What Foods Can I Eat on a Plant-Based Diet? | Green Chef (2024)

A Plant-Based Diet Shopping List

If you’re wondering what to put in your grocery cart, have no fear. We’ve put together shopping lists for each of the most common plant based diets. It’s really quite simple when you think of it this way: everyone can eat vegan! Let’s start, then, with a vegan diet grocery list that can be the baseline for all vegetarian diet foods list:

Fruits: apples, pears, strawberries, blueberries, pineapple, bananas, etc. Choose in-season fruits, and opt for frozen fruit for smoothies.
Vegetables: fresh or frozen, nutrient packed vegetables are the base of the vegan diet food pyramid. Leafy greens, broccoli, carrots, Brussel sprouts, cauliflower, sweet potatoes, squash, bell peppers, cucumbers…the more, the merrier!
Whole grains: many whole grains are a vital source of protein and fiber. Oats, quinoa, brown rice, amaranth, and bulgur are hearty and satisfying options.
Healthy fats: avocados, olive oil, coconut oil, flaxseed oil etc.
Legumes: including green peas, chickpeas, beans, lentils, peanuts, and natural peanut butter.
Seeds, nuts, nut butters: almonds, hazelnuts, macadamia nuts, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, tahini…when choosing nut butters, choose natural and unsweetened kinds.
Plant-based milks: soy milk, oat milk, almond milk, cashew milk, etc. Opt for unsweetened varieties.
Plant-based protein: tofu, seitan, and vegan protein powders.

These vegan diet foods belong on every plant-based diet shopping list, no matter which variety of plant-based diet you choose. One thing to keep in mind: stay away from overly processed or “junk” foods. Potato chips and sugar are technically vegan but aren’t going to help you move toward a healthier life.