" 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.

Pantry Staples and Essentials

Guide By PlantPlate
Following a plant-based diet? You'll want to make sure your pantry is stocked with all the essentials, and this comprehensive list is the perfect place to start!

If you browse through our recipes, you'll notice that a lot of the same ingredients feature time and time again. If you're interested in minimizing trips to the grocery store, it's a good idea to keep your pantry stocked with plenty of plant-based staples. This is a comprehensive list, so naturally you should select ingredients that you are likely to use on a regular basis. 

 

LEGUMES

Dried, or cans / jars with no salt added.

  • Adzuki Beans
  • Black Beans
  • Black-Eyed Peas
  • Broad Beans
  • Butter Beans
  • Calico Beans
  • Cannellini Beans
  • Chickpeas (Garbanzo Beans)
  • Edamame
  • Great Northern Beans
  • Kidney Beans
  • Lentils
  • Lima Beans
  • Mung Beans
  • Navy Beans
  • Pinto Beans
  • Soy Beans
  • Split Peas


WHOLE GRAINS & WHOLE GRAIN PRODUCTS

  • Amaranth
  • Barley
  • Brown Rice
  • Buckwheat
  • Corn (Polenta, Popcorn Kernels)
  • Millet
  • Oats
  • Quinoa
  • Rye
  • Sorghum
  • Teff
  • Wheat (cracked wheat, wheat berries, kamut, whole wheat couscous )
  • Whole grain and sprouted grain breads
  • Whole wheat and brown rice pastas
  • Whole Grain Flours (Wheat, Spelt, Oat, etc.)
  • Wild rice


SEASONINGS AND CONDIMENTS

  • Dried Herbs (no-salt-added varieties)
  • Dried Spices (no-salt-added varieties)
  • Balsamic Vinegar
  • Apple Cider Vinegar
  • Re Wine Vinegar
  • Rice Vinegar
  • Mustard*
  • Low Sodium Soy Sauce*
  • Hot Sauce / Sriracha*
  • Low Sodium / Salt-Free Vegetable Stock
  • Ketchup*
  • Barbecue Sauce*

* = Choose low-sodium condiments when available, or better still, make your own salt-free versions at home.

 

NUTS

  • Almonds
  • Brazil Nuts
  • Cashews
  • Hazelnuts (Filberts)
  • Walnuts

 

SEEDS

  • Chia
  • Flax
  • Hemp
  • Sesame
  • Sunflower
  • Pumpkin

 

MILK ALTERNATIVES

  • Soy
  • Rice
  • Almond
  • Flax
  • Oat
  • Hazelnut

 

SWEETENERS

  • Dried Dates (for making Date Puree)
  • Other dried fruits (raisins, apricots, apples, plums, etc.)
  • Maple Syrup*
  • Date Syrup*
  • Molasses*
  • Rice Syrup*

* = use in moderation and in small quantities.

 

OTHER

  • Diced Tomatoes
  • Tomato Paste
  • Tahini
  • Natural Nut Butters (no added sugar or oil)
  • Nutritional Yeast
  • Cocoa or Carob Powder
  • Aluminium-Free Baking Powder
  • Vanilla Extract

 

 

Article photo courtesy of Nomadic Lass via Flickr