If you’re vegan, you, like me, might have more fun than the average Joe in the grocery store—especially if it’s a grocery store with tons of vegan options. But what is the best grocery store for vegans to shop at?
Let’s take a look at the ones I recommend as a vegan dietitian and what products I’d choose or avoid from each one.
Types of Grocery Stores
There are various grocery stores, from mid-range to high-end, and luckily, they all have some vegan options. However, some stores have better choices than others. In this post, I share the best grocery stores for vegans to shop at in person, to pick up, or to get delivered.
- “Regular”
- Higher End Boutique Style Grocery Stores
- Online Vegan Grocery Stores
Best Grocery Stores for Vegans
You can get any basic vegan items from any grocery store, but when shopping at more boutique-style grocery stores or online stores like;
- Sprouts
- Trader Joes
- Fresh Thyme
- Whole Foods
- Erewhon
- Plant X
- GTFO It’s Vegan
These will give you better options for specialty vegan items like vegan meats, a variety of milk, plant-based dairy, high-quality proteins (Abbott’s/Meati), packaged snacks, and pre-made items.
Vegan Grocery Guide Tips for Healthy Grocery Shopping on a Budget
A comprehensive guide to help you make informed choices that promote both health and cost-efficiency. This guide provides practical strategies for creating balanced, nutrient-rich meals while managing your budget.
“Regular” Grocery Stores
If you’re looking to get the most bang for your buck, get the staples items you always have on your vegan grocery list from “regular” stores. Aldi, Kroger, Publix, Walmart, etc are the best grocery stores for vegans who want to save money.
Grocery shopping vegan doesn’t have to be expensive, and plant-based items like beans, lentils, and vegetables are relatively affordable. Depending on what you have on your grocery list will help determine which store you should start with.
Aldi
Aldi is a simple, cost-effective grocery store. Its uniqueness saves you money and is what makes it different from other stores. Aldi frequently updates its product lines, meaning new vegan items can appear regularly, but they might only stay for a short time.
These products can include seasonal or special buys in the Aldi Finds aisles. Building on its reputation for affordability, Aldi stands out in the vegan grocery market because it offers a diverse selection of private label brands, like Simply Nature and Earth Grown. These brands frequently have plant-based products like whole grain or bean pasta, seeds, crackers, and snacks.
To keep costs down, Aldi has a few quirks;
- Quarter for your cart: Aldi’s “Quarter for Your Cart” program helps keep prices low by unlocking a shopping cart with a quarter. You get the quarter back when you return the cart, which reduces Aldi’s maintenance costs.
- Bring your own bags (BYOB!): A quick reminder for your next Aldi trip: don’t forget to bring your own bags! Not only does this help keep your shopping affordable by avoiding the cost of store-provided bags, but it’s also a win for the environment. Plus, having your bags ready makes packing your groceries a breeze!
Vegan Items To Buy At Aldi
- Affordable produce
- Frozen fruit
- Dried grains
- Tofu
- Black bean burgers
Don’t Buy Here
- Vegan cheeses
- Vegan meats
- Single-serving vegan meals (high in sodium and sugar!)
- Protein powders
Costco
Costco offers many vegan products in bulk, which can be more economical for those who buy in larger quantities or want to stock up on staples like grains, legumes, and plant-based milks.
Shopping in bulk can be a real money saver and reduce trips to the store. The pros? You’ll often find better prices per unit and less packaging waste. Plus, having a stash of essentials on hand can make meal prep and daily routines smoother.
However, the cons include needing ample storage space and the risk of items going stale or expiring before you can use them. It’s all about balancing your budget and your pantry space!
To shop at Costco, you’ll need a membership, which costs $60 for the basic Gold Star plan or $120 for the Executive plan. While it might seem like an extra expense, that membership opens the door to exclusive deals and discounts you won’t find elsewhere.
