Veganuary Essentials: Your Go-To Guide for a Plant-Based Start 2025

Complement Essential stands out in our testing for including meaningful algae-based DHA and EPA, plus lichen-derived D3 and B12 tailored to plant-based eaters. We like that it bundles the nutrients vegans most often need, though at $89 it’s a premium pick. Our experience shows some users may feel digestive discomfort initially—taking it with food or reducing frequency can help. Also note recurring subscription management complaints and occasional reports of damaged or rancid capsules, so inspect shipments promptly and contact support if anything seems off.

If you want a vegan-focused baseline, Future Kind’s Essential Multivitamin delivers B12 plus probiotics and digestive enzymes for gut support. During our review, it felt like an easy daily add-on with the reassurance of third-party testing and strong customer ratings on the product page. Note that it omits Omega-3, so you’ll need a separate DHA/EPA source. A few buyers report delivery or packaging issues, and at $29 it’s pricier than bare-bones multis, but the targeted formula can be worth it.

Nordic Naturals Algae Omega delivers a plant-based source of both EPA and DHA, clocking in at 715 mg total omega-3s per serving and backed by GMP-level third-party testing. During our review, the softgels were easy to swallow and generally burp-free when taken with meals, though a few users noted mild digestive sensitivity. Be aware it contains carrageenan, which can bother sensitive stomachs. At $30.95, it’s pricier than many fish oils, but a strong option for vegan omega-3 needs.

Deva’s Vegan B-12 is a high-potency 2500 mcg option that fits neatly into a weekly or every-few-days routine, and the sublingual fast-dissolve format is easy to take without water. During our review, we appreciated the vegan labeling and straightforward dosing for plant-based diets. However, the flavor is divisive—strong to some—and there have been occasional labeling inconsistencies and transparency questions raised in the community. If you’re sensitive to taste, consider taking it with a flavored beverage or trying another flavor.

Before tough training days, Vega Sport gave us a clean, noticeable boost without the jitters, and the sugar-free option suits anyone trimming added sugars. In our testing, flavor was the wildcard: some batches leaned tart or a bit chalky, so we mixed it with extra cold water or a splash of citrus to smooth it out. Availability can be hit or miss, so grabbing a favorite flavor when it’s in stock helps. At $33.29, it’s a solid vegan pre-workout with dependable energy.

KOS Organic Plant Protein delivers about 20 grams of plant-based protein per scoop, plus organic, non-GMO ingredients and a bonus blend of vitamins, minerals, fruits, and veggies. In our testing, texture improved noticeably when blended with non-dairy milk and ice; mixed with water, some flavors felt a bit gritty and sweeter than expected. We found portioning half-and-half with an unflavored powder can dial back sweetness. At $34.99, the price per serving is higher, but the nutrient extras add value.

Orgain’s Organic Plant Based Protein is a wallet-friendly staple that delivers about 21 grams of protein per serving with no added sugar. In our testing, it blends smoothly into smoothies and tends to be gentle on digestion, especially when blitzed in a blender. Mixed by hand, some users notice a grainy or chalky texture, and the flavor can skew sweet with a stevia or cinnamon edge. It’s more affordable than premium blends like Nuzest, though packaging fill levels have drawn complaints.

Nuzest Clean Lean Protein won us over for smooth mixing and a gentler texture than many plant proteins—in our tests, shakes had minimal grit even with a simple shaker bottle. Made from golden pea protein, it suits vegan and common allergen-free diets, and the natural flavors are broadly palatable. The tradeoff is price: it’s higher than many mainstream options and the cost-per-serving can feel steep. Some flavors carry a mild “pea” aftertaste, so sample sizes or variety packs are smart.

Amazing Grass Green Superfood packs greens with added probiotics, prebiotics, and fiber, and in our testing it tasted better than many competitors, especially the flavored varieties. Mix thoroughly—ideally in a blender bottle—and serve cold to minimize the earthy, grassy edge and any grainy texture. Our experience shows it’s competitively priced per scoop, making daily habits easier on the budget. Note: it includes vitamin K and green tea extract, which may interact with some medications, so check with your clinician if needed.

Trust Your Gut packs both probiotic strains and prebiotic fibers into one vegan, allergen-friendly capsule, which we found convenient for daily use. During our review, several testers reported less bloating and more regularity, though a few experienced slower bowel movements or extra gas in the first week. If you’re sensitive, consider starting with a lower dose and taking it with food. At $39.99, it’s pricier than many basic probiotics, but the all-in-one synbiotic formula may justify the premium for simplicity.

