Tofu, tempeh, seitan, and other plant-based proteins have been staples in vegan cooking long before the newer meat alternatives showed up. They’re versatile, easy to use, and great for building meals from scratch.

Use tofu in scrambles, stir-fries, bowls, and marinades. Tempeh works well sliced, crumbled, grilled, or pan-fried. Seitan brings a hearty texture to sandwiches, stews, roasts, and savoury dishes. Whether you’re keeping it simple or cooking something more involved, these are some of the most reliable vegan proteins to keep on hand.