Vegan Items To Buy At Costco
- Whole grains
- Canned or dried beans
- Vegetable broth (Kettle & Fire is my favorite)
- Shelf stable non-dairy milk
- Frozen fruits and vegetables
- Protein powders
- Nuts and seeds
- Cooking oils
Don’t Buy Here
- Large amounts of perishable produce for small households unless you’ll eat it all.
- Specialty cheeses
Kroger & Friends
Kroger is a major player in the grocery world, and can be seen operating under many different names, like Kroger, Ralphs, Dillons, Smith’s, King Soopers, Fry’s, QFC, City Market, Owen’s, Jay C, Pay Less, Baker’s, Gerbes, Harris Teeter, Pick ‘n Save, Metro Market, Mariano’s, so many, right?!
Depending on where you’re shopping in the world, Kroger has really stepped up its game with vegan options. They offer a variety of popular vegan brands and have started adding more vegan items to their Simple Truth store brand.
The convenience of shopping at Kroger is truly unbeatable because they have locations everywhere, making it super easy to get most of what you need.
Vegan Items To Buy At Kroger
- Affordable produce (check the discounted produce section!)
- Frozen vegetables (often on sale for 10 for $10).
- Tofu
- Tempeh
- Canned goods
- Spices
Don’t Buy Here
- Frozen meals
- Organic produce
- Specialty snacks
Once you have your base items, stop by specialty stores or order specialty vegan items online to finish checking the items off your vegan grocery list.
Higher End Boutique Style Grocery Stores
These stores are all about the experience and good-quality products. They offer premium, artisanal, and often locally sourced items, with beautifully arranged produce and gourmet treats. Shopping here isn’t just about buying groceries; it’s an overall experience.
These are some crowd favorites, maybe even your favorite too!
Trader Joe’s
Alright, fellow vegans – there’s no way you haven’t heard of this one! If you haven’t, Trader Joe’s is definitely a store you’ll want to keep on your radar thanks to the combination of affordability and selection of fun vegan items.
Their vegan products highlight great taste and reliability without stretching your budget. While the layout can be somewhat confusing for first-timers, hang in there—there are so many awesome vegan products to find!
Throughout the store, products are clearly labeled vegan, making it easy to identify vegan options. Making it easy for you to quickly grab what you need without any hassle.
Trader Joe’s stands out with its unique charm and welcoming vibe. From the friendly staff to the generous sampling of products, shopping here feels like a fun adventure. Can we also get a round of applause for their commitment to using paper bags instead of plastic?
All the small details, product selection, and experience make Trader Joe’s a place where shoppers love to return.
Vegan Items To Buy At Trader Joe’s
- So many vegan snacks, literally so many
- Fun frozen foods (beef bulgogi, vegan fried rice, vegan meatballs)
- Frozen vegetables
- Store-brand vegan cream cheese
- Unique spice blends
- Seeds
- Dried fruits
- Nuts
Don’t Buy Here
- Produce wrapped in 10 lbs of plastic for no good reason.
- Dairy alternatives
- Ready-to-eat foods (only one option, boo!)
Whole Foods
Another “must-visit” store for vegan shoppers, Whole Foods is an excellent option for those with a larger budget, as it tends to be a little pricier than others.
Whole Foods is committed to high-quality standards, which is why it doesn’t sell certain ingredients like artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives in its stores. This ensures that you get high-quality products that meet their standards.
You’ll often find vegan-friendly baked goods, ready-to-eat meals, and even in-store dining options that make it easy to grab a quick bite.
You’ll feel like a true A-list celebrity shopping in Whole Foods; not only are the prices A-list but so is the overall experience. From the smell to the layout to the vast assortment of options, you’ll leave with a big dent in your wallet.
