Looking for vegan breakfast ideas? You're in the right place! From oatmeal and smoothies to scrambles, casseroles, and muffins, this list features a variety of vegan recipes to help you start your day in a delicious and nutritious way.
We've also included helpful tips for success, including how to stock your kitchen with easy plant-based breakfast staples.
Breakfast is often the meal people struggle with the most when they first go vegan. And it makes sense when you think about it.
As Americans we've been conditioned to think of eggs, milk, yogurt, bacon, sausage, and pastries as our go-to breakfast options. But times are changing!
This article will help you think outside of the box when it comes to planning a healthy, balanced vegan breakfast. Trust me, there are SO many plant-based foods to enjoy!
You might choose to replace eggs, dairy, and breakfast meats with their vegan alternatives, or branch out and try completely new foods.
With just a little bit of education and planning, knowing what to eat for breakfast as a vegan will become second nature.
Jump to:
Top Tips for Breakfast as a Vegan
Learn the Basics of Nutrition
A common mistake many people make when they first go vegan is not eating enough.
Plants are not only lower in calories than meat, dairy, and eggs, but also, plants contain fiber, which makes you feel full. Animal products have zero fiber.
So when you replace something like a sausage biscuit with oatmeal or a smoothie, you feel full initially because of the volume and fiber, but you're likely consuming a fraction of the calories your body is used to.
This is why it's helpful to have at least a basic understanding of nutrition and the macro-nutrient composition of common foods.
Think Outside of the Box
Be a rule breaker! Who says you can't enjoy last night's leftover veggie stir fry for breakfast? Or how about soup, a sandwich, and even salad?
Vegan breakfast is more than oatmeal, smoothie bowls, and avocado toast.
Get creative and don't be afraid to try new things like:
- hummus on whole-grain toast
- a vegan "tuna" salad wrap
- kale salad with chickpeas
- or a baked sweet potato topped with cinnamon and nut butter!
Preparation is Key
At home make sure to have some of the staple ingredients listed below in the fridge and pantry.
If you have time, spend a couple of hours each week on meal prep. You can make a batch of granola, mix up a simple chickpea salad, or bake muffins.
And before you travel, check online for vegan options along your travel route and at your destination. Keep in mind many fast food restaurants and chains like Starbucks now have vegan options!
Easy Vegan Breakfast Swaps
- milk - with so many non-dairy milk options available, replacing dairy milk for your cereal is now one of the easiest things about being vegan!
- coffee creamer - giving up half-and-half in our coffee is something many people struggle with (I've seen this mentioned SO many times in Facebook recipe groups). And I totally get it! Most of us want a coffee creamer that's neutral in flavor like half-and-half and that is NOT sweetened.
My personal favorites are:- Nut Pods original unsweetened
- oat milk - but not a low-fat variety; try one similar to Oatly original. It's seriously delicious in coffee.
- Califia Farms unsweetened oat creamer
- plain soy milk - I like to keep a box of shelf-stable unsweetened soy milk in the pantry for just this reason. It's also great for baking.
- yogurt - there are two vegan yogurt recipes listed below if you'd like to make your own! There are also many varieties of vegan yogurt available in stores from brands like Nancy's (oat yogurt), Kite Hill (we love their plain Greek-style yogurt), Forager, and more.
- breakfast meats - swap bacon and sausage for plant-based alternatives by brands like Lightlife, Field Roast, and Beyond Meat.
- eggs - tofu is the original "incredible, edible vegan egg" and can be crumbled for scrambles or blended for quiche. Chickpea flour is also useful for vegan frittatas and quiche. Or try a product like JUST Egg.
- cheese - if you need shredded cheese for a vegan omelette or a slice of cheese for a biscuit or breakfast sandwich, most grocery stores have multiple options. We love Violife slices and shreds, Chao original slices, Miyoko's mozzarella, and Daiya cutting board shreds for melting.
