We live in a big city, which means we’re lucky to have a ton of options when it comes to plant-based groceries. From mainstream supermarkets to specialty health food stores, we’re surrounded by choices—and we don’t take that for granted.
But even with all that access, shopping can sometimes feel like an all-day event. One store has the best almond butter, another carries our favorite plant-based yogurt, and the third? That’s where we go when we must have those ridiculously good plant-based burgers.
Sound familiar?
If you’ve ever spent half a Saturday bouncing between grocery stores just to complete your weekly shopping for plant-based foods, join the club! It can be overwhelming, especially if you’re newer to plant-based eating or just trying to eat a little less meat and dairy.
But you don’t need to shop at five different stores—or spend your weekend zigzagging across town—to eat well. Once you know where to go and what to look for, filling your cart with healthy, tasty plant-based staples gets a whole lot easier.
So if you’re ready, warm up your shopping carts and let’s go!
If you’d prefer to listen to us talk about plant-based grocery shopping, check out episode 473 of our podcast here:
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The Best Brick-and-Mortar Stores for Plant-Based Groceries
If you prefer picking out your own produce or like to read the tofu package before you commit, brick-and-mortar stores are where it’s at. And while no store is perfect, some definitely make shopping for plant-based foods easier than others.
Costco
Costco might not be the first place that comes to mind for plant-based groceries, but it’s quietly become a solid option—especially online. Their website often features bulk-sized vegan staples like lentils, grains, plant-based milks, and meat alternatives at great prices. Plus, they occasionally carry specialty items from brands like
For more on our Costco shopping adventures, check out 20 Vegan Costco Finds That Make The Membership Worth It!.
Whole Foods Market
Ah yes, the OG plant-based playground.
- carries everything from leafy greens and other fresh produce to natural sweeteners to artisan cashew cheese
- great place for functional ingredients like nutritional yeast, Arrowhead Mills flax seeds, and coconut milk
- their 365 brand often costs less than name brands and holds up well
- downside: price per unit can add up fast—especially for plant-based meats and convenience foods
Trader Joe’s
Small store, big plant-based energy.
- known for budget-friendly, house-brand vegan products (looking at you, almond butter and soy chorizo)
- a rotating cast of limited-time plant-based finds, like black bean dip or oat milk ice cream
- their frozen foods section is impressive and includes plenty of vegan quick meal options for busy weeknights
- downside: some items aren’t labeled vegan, so double-check the ingredients (eggs or honey sneak in sometimes) if you’re following a strict vegan diet
Sprouts Farmers Market
Think farmers market vibes with better air conditioning. We were so pleasantly surprised by the wide variety of vegan options!
- excellent bulk bins for things like dry beans, brown rice, and sunflower seeds
- carries popular plant-based brands and plenty of nut butters without added sugar
- often has sales on staples like almond milk, coconut yogurt, and plant-based snacks
Kroger, Ralphs, and the Kroger Family of Stores
Budget-friendly with an increasingly wide range of plant-forward foods.
- their Simple Truth Plant-Based line includes everything from burger patties to dairy-free mac and cheese
- ost stores have a “natural” or “organic” section with a decent selection of plant-based staples
- bonus: more than 2,000 full-format stores across the U.S., so it’s accessible
Target
Don’t sleep on Target’s grocery section.
- their Good & Gather line includes a surprisingly solid selection of plant-based staples
- convenient for quick
plant-based protein grabs like hummus, vegan cheese slices, or coconut milk yogurt - usually not the place for specialty vegan products, but good for basics and snacks
The Best Online Stores for Plant-Based Groceries
Some days, the idea of putting on pants just to buy almond milk is a hard no. That’s where online shopping saves the day. Whether you’re restocking pantry staples or hunting down plant-based cheese that actually melts, these sites make it easy to fill your cart from the couch.
Thrive Market
Membership-based but totally worth it if you shop plant-based regularly.
