10 items you should always buy in bulk if you’re vegan

From vegoutmag.com

By Avery White

Stocking up on these 10 vegan staples makes plant-based eating cheaper, easier, and stress-free—without sacrificing variety or nutrition 

One of the sneakiest challenges of eating vegan isn’t always what to cook — it’s how to keep your pantry stocked without spending a fortune.

Grocery runs can add up fast when you’re buying specialty items one week, fresh produce the next, and pantry staples in between.

That’s where bulk buying saves the day.

Stocking up on the right essentials means fewer last-minute runs, more freedom in your cooking, and a lot less stress on your budget.

And the good news?

The vegan lifestyle naturally lends itself to bulk buying, because many of the building blocks of plant-based meals—grains, beans, nuts, seeds—are shelf-stable and versatile.

Here are 10 items worth buying in bulk if you’re vegan, along with why they’re staples for both your wallet and your kitchen creativity.

1. Dried beans and lentils

Beans and lentils are the ultimate bulk-friendly vegan proteins. They last for months in airtight containers, cook into dozens of cuisines, and cost pennies per serving.

Unlike canned beans, which are convenient but pricey, dried beans are budget gold.

You can cook a huge batch on the weekend and freeze portions for later.

Lentils, in particular, are lifesavers because they cook quickly—no overnight soaking required. They also work in soups, curries, salads, and even veggie burgers.

Buying them in bulk means you’ll never run out of a protein-packed base for your meals.

2. Rice and other whole grains

Rice, quinoa, oats, barley, bulgur — these grains form the backbone of so many vegan meals.

Buying them in bulk is not only cheaper, but it also gives you endless mix-and-match options. Brown rice with beans, quinoa with roasted veggies, oats for breakfast or baking — grains stretch your meals while keeping them satisfying.

Oats, especially, are a vegan bulk essential, since they double as breakfast staples and baking ingredients.

Keeping bins of different grains on hand makes meal planning easier, and you’ll always have a sturdy base to build from.

3. Nuts and seeds

Almonds, cashews, walnuts, pumpkin seeds, chia, flax, and sunflower seeds — they all bring protein, healthy fats, and crunch. But they’re expensive if you buy those tiny bags from the grocery store.

Buying in bulk reduces the cost dramatically, and you can store them in jars or in the freezer to extend shelf life.

Cashews can be turned into creamy vegan sauces. Flax and chia seeds make egg substitutes for baking. Almonds and walnuts become quick snacks or smoothie boosters.

Seeds are tiny nutritional powerhouses — and much cheaper when scooped by the pound.

4. Nut butters

Peanut butter, almond butter, sunflower seed butter — if you eat plant-based, these jars are practically their own food group.

The problem?

Small jars vanish in a week.

Buying larger tubs or stocking up when they’re on sale keeps costs down. Nut butters add protein to breakfasts, smoothies, sandwiches, or snacks.

They also work in savoury dishes — like satay sauces or curries.

A scoop of peanut butter in oatmeal or blended into a dressing turns a simple meal into something satisfying. Buy the bigger containers, transfer them into smaller jars, and they’ll last you much longer.

5. Frozen fruits and vegetables

Bulk doesn’t always mean dry goods.

Frozen fruits and vegetables are vegan lifesavers, and they keep their nutrients surprisingly well. Bulk bags of spinach, berries, peas, or mango cubes make it easy to throw together smoothies, stir-fries, or quick sides without worrying about spoilage.

Buying frozen in bulk means you always have produce on hand—no guilt about wilting greens in the fridge drawer.

Frozen veggies are also easy to portion: pour out what you need, seal the bag, and the rest is ready for another day.

6. Plant-based milks (shelf-stable)

Cartons of almond, soy, oat, or coconut milk go fast in a vegan household.

If you bake, make smoothies, or drink lattes, you know a single carton disappears in days. Shelf-stable varieties (the ones that don’t need refrigeration until opened) are perfect for bulk buying.

Stock up on a case when they’re on sale, store them in the pantry, and you’ll never be caught without milk for your morning coffee.

Bulk plant milks also mean fewer emergency runs to the store — saving both time and money.

7. Pasta and noodles

Pasta is already cheap, but buying it in bulk makes it nearly unbeatable.

With endless sauce options — tomato, pesto, peanut, tahini — you’ll never run out of ways to turn a bag of pasta into a filling meal. And it’s not just spaghetti.

Rice noodles, soba, or whole-wheat penne can all be bought in larger quantities and stored for months. For vegans, pasta pairs beautifully with roasted vegetables, beans, or dairy-free sauces.

Having several bulk varieties in your pantry makes weeknight dinners faster and stress-free.

8. Spices and seasonings

A vegan diet can be deliciously diverse — but only if your spice rack is stocked.

Buying small jars of spices adds up quickly, especially when you cook with global flavours.

The smarter move?

Buy spices in bulk. Cumin, turmeric, chili powder, paprika, cinnamon, garlic powder— these staples transform simple beans and grains into satisfying meals.

Store them in airtight containers, and you’ll save both money and flavour.

Bulk buying also encourages experimentation. With plenty on hand, you’re more likely to play with new spice blends instead of rationing.

9. Canned tomatoes and coconut milk

Yes, fresh is great—but some pantry heroes deserve bulk buying.

Canned tomatoes form the base of countless soups, curries, pastas, and stews. Coconut milk adds creaminess to curries, baked goods, or smoothies.

Both store beautifully and come in handy when fresh options aren’t available. Buying them by the case cuts costs and ensures you’re always prepared to whip up something hearty.

If you’ve ever stood in your kitchen staring at beans and rice and thought, “This needs something,” canned tomatoes or coconut milk are usually the answer.

10. Tofu and tempeh (when on sale)

Tofu and tempeh don’t have the same shelf life as grains or beans, but here’s the trick: many stores sell them in larger packs, and both freeze surprisingly well.

Stocking up when they’re on sale means you’ll always have plant-based protein ready to go.

Frozen tofu even changes texture slightly, making it chewier and more absorbent for marinades.

Tempeh freezes beautifully without losing its firmness. Buying these in bulk is less about warehouse-size packages and more about seizing deals and filling your freezer.

Final thoughts

Being vegan doesn’t have to mean endless grocery bills or complicated meal planning.

The trick is knowing which staples to buy in bulk so you always have the building blocks of healthy, satisfying meals.

From beans and grains to spices and frozen produce, stocking up wisely means saving money, reducing waste, and keeping your pantry full of options.

It’s less about being rigid, more about giving yourself flexibility — because when your kitchen is stocked, you don’t panic about what’s for dinner.

You just cook.

https://vegoutmag.com/food-and-drink/n-10-items-you-should-always-buy-in-bulk-if-youre-vegan/