Published by Lori Rasmussen · Updated · This post may contain affiliate links.
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 breakfast recipes to help you start your day in a delicious and nutritious way!
We've also included a few 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:
- 3 Top Tips for Breakfast as a Vegan
- Easy Vegan Breakfast Swaps
- Ingredients to Have on Hand
- 50+ Vegan Breakfast Recipes
- Vegan Smoothies and Beverages
- Overnight Oats, Oatmeal and Granola
- Vegan Yogurt and Pudding
- Savory Vegan Breakfast Ideas
- Vegan Breads and Muffins
- Pancakes and Waffles
- Other Grains
- Breakfast Cookies and Bars
- Vegan Breakfast FAQs
- Recipe
- Vegan Breakfast Ideas: 5-Minute Mixed Berry Oatmeal
- 💬 Comments
3 Top Tips for Breakfast as a Vegan
1. 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 contain 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.
2. 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!
3. 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
Vegan Smoothies and Beverages
Hazelnut Chocolate Green Smoothie
With cacao, toasted hazelnuts, kale, and chia, this rich and healthy chocolate smoothie is a great way to start the day with greens and Omega-3-rich seeds. Vegan, gluten-free, soy-free, refined sugar-free.
Get the Recipe
Carrot Banana Smoothie
This colorful and healthy carrot banana smoothie is loaded with fresh carrots, banana, lemon, mango, and pineapple. It is as tasty as it is beautiful and also very easy to customize.
Get the Recipe
Mango-Mint Yogurt Smoothie (Vegan)
This 6-ingredient vegan yogurt smoothie is so refreshing and the perfect balance of sweet/tart fruit plus creamy and tangy yogurt. It's a lovely treat any time of day!
Vegan and free from gluten, soy, and refined sugar.
See the recipe
Oat Breakfast Drink
This easy breakfast drink is perfect for mornings when you need something light and quick to-go! Made with rolled oats, omega-3-rich hemp seeds, cinnamon, vanilla, and sweetener of choice.
Get the recipe
Chocolate Hemp Milk
Chocolate hemp milk is a quick and easy sweet treat you can make at home with just 4 simple ingredients. It's nut-free, refined sugar-free, and a great alternative to sugary, store-bought chocolate milk. It's great as a snack, for breakfast, and as a post-workout recovery drink.
Get the Recipe
Overnight Oats, Oatmeal and Granola
Vegan Peanut Butter Granola
Easy 6-ingredient vegan peanut butter granola that's FULL of crunchy clusters! It's oil-free, naturally sweetened, and 100% irresistible. Great for snacks and breakfast and as a crunchy topping for ice cream and pudding!
Get the Recipe
Easy Apple Pie Overnight Oats
With bits of sweet apple and a hint of maple-cinnamon, this healthy apple overnight oats recipe is delicious warm or cold!
Get the Recipe
Protein Overnight Oats (Vegan)
Protein overnight oats are a flexible, tasty, and satisfying way to start the day. This recipe offers two ways to make overnight oats with a nice amount of satisfying protein, with either vegan protein powder OR creamy silken tofu. Both are quick, easy and versatile.
Get the Recipe
Easy Microwave Granola Recipe
When you wake up craving granola but don't have time to make a batch, microwave granola to the rescue!
Get the Recipe
Ginger-Turmeric Granola (Vegan, Oil-Free)
This homemade ginger turmeric granola inspired is by the Trader Joe's granola of the same name. Crunchy, golden in color, and made with turmeric, ginger, cinnamon, and coconut. So good no one will believe it's oil-free and refined sugar-free!
Get the Recipe
Oil-Free Granola (Vegan)
Easy, healthy, homemade oil-free granola that's FULL of crunchy clusters! Try this almond version or customize the recipe with your favorite nuts, seeds, spices, extracts, and dried fruit.
