Looking to reduce your meat consumption or try something new for your health? Adopting a more plant-based lifestyle could be just what you need. Here to nourish you from the inside-out, adding more plants to your diet is wonderful for many reasons.
Why choose plant-based?
From the impact it has on our personal health, to the impact it has on our planet, eating more wholefoods is a great way to lead a more sustainable life and support a healthier world – after all, health begins with what we put on our plates, right?
But it doesn’t stop there. Whether for our environment, your wellbeing or for the animals, eating more plants is a wonderful way to feel good about the choices you’re making.
Introducing more colourful whole foods and plants onto your plate doesn’t mean you have to go all or nothing. Do what feels like the most nourishing choice for you and your health, it’s all about balance after all.
Plant-based for nourishment
Adding more plant-based products to your diet is a great choice for your body. From fibre-rich foods that are high in antioxidants to healthy fats that fuel, a vegan diet is a nourishing choice for so many aspects of your health – including your gut health, immune health, mental health, and much more.
And with so many delicious choices available, adding more plant-based foods to your day is easy, and versatile. No more plain vegetables or grains. We’re talking gourmet options even your fussiest friends will love. From nutritional yeast and tahini to vegan chocolate and healthy oils, let’s look at 10 pantry essentials that make going plant-based easy, simple and yum.
10 pantry essentials that make plant-based easy
1. Healthy oils
From olive to coconut or avocado, healthy oils are a valuable addition to plant-based meals. Whether it’s drizzled over your favourite salad, added to smoothies or sweet treats ( Oaty Protein Bites anyone?), our Healthy Oils are an easy and versatile pantry must-have. Depending on their smoke point, some healthy oils like coconut oil are great to cook with, while others like olive oil are better in salads or over roast veggies.
Looking for a plant-based solution to omega-3? Healthy oils are a rich source of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, along with vitamins and minerals like iron and vitamin E. Look out for flaxseed oil and hemp seed oil – both high in omega-6, and algae oil – a fantastic alternative to fish oil.
Tip: Look out for ‘extra virgin’ options to ensure you get the most nutrients out of each serving.
Top pick: BioBalance Certified Organic Virgin Coconut Oil
You can’t get a more versatile oil than coconut oil. Doubling as an excellent beauty product, BioBalance’s Certified Organic Virgin Coconut Oil has a lot to offer, food aside. From using it in hair for extra nourishment, as an after-shave oil or to massage skin after a long day – the list goes on for this household staple. Ethically sourced, this premium cold-pressed oil is a healthy choice for frying, using on toast in place of butter, or in any meal of choice.
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2. Protein powder
If you’re going plant-based on a more regular basis, you might be wondering where to get your daily dose of protein from. For a convenient choice, protein powders make it easy. While many are whey, we have a great selection of pea proteins and other plant-based friendly options to choose from.
Here’s some other protein-rich foods:
- Beans; lentils, chickpeas, edamame
- Oats
- Tofu
- Quinoa
Tip: Not big on protein smoothies? Protein powder is delicious in raw or baked goods – give it a go in bliss balls, chia pudding, or try it in our lemon ginger protein slice recipe.
Top pick: Nuzest Clean Lean Protein Smooth Vanilla
With 25 grams of protein packed into each serving, Nuzest’s Clean Lean Protein Smooth Vanilla is a great option for bumping up your protein intake. Thanks to the natural vanilla flavour, this protein powder tastes like a birthday cake milkshake – yum. Made from pea protein isolate, it’s a great substitute for normal protein powder, all the while being free from GMOs, dairy and gluten. An easy winner for vegans, seniors, children and gym-goers. Give it a go with your favourite milk of choice - from coconut milk to almond milk or oat milk.
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3. Superfoods
Always on the go but don’t want to sacrifice your nutrition? Superfoods are an easy addition when switching to more plant-based foods – and they’re fantastic for filling any nutritional gaps. Packed with antioxidants, plant polyphenols, vitamins and minerals, Superfoods have a lot to offer when it comes to taking care of your health. Superfoods are foods like acai, beetroot and goji berries, and offer a more nutrient-rich kick when turned into powders or capsules.
