How to Get Started Eating Vegan

Thinking about going vegan but not sure where to start? No worries! We’re here to help make your transition just a little bit easier. Whatever your reason for switching your diet, this guide will help you ease into vegan eating. We will break it all down for you and make the switch feel oh-so-simple. So, consider this your go-to resource for how to get started eating vegan.

What Exactly Can Vegans Eat?

So you might be wondering, what exactly can vegans eat? Contrary to popular opinion, you have many options besides just salads and fries! Vegans can enjoy many delicious foods. Think hearty bean burritos, creamy coconut curries, loaded veggie pizzas, pancakes, pasta, smoothies, and more. Vegans avoid all animal products. That means no eggs, meat, dairy, or honey. But everything else is fair game!

Does a Vegan Eat Fish?

Nope, a vegan does not eat fish. Even though some folks think fish might be okay, vegans don’t eat any animal products at all. As a reminder, that means no eggs, meat, dairy, or honey. Fish are animals, so they are not part of a vegan diet. People who include fish in the diet are called pescatarians. If it could jump, slither, or fly off your plate if it were alive, then it’s not a part of your new food plan.

How to Get Started Eating Vegan

So you’ve decided you are ready to make the transition, but aren’t sure what to do next. We can help with that! We know from personal experience that it can be confusing to plan what to add to your plate. You’re clear on what not to eat, but what do you eat? And do you make the transition step by step or jump in all at once? The answer to that last question depends on your reasons for doing this and your personality. There are as many ways to go vegan as there are vegans. Make this journey your own, and use our guide below to help you learn how to get started eating vegan.

Courtesy of Unsplash/Deryn Macey

Swap Vegan Alternatives for Your Non-Vegan Favorites

Trying to eat more plant-based but don’t want to give up your favorite foods? Just swap in some vegan alternatives! Craving a burger? Opt for a Beyond or Impossible patty. Love mac and cheese? Try Daiya, Annie’s, or Banza. Explore plant-based barista milks for your morning coffee. Fortunately, there’s a vegan version for pretty much any food. So you can enjoy the flavors you love in plant-based form. Here are a few articles to help you explore some plant-based swaps.

• 15 Vegan Barista Milks for Your At-Home Coffee Creations
• Ditching Dairy? Try These 25 Plant-Based Milks Instead
• 8 Vegan Breakfast Sausages to Start Your Morning Right
• The Best Vegan Cheese Slices
• 10 Must-Try Vegan Cheese Brands
• Must-Try Vegan Frozen Pizza Brands

Let Someone Else Do the Cooking (Or Shopping) for You

Want to take the guesswork out of what to cook every night? Let vegan meal delivery kits handle the work for you. With meal delivery options, there are no grocery store trips and no stressing over recipes. You just order, sit back, and then enjoy tasty, plant-based meals that show up at your door. These come in a variety of forms, from pre-packaged to DIY. To go true DIY, opt for a produce delivery box instead and whip up your own dinner creations. Use our articles below to guide you through the options.

• 6 Vegan Meal Delivery Services to Try in 2025
• 7 Produce Delivery Boxes for 2025 (Reviewed)
• 9 Best Vegan-Friendly Grocery Delivery Services
• The Best Nationwide Vegan Charcuterie Board Delivery

Learn a Few New Vegan Recipes

Ready to go all in? If you’re wondering how to get started eating vegan, learning a few new recipes is a tasty way to go. You will explore interesting flavors, experiment with new-to-you ingredients, and maybe discover a few go-tos. But it can be tough to try to remake a traditional recipe to fit your new vegan food plan. That’s where vegan cookbooks come in! From light summer dishes to hearty holiday mains and global eats to Southern Soul, there’s a book to fit your mealtime needs. Here are a few of our faves!

• Our Favorite Vegan Cookbooks for Summer
• 10 Vegan Cookbooks by Asian Authors
• The 10 Best Vegan Cookbooks for the Holidays
• 10 Vegan Cookbooks by Black Authors
• Vegan Influencer Malcolm Regisford Releases Debut Cookbook
• Chef Joya Releases New Vegan Cookbook

For the ultimate support on how to get started eating vegan, check out our article on How to Go Vegan: A Guide to Transitioning to a Plant-Based Diet.