- major savings on pantry staples, nut butters, and vegan baking supplies
- great selection of natural ingredients like almond meal, flax seeds, balsamic vinegar
- ships fast and comes nicely packaged—no dented coconut milk cans here
- tip: filter by “vegan” to avoid ingredient-label fatigue
Your favorite organic & non-GMO brands, plus guaranteed savings—delivered to your door
Amazon and Amazon Fresh
It’s the Wild West, but with two-day shipping. We’ve even gotten certain items the same day!
- huge selection, especially for shelf-stable goods and supplements
- handy for hard-to-find items like specific brands of
plant-based protein or nutritional yeast - quality can vary, especially with fresh items, so check reviews
- you can sometimes snag a deal, but be wary of price per unit—it fluctuates like crazy
Instacart
Like Uber Eats for your groceries.
- shop local stores like Sprouts, Wegmans, or even Costco, depending on your area
- perfect when you need plant-based chicken nuggets (or lots of other goods) now
- you pay a bit more for convenience, and tips/delivery fees can sneak up; still, it’s great in a pinch—or when it’s 102°F and there’s no way you’re setting foot outside
Same-day grocery delivery and pickup service for fresh groceries and everyday essentials.
Vegan Essentials
One of the oldest dedicated vegan online stores—and it shows in a good way.
- massive selection of plant-based products from groceries to cruelty-free body care
- stocked with staples and hard-to-find vegan items like plant-based jerky, egg substitutes, and holiday roasts
- good site filters and solid customer service
- slightly higher prices, but it’s curated and trustworthy
Tips to Save Money While Shopping Plant-Based
Let’s be honest—plant-based groceries can seem expensive at first, especially when you’re staring at $6 vegan cheese that may or may not taste like sadness. But there are plenty of ways to eat well without blowing your budget (or living on rice and air).
Build Your Cart Around Staples
Start with low-cost, high-nutrition basics like:
- dry beans (black beans, butter beans, chickpeas)
- brown rice or brown rice pasta
- frozen fruits and veggies (just as nutritious as fresh, and less waste)
- leafy greens like kale or spinach
- sunflower seeds, hemp seeds, and pumpkin seeds for protein and crunch
These foods are the real MVPs of a healthy plant-based diet—and they last.
Don’t Chase Every New Plant-Based Product
That $9 beet “steak” wrapped in biodegradable seaweed paper? Maybe not a weekly buy.
- try new products slowly so you’re not wasting money on things you don’t love
- when you find a winner (hello, new favorite plant-based yogurt), stock up when it’s on sale…as long as you’ll use it all before it goes bad
Compare Price Per Unit Like a Grocery Ninja
A tiny jar of almond butter might be cheaper than a bigger one—but not per ounce.
- use shelf labels to check unit pricing
- buy larger sizes of pantry items like coconut milk or almond meal when it makes sense
Make the Freezer Your Pantry’s Sidekick
- Freeze ripe bananas, bread, leftover cooked brown rice, even extra plant-based meats
- Pre-chop and freeze veggies for quick weeknight meals
- Got a deal on unsweetened coconut or almond milk? Freeze in ice cube trays for smoothies or cooking
Shop Store Brands and Bulk Sections
- Kroger’s Simple Truth Plant-Based line and Target’s Good & Gather often beat name-brand prices
- bulk bins are perfect for things like flax seeds, brown rice, and black bean past
For more info, check out our friend (and past podcast guest), Toni Okamoto. Her website, Plant-Based on a Budget, is packed with free recipes and meal plans to help you prepare healthy plant-based meals without the extra fuss or expense. And don’t forget to sign up for Toni’s free newsletter for delicious recipe ideas and meal plans delivered straight to your inbox.
You don’t need a dozen apps or a PhD in plant-based meats to shop smart. With the right stores and a few go-to staples, your cart (and your plate) can be full of delicious, nutritious plant-based foods—without the overwhelm.
Happy shopping!