For a notably impressive superfood, Spirulina is not one to be missed on your plant-based checklist. Highly bioavailable and suitable for the whole family, it’s easy to see why this popular superfood is well-loved by many. Whether you’re an athlete, a pregnant or breastfeeding mama, or simply looking for an easy energy boost, Spirulina is a great superfood to enjoy. Try it in one of our Superfood Summer Smoothies.
Tip: Green tea is another superfood worth giving a go. On top of drinking water, stay hydrated with this wholesome tea option, famous for being high in antioxidants – prepare in a large jug and keep close by for sipping on throughout your day.
Top pick: Tropeaka Spirulina Powder
For an energising lift in your day, this spirulina powder makes it easy. Naturally high in protein, antioxidants, B vitamins and chlorophyll, support thriving health with this all-rounder. It’s also free from GMOs, dairy and gluten – making it not only a nourishing choice, but a suitable one for meeting your nutritional needs while plant-based.
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4. Nutritional yeast
If you’re going plant-based, nutritional yeast is a must-have in your kitchen pantry. On top of being highly nutritious and rich in B12 – an essential micronutrient that supports healthy nerve cells and brain function, nutritional yeast (or savoury yeast) has a very cheesy, nutty taste that works well across a range of dishes.
When compared with store-bought vegan cheese, it’s more affordable and has a higher nutritional value too – what could be better? Sprinkle it over popcorn, roast veg, pasta, dips... anything really! Better yet, try it in our 15-minute vegan mac & cheese – sure to have you going back for seconds.
Tip: With just a few simple ingredients, this flaky ingredient can turn into a droolworthy cheese sauce – delicious for Mexican night! Add cashews, lemon juice, spices and nutritional yeast to a blender and you’re good to go.
Top pick: Lotus Savoury Yeast Flakes
For a wholesome plant-based essential that’s packed with flavour, savoury yeast flakes is a great choice. Delicious in practically any meal, use this savoury yeast in soups, stews or curries for a boost of nutrition. Naturally dairy-free, it’s wonderful for the plant-based curious and vegan alike.
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5. Broths & stocks
Contrary to what most might think, you don’t need meat broth to create a delicious meal. Many types of miso broths and soups work just as well with a plant-based alternative and are guaranteed to hit the spot with umami flavour. Great for enhancing the flavour profile of most dishes, plant-based broths and stocks are nutrient-rich too – making them a nourishing choice for fuelling your body and feeling good.
Whether it means trying our vegetable-based broths and stocks, or getting experimental and making your own, this everyday essential is a big game changer when switching to more plant-based meals.
Tip: Love miso? For an Asian-inspired weeknight meal idea, our miso mushroom ramen is a quick 15-minute meal that’s easy on the tummy and rich in flavour - who said going plant-based wasn’t simple?
Top pick: Nutra Organics Vegetable Broth Garden Veggie
Featuring pumpkin, carrots and spinach, Nutra Organics Vegetable Broth Garden Veggie is a wholesome choice for plant-based meals. Rich in calcium, zinc and B vitamins, it’s a naturally nourishing and comforting option that’s great for keeping close by – especially during colder months.
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6. Nut & Seeds
If anything should be on the top of your plant-based grocery list, it’s nuts and seeds. This grocery essential is key to helping you feel fuller for longer, and it’s a convenient snack idea too. These nutritional powerhouses are loaded with fibre, healthy fats and protein to fuel long days, and are perfect when you’re after a healthy snack that’ll give you a natural boost of energy. Hemp, flax and chia seeds are also a fantastic source of omega fatty acids.
What’s more, any nut can become a nut butter – a creamy (or crunchy) spread that tastes delicious with fresh fruit, toast, or mixed into tofu bowls like our chilli satay tofu bowl. This versatile cooking ingredient also pairs well with noodles or rice paper rolls, or in smoothies for an extra bump of protein.
Tip: Keep a jar of nuts and seeds on your kitchen countertop for easy snacking or for a crunchy addition to salads.