Get the Recipe
Apple Cranberry Baked Oatmeal (Vegan)
Easy and wholesome apple baked oatmeal with cranberries, walnuts, vanilla, and cinnamon. Prep it in the evening and bake in the morning!
Get the Recipe
Healthy Chocolate Banana Baked Oats Recipe
Vegan chocolate banana baked oats are a healthy and satisfying way to start the day. Made with bananas, cocoa, peanut butter, and a touch of cinnamon, this healthy breakfast recipe is filling, easy, and great for making in advance! Gluten-free and made without refined sugar, coconut, or soy.
Get the Recipe
Vegan Yogurt and Pudding
Cultured Tofu Yogurt
Learn how to make your own vegan yogurt at home with just 3 ingredients and a few minutes of hands-on time. Then let it culture overnight, and wake up to perfectly tangy, delicious, high-protein tofu yogurt!
Get the Recipe
Instant Pot Cashew Yogurt
Two-ingredient cashew yogurt is deliciously light, tangy, creamy, and so easy to make. If you are intimidated to try homemade yogurt, let me assure you there's nothing to fear!An Instant Pot with the yogurt functionmakes the process super easy but isn't required. Each of these yogurt recipes includes tips and instructions for other accessible methods.
Get the Recipe
Homemade Almond Milk Yogurt (Vegan)
And hereu is another dairy-free yogurt recipe - this one uses homemade almond milk. The flavor is fantastic, and you'll love how creamy it is!
Get the Recipe
Easy Vegan Oats With Yogurt (No Milk)
Combining oats with vegan yogurt gives you the creamiest, dreamiest, healthy breakfast or snack. Customize it with a variety of spices, fruits, nuts and seeds.
Get the Recipe
Silken Tofu Breakfast Pudding
A simple and nutritious, low-glycemic breakfast pudding made with silken tofu, frozen berries, baby spinach and your sweetener of choice.
Get the Recipe
Savory Vegan Breakfast Ideas
Vegan Breakfast Casserole
This vegan breakfast casserole gets rave reviews! It features a delicious tofu egg mixture, chunks of sourdough, veggies, sausage, and melted cheese. Customize it to your heart's content!
Get the Recipe
Ultimate Vegan Just Egg Scramble
JUST Egg Scramble is loaded with your favorite veggies and ready in minutes. It's a quick and satisfying meal any time of day! Vegan and gluten-free.
Get the Recipe
5-Minute Vegan Cottage Cheese (No Nuts)
You won't believe how much this tastes like regular cottage cheese! It's delicious spread on toast or bagels and topped with sprouts, fresh herbs, and spring greens. Or sweeten it and serve with fresh fruit.
Get the Recipe
Easy Vegan Quesadilla Recipe
Healthy, easy, anddelicious vegan quesadillas made with a simple 6-ingredient cashew cheese! Use your favorite fillings or follow the recipe exactly for mushroom-spinach quesadillas.
Get the Recipe
Vegan Tofu Quiche (Easy, Crustless)
Simple, egg-y, cheesy, and satisfying, this vegan quiche is perfect for weekend brunch, and the leftovers make a delicious lunch! Gluten-free, loaded with veggies, and made with just 11 ingredients.
Want a crust for your vegan quiche? Pair it with ourHealthy Vegan Pie Crust (gluten-free & oil-free).
Get the Recipe
Vegan Pasta Frittata
With tender pasta, protein-rich tofu, and your choice of vegetables, this vegan frittata makes a great meal any time of day. Also perfect for weekly meal prep! Nut-free; make it gluten-free with your favorite GF pasta.
Get the Recipe
Air Fryer Tempeh Recipe
Air fryer tempeh is quick and irresistibly delicious! Marinated in a smoky maple-soy glaze, then air fried for 10 minutes, it's rich in satisfying protein, fiber, and healthy fats and sure to keep you full until lunch time.
Get the Recipe
Vegan Seitan Chorizo
No special equipment needed to make this low-fat Vegan Chorizo! Add it to scrambles, sandwiches, casseroles, and breakfast tacos.
