If a vegan diet is new to you and you’re still getting familiar with various recipes and meals, it might be quite tasking to go grocery shopping for your pantry.
In this article, we’ve highlighted some items that we think are a must-have for every beginner vegan. Here are some items you can get from your vegan store.
Olive Oil
Olive oil is essential in every vegan pantry, and it’s best if you opt for a bottle of extra virgin olive oil; that is 100% pure, unfiltered olive oil that is cold-pressed. Extra virgin olive oil is known for its flavor and quality and is affordable.
Pitted Deglet Noor Dates
Pitted Deglet Noor dates are often referred to as the “Queen of Dates”. These are dates whose pits have been removed for easier use. Noor dates are high in sugar and carbohydrates as well as other nutrients, minerals, and vitamins. Noor dates are also considered one of the sweetest fruits and can be made into raw sugar for use.
Raw Almonds
Raw almonds are perfect for a vegan store because they are rich in minerals, vitamins, fiber, and proteins. Raw almonds can be eaten toasted, raw, or used to make a snack. However, you only need to consume a small number of almonds daily as only about 1 ounce can supply an eighth of your daily protein requirement.
Organic Raw Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is a natural laxative that is good for its many benefits, such as lowering blood sugar and improving insulin sensitivity, among many other benefits. Organic raw apple cider vinegar is recommended because it contains ‘mother,’ which includes enzymes, strands of protein, and friendly bacteria. However, apple cider vinegar is acidic and should be diluted if taken raw.
Raw Hulled Hemp Seeds
Hulled hemp seeds are tiny brown seeds whose shells have been removed. They are rich in good fatty acids, including all the essential fatty and amino acids, protein, and fibers. They are excellent antioxidants making them suitable for the skin, joints, and heart. Hemp seeds can be eaten raw, used to make protein powder, milk, or butter.
Raw Trail Mix
Trail mix is a mixture of nuts and other fruits such as almonds, berries, peanuts, walnuts, raisins, pumpkin, cashews, goji berries, sunflower seeds, white mulberries, pepitas, Brazil nuts, and coconut. Raw trail mix is rich in proteins essential for immunity, muscle growth, and the repair of lean tissues.
Raw Organic Cacao Powder
Raw organic cocoa is produced in Peru, where cocoa beans are fermented slowly and sundries as opposed to roasting to enable them to retain all their nutrients and flavor. Raw cocoa is rich in flavonoids and polyphenols. It has many health benefits, such as reducing blood pressure, preventing blood clotting, increasing blood flow to the heart and brain, increasing insulin sensitivity, and reducing the risk of diabetes. Raw organic cocoa can be taken in powder form.
Cashews
Cashews are rich in plant protein, healthy fats, fiber, and low in sugar. They are also nutrient-dense containing nutrients like copper, manganese, and magnesium high are all important for immunity, energy production, bone health, and brain health. However, it is advised to consume roasted cashew nuts as it destroys a toxic substance called urushiol that is found in the nutshell.
Ethiopian Tahini
This tahini is made from white humeral sesame seeds that are found in northwestern Ethiopia. This sesame tahini undergoes a pre-germination process with coarse tahini in millstone. The end result is dark, thick, rich, nutty tahini that is rich in many minerals like calcium. They can be used to make raw tahini butter.
Sauerkraut
Sauerkraut is cabbage that has been finely cut and fermented by some bacteria, and lactic acid sauerkraut is rich in vitamin K2 and probiotics. Sauerkraut has many health benefits such as strengthening the immune system, weight loss, enhancing digestion, and preventing certain diseases. Sauerkraut has a long shelf life and can be eaten alone as a side dish or as accompaniment for other dishes, including fried eggs, salsa, toast, and lots more.
Organic Goji Berries
Goji berries are rich in minerals and vitamins and are also excellent antioxidants. They have many health benefits, such as improving sugar control in the blood, protecting against certain types of cancers, weight loss, and anti-aging. Goji berries can be consumed raw or in the form of jam, juice, or powder.
Dried Kelp Seaweed
Dried kelps are rich in antioxidants such as flavonoids and carotenoids, essential for fighting disease-causing free radicals. Dried kelp also contains minerals like zinc and magnesium, which help to fight oxidative stress, prevent cancer, and improve cardiovascular health. Dried kelp seaweed can be eaten raw after hydration with cold water or cooked into other meals.
Coconut Wraps
Coconut wraps are an excellent substitute for tortillas and bread. They are rich in healthy fats and fiber. Coconut wraps are gluten-free and contain low carbs. They are made with coconut water, extra virgin olive oil, and coconut meat. They can be eaten with fillings. You can find different coconut wraps in your vegan store to choose from.
