9 Vegan Foods That You Already Have in Your Kitchen

Going vegan is a great chance to become more creative in your cooking.

But if you’re just starting out with a plant-based diet, it might come as a relief to realise that you’ve probably been eating vegan food all your life without even realising it!

The following are just a few much-loved staples that contain no animal products:

1. Beans on toast:

A meal that’s ready in minutes, contains not an ounce of cruelty and literally costs you pennies. It’s no wonder that thrifty students and hungry people in a hurry love to wolf this down.

A post shared by Just Jade (@just_jade_sw) on Feb 28, 2017 at 4:23am PST

2. Chips:

We’re not claiming that deep-fried slivers of potato smothered in salt and vinegar and dunked in ketchup are healthy – but you can’t be virtuous all the time, right?

A post shared by Artha Auleear (@artha_auleear) on Mar 1, 2017 at 11:44pm PST

3. Hummus:

Who doesn’t love hummus? You can buy it everywhere, and it goes with pretty much anything – pita bread, salad, crisps, carrot batons, falafel or straight out of the tub. (Maybe that last one’s just me.) Thanks to the sesame seeds and chickpeas it contains, it also packs a powerful protein punch.

A post shared by The Vegan Fairy (@the.vegan.fairyy) on Feb 19, 2017 at 3:12pm PST

4. Tomato soup:

Tinned (though steer clear of versions that contain cream) or home-cooked, this is a comforting classic. Here’s a really simple recipe for making your own.

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5. Porridge:

Apparently, nearly half of us Brits like to start the day with a bowl of steaming oats. Make it extra-wholesome by adding a splash of soya or almond milk, a banana and some dried fruit.

A post shared by Damian (@highcarbguru) on Feb 21, 2017 at 5:03am PST

6. Biscuits:

Who’d have guessed that Hob Nobs and Oreos are “accidentally vegan”?! Many brands of ginger nuts, chocolate bourbons and digestives are, too – just double-check the packet to be sure before you buy.

A post shared by Laura Kieft (@laurasbakery) on Mar 1, 2017 at 8:52am PST

7. Fruit salad:

Desserts don’t come much easier (or healthier) than this! Choose and chop up your favourite fresh fruits, toss them in a bowl and you’re good to go.

A post shared by Birgitte Hellwig (@fashionbybirdy) on Mar 2, 2017 at 1:48am PST

8. Spaghetti:

Whip up a vegan bolognaise, stir in some vegan pesto or just grab a jar of marinara sauce and top it off with a sprinkle of fresh herbs. Extra brownie points if you can eat it without getting sauce on your chin.

A post shared by Helen U.K. (@beautyandthebakes) on Mar 1, 2017 at 9:56am PST

9. Crumpets:

Most store-bought crumpets are vegan, which means that you can enjoy a quintessentially English afternoon tea without guilt!

A post shared by @avogood_day on Feb 1, 2017 at 7:15am PST

See – vegan eating is easy! Share your favourite “accidentally vegan” offerings in the comments. And if you’re after more tips about a cruelty-free diet, get yourself one of our free vegan starter kits right now at PETA.org.uk/vsk.