What's the difference between vegan and vegetarian cookbooks?

While vegetarian and vegan cookbooks both promote the use of plant-based ingredients such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, and seeds, they differ because vegan cookbooks will not include honey, eggs, or any animal products.

How do I know if a cookbook fits my experience level?

Whether you're a beginner or experienced chef, it's important to browse through the recipe lists and directions before purchasing a cookbook to ensure it fits your experience, time, equipment on hand, and taste buds. Read through a few recipes to see if you feel confident that you can follow the directions to achieve the result. If it feels too challenging, select a book that specifies it is for beginners.

The 8 Best Vegan Cookbooks, According to a Dietitian

If you currently follow a vegan diet or if you’re trying to eat more plant-based meals, you may feel a bit overwhelmed or bored with your typical recipes. A vegan cookbook is an ideal tool to help make meals exciting, delicious, satisfying, and fun. The best vegan cookbooks use whole-food ingredients in their recipes and will match your cooking level.

According to Beth Lipton, recipe developer and cookbook author, "Look for a cookbook with lots of variety, but be sure that it includes recipes that fit your life, not the other way around. Part of good health is minimizing stress, so make sure the recipes aren't too complicated."

Other factors you should consider when shopping for a vegan cookbook is the equipment needed to make the recipes and the author's experience with plant-based eating. The latter is of great importance since those with more experience will have better and easier recipes than those without plant-based experience. We researched various vegan cookbooks with these features in mind. A registered dietitian from our Review Board reviewed this article to ensure its accuracy and how to find your ideal book.

Here, the best vegan cookbooks:

Our Top Picks

Best Overall:

Oh She Glows for Dinner at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best on a Budget:

Plant-Based on a Budget at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best for Beginners:

The Plant-Based Diet for Beginners at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best Southern Flavors:

Sweet Potato Soul at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best Indian:

Vegan Richa's Indian Kitchen at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best for Baking:

Baked with Love at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best for Staples:

The Homemade Vegan Pantry at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best for Variety:

Evolving Vegan at Amazon

Jump to Review

In This Article

Our Picks
What to Look For
FAQ
Why Trust Verywell Fit

Courtesy of Walwart

View On Amazon View On Walmart View On Barnesandnoble.com

Pros

Holiday and seasonal recipes
Easy-to-find ingredients
Great for all levels
Label index to look up recipes based on allergies and preferences

Cons

Some recipes take a while to make

"Oh She Glows for Dinner" is a handy cookbook that will never leave you wondering what you will be having for dinner. It's written by Angela Liddon, who is known for her popular plant-based blog, Oh She Glows.

In her book, you’ll find meal prep plans, weeknight one-pot recipes, favorite holiday and seasonal recipes, and inspired dinner recipes. There is also a handy index, which helps you look up recipes based on other dietary preferences such as gluten-free, nut-free, or freezer-friendly.

The recipes are easy to cook and made with whole-food ingredients that are easy to find in local stores. Reviewers love how the recipes are versatile and delicious and will prevent you from getting bored with what you're eating. It's a great option for both beginners and experienced cooks alike.

Price at time of publication: $35

_{Key Specs:
Number of Recipes: 100+ | Experience Level: All levels}

Amazon

View On Amazon View On Abebooks.com View On Barnesandnoble.com

Pros

Affordable, easy to obtain ingredients
30 minutes or less per recipe

Cons

Recipes may be too simple for some

Following a vegan diet might seem expensive and time-consuming, but Toni Okamoto is here to show you how to eat Plant Based on a Budget. The recipes in this book feature whole food, affordable ingredients, with plenty of easy substitutions to use what you have on hand. Each recipe in this book also takes only 30 minutes or less to prepare.

Want some ideas about what recipes you’ll find in this book? Banana zucchini pancakes, peanut butter ramen stir fry, and real-deal chocolate chip cookies, to name just a few.

Price at time of publication: $20

_{Key Specs:
Number of Recipes: 100 | Experience Level: Beginner}

Courtesy of Walmart

View On Amazon View On Walmart View On Barnesandnoble.com

Pros

Includes an introductory guide to plant-based foods
Includes shopping list and sample menus

Cons

Doesn't include photos for all recipes

If you’re new to veganism or just dipping your toes into a plant-based lifestyle, Gabriel Miller’s cookbook The Plant-Based Diet for Beginners is perfect for you. It’s specifically written for beginners to help you gain confidence in the kitchen and explore easy but delicious recipes. Each recipe in this book uses simple ingredients that you can find in your local grocery store and includes nutrition information and detailed instructions.

This book also has other beginner resources, including shopping lists, sample menus, and a guide to cooking grains and beans.

Price at time of publication: $13

_{Key Specs:
Number of Recipes: 75 | Experience Level: Beginner-Intermediate}

Amazon

View On Amazon View On Walmart View On Barnesandnoble.com

Pros

Classic, comforting recipes
Vibrant photos
Includes interesting narratives about traditional soul foods

Cons

Doesn't include photos for all recipes

Do you follow a plant-based diet but constantly crave your favorite non-vegan foods like cinnamon rolls or fried chicken? You need Jenné Claiborne’s cookbook in your life because she has vegan alternatives for just about every craving.

Raised in Atlanta, Jenné grew up eating Soul Food like biscuits, collards, and sweet potato pie. As a plant-based chef, she has spent years perfecting her delicious vegan versions of classic, comforting favorites. Her creative and flavorful recipes are paired with narratives about traditional soul food recipes, plus nutritional information about the ingredients.

