Posted: 4/1/2024

5 Vegan Staples You Absolutely Need in Your Pantry!

Are you going strong with Meatless Monday and thinking about having more meatless meals and snacks throughout the week? You’ve come to the right place! We’ll do a brief Meatless Monday movement refresher, then share five vegan staples you need in your pantry to make meatless meal planning and snacking as easy as possible.

What is Meatless Monday?

Meatless Monday is a global movement that encourages people to abstain from consuming meat on Mondays. The initiative aims to promote a more sustainable and plant-based diet, with the intention of improving individual health, reducing environmental impact, and addressing concerns related to animal welfare. The movement has gained widespread recognition and participation, with individuals, schools, restaurants, and even entire communities embracing the idea of a weekly meat-free day as a simple yet impactful way to make a difference.

How Do I Participate in Meatless Monday?

1) Select a day of the week that works best for you to go meatless: Monday is popular because it marks the beginning of the week, setting a positive tone for healthy choices.

2) Plan Your Meals: Take some time to plan your meals for Meatless Monday. Explore a variety of plant-based recipes that include vegetables, fruits, grains, legumes, and plant-based meats. Experimenting with different recipes can make the experience enjoyable and delicious.

3) Gradual Transition: If you're new to plant-based eating, consider starting with familiar and favorite meatless dishes, OR you can take your favorite recipes and swap in a plant-based meat. Gradually incorporating more plant-based meals into your diet can make the transition smoother.

4) Stock Your Pantry with Plant-Based Meats: Explore the growing range of plant-based alternatives available on FakeMeats.com. Plant-based meats offer many benefits, foremost among them being their positive impact on the environment. By requiring significantly less water and fuel in production compared to traditional livestock farming, meat substitutes help conserve vital resources and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Moreover, opting for plant-based alternatives promotes animal welfare by circumventing the need for animal farming. These meat substitutes often offer comparable nutritional value while being cholesterol-free and lower in saturated fats, contributing to improved heart health. Additionally, embracing meat substitutes fosters culinary diversity, opening avenues for exploring new flavors and cooking techniques.

5) Engage with the Community: Joining the Meatless Monday community can provide support and inspiration. Share your experiences, recipes, and tips on social media using the #MeatlessMonday hashtag. You can also find local events or online groups that focus on plant-based living. Post your Meatless Monday meals on Facebook and Instagram and tag @fakemeats so we can share them and inspire others!

6) Encourage Others: Consider inviting friends, family, or colleagues to join you in observing Meatless Monday on their own or invite them over for a Meatless Monday meal! Creating a supportive environment can make the experience more enjoyable and foster a sense of community.

What Are the Benefits of Doing Meatless Monday?

Participating in Meatless Monday offers a range of benefits that extend beyond just personal health. Here are some key advantages associated with adopting a meat-free day each week:

1) Healthier Diet: Choosing plant-based foods on Meatless Monday can contribute to a more balanced and nutritious diet, while still eating the same amount of protein as a meat-based diet. Plant-based meals often include a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, and plant-based meats, providing essential vitamins, minerals, fiber, and protein.

2) Environmental Impact: The production of meat, especially from industrial farming, is resource-intensive and contributes significantly to environmental issues such as deforestation, water pollution, and greenhouse gas emissions. Going meatless on Mondays helps reduce your carbon footprint and supports sustainable food practices.

3) Animal Welfare: Choosing plant-based meals on Meatless Monday is a small but meaningful step toward promoting ethical treatment of animals. By reducing demand for meat, you indirectly support practices that prioritize animal welfare and humane treatment.

4) Diverse Culinary Exploration: Adopting a meatless day encourages culinary exploration by introducing you to a variety of plant-based ingredients and recipes. It can be an opportunity to discover new flavors and cooking techniques.

5) Positive Global Impact: Meatless Monday is a global movement, and your participation contributes to a collective effort to address environmental and health challenges on a global scale. It fosters a sense of shared responsibility and community.

6) Social and Community Connection: Participating in Meatless Monday provides an opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals, whether it's friends, family, or online communities. Sharing recipes, experiences, and tips fosters a sense of community and support.

