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Vegetarian Pantry Staples

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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!

chickpeas, beans, and spices

This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Affiliate I earn from qualifying purchases. All opinions are my own.

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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.

Half a lemon with lemon slices on a plate.

My vegetarian pantry staples

Dry Goods

Nuts and Seeds

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

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!
one ripe avocado cut in half

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.

Spinach and White Beans
Savory white beans and cooked spinach make up this delicious vegan side dish.
Check out this recipe
Spaghetti Aglio Olio
Al dente pasta in a simple garlic oil. Spaghetti aglio olio is the easiest, cheapest, fastest vegan pasta recipe ever!
Check out this recipe
a plate of spaghetti with garlic oil.
Pesto Linguini with Crispy Balsamic Chickpeas
This pesto linguine is a vegetarian pasta recipe loaded with crispy balsamic roasted chickpeas and summery pesto!
Check out this recipe
a bowl of pesto linguine with crispy balsamic chickpeas
Chipotle Veggie Quesadillas
Melty cheese, beans, and veggies folded into a crisp flour tortilla.
Check out this recipe
two white plates with chipotle veggie quesadillas, a knife, limes, and bowls of salsa and sour cream
Vegetarian Chili
A hearty vegetarian chili made with beans and vegetables.
Check out this recipe
A bowl of vegetarian chili topped with sour cream, tortilla strips, sliced avocado, and fresh chives.
Crispy Baked Black Bean Tacos
Crispy, crunchy black bean tacos filled with beans and melty cheese. Topped with pico de gallo for a fresh and flavorful vegetarian dinner!
Check out this recipe
Crispy baked black bean tacos on a serving platter topped with pico next to a bowl of pico and a bowl of sour cream.
Orecchiette with Spinach and Butter Beans
Al dente pasta with creamy butter beans and fresh cooked spinach makes an easy weeknight meal.
Check out this recipe
top view full bowl of orecchiette with spinach and butter beans with striped dish towel
Stacked Veggie Enchiladas
Stacked Veggie Enchiladas require no rolling and no meat!
Check out this recipe
a slice of stacked veggie enchiladas on a rustic plate with cilantro, limes, and avocado
Broccoli, Bean, and Cheese Vegetarian Calzones
A vegetarian calzone stuffed with broccoli, beans, pesto, and cheese.
Check out this recipe
side view image of vegetarian calzone on cutting board cut into
Italian Quinoa Casserole
Crispy quinoa and cheese casserole with tons of healthy, hearty veggies!
Check out this recipe
image of quinoa casserole in small bowl with utensil inside
Mediterranean Goodie Bowl
This Mediterranean Goodie Bowl is full of vegetables and flavor!
Check out this recipe
overhead photo of a mediterranean buddha bowl

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

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