If youre thinking of making the switch to a vegetarian or vegan diet, there are several affordable and easily accessible foods that will make your transition easier.

While pre-prepared, packaged foods can be pricey, many plant-based whole foods are packed with nutrients and are pretty easy on your wallet, particularly if you know where to look.

Check out these easy plant-based foods below, so you can get your kitchen stocked and ready for your new culinary adventures.

Quinoa

Also known as the Mother of Grains , quinoa is a powerful source of protein and other nutrients and lends itself well to a variety of dishes.

Enjoy it as a superfood side, a versatile puffed cereal (great for making granola bars ) or use quinoa flour to up the nutritional value of baked goods and pancakes.

Quinoa should be readily available at your local grocery store, but buying in bulk is going to be the most economical (and eco-friendly) option to add this ancient Inca grain to your pantry.

Protein-rich pasta

Its slightly more pricey than a conventional pasta (a box of lentil and chickpea spaghetti sells for $5.99 on well.ca) , but worth the extra cost based on its nutritional value.

Protein-rich pasta made from quinoa, chickpeas, beans, or lentils ensures that even an easy mac n cheese covers several nutritional bases (aforementioned pasta has 23 grams of protein and 11 grams of fibre per serving).

Simply boil, strain, and serve with your favourite sauce for a plant-based take on a conventionally comforting dish.