Vegetarian Pantry Staples

Wondering how to stock your vegetarian pantry? This post will show you all the staples you should keep on hand so you’ll always be prepared!

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Jump to:

• My vegetarian pantry staples
• Vegetarian pantry meals

Stocking a vegetarian pantry is important whether you’re on day one of being vegetarian or just want to be prepared for any situation. Having a well stocked pantry full of essentials will allow you to make fewer trips to the grocery store and set you up for easy to make, delicious meals.

I’m sharing what’s always in my pantry, organized into a few basic categories, as well as a few bonus items that I would never go without. This list looks a little different than some of the other vegetarian pantry lists out there because I’m being super realistic about what I use and what I don’t. 

If you’re someone who cooks with farro frequently, you would definitely want it in your pantry at all times. I don’t, so it’s not! Everyone’s list will look different, and as you cook more at home you’ll learn what you just can’t do without.

I’ve tried to include affiliate links for some of the products that might be new to you, so even if you don’t purchase online you’ll have an idea of what you’re looking for in the store.

My vegetarian pantry staples

Dry Goods

• Oatmeal
• Rice – brown and white
• Quinoa
• Bulgur
• Pasta – Spaghetti, Penne, Lasagna, etc.
• Rice Noodles
• Panko Breadcrumbs

Nuts and Seeds

• Nuts – Peanuts, Cashews, Almonds, Walnuts, Pecans, Pistachios, Pine Nuts
• Pepitas
• Sunflower Seeds
• Chia Seeds
• Flaxseed Meal

Canned and Jarred Goods

• Canned or Dried Beans and Lentils – Garbanzo, Black, Pinto, Great Northern
• Canned Coconut Milk
• Canned Diced Tomatoes
• Canned Whole San Marzano Tomatoes
• Tahini
• Vegetable Broth
• Marinara Sauce
• Nut Butter (Peanut, Almond, Cashew)

Baking

• Unbleached All-Purpose Flour
• Dry Yeast
• Almond Flour
• Oat Flour
• Granulated Sugar
• Brown Sugar – light and dark
• Confectioners’ Sugar
• Chocolate Chips
• Baking Powder
• Baking Soda
• Cocoa Powder
• Vanilla Extract
• Butter or Dairy Free Butter (store in the freezer for longer life)

Sturdy Fruits and Vegetables

• Garlic
• Onions
• Potatoes
• Sweet Potatoes
• Carrots
• Oranges
• Lemons
• Limes

Oils and Condiments

• Coconut Oil
• Olive Oil
• Ketchup
• Mustard – Dijon, and a stronger flavor such as Chipotle or Grainy
• BBQ Sauce
• Pesto (store in the freezer for longer life)
• Salsa – I always have 2-3 kinds!
• Balsamic Vinegar
• Soy Sauce or Tamari
• Mayonnaise

Sweeteners

• Maple Syrup
• Honey
• Molasses
• Dates

Spices

• Coarse Kosher Salt
• Black Pepper
• Crushed Red Pepper Flakes
• Garlic Powder
• Onion Powder
• Dried Oregano
• Dried Thyme
• Chili Powder
• Ground Cumin
• Cinnamon
• Ground Nutmeg
• Ground Ginger
• Nutritional Yeast

Freezer

• Veggie Burgers
• Hamburger Buns
• Frozen Spinach
• Frozen Fruit or Smoothie Packs

Important Extras

• Tortilla Chips – Enjoy with salsa, make nachos, crumble over salads
• Bread – Whole Wheat and Sourdough
• Tortillas – Corn and Flour
• Cheese – Mozzarella and Monterey Jack or Cheddar, shredded and sliced
• Spicy Chili Crisp
• Avocados – They go with everything!

Vegetarian pantry meals

These recipes are made almost entirely out of vegetarian pantry staples. They could easily handle a few substitutions if you can’t find an ingredient or wanted to leave it out.

Did I miss anything you think is essential? Add it to the comments!