- baked goods and pastries - this is often the trickiest category because eggs and dairy are so often used in baking. If a label doesn't clearly state that a product is vegan, take a moment to check the ingredient list for ingredients like egg, milk, whey, and honey.
Ingredients to Have on Hand
Stock up on these pantry-friendly breakfast staples:
- non-dairy milk - try refrigerated varieties but also don't forget about the boxed ones on the grocery store shelves. They're smaller and great if you live alone and can't finish a big carton by yourself.
- nuts and seeds - nuts and seeds can help you feel more full and are loaded with important nutrients such as amino acids (protein), and essential fatty acids. Some of our favorites for breakfast are: walnuts, almonds, pumpkin seeds, hemp seeds, and chia seeds.
- oats and other grains - keep old fashioned oats on hand for oatmeal and baking. Also try steel cut oats and alternative grains like millet, buckwheat, grits, and teff.
- breads & cereals - there are tons of vegan-friendly breads and cereals in stores. Find a few favorites and you'll have easy options to fall back on for quick breakfasts.
- canned beans and hummus - beans are healthy, filling, and can be added to everything from tofu scramble to potato hash. Or mash and spread on toast.
- protein powder - an easy way to add flavor and protein to smoothies, oatmeal, and overnight oats.
- fresh and frozen fruit - we always have frozen blueberries or mixed berries in the freezer for adding to smoothies and oatmeal. Bananas and apples are also great for breakfast. A banana and a spoonful of nut butter makes a light and quick breakfast!
- greens and other veggies - spinach and kale are great for green smoothies and salads. Onions, mushrooms, and peppers are great for scrambles and quiche.
- egg and meat substitutes - tofu, tempeh, vegan sausage, etc. Keep some in the fridge and some in the freezer so you're always stocked up!
And now, here are more than 50 vegan breakfast recipes to help you start your day off right!
50+ Vegan Breakfast Recipes
Smoothies and Beverages
- chocolate hazelnut green smoothie - cacao and hazelnuts do a great job of masking kale's green flavor in this healthy smoothie.
- tropical carrot smoothie - with frozen pineapple and banana.
- mango-mint yogurt smoothie - vegan yogurt makes this mango lassi-inspired smoothie so delicious.
- blended oat breakfast drink - a light and simple breakfast beverage.
- chocolate hemp milk - so easy and sweetened with dates.
Overnight Oats, Oatmeal and Granola
- peanut butter granola - full of irresistible clusters!
- apple pie overnight oats - our favorite overnight oats recipe.
- protein overnight oats 2 ways
- 5-minute microwave granola - perfect when you're craving granola but don't have time to bake a full batch.
- turmeric spice granola - inspired by a Trader Joe's product.
- classic oil-free granola - almonds, vanilla, and clusters - this is our go-to vegan granola recipe.
- chocolate banana baked oatmeal
- apple cranberry baked oatmeal - healthy and great during the holiday season.
Yogurt and Pudding
- cashew yogurt - with instructions for making yogurt with or without an Instant Pot.
- almond milk yogurt
- easy oats with yogurt - so creamy and versatile. Add fruit, spices, and/or protein powder.
- silken tofu breakfast pudding - with berries and spinach
Savory Vegan Breakfast Ideas
- veggie-loaded JUST Egg scramble
- easy tofu quiche
- tofu frittata with pasta - this one is also fantastic for dinner!
- vegan breakfast casserole - this is great for every occasion, from special occasions to regular weekly meal prep.
- Cajun tofu scramble
- 5-minute vegan cottage cheese - spread on toast or bagels and top with sprouts, fresh herbs, and/or greens. Or add maple syrup and serve sweet with fruit.
- homemade vegan quesadillas - switch up the fillings! Add beans, tempeh, or seitan sausage.
- vegan sandwich ideas - because sandwiches are just as good for breakfast as they are for lunch.
- air fryer tempeh - smoky, sweet, and salty; enjoy with toast or as part of a salad or grain bowl.
- seitan chorizo - keeps well in the fridge or freeer; slice it or crumble it for scrambles and breakfast tacos.
