Vegan Made Easy: Your Shopping List & Meal Plan
Published on 9th Jan, 2026
You might be asking, how easy is it to go vegan for Veganuary? The answer is simpler than you think. Gone are the days when a plant-based diet meant endless bowls of kale and sunflower seeds. The secret lies in your trolley. By making simple supermarket swaps, think creamy oat milk in your morning brew or a hearty lentil ragu instead of beef, you can enjoy your favourite comfort foods while embracing a more sustainable way of living. It's not about restriction; it's about choosing ingredients that love you (and the planet) back.
Your Veganuary Shopping List Essentials
The trick is to stock your kitchen with pantry powerhouses that make cooking effortless. By focusing on versatile vegan protein sources like tofu, hearty lentils and protein-packed chickpeas, you’ll have the foundation for hundreds of different vegan recipes.
Ready to shop? Use this checklist to build a balanced, plant-based pantry:
A plant-powered protein and an excellent source of fibre for salads or curries. | |
The ultimate pantry staple for thickening stews and adding bulk to bolognese. | |
Choose firm tofu for stir-fries or silken varieties for creamy desserts and sauces. | |
A high-protein, wheat-based meat alternative with a hearty texture perfect for "meaty" dishes. | |
A convenient, high-protein snack or a bright addition to grain bowls. | |
Versatile oat or soy milk is best for coffee; choose fortified versions for Calcium and Vitamin D. | |
Plant-based blocks that behave just like dairy in baking and on toast. | |
Known as "nooch," these flakes add a savoury, cheesy flavour and a source of Vitamin B12. | |
The ultimate vegan glue for wraps, sandwiches, and dipping. | |
A fermented fridge essential that adds deep, salty umami flavour to dressings and soups. | |
Your go-to for instant seasoning and savoury depth. | |
A concentrated base for building rich, complex flavours in sauces and stews. | |
A creamy sesame paste is essential for dressings, hummus, and even baking. | |
Slow-release energy sources for a filling vegan breakfast, lunch or dinner side. | |
Source of Omega-3s. Mix with water to create an "egg" replacement for baking. | |
Raw cashews can be soaked and blended into dairy-free cream sauces. | |
Provide essential healthy fats and a decadent, creamy texture to any dish. | |
Perfect for cost-effective smoothies and topping your morning oats. | |
Easy to toss into hot meals without worrying about fresh leaves wilting. | |
Great emergency dinners for those nights you’re too busy to cook from scratch. | |
Since B12 isn't naturally in plants, check that your milks are fortified or speak to a doctor about supplementing your diet. |
Full Day of Food: Vegan Meal Plan
Wondering how to put your Veganuary shopping list into action? We’ve handpicked some recipes to kickstart your vegan meal plan and take the guesswork out of your day. Whether you’re looking for a quick vegan protein fix or a decadent vegan cake for dessert, these recipes show just how effortless a plant-based lifestyle can be.
Breakfast
Fuel your morning with fibre-filled vegan recipes that taste as good as they feel. Choose from our warming beans on toast with a twist, creamy apple porridge, or a refreshing berry smoothie. For the ultimate time-saver, our prep-before overnight oats are the perfect addition to your vegan meal prep routine.
Lunch
Keep your midday energy up with a vegan lunch that’s light yet satisfying. From a quick falafel wrap to a fragrant carrot and coconut soup, these vegan recipes are perfect for home or the office. For something heartier, try our tabbouleh or a warm spiced salad packed with wild rice, chickpeas, and seasonal veg.
Dinner
End your day with a satisfying vegan dinner that the whole family will love. Dive into a rich vegan curry with our Roasted Butternut Squash & Pepper Masala or a warming Sweet Potato and Vegetable Curry. If you’re craving a classic, our Top Crust Jackfruit Pie is a must-try, while our Sweet Potato Bean Burger with vegan lime yoghurt dressing is perfect for a Friday night treat.
Dessert
Discover the sweeter side of vegan eating with these showstopping desserts. Treat yourself to a velvety Avocado Chocolate Mousse or a slice of our crunchy Cinnamon and Pecan Fridge Cake. For something zesty, our Ginger Nuts and Lemon Crunch Tart and refreshing Lemon Sorbet Cups prove that vegan cake and treats are just as indulgent as the originals.
Smart Swaps
One of the most common questions when starting your journey is how to recreate the textures and flavours you love. Changing your diet is much easier when you realise you don’t have to give up your favourite meals. By using simple plant-based alternatives, you can keep your weekly menu exactly as it is. We have compiled this list of easy vegan swaps to help you navigate the aisles with confidence and build a plant-based meal plan that works for you.
Meat Swaps
For Minced Meat: Red lentils, walnuts blended with mushrooms, or a textured vegetable protein.
For Chicken Strips: Soy curls, torn oyster mushrooms, or seitan (wheat gluten).
For Pulled Pork: Canned young green jackfruit shreds perfectly and soaks up BBQ sauce.
For Fish: Banana blossom for "fish" and chips or hearts of palm for "crab" cakes.
For Bacon: Thinly sliced smoked tofu, rice paper "bacon," or king oyster mushroom strips seasoned with liquid smoke and maple syrup.
Browse Vegan Meat Alternatives
Cheese Swaps
For Parmesan: Nutritional Yeast (nooch) or a blend of cashews, garlic powder, and salt, pulsed in a blender.
For Ricotta: Mashed firm tofu with lemon juice, salt, and herbs.
For Cheese Sauce: Boiled and blended potatoes, carrots, and cashews with nutritional yeast.
For Feta: Cubed extra-firm tofu marinated in a brine of lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, and oregano.
For Melting (Pizza/Toast): Look for store-bought brands using coconut oil or potato starch, as they melt more effectively.
Browse Vegan Cheese Alternatives
Egg Swaps
For Meringues/Egg Whites: Aquafaba (the liquid from a can of chickpeas). It whips into stiff peaks exactly like egg whites.
For Scrambled Eggs: Crumbled firm tofu with a pinch of turmeric (for colour) and Kala Namak (Black Salt), which provides a natural sulfuric "eggy" smell and taste.
For Baking (Binder): Create a "Flax Egg" using 1 tbsp ground flaxseed, 3 tbsp water, and let sit for 5 mins.
For Baking (Moisture): 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce or 1/2 mashed ripe banana per egg.
Butter & Yoghurt Swaps
For Butter (Spreading): Avocado, hummus, or nut butters.
For Butter (Baking/Cooking): Coconut oil (use refined if you don't want a coconut taste) or high-quality vegan block butters.
For Yoghurt: Soy yoghurt (highest in protein), coconut yoghurt (creamiest), or oat yoghurt.
For Buttermilk: You can make this using 1 cup plant milk, 1 tbsp lemon juice or apple cider vinegar, and let it sit for 10 minutes to curdle.
Browse Vegan Dairy Alternatives
Experience the Plant Revolution
Making plant-based eating simple and interesting is at the heart of our Plant Revolution range. Whether you're a full-time vegan or a flexitarian looking for bold new flavours, this range is designed to make vegan eating effortless. Every product is certified by the UK Vegan Society, so you can shop with total peace of mind. Try a few of our favourites below or browse our full selection of vegan-friendly products online today.
Now that you have the meal plan and the smart swaps, it is time to fill your pantry. We have made it easier than ever to find exactly what you need with our dedicated Vegan collection online to find all your essentials and a few new favourites too.
