Groceries
These key essential food items are almost always found in my kitchen. I keep my pantry well-stocked so I have everything I need to try a new recipe should I feel like exploring. While I do not focus on buying only organic foods, there are some items (like granola bars and cereals) I insist on buying organic because there are fewer ingredients and are a healthier option than the alternative.
What I Spend
Around $6-800 per month on groceries for a family of 4-5 (my oldest attends school out of state, so our family size varies according to the month). All three children are ages 15 and older. The kids will often eat out when school is in session about once a week, so that may mean more leftovers in the fridge to eat or freeze by the end of the week.
Where I Shop
- Aldi on Saturdays: I shop weekly at Aldi (every Saturday at 9am when they open). They carry nearly all of my staple items I buy on a regular basis. While their selection is small, I can find nearly everything I need here.
- Monthly at Winco: Once a month I will make a trip to Winco to find items I cannot find at Aldi's.
- Quarterly at Specialty Store: I venture out and try new places or go to larger grocery stores to explore other vegan items to add a little variety to my meals. Sometimes it's Stater Bros. for jackfruit or La Sierra Natural Foods for vegan meat (called tempeh).
Shopping List
The following items are almost always found in my kitchen.
Produce
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Non-Diary Dairy
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Breakfast Ready-Made
When going vegan, you do not need to toss your cereal or oatmeal. But, if you plan on upgrading your food to a healthier option, be sure to buy organic (since there are fewer ingredients) and regular oatmeal (avoid instant since there there is a lot of sugar).
- Oatmeal (Aldi) - Keep regular old fashioned oats onhand for recipes and to make oatmeal (one of the healthiest meals you can eat!), as well as instant oatmeal for on-the-go breakfast (lots of sugar, though).
- Cereal (Aldi/Winco) - Grab what you and your family will eat.
- Yogurt (Winco) - A small selection in the yogurt isle.
Pasta, Rice, Beans, Lentils
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Spices & Seasonings
A few items are found at Aldi and the remaining items are found at Winco:
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Baking Ingredients
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Canned/Packaged Foods
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Bread
Here are some breads to keep on-hand to better prepare meals. While they are not truly vegan, they are needed as staple items to prepare meals.
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Meat Replacements
Refer to Vegan Hacks for more detail, but here are our favorites:
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Snacks
Some quick grab-n-go snacks which is also good to add to lunches:
- Organic Granola Bars (Aldi/Winco) - Organic because it has healthier ingredients
- Larabar (Winco) - It only 4 ingredients and can be found at Winco and most stores!
- Hippeas (Specialty Stores) - Vegan cheese puffs which can be found online and in Costco
- Raisins & Dried Fruit
- Nuts
- Pretzels
- Chips
- Harvest Snaps (sold for $2 at Winco in a variety of flavors)
Sauces & Spreads
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