10 Vegan Pantry Staples Every Cook Needs (and How to Use Them)
Cooking vegan meals doesn’t need to be complicated. With the right pantry staples, you can whip up flavourful, nourishing dishes without extra stress or last-minute supermarket runs. Stocking your kitchen with versatile, plant-based essentials means you’re always ready to cook something delicious – whether it’s a comforting curry, a quick snack, or a dessert to share with friends.
These 10 vegan pantry staples are the foundation of everyday plant-based cooking. They’re affordable, easy to store, and endlessly versatile. Once you’ve got these on hand, you’ll have the building blocks for hundreds of meals – proof that a well-stocked pantry is every vegan cook’s best friend.
1. Chickpeas
Why they’re essential: Chickpeas are a powerhouse of protein and fibre, making them both filling and nutritious.
How to use them:
- Blend into hummus for a classic dip.
- Roast with spices for a crunchy snack.
- Simmer into curries and stews.
👉 Try them in: Vegan Chickpea Curry
2. Lentils
Why they’re essential: Affordable and hearty, lentils add depth to savoury dishes and are quick to cook compared to other legumes.
How to use them:
- Add to soups and stews.
- Use red lentils to thicken curries.
- Try green or brown lentils in vegan “meat” sauces.
👉 Try them in: Hearty Vegan Chili
3. Quinoa
Why it’s essential: Quinoa is a complete protein and makes a light but filling base for bowls and salads.
How to use it:
- Toss into grain bowls with roasted veggies.
- Use as a base for stuffed peppers.
- Mix into salads for extra texture.
👉 Try it in: Vegan Stuffed Peppers with Quinoa & Black Beans
4. Oats
Why they’re essential: A staple for both sweet and savoury recipes, oats are cheap, filling, and versatile.
How to use them:
- Overnight oats or porridge for breakfast.
- Blend into oat flour for baking.
- Stir into cookies, crumbles, and energy balls.
👉 Try them in: No-Bake Peanut Butter Energy Balls
5. Nutritional Yeast
Why it’s essential: Known as “nooch,” nutritional yeast adds a savoury, cheesy flavour to vegan cooking.
How to use it:
- Sprinkle over pasta or popcorn.
- Blend into creamy cashew sauces.
- Stir into soups for extra depth.
👉 Try it in: Creamy Cashew Alfredo Pasta
6. Coconut Milk
Why it’s essential: Canned coconut milk adds creaminess and richness to both savoury and sweet dishes.
How to use it:
- Simmer into curries and soups.
- Use in vegan mousse or puddings.
- Bake into cakes for moisture.
👉 Try it in: Creamy Coconut Lentil Curry
7. Tofu
Why it’s essential: A protein-packed blank canvas, tofu absorbs flavours beautifully.
How to use it:
- Pan-fry or bake until crisp.
- Scramble with spices as an egg replacement.
- Blend into sauces or desserts.
👉 Try it in: Spicy Garlic Tofu Stir-Fry
8. Black Beans
Why they’re essential: Black beans are versatile, hearty, and a staple in Mexican-inspired cooking.
How to use them:
- Mash into burger patties.
- Toss into tacos or burritos.
- Mix into soups and salads.
👉 Try them in: Jackfruit Tacos with Smoky Chipotle Sauce
9. Cashews
Why they’re essential: Cashews, when soaked and blended, become a creamy base for sauces and desserts.
How to use them:
- Make cashew cream or vegan cheese.
- Blend into desserts like mousse.
- Add to curries for richness.
👉 Try them in: Vegan Baked Ziti with Cashew Cheese
10. Spices
Why they’re essential: Spices transform simple ingredients into flavourful meals.
How to use them:
- Cumin, turmeric, coriander for curries.
- Smoked paprika for beans and stews.
- Cinnamon for baking and porridges.
👉 Try them in: Cozy Vegan Pumpkin Pasta Bake
Final Thoughts
A well-stocked pantry is the secret to stress-free vegan cooking. With these staples always on hand, you’ll never run out of options for quick, flavourful meals. From creamy curries to hearty bakes and energising snacks, these ingredients make plant-based cooking both simple and exciting.
If you’re just starting out, focus on adding one or two of these to your weekly shop and build your pantry gradually. Before you know it, you’ll have everything you need to create delicious vegan meals every day of the week.