Get the Recipe
The Best Vegan Breakfast Sausage
Inspired by Field Roast's maple breakfast sausages, these seitan sausages are almost too good for words! Meaty, smoky, savory, and a little sweet, you will want to enjoy these vegan sausages for more than just breakfast.
Get the Recipe
Avocado Pea Mash - by Healthy Midwestern Girl
Avocado Pea Mash combines the rich creaminess of avocado with the protein of green peas. Serve with raw veggies on whole grain toast for a nutritious meal.
Vegan Breads and Muffins
Vegan French Toast - Air Fryer or Stovetop!
This Vegan Air Fryer French Toast is our new favorite sweet breakfast treat! Crisp on the outside, fluffy and creamy in the center, and perfectly spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg! Stovetop instructions included.
Get the Recipe
Bakery-Style Vegan Blueberry Muffins
Soft and fluffy vegan blueberry muffins...with muffin tops! If you're craving a classic, bakery-style vegan blueberry muffin, this is the recipe for you. Makes 6 jumbo muffins or 14 standard size. Only 11 ingredients and 35 minutes to make a batch.
Get the Recipe
The Best Darn Banana Bread
Oat flour banana bread that's so good you might forget how healthy it is! Lightly spiced with an irresistibly tender and moist texture. Vegan, WFPB oil-free, and gluten-free; nut-free option.
Get the Recipe
Healthy Chocolate Banana Bread
This healthier vegan chocolate banana bread is oil-free and made with oat flour. It's rich and chocolatey and perfect anytime, from breakfast to dessert! Nut-free option.
Get the Recipe
Healthy Vegan Blueberry Banana Muffins
These healthy, whole-grain, blueberry banana muffins are oil-free and filled with juicy blueberries. Easy to make and fantastic for breakfast!
Get the Recipe
Vegan Pistachio Muffins
With dark cherries and one full cup of pistachios, these healthy vegan pistachio muffins make a delicious and wholesome breakfast or snack! Oil-free, tender, moist, and made with oat flour.
Get the Recipe
Vegan Golden Milk Muffins
Oil-free vegan muffins made with oat flour, lite coconut milk, and spices. Moist and perfectly sweetened with maple syrup, these spiced muffins are delicious any time of day!
Get the Recipe
Coconut Garam Masala Muffins
These lightly sweetened, vegan whole wheat muffins are made with coconut milk (lite or full-fat) and garam masala. Just 9 ingredients and easy prep!
Get the Recipe
Loaded Oat Flour Muffins
These healthy oat flour muffins are hearty, moist, delicious, and packed with all the best stuff - fruits, nuts, seeds and oats! Vegan, oil-free, gluten-free and refined sugar-free. Ready in 35 minutes.
Get the Recipe
Pancakes and Waffles
Vegan Lemon Blueberry Pancakes
These wholesome oat flour pancakes are leveled up with the irresistible combination of blueberries and lemon zest.
Get the Recipe
Vegan Oat Flour Pancakes
Fluffy, soft, and simply delicious oat flour pancakes are made with just 6 ingredients. They're maple sweetened, soy-free, gluten-free, and oil-free!
Get the Recipe
Vegan Bacon Pancakes
The whole family will love these unique vegan pancakes! Soy curl bacon bits are added to the batter for an irresistible salty-sweet flavor combo.
Get the Recipe
Vegan Belgian Waffles - by Shane and Simple
These Vegan Belgian Waffles are delicious and so easy to make. Made in one bowl with 8 simple ingredients. Perfect for your weekend brunch.
Vegan Coconut Milk Waffles - by This Healthy Kitchen
Coconut milk waffles are crispy on the outside and soft and fluffy in the middle. The fat in the coconut milk is all you need for perfect waffles without oil.