Vegan Items To Buy At Whole Foods
- Organic produce
- Unique produce items
- TTLA sandwich from the deli (TO DIE FOR)
- Freshly ground peanut butter
- Miyoko’s cheese
- High-quality vegan meats
- Grains
Don’t Buy Here
- Overpriced regular produce
- Packaged vegan meals
- Canned goods
- Spices
- Basic grocery items
Sprouts
Sprouts is one of the other best grocery stores for vegans! The vibe feels like a vibrant indoor farmers market. The open layout with minimal shelving lets you take in the whole store at once, making it easy to spot what you need.
With a wide variety of fresh produce and an extensive selection of plant-based products, Sprouts makes getting vegan options both convenient and enjoyable.
Vegan Items To Buy At Sprouts
- Specialty high-quality vegan meats (Abbots, Meati)
- Tofu and tempeh
- Pre-seasoned soy proteins (tempeh bacon!)
- Wide variety of produce
- Killer sales 25% off to BOGO free!
- Nuts and seeds
- Bulk items
- Non-dairy products (milk, yogurt, butter)
Don’t Buy Here
- Frozen vegetables
- Canned goods
- Whole grain pasta
- Spices
Online Vegan Grocery Stores
Online vegan grocery stores are a dream come true for plant-based eaters. They offer an extensive selection of vegan essentials and specialty items delivered straight to your door.
Most of these offer only highly processed specialty options that you can’t find in other stores. These are totally okay every once in a while and can be part of a balanced diet when enjoyed occasionally.
GTFO It’s Vegan
A one-stop destination for all your plant-based needs, GTFO It’s Vegan is the perfect online vegan grocery store. It offers an exclusive range of vegan products, especially plant-based meats and seafood.
As a large online retailer, GTFO It’s Vegan features many exclusive vegan brands and products you might not find elsewhere. They have the most variety with plant-based meats, cheese, and vegan seafood and deliver in 24-48 hours.
Vegan Items To Buy At GTFO It’s Vegan
- Vegan cheeses
- Plant-based meats
- Vegan seafoods
- Shelf-stable baking mixes
Don’t Buy Here
- The store doesn’t offer produce
- A limited variety of vegan snacks
Plant X
If you’re a vegan shopper looking for an online grocery store that truly understands your needs, Plant X is definitely worth checking out. Plant X offers the convenience of shopping from home while providing one of the largest selections of vegan products available online. They have literally almost every popular and new vegan food brand on there!
Whether you’re in the market for a wide variety of vegan specialty groceries, they’ve got you covered with a wide range of options, excluding fresh produce.
Vegan Items To Buy At Plant X
- Specialty vegan meats
- Sauces and dips
- Vegan dairy products (Tofutti, Artisan cheeses)
- Oodles of vegan snacks
Don’t Buy Here
- Produce
- Grains
- Rice
- Beans
- Plant milks
They have in-person locations in LA, Chicago, and British Columbia.
Vegan Essentials
Vegan Essentials is another hidden gem specializing in vegan groceries. Their exclusive focus is on vegan products, and they are organized by categories like “low sodium,” “high protein,” and “minimally processed.”
In the words of the store, “If it’s not vegan-friendly, we don’t offer it, period”. This specialized approach ensures you get quality products that align perfectly with your lifestyle, and your money supports other vegans.
Vegan Items To Buy At Vegan Essentials
- Aristain vegan cheeses
- Huge selection of vegan meats
- Sauces and dressings
- Hard to find vegan candies (KitKat, Lindt, etc)
Don’t Buy Here
- Pre-packaged meals
- Beans
- Grains
- Produce
The Best Grocery Store for Vegans?
There are many grocery stores for vegans to shop at, but ultimately, it depends on what products you have on your vegan grocery list or what you need to stock up on.
Whether you’re looking for the unique charm of Trader Joe’s, the farmer’s market vibe at Sprouts, or the extensive selection at vegan-specific online stores, there’s something for everyone.
Have you tried any of these stores or discovered other vegan grocery gems?
Drop a comment below and share your experiences or favorite finds—I’d love to hear from you!