- seitan breakfast sausage - with irresistible maple flavor! Prep it on the weekend and enjoy all week long.
- avocado pea mash - a delicious twist on basic avocado toast. Recipe by Healthy Midwestern Girl.
Breads and Muffins
- bakery-style vegan blueberry muffins - make jumbo or regular size muffins. So tall and fluffy!
- oat flour banana bread - a reader favorite!
- chocolate banana bread
- low-fat blueberry banana muffins - moist and delicious thanks to mashed banana.
- healthy pistachio muffins - these are lightly spiced and great any time of day.
- golden milk muffins - with flavor reminiscent of carrot cake.
- garam masala coconut milk muffins - coconut milk makes these oil-free muffins so moist and tender.
- loaded oat flour muffins - packed with healthy fruits, nuts and seeds.
Pancakes and Waffles
- lemon blueberry pancakes - this flavor combo is hard to beat!
- oat flour pancakes - another reader favorite!
- vegan bacon pancakes - classic vegan pancakes with soy curl bacon bits added for an irresistible salty-sweet flavor.
- healthy Belgian waffles - by Shane & Simple
- coconut milk waffles - by This Healthy Kitchen
Other Grains
- millet breakfast bake with berries - a beautiful recipe for leisurely weekend breakfasts.
- savory Instant Pot millet - with veggies and soy curls.
- stovetop farro pudding with dates - warm and sweet and spiced with cardamom.
- baked brown rice pudding - we love this for breakfast AND dessert.
- teff breakfast bowl - by Black Foodie
- raspberry pistachio sorghum bowl - by Sharon Palmer
Cookies and Bars
- 1-Bowl banana oatmeal breakfast cookies - packed with Omega-3-rich seeds plus raisins, cinnamon, and oats. Another reader favorite!
- Go Macro bar copycat - love GoMacro bars but not the price? Us, too. We like to make a huge batch and freeze them.
- vegan protein cookies - these are a perfect grab-and-go breakfast.
- strawberry banana oatmeal bars
- healthy banana brownies - brownies for breakfast might sound unusual, but when they're as wholesome as these light nana brownies, it totally makes sense.
I hope you've found some new favorite vegan breakfast ideas! If you try any of the recipes be sure to comment below and let us know!
📖 Recipe
Vegan Breakfast Ideas: 5-Minute Mixed Berry Oatmeal
Ingredients
- ⅓ - ½ cup old fashioned rolled oats
- non-dairy milk of choice
- 1 cup frozen mixed berries - use as much or as little fruit as you like!
- 1 scoop plant-based vanilla protein powder
- ground cinnamon, optional
- handful of nuts and/or seeds such as walnuts, almonds, pistachios, hemp hearts, ground flax seeds, pepitas, etc. - or nut/seed butter such as almond, peanut, or sunbutter.
Instructions
- Place oats in a microwave-safe bowl. Add just enough water to barely cover the oats. Microwave on high power for 50 to 75 seconds (depending on the volume of oats) or until puffy and hot.
- Stir in frozen berries and a generous splash of milk. Add protein powder and a dash of cinnamon, and stir until incorporated. Add more milk if needed.
- Top with your favorite nuts and seeds and a few more berries (or chopped banana or apple when you're in the mood for a change). Enjoy!
Notes
Estimated Nutrition (per serving)
Nutrition information is an estimate and will vary depending on the exact amounts and specific products and ingredients used. We calculate this information using the online calculator cronometer.com.
FAQs
So many foods! It's actually easier to list what vegans don't eat for breakfast, which is eggs, dairy, and meat. Grains, tubers, nuts, seeds, beans, fruit, vegetables, non-dairy milk and yogurt, and plant-based meat alternatives are all on the menu.
No, vegans don't eat anything that comes from an animal, including chicken's eggs. Instead of eggs vegans may use a variety of plant-based ingredients that are similarly versatile, savory, and filling. Common egg substitutes for breakfast are tofu, chickpea flour, and products like JUST Egg.
