Vegan Shopping Guide

If you’ve ever stood in a supermarket aisle wondering “Is this vegan?” or “What should I buy?”, you’re not alone. Vegan grocery shopping doesn’t have to be overwhelming. While your go-to essentials like fruits, vegetables, legumes and whole grains are widely available, there’s also a range of vegan products to familiarise yourself with.

From various ingredients to ready-made meals, plant-based cheeses and burgers, supermarkets, specialty shops and online stores offer plenty of vegan options. Whether you’re new to veganism or simply looking to expand your choices, this guide will help you shop confidently, read labels accurately, and discover new favourites.

1. Start by Building Your Grocery List

Before heading to the store, create a list of items you plan to use throughout the week. Planning this way helps you:

• Avoid buying things you won’t use
• Stick to a budget
• Reduce food waste

For example, here’s a practical, nutrition-packed list that most plant-based eaters would use. Customise it to your taste and needs.

Fresh Produce

• Leafy greens (e.g. spinach, kale, rocket)
• Broccoli, cauliflower, zucchini, capsicum
• Carrots, onion, garlic
• Seasonal fruits (e.g. bananas, apples, berries, kiwis)

Plant Proteins

• Tofu, tempeh, edamame
• Lentils & beans (dry and/or canned – e.g. chickpeas, black beans, kidney beans)

Grains & Starches

• Brown rice, quinoa, oats
• Wholegrain bread & pasta
• Potatoes & sweet potatoes
• Flour (e.g. whole wheat, spelt, rye, gluten-free)

Nuts, Seeds & Healthy Fats

• Almonds, cashews, walnuts
• Chia & flax seeds
• Nut butters (e.g. peanut, almond)

Pantry Essentials

• Vegetable broth
• Herbs, spices, salt and other seasonings
• Condiments (e.g. nutritional yeast, vinegar, mustard, miso, soy sauce, tomato sauce)
• Oils – for salad (e.g. olive, flaxseed) – for cooking (e.g. sunflower, coconut)

These foods form the foundation of a balanced, affordable plant-based diet.

2. Explore Vegan Products

Supermarkets, local grocers and other stores offer many products labelled as vegan, plant-based, or vegan-friendly, that you may want to add to your list.

You’ll often find:

Ready-Made Vegan Meals

• Perfect for busy days or quick lunches.

Vegan Alternatives

• Plant milks (soy, oat, almond, coconut)
• Vegan cheeses, yoghurts & ice cream
• Mock meats (vegan burger patties, plant-based sausages, pies)

Dressings

• Plant-based mayonnaise
• Vegan salad dressings (e.g. French, Caesar, Italian, ranch & more)

Snacks & Treats

• Vegan chocolate
• Popcorn & chips
• Plant-based cookies, biscuits & cakes

3. Not Sure if a Product is Vegan?

Many packaged products may look vegan but contain sneaky animal-derived ingredients like whey, casein, gelatin, or honey. To check, here’s what to do:

✅ Read the full ingredients list. If you’re unsure about additives, refer to our Food Additives List for clarification

✅ Look for “certified vegan” labels. If you’re in Australia, look for the Vegan Australia Certified symbol.

✅ Use vegan ingredient checking apps for extra confidence. These apps are quick and reliable:

🌱 Fussy Vegan – A comprehensive app specific for Australia and New Zealand. fussyvegan.com.au

🌱 WhatsVegan – Scans labels (not barcodes) to check if ingredients are vegan. whatsvegan.app

4. What About “May contain” Labels?

You’ve probably seen statements like: “May contain traces of milk, eggs, …”

It’s important to understand that these items are not on the ingredients list. It’s a cross-contact warning, meaning the product is made in a facility that also processes non-vegan ingredients.

Most vegans are comfortable purchasing these items because the statement relates to potential trace contamination, not intentional inclusion. However, if you prefer to avoid any possible cross-contact, that choice is entirely yours.

5. Smart Vegan Grocery Shopping Tips

To make vegan shopping easier and more budget-friendly:

• Write out your list before shopping to avoid impulse buys
• Shop seasonal produce for better prices and flavour
• Buy staples in bulk like grains, legumes, nuts, seeds
• Choose frozen produce as they’re just as nutritious and cheaper
• Look out for sales and stock up especially staples like rice and beans
• Try one new product every couple of weeks to expand your options

The more familiar you become with your preferred brands and staples, the faster and easier your shopping will become.

6. Shop Vegan Online: Discover Even More Options

If you can’t find what you’re looking for at your local supermarket, online shopping opens up an even wider world of vegan-friendly products.

From pantry staples to cruelty-free cosmetics, you can easily buy vegan products online in Australia, often with a broader selection than physical retailers.

Through our Vegan Online Shopping Directory, you can easily browse trusted stores that sell:

• 🌱 Vegan food products, drinks and specialty groceries

• 👕 Vegan clothing and accessories

• 💄 Cruelty-free and vegan makeup

• 🧴 Personal care and household products

• 📦 Vegan meal delivery services in Australia
• 🐶 Plant-based cat and dog food & treats

Whether you’re searching for a specific hard-to-find ingredient, ethical fashion, or convenient meal kits, our directory helps you support businesses that align with your values, all in one place.

✔️ Shopping online can also be especially useful if you:

• Live in a regional or rural area
• Have limited local vegan options
• Want to buy vegan gifts for loved ones
• Prefer comparing products and ingredients in your own time
• Want access to specialty or small-batch brands

👉 Explore our Vegan Online Shopping Directory:

Online Shopping Directory

Final Thoughts: Shop With Confidence

Vegan grocery shopping is about more than just what’s on the list; it’s about building confidence in the store and online, plus enjoying the journey toward vegan living.

With clearly labelled products, dedicated apps, and a range of plant-based alternatives, shopping vegan is accessible and straightforward. Once you get into the rhythm of planning, knowing your staples, reading labels, and identifying what you know to be vegan, you’ll breeze through the aisles like a pro.