Seed’s DS-01 brings 24 clinically studied probiotic strains plus a plant-based prebiotic in a shelf-stable capsule that doesn’t require fridge space—great for travel or office routines. Our experience shows some folks feel mild to strong GI discomfort at first; easing in with half a dose for a few days can help. During our review, we appreciated the thoughtful formulation and clean packaging. At $49.19, it’s a premium pick compared with many probiotics, but the robust, science-forward blend may warrant the splurge.

These Not-Chick’n cubes are a handy vegan shortcut for adding chicken-style savoriness to soups, grains, and sauces, and they dissolve quickly in our experience. We like that there’s a low-sodium version for better control, though a few testers noticed an unusual smell or aftertaste. If you’re sensitive to MSG-like ingredients, check the label before stocking up. At $2.19 for 8 cubes, frequent cooks may burn through a box fast, but the flavor payoff is hard to beat for weeknights.

Bragg Nutritional Yeast is our pantry secret for a quick, savory, cheesy hit on popcorn, pasta, salads, and soups—no dairy required. In our testing, its consistent flakes and often B-vitamin fortification make it a handy flavor booster for plant-based cooking. Some buyers find it pricier than other brands and the aroma can be assertive straight from the jar. If you prefer non-fortified yeast, check the label, since fortification varies and can be a sticking point for some shoppers.

For quick weeknights, Banza Rotini gives you a protein and fiber boost compared to wheat pasta, which we found keeps meals more satisfying and plant-forward. The chickpea base does bring a beany, slightly nutty note and a firmer, grainier bite, so pair it with hearty sauces or pesto. In our testing, cooking just to al dente and tossing with a little olive oil helped prevent stickiness. At $4.09, it’s an easy gluten-free swap, though leftovers can soften or clump.

For quick, reliable breakfasts, JUST Egg Folded became a staple during our review thanks to its ready-to-heat, pre-seasoned squares that toast up beautifully for sandwiches. It delivers an egg-like experience without animal products, and we found the convenience hard to beat on busy mornings. That said, it’s pricier than conventional eggs and contains processed ingredients some shoppers avoid. Texture and flavor won’t fool everyone, so if you’re expecting a perfect dupe, manage expectations and pair with bold toppings for best results.

Miyoko’s European Style Cultured Vegan Butter impressed us with its rich, tangy, cultured flavor and reliable performance for melting, spreading, and baking. In our testing, pastries browned nicely and sautés behaved like dairy butter, making it an easy swap. Keep in mind it’s pricier than many alternatives and contains cashews, so it’s a no-go for nut allergies. We’ve also seen occasional reports of an off, blue-cheese note and inconsistent shelf performance—store properly and taste before committing to a big bake.

BOSH! is our go-to recommendation when you want big-flavor, crowd-pleasing plant-based dishes without hunting down specialty gear. We found the themed menus helpful for entertaining, and most recipes use accessible ingredients you can grab at any supermarket. Plan a little extra time—some dishes are fussy—and keep a salt, acid, and spice boost handy, as a few recipes read bland without tweaks. The prose-style instructions can omit timings, so beginners may need to read ahead and stage steps carefully.

PlantYou: Scrappy Cooking shines when you want practical, repeatable meals and creative zero-waste tricks that stretch your grocery budget. We found the recipes flexible—substitutions are encouraged—so it’s easy to adapt for different diets and what’s in the fridge. Not every dish is a home run, and some readers were surprised by the use of oil and pantry staples they expected to avoid. The tone can feel preachy at times, but the waste-reducing ideas are genuinely useful day to day.

Daily Harvest’s Habit Builder box is clutch for busy mornings: mostly organic, plant-based smoothies and oat bowls you can blend or heat in minutes. During our review, convenience was stellar, but portions ran small for some appetites, so we often added nut butter, fruit, or extra protein. Our experience shows storing deliveries promptly helps avoid freezer burn. At $120.99, it’s a premium versus DIY or local cafés, but the à la carte option lets you pick favorites without a subscription.

Purple Carrot makes Veganuary easier with 100% plant-based meal kits and ready-to-eat options, and we loved the creative, globally inspired recipes during our testing. Instructions were clear and the flavors popped, though the per-serving price is higher than many competitors. Packaging leans heavy on single-use plastic, and we’ve seen occasional reports of missing or spoiled items and slow customer service. At around $75, it’s a premium convenience play that helps you explore new dishes without menu planning.