds a rich, distinct flavour to dishes and desserts.