Plant-Based Food Essentials: Tips, Tools & Must-Have Staples

Switching to a plant-based diet has been an adventure for our family! We started this journey over a decade ago and have learned so much—what works, what doesn’t, and how to make it all easier (especially with four kids in tow). I wanted to share some tips and product reviews to help others on a similar journey.

Updated March 2025

The Challenges of Going Plant-Based

Let’s be real—transitioning from meat, dairy, and processed foods isn’t always easy. Vegan substitutes can be pricey, and finding real-life advice beyond Google can feel impossible when plant-based eaters are a rare breed in your community. But we’ve discovered that with the right tools and ingredients, this lifestyle can be both doable and enjoyable!

Must-Have Kitchen Tools

These are the game-changing appliances that make plant-based eating so much easier:

• Coffee Grinder – Perfect for grinding seeds, nuts, and grains into flour or fine powders. Read my review on The Perfect Grinder.
• Blender – Ideal for smoothies, muffins, and desserts. Check out my review of the Russell Hobbs Mix & Go Mini Blender.
• Sprouter – Sprouting grains, seeds, and beans boosts nutrition. See my thoughts on the Elzed Seed Sprouter.

Our Essential Plant-Based Foods

These are the staples we rely on for easy, nutritious meals:

Pantry Staples:

• Whole oats, quinoa, brown rice, wholegrain rice cakes
• Lentils, black beans, cannellini beans, mung beans (all legumes can be tinned as well as dry, for cooking and sprouting)
• Chickpeas, sunflower seeds, sesame seeds, pumpkin seeds, hemp seeds
• Almonds, walnuts, cashews, brazil nuts, pecan nuts, nut butters
• Olive oil, coconut oil, desiccated coconut
• Almond milk, coconut milk, oat milk
• Cinnamon, herbs (parsley, rosemary, oregano, basil), maca powder

Fresh Produce:

• Avocados, bananas, apples, berries, mangoes, dates
• Sweet potatoes, potatoes, carrots, peas, green beans, butternut
• Broccoli, cauliflower, baby marrows, spinach, mushrooms, corn
• Tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, celery, spring onions, lettuce

Superfoods & Protein:

• Pea protein powder (plant-based protein source)
• Hemp powder (high in protein and omega fatty acids)
• Spirulina and Wheatgrass powder (nutrient-dense superfoods)

Helpful Resources

We’ve learned a lot from inspiring plant-based advocates like Rich Roll, Kris Carr, Leo Babauta, Minimalist Baker, and Ka Sundance. They offer recipes, meal-planning tips, and motivation to keep going.

Final Thoughts

Going plant-based can be a challenge, but once you learn a few tricks, it becomes second nature. Fill your plate with color, experiment with new flavors, and have fun! You’re not just fueling your body with healthy energy—you’re also making a difference for the planet and animals.

Are you trying to eat more plant-based? What’s been your biggest challenge or best discovery? Let’s share tips in the comments! 😊