Quick Synopsis
Not sure what your grocery list looks like without meat, cheese, eggs, and milk? Get our simple tips for navigating the grocery store with your new whole food plant-based diet.
The Full Story
When you first switch to a whole food plant-based diet you're not only learning to eat differently, but learning to cook and grocery shop differently, too. It can be a little disorienting to go to the grocery store for your first whole food plant-based shopping trip. Luckily, we've got some suggestions to help you navigate the brave new world of WFPB shopping.
Whole Food Plant-Based Grocery Shopping Tips
1. Head to produce section FIRST!
All your beautiful fresh vegetables and fruits are here and you can eat them all in abundance.
2. Stock up on whole grains
They’re great to have on hand. Toss in some beans, a leafy green, and some sauce and you’ve got yourself a delicious, healthy bowl! (Keep reading to get grain ideas.)
3. Limit packaged foods
...EVEN ones that say ORGANIC or NATURAL as packaged foods tends to be processed and have more sodium, added sugars, and added oils (read about why we avoid oil here).
4. Canned veggies and legumes are OK!
Short on time? You don't have to soak your own beans or prep fresh veggies all the time if you're short on time. Just look for low sodium and organic options. if you can.
5. Bulk section does NOT necessarily = healthy section
You can buy nuts in bulk section but just because something is in bulk that doesn’t mean it’s healthy. They have candy in that section, too ;) and you'll find many of the chocolate covered fruits there have quite a bit of sugar and usually some milk so read labels and ingredients, even in bulk!
6. And last but not least...don’t shop when hungry!
We've all been there. We tend to buy up lots of convenient junk food when we're starving in the grocery store. Studies show we not only overeat but are more likely to choose unhealthy snacks when we're hungry. So have a snack before you hit the aisles.
Key Takeaways
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Go to produce aisle first
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Stock up on whole grains
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Limit packaged foods
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Canned veggies and legumes are OK!
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Bulk section doesn't necessarily mean healthy
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Don't shop when hungry
Get more plant-based pantry stocking tips here.
Just wanted to thank you for this. I need all the tips I can get!
Shop with a buddy when you can! Tends to keep me more honest with what goes into my cart. Also, can share larger purchases if the item is something you already use or need. Enjoy the trip and share with a friend or family member. Treat yourself to a relaxing couple minutes together when you’re finished.