Price at time of publication: $13

_{Key Specs:
Number of Recipes: 100 | Experience Level: Beginner-Intermediate}

Amazon

View On Amazon View On Walmart View On Barnesandnoble.com

Utilizes modern techniques to minimize cook time
Offers replacement spices and links on where to order certain ingredients

Includes some ingredients that may be more difficult to find

Want to replicate your favorite Indian recipes at home? Richa Hingle’s cookbook has you covered, with recipes like mango curry tofu, avocado naan, and tempeh tikka masala. When making your way through this cookbook, you will discover familiar tastes as well as new recipes and flavors to entice your taste buds.

The vegan recipes in this cookbook feature vegetables and pulses, like cauliflower, split peas, lentils, and tofu. Richa also provides substitution suggestions and replacement spices in case your pantry isn’t fully stocked with all the required ingredients.

Price at time of publication: $25

_{Number of Recipes:
Key Specs: 150 | Experience Level: Intermediate}

Amazon

View On Amazon View On Walmart View On Bookshop.org

Pros

Discusses replacing traditional ingredients for vegan ones, and why they work
Includes index categorizing allergen-friendly recipes

Cons

Many recipes include cassava, which may not be loved by all

Brittany Berlin bakes up enticing vegan dessert recipes for her blog, The Banana Diaries, and her new cookbook. Her recipes prove that vegan desserts can be just as decadent as traditional recipes, even when they don’t have any butter, eggs, or dairy.

In addition to over 100 recipes, you’ll find tips and tricks for healthy baking, beautiful photography, and allergy-friendly options that are gluten-free, nut-free, and grain-free. The list of drool-worthy recipes is long, but some examples include s’mores brownies, red velvet cupcakes, and caramel-stuffed chocolate chip cookies.

Price at time of publication: $35

_{Key Specs:
Number of Recipes: 100+ | Experience Level: Beginner-Intermediate}

Amazon

View On Amazon View On Barnesandnoble.com View On Bookshop.org

Pros

Helps you consume less processed foods by creating your own pantry staples
Includes seafood recipes as well

Cons

Includes some ingredients that may be more difficult to find

If you’re a confident cook with plenty of complex plant-based recipes under your belt, you may want to consider Miyoko Schinner’s cookbook. For someone who has already mastered basic cooking techniques, you can branch out to learn how to make vegan versions of pantry staples from scratch.

In this cookbook, you’ll find simple recipes for handcrafted foods, such as homemade ice cream, pizza dough, French buttercreams, and pasta. Learn to love cooking from scratch and appreciate slow food and homemade ingredients with this cookbook.

Price at time of publication: $25

_{Key Specs:
Number of Recipes: 100+ | Experience Level: Intermediate-advanced}

Amazon

View On Amazon View On Walmart View On Barnesandnoble.com

Pros

Includes recipes from a variety of cultures across North America
Recipes include a background story and memories be Mena Massoud
Some recipes are inspired by restaurant favorites,

Cons

Some recipes may take a bit of time to make

Is your favorite part of traveling exploring new restaurants and enjoying different cuisines? Check out Mena Massoud’s cookbook, Evolving Vegan. This book features recipes and stories from plant-based eateries around North America, so you can take a trip around the continent without leaving your kitchen.

Some featured recipes include Indian Tofu Curry from The Sudra in Portland, Oregan, Young Coconut Ceviche from Rosalinda in Toronto, and Boston Cream Pie-Cake from Veggie Galaxy in Cambridge, Massachusetts. This book also has a personal twist, with authentic Egyptian recipes from Mena’s mother.

Price at time of publication: $30

_{Key Specs:
Number of Recipes: 80 | Experience Level: Beginner-Intermediate}

What to Look for in Vegan Cookbooks

Author’s Experience with Vegan Cooking

For vegan cookbooks, it’s important that the author has experience eating a plant-based or plant-focused diet because they will know the ins and outs of vegan ingredients. An author who regularly makes plant-based recipes will know how to troubleshoot tricky recipes to make them perfectly doable for the home cook.

Use of Whole Food Ingredients

Like with all eating styles, vegan diets can still be high in sodium, saturated fat, cholesterol, and refined sugars—if you rely more on convenience options than whole food ingredients. When choosing a vegan cookbook, take a look at the ingredients in the recipes. If most of the ingredients include nutrient-dense vegetables, fruits, whole grains, nuts, seeds, and legumes, you’ll be able to find plenty of nutritious recipes to support your health. Whether your fitness routine involves using exercise equipment, like elliptical machines, weight-training, or running outdoors, it's also important to have recipes that provide protein-rich options to refuel your muscles after workouts.

Experience Level

If you're new to cooking, you may need a bit more guidance and explanation of cooking methods. If you're more experienced, on the other hand, you may prefer a cookbook that's light on advice and heavy on recipes. Also, consider the time each recipe requires. If you're short on time or just prefer more uncomplicated recipes, many cookbooks offer simple, healthy dishes.

Equipment

Take a look at the kitchen tools you will need before investing in a cookbook. Many cookbooks feature quick, easy, and nutritious recipes that can be incredibly convenient—but only if you have the kitchen equipment needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between vegan and vegetarian cookbooks?

While vegetarian and vegan cookbooks both promote the use of plant-based ingredients such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, and seeds, they differ because vegan cookbooks will not include honey, eggs, or any animal products.
How do I know if a cookbook fits my experience level?

Whether you're a beginner or experienced chef, it's important to browse through the recipe lists and directions before purchasing a cookbook to ensure it fits your experience, time, equipment on hand, and taste buds. Read through a few recipes to see if you feel confident that you can follow the directions to achieve the result. If it feels too challenging, select a book that specifies it is for beginners.

Why Trust Verywell Fit

As a registered dietitian, Alex Aldeborgh, MS, RD puts the same thoroughness and care into researching these recommendations as she would for herself or her clients. A passionate home cook herself, Alex assesses the content of cookbooks for creativity, feasibility, and variety.

The Best Vegan Multivitamins & Supplements of 2023