Top pick: Chantal Organics Almond Nut Butter
Made in New Zealand using organic almond nuts, Chantal Organics Almond Nut Butter is a nutritious and tasty choice. With the only other ingredient being sea salt, this nut butter is great if you’re looking for a protein-boosting snack free from preservatives and additives. Plant-based or not, you’re sure to love this addictive spread - and so will your furry friend! Not a fan of almond butter? From peanut butter to cashew butter and tahini, there's plenty of alternatives to help nourish your day.
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7. Spreads
Like nut butter, there’s an assortment of spreads out there that make a great addition to any diet. Spreads are an underrated ingredient that’s wonderful for elevating flavour or adding variety to meals. It’s also an easy way to add extra vitamins and antioxidants to your day. From hummus to tahini or misomite, spreads are a fantastic plant-based staple for pretty much any meal.
Tip: While mostly enjoyed in savoury foods, tahini can be added to sweet treats too! Try it in our keto black sesame cookies; an easy lunchbox snack or after dinner treat.
Top pick: Chantal Organics Black Tahini
Don’t let the colour throw you off, Chantal Organics Black Tahini is a great alternative to nut butter and tastes delightful. Made by toasting and grinding unhulled black sesame seeds, this pure sesame paste is certified organic and sweet in flavour. It tastes great over toast with a drizzle of coconut nectar (a delicious alternative to honey), as a nutritious addition to baked goods or in homemade dressings and hummus.
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8. Chocolate
Who says going plant-based means parting ways with chocolate? For healthier sweet treats that taste just as great as regular chocolate, our vegan chocolate is superb for satisfying cravings while keeping you feeling good. Whether your lactose-intolerant or after a plant-based alternative that hits the spot, you’d be surprised with the range of exciting flavours out there - from turkish delight to salted caramel and coconut rough, delight your tastebuds to delicious options you’ll love.
Tip: Get creative with your chocolate of choice by pairing it with nourishing ingredients like shredded coconut or banana – better yet, try it with our chocolate chunk protein balls for an easy, on the go snack idea.
Top pick: Solomon's Gold Dark Mylk Caramel
Moreish treat? This caramel choc is a tasty choice for your vegan pantry. Combining rich cocoa beans with the buttery flavours of toffee and floral honey (don't worry, it's still vegan!), plus the creaminess of coconut - this bestseller is sure to top the list. Did we mention, it's also free from gluten, soy and nuts? A superb accomodating snack no matter your diet preferences.
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9. Healthy snacks
Keep hunger at bay with healthy snacks that satisfy. When adding more plant foods to your diet, keeping nutrition front of mind is key. And while we all deserve indulgence from time to time, eating the right snacks can play a major role in ensuring your body and brain functions well, and your energy is balanced. From tasty crisps and energy bars to dried fruit and bliss balls, there are plenty of easy and delicious snacks to keep you feeling good and satiated.
Tip: For a healthy version of sour candy, toss grapes with monk fruit sweetener (coconut sugar or maple syrup will work here too) and lime juice, then freeze overnight. A kid-friendly treat that will leave you and your little ones wanting more.
Top pick: Keto Naturals Crispy Cauli Bites - BBQ
Healthy, low carb choice when fresh fruit and veggie sticks are running low? Made with three simple ingredients: BBQ seasoning, cauliflower and rice bran oil, these crunchy cauli bites are satisfying when you're on the go.
Tip: Pack them in little ones' lunches or enjoy them with your favourite dip for a healthy snack idea.
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10. Wellness tonics
Last but not least, wellness tonics make a great addition to your plant-based pantry. From probiotic tonics to herbal elixirs and mineral rich brain support, there’s much to love about these nourishing drinks. And thankfully, switching to a more plant-based lifestyle doesn’t mean a sacrifice in your health goals either. Whether you’re after healthy focus throughout the day, great immune health or a healthy gut, wellness tonics are here to help you feel your best.
Tip: Add them to your favourite juice or smoothie for an extra wellness boost to your day.
Top pick: Wild Dispensary Liver Bitters
Full of health supporting qualities that nourish your insides, this plant-based pick-me-up is a wonderful choice that your liver will love. Made with calendula, manukā and cardamom, feel-good with this tasty elixir.
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Whether you’re looking to make healthier choices for your health, our planet, or simply try something different, consider stocking up on these everyday essentials to make your journey to plant-based easy.
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