5 Vegan Staples You Absolutely Need in Your Pantry!

1) Plant Basics Protein Assortment - for Fulfilling Protein

Plant Basics textured proteins, called Hearty Plant Protein, will ensure you’re meeting your protein needs while following a plant-based diet. Hearty Plant Proteins are the same proteins used to make the big name-brand meat alternatives but without all the added ingredients. Hearty Plant Protein contains only 1 ingredient: soybeans or pea protein, and are low in calories, fat, and salt, contain no cholesterol, and are high in protein. Soybean based Hearty Plant Protein has 14g protein per serving, and pea based Hearty Plant Protein has between 9-11g per serving. All Plant Basics Hearty Plant Proteins come unflavored to give you more control in the kitchen, and are excellent in tacos, stir-frys, chili, burgers, casseroles and much more.

Try the Plant Basics Protein Assortment on FakeMeats.com

2) Nutritional Yeast - Because It’s the Vegan Go-To for Cheesy Flavor:

Known for its cheesy, umami-rich flavor profile, nutritional yeast (sometimes called “nooch”) is a versatile ingredient in vegan cooking, mimicking the taste of cheese without any animal-derived products. Bob’s Red Mill Nutritional Yeast is our favorite! Beyond its great taste, nutritional yeast packs a nutritional punch, boasting an abundance of essential vitamins and minerals, including B vitamins and protein. Vegans commonly use it to enhance the flavor of various dishes, from sauces and soups to salads and snacks. Its ability to elevate both taste and nutritional value makes it a necessary staple in the vegan kitchen, indispensable for creating dishes that are delicious and satisfying.

Try Bob’s Red Mill Nutritional Yeast on FakeMeats.com

3) Plant Basics Seasoning & Seitenbacher Vegetable Seasoning - for Rich and Flavorful Broth and Seasoning

Plant Basics Beef, Chicken, and Ham Seasonings, and Seitenbacher vegetable seasoning mix are essential staples in the vegan pantry, cherished for their ability to infuse dishes with rich, savory flavors reminiscent of traditional meat-based seasonings. With their carefully crafted blends of herbs, spices, and natural flavors, these plant-based seasonings provide an easy way to add depth and complexity to a wide range of dishes, from hearty stews and casseroles to marinades and sauces. Whether used as a base for soups or as a seasoning for grilled vegetables, these vegan seasonings offer a versatile and flavorful solution for enhancing the taste of plant-based meals, satisfying even the most discerning palates.

Try Plant Basics Seasoning & Seitenbacher Vegetable Seasoning on FakeMeats.com

4) Go Max Go Candy Bars - for Your Sweet Tooth

You’ve gotta put something in your pantry to satisfy those sweet cravings! Go Max Go Vegan candy bars offer a delectable assortment of indulgent treats crafted from high-quality plant-based ingredients. With a variety of flavors inspired by classic confections, such as nougat-filled bars, caramel chocolate delights, and peanut butter cups, Go Max Go Vegan candy bars cater to a wide range of taste preferences. Whether enjoyed as a quick snack on the go or as dessert at home, these delectable treats offer a taste of nostalgia without compromising on ethics or flavor. See a Go Max Go Overview here.

Try Go Max Go Vegan Candy Bars on FakeMeats.com

5) Primal Strips - Your On the Go Protein Snack

Primal Strips vegan jerky provides a convenient and flavorful source of protein ideal for those on the go. These plant-based jerky strips offer a satisfying texture and bold, savory flavors that rival traditional meat-based jerky. Made from high-quality ingredients such as seitan, non-GMO soy, and shiitake mushrooms, Primal Strips are not only delicious but also packed with protein, making them an excellent choice for individuals looking to maintain energy levels and satisfy hunger while out and about. Whether enjoyed as a quick snack between meals or as a protein boost during outdoor adventures, Primal Strips vegan jerky provides a portable and nutritious snack option. Its shelf-stable nature further enhances its convenience, ensuring that it remains a reliable source of sustenance for those leading busy lifestyles. See a Primal Strips Overview here.

Try Primal Strips Vegan Jerky on FakeMeats.com

FakeMeats.com has all 5 of these must have vegan staples and more! See an even more expansive list of pantry essentials here, and check out the wide selection of plant-based meats, jerky, eggs, and other plant-based specialties on FakeMeats.com.

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