Other Grains
Millet Breakfast Bake With Berries
Wholesome and comforting, this millet breakfast bake is so simple and free from refined sugar, gluten, and oil. It's a great way to feed a crowd... or just enjoy the leftovers for yourself! Serve warm with a dollop of vegan yogurt.
Get the Recipe
Savory Instant Pot Millet
This Instant Pot millet recipe is a full meal, with colorful veggies, soy curls, and Tex-Mex spices. Great for weekly meal prep!
Get the Recipe
Farro Breakfast Pudding With Dates and Cardamom
A creamy breakfast porridge made with farro, dates, vanilla and cardamom. Oil-free, refined-sugar-free, and irresistibly delicious!
Get the Recipe
Vegan Brown Rice Pudding
This baked brown rice pudding is a healthier twist on the sweet and creamy classic. Made with cinnamon, maple syrup, and raisins. Switch things up with different spices and toppings.
Get the Recipe
Teff Breakfast Bowl - by Black Foodie
Teff is a nutrient packed grain from East Africa that can be used in baked goods, injera, and more. This teff bowl is very versatile - add your favorite fruits and nuts on top.
Raspberry Pistachio Sorghum Breakfast Bowl - by Sharon Palmer
This gluten-free, vegan raspberry pistachio sorghum recipe is a delicious and balanced breakfast bowl.
Breakfast Cookies and Bars
Vegan Breakfast Cookies (Easy, Gluten-Free)
These vegan breakfast cookies are very hearty and satisfying! With oats, seeds, spices, raisins, and banana, they're easy to prepare and also great as an afternoon snack! This recipe is gluten-free, oil-free, and easily made without nuts.
Get the Recipe
Vegan Protein Bar Recipe (Go-Macro Copycat)
Wholesome, 7-ingredient, vegan protein bars with almonds, coconut and chocolate chips. Inspired by GoMacro's Everlasting Joy bar. Gluten-free and sweetened with brown rice syrup.
Get the Recipe
Vegan Protein Cookies
Vegan protein cookies are easy to make and pack almost 9 grams of protein per 125 calorie cookie. They're great any time of day and much more affordable than store-bought protein cookies and bars. They're soft-yet-chewy, very satisfying, and taste like a cake brownie in cookie form!
Get the Recipe
Oil-Free Strawberry Banana Breakfast Bars
Wholesome, oil-free, 7-ingredient vegan breakfast bars made from strawberries, bananas, oats, maple syrup and almonds. Gluten-free with certified GF oats. Simple and delicious any time of day! Try with different fruits and nuts.
Get the Recipe
Healthy Vegan Banana Brownies (Oil-Free)
Brownies for breakfast might sound unusual, but when they are as wholesome as these light banana brownies, it totally makes sense.
Get the Recipe
Vegan Breakfast FAQs
What do vegans eat for breakfast?
So many options! 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.
Do vegans eat eggs?
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.
I hope this collection of vegan breakfast recipes has helped you find some new favorites. 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
Author: Lori Rasmussen, My Quiet Kitchen
This is my go-to quick vegan breakfast on busy mornings. Filled with fiber, Omega-3 fatty acids, plant-based protein, and anti-oxidant-rich berries, this protein oatmeal recipe is very filling and sure to keep you energized all morning! Adjust the ingredient amounts as needed for your appetite.
5 from 1 vote
Servings: 1 serving
Prep Time: 4 minutes mins
Cook Time: 1 minute min
Total Time: 5 minutes mins
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Ingredients
US Customary | Metric
- 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
If you accidentally prepare too much oatmeal, store leftovers in a container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Makes a great afternoon snack.
Estimated Nutrition (per serving)
Calories: 420kcalProtein: 24g
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.
Did you try the recipe?I love hearing from you! Share your feedback below.
More Vegan Breakfast Recipes
- Millet Breakfast Bake With Berries
- Vegan Pumpkin Coffee Cake
- Banana Zucchini Bread
- Creamy Cucumber Smoothie
Reader Interactions
Comments
No Comments
