My Top 12 Plant-Based Pantry Essentials

Hi friends! I thought it would be interesting (yes? no? maybe?) to share the top essentials that you’ll always find in my plant-based pantry. It’s pretty loaded all the time with lots of other things as well, but you’ll hardly ever see this household without the following…

1 // popcorn kernels
One of my favorite snacks before bed is a big bowl of popcorn. I have this popcorn maker which I’ve been using for over 4 years now and it still works as good as the day I bought it. I’m obsessed with it! I heat up a little coconut oil, add kernels, spin away until popping stops, and season with a little pink salt.

2 // nutritional yeast
Nutritional yeast is an essential for vegans, since it can be used to make any dish, dip, or sauce cheesy. I use this in all recipes that call for cashew cheese and even add to soups. Oh, and I make Minimalist Baker’s awesome vegan parmesan cheese recipe with it.

3 // brown rice
Pretty self explanatory. It’s cheap, healthy, and I love making a batch on the weekend to have on hand during the week. Whether as a side to some veggies or in a burrito, it’s a necessity.

4 // brown lentils
My love for lentils knows no bounds. It’s a great protein for vegans and vegetarians and like brown rice, dirt cheap. I also make a batch of lentils usually while bulk cooking on the weekend. I use in soups, indian dishes, salads, mashes, etc.

5 // white and black beans
White and black beans are my two favorites to keep on hand. I frequently make this white bean salad recipe for sandwiches and wraps. As for the black beans, lots of burritos, soups, tacos, quesadillas, etc.

6 // ground flaxseed
Ground flax is my go-to egg substitute when it comes to baking, so I always have a huge bag on hand. I love Bob’s Red Mill the best.

7 // cocoa or cacao powder
Usually the star of my smoothies, mostly. I always have either dark cocoa powder or cacao. Plus, great for baking and impromptu chocolate mug cakes [!!]

8 // quinoa
Another pretty standard ingredient in most plant-based pantries because quinoa is a complete protein and super versatile.

9 // tahini
Love making dressings out of tahini, or just using it plain on a baked sweet potato.

10 // pasta
Lots of boxed pasta in this household. I try to buy quinoa or whole wheat pasta, but my husband loves plain ‘ol white pasta.

11 // peanut butter
Because peanut butter. I don’t have to say too much about the why… YUM.

12 // rolled oats
Overnight oats! The easiest on-the-go breakfast, right? Always have my rolled oats.

A couple runner-ups that I almost forgot about: tomato paste and full-fat coconut milk. I love using both of these for sauces, soups, etc. Figured I’d might as well mention!

These are my pantry essentials in my plant-based kitchen – what are some of yours? Share in the comments below. xx bianca