" We're here to facilitate your plant-based journey "

PlantPlate.com is here to provide the recipes, information, and practical advice needed to follow a healthy plant-based diet. Whether you're interested in improving your health, losing weight, or eating more sustainably, a whole foods plant-based diet may be the perfect solution for you.

My name's Emma, and I started PlantPlate in 2013 with the help of my husband Scott, a web developer and fellow plantivore. I’m a certified Plant-Based Nutritionist who loves to cook, and I've followed a plant-based diet for over a decade. Having lived in various locations throughout the world - sometimes on a shoestring budget, and often with irregular and demanding work schedules - I’ve had to constantly adapt my diet in order to make it work. It’s taught me a lot, and it’s motivated me to show others just how accessible and enjoyable this way of eating can be.

The recipes featured on PlantPlate are based on minimally processed plant foods, including fruits, vegetables, whole grains and legumes. They're free from all animal products, processed oils and refined carbohydrates, and are made with simple and affordable ingredients. Our articles are aimed at providing you with plant-based know-how when it comes to shopping, cooking, nutrition and day-to-day living. We have answers to common questions and share practical knowledge that we have acquired through experience. Finally, the resources section contains links to books, DVDs, and video presentations from some of the world's leading experts on plant-based nutrition. It is our hope that these resources will help you to fully understand and evaluate the health benefits of this wonderful way of eating.

Welcome to PlantPlate!  We hope you enjoy your visit. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to email us at contact@plantplate.com.

The information on this website is designed for educational purposes only. It is not intended to substitute for informed medical advice or care. You should not use this information to diagnose or treat health problems or illnesses without first consulting your doctor.

The Benefits of Bulk Buying (and how to do it)

Guide By PlantPlate
Learn how buying in bulk can help you save time and money, with tips on what to buy, and where to buy.

When following a whole foods plant-based diet, you're likely to find yourself using many of the same staple ingredients week after week. Because you can store dry goods such as legumes and grains for up to a year, opting for bulk purchases can shave dollars off your grocery bill, and save you shopping time as well. Though your upfront costs may be a little higher, weeks will go buy in which no staple items need to be purchased, and you'll be seeing savings in no time. In addition to grains and legumes, you may find it convenient to buy items such as dried herbs and spices, plant-based milks, nuts and seeds in bulk. Trust me- it’s great not to have to go to the store 2 or 3 times a week just to buy a single ingredient! 

When planning a shopping trip, the first thing you should do is make a list of the dry goods that you use frequently. This may include:

  • Brown Rice
  • Quinoa
  • Barley
  • Oats
  • Millet
  • Buckwheat
  • Spelt
  • Chickpeas (Garbanzo Beans)
  • Kidney Beans
  • Pinto Beans
  • Black Beans
  • Black-Eye Beans
  • Navy Beans
  • Red Lentils
  • Brown Lentils
  • Puy Lentils
  • Split Peas

Add to this a list of other items that you are using on a regular basis, such as:

  • Dried herbs
  • Spices
  • Shelf-stable soy milk, rice milk or almond milk
  • Whole wheat pasta
  • Seeds (flax, pumpkin, sunflower, chia)
  • Nuts (walnuts, almonds, cashews, etc.)
  • Shelf-stable products, such as diced tomatoes, tomato puree, vegetable stock, etc.

Once you have your list of items, figure out the cheapest options available.

  • Check generic or store brand packages in the supermarket. If you can, talk to someone at your local grocery store about discounts on bulk purchases. If you're going through twelve packs of quinoa per month, you may find a store that is happy to sell a box or crate to you at a slightly discounted rate. In fact, some stores have this sort of system set up already. Don't be afraid to ask!
  • Look for stores with bulk bins, where you can buy items at a fixed price per pound or per kilo. There may be one in your supermarket; otherwise check health food stores and local markets. Most offer grains, legumes, nuts, seeds, dried herbs and spices. You’ll often find organic products for a very reasonable price when you shop this way.
  • See if you can buy bulk packs sold at wholesale supermarkets such as Costco or Sam’s Club
  • Visit local ethnic grocery stores. African, Indian, Asian and Middle-Eastern supermarkets are all fantastic options, especially for purchasing spices or legumes.
  • Consider buying from online retailers, such as Amazon. Depending on where you live, this may prove to be a very convenient and affordable option, especially if you can get free shipping. It’s also a good option for hard-to-find items and exotic ingredients.

Your next step is to work out how much you should buy. Prices may become cheaper as the volume increases, which is great, but make sure you don’t buy more than you will reasonably consume in the foreseeable future. You don’t want to throw out 4 pounds of stale walnuts next year because you wanted to save an extra 98 cents! Buy enough for a week, a month, or two months, and make sure that you have the cupboard space to store everything.

Finally, if you live alone, see if you have a friend or family member that would be interested in going halves on bulk purchases. This will help reduce your upfront costs, and also mean you won't be so pressed to make space for enormous amounts of surplus.

 

 

Article photo courtesy of yvetteSoler via Flickr