Home > Meal plans

Free meal plan for vegans

Adopting a vegan lifestyle doesn't have to be expensive. Our Free Meal Plan for Vegans provides tasty, plant-based recipes that are both nutritious and easy on your wallet. Enjoy a week of delicious vegan meals without breaking the bank.

Get grocery list
meal plan icon
complete meal plan
meal plan icon
FREE SHOPPING LIST
review icon
Article reviewed
people
Free meal plan for vegans photo cover

Meal plan grocery list

  • Tofu
  • Lentils
  • Chickpeas
  • Quinoa
  • Brown rice
  • Spinach
  • Kale
  • Broccoli
  • Cauliflower
  • Bell peppers
  • Tomatoes

  • Avocado
  • Mushrooms
  • Zucchini
  • Carrots
  • Sweet potatoes
  • Onions
  • Garlic
  • Bananas
  • Apples
  • Oranges
  • Berries

  • Grapes
  • Mangoes
  • Pineapple
  • Almond milk
  • Coconut milk
  • Oat milk
  • Cashew cheese
  • Nutritional yeast
  • Vegan butter
  • Olive oil
  • Soy sauce

Save this list
Share this list
fact-checked review
Article reviewed

Meal plan overview

Enjoy a fully plant-based diet with our Free Meal Plan for Vegans. This plan includes delicious and nutrient-dense vegan meals. Savor dishes like a lentil and vegetable stew, avocado toast on whole grain bread, and a black bean and quinoa salad.

Every meal is designed to provide complete nutrition and support a healthy vegan lifestyle.

Foods to eat

  • Plant-Based Proteins: Include tofu, tempeh, and edamame for a complete protein source rich in iron and calcium.
  • Colorful Vegetables: Add variety with bell peppers, carrots, and tomatoes for antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals.
  • Whole Grains: Incorporate quinoa, barley, and bulgur for fiber, protein, and essential nutrients.
  • Healthy Fats: Enjoy avocados, nuts, and seeds for heart-healthy fats and vitamin E.
  • Fortified Foods: Choose fortified plant-based milks, cereals, and nutritional yeast for added calcium, vitamin B12, and other nutrients.
✅ Tip

For variety, explore jackfruit as a meat substitute in vegan tacos or stir-fries.

Foods not to eat

  • Animal Products: Avoid all meat, poultry, fish, dairy, and eggs in favor of plant-based alternatives.
  • Processed Vegan Foods: Limit intake of vegan junk foods like vegan cheese, ice cream, and sugary snacks, as they can be high in unhealthy fats and sugars.
  • Refined Sugars: Cut back on candies, sodas, and sweetened treats to reduce added sugar consumption.
  • Empty Calorie Foods: Avoid foods like chips, crackers, and sugary cereals that provide little nutritional value.
  • Excessive Salt: Limit intake of salty snacks, canned soups, and processed foods to reduce sodium intake.

Main benefits

A free meal plan for vegans can lead to numerous health benefits, including improved heart health due to the absence of animal fats. Vegan diets are often high in essential nutrients such as vitamins C and E, folic acid, and magnesium. This type of diet can help with weight management, as plant-based foods are generally lower in calories and high in fiber, keeping you fuller for longer. Vegan diets can also reduce the risk of chronic diseases, such as type 2 diabetes and certain cancers. Additionally, following a vegan meal plan can have positive environmental impacts, as it tends to require fewer natural resources and produce less greenhouse gas emissions. Over time, it can promote a greater sense of well-being and mindfulness about food choices.

graph image
🎓 Recommended nutrient breakdown

Fat

Carbs

Protein

Fiber

Other

Food alternatives

To enjoy a balanced vegan diet on a budget, consider these affordable swaps:

  • For a protein-rich option, canned black beans can replace fresh chickpeas in your meals.
  • To boost nutrients and fiber, frozen broccoli can replace fresh broccoli in your dishes.
  • For a versatile grain, bulgur can replace quinoa in salads and sides.
  • To add richness, sunflower seeds can replace cashews in snacks and meals.
  • For added flavor, smoked paprika can replace garlic in your seasonings.

How to budget on this meal plan

A vegan diet doesn't have to be expensive if you plan well. Staple foods like beans, rice, pasta, and potatoes are very affordable and form the basis of many meals. Seasonal fruits and veggies are cheaper and just as tasty as out-of-season produce. Making plant-based milk at home can save money over store-bought versions. Buying nuts and seeds in bulk helps reduce costs, and they make for great snacks or meal toppers. Cooking large batches and freezing portions can also help you manage your budget better.

Download the grocery list for FREE

  • ✔️ Add and remove items
  • ✔️ Sort items by store aisles
  • ✔️ Share the list with your partner
Get grocery list
phone picture with a shopping list

Extra tips

Any healthy snack ideas?

Here are some healthy snack options for vegans:

  • Chia pudding topped with sliced fruit
  • Vegetable spring rolls with peanut dipping sauce
  • Roasted seaweed snacks
  • Quinoa salad with black beans and corn
  • Hummus with whole grain pita bread
  • Roasted pumpkin seeds
  • Fruit skewers with a drizzle of maple syrup
What should I drink on this meal plan?

For a vegan meal plan, water remains the best hydrating option. Herbal teas are highly recommended, offering a caffeine-free way to enjoy different flavors. Plant-based milks like almond, soy, oat, or coconut milk are perfect for vegan diets. Freshly made fruit and vegetable juices can be a refreshing choice, ensuring they are free from added sugars. Smoothies made with plant-based ingredients provide a nutritious and filling drink. Avoid drinks with animal products, such as dairy milk, and watch out for hidden animal-derived ingredients in processed beverages.

How to get even more nutrients?

In a vegan diet, combining complementary plant-based protein sources like beans and rice, or hummus and whole wheat pita bread ensures sufficient protein intake. Including fortified foods or supplements for nutrients like vitamin B12, iron, and calcium is essential. Incorporating a diverse array of fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, and whole grains provides a broad spectrum of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants to support overall health.

Meal plan suggestions

7-Day Meal Plan for Vegan Diet

Day 1

  • Breakfast: Smoothie with almond milk, bananas, berries, and spinach
  • Lunch: Quinoa salad with bell peppers, tomatoes, avocado, and kale, dressed with olive oil and lemon
  • Dinner: Stir-fried tofu with broccoli, carrots, and soy sauce, served with brown rice
  • Snack: Apple slices with cashew cheese

Day 2

  • Breakfast: Oatmeal with oat milk, berries, and a drizzle of almond butter
  • Lunch: Lentil soup with carrots, onions, and garlic, served with a side of avocado toast
  • Dinner: Chickpea curry with sweet potatoes, tomatoes, and coconut milk, served with brown rice
  • Snack: Mango slices and grapes

Day 3

  • Breakfast: Smoothie bowl with almond milk, bananas, mangoes, and topped with berries
  • Lunch: Spinach and mushroom quinoa bowl with nutritional yeast and a side of roasted cauliflower
  • Dinner: Stuffed bell peppers with lentils, quinoa, and cashew cheese, served with a side of sautéed zucchini
  • Snack: Orange slices and grapes

Day 4

  • Breakfast: Avocado toast with a side of mixed berries
  • Lunch: Chickpea and kale salad with tomatoes, onions, and a lemon-olive oil dressing
  • Dinner: Tofu stir-fry with broccoli, bell peppers, and soy sauce, served with quinoa
  • Snack: Pineapple slices and cashew cheese

Day 5

  • Breakfast: Smoothie with coconut milk, bananas, and spinach
  • Lunch: Sweet potato and lentil stew with onions, garlic, and a side of avocado slices
  • Dinner: Quinoa stuffed zucchini with mushrooms and nutritional yeast, served with a side of steamed broccoli
  • Snack: Apple slices with almond butter

Day 6

  • Breakfast: Oatmeal with oat milk, sliced bananas, and a sprinkle of nutritional yeast
  • Lunch: Chickpea and avocado salad with bell peppers, tomatoes, and kale
  • Dinner: Lentil and sweet potato curry with coconut milk, served with brown rice
  • Snack: Mango slices and grapes

Day 7

  • Breakfast: Smoothie bowl with almond milk, pineapple, bananas, and topped with berries
  • Lunch: Spinach and quinoa salad with mushrooms, onions, and a lemon-olive oil dressing
  • Dinner: Tofu and vegetable stir-fry with broccoli, carrots, and soy sauce, served with quinoa
  • Snack: Orange slices and cashew cheese

Download the FREE grocery list for this meal plan

Like this meal plan?

Get grocery list
picture showing a phone with a shopping list

Want to learn more?

⚠️ Keep in mind

As with any dietary change, it is recommended to consult with a healthcare professional or registered dietitian before changing your dietary habits.