10 Best Vegan Cookbooks 2026 in the United States

The Homemade Vegan Pantry: The Art of Making Your Own Staples is a comprehensive cookbook by Ten Speed Press, published in June 2015. It is designed for those who are dedicated to vegan cooking and prefer to make their own staples from scratch, which can be an appealing feature for many home cooks seeking control over their ingredients and recipes.

The author provides detailed guidance on creating a wide range of vegan essentials, such as dairy-free cheeses, condiments, and pantry staples, which can significantly elevate one's plant-based culinary skills. The complexity of the recipes varies, with some requiring a fair amount of time and effort, which might be a challenge for beginners or those looking for quick-fix solutions. However, for more experienced cooks or those enthusiastic about culinary endeavors, this could be quite rewarding.

Ingredients used in the recipes are generally accessible, though some may require visits to specialty stores or online shopping. The cookbook does provide nutritional information, which is useful for those monitoring their dietary intake. The visual appeal of the book is notable, with high-quality photographs that inspire and guide the cooking process. The author's expertise is evident throughout the book, offering well-researched and tested recipes that cater to a variety of vegan cuisine types, making it a valuable addition to a vegan home cook's library. The size and weight of the book (7.8 x 0.93 x 9.32 inches and 1.75 pounds) make it a substantial, durable resource that can withstand frequent use in the kitchen.

The 'Thug Kitchen' cookbook offers a fun and edgy take on vegan cooking, making it a great choice for those looking to spice up their plant-based diet. Recipe complexity varies, so there's something for both beginners and more experienced cooks. Ingredients are mostly accessible, often found in local grocery stores, and the book encourages improvisation if specific items aren't available.

The focus on whole, unprocessed foods generally makes for healthy eating. The cuisine type spans a variety of flavors and styles, keeping meals interesting and diverse. Visually, the book is appealing with vibrant photos that make the dishes look both delicious and approachable.

Authored by the creators of the popular Thug Kitchen blog, the book carries their signature voice and expertise, blending humor and straightforward guidance. However, the strong language might not be to everyone's taste and could be off-putting for some readers.

Forks Over Knives―The Cookbook offers over 300 plant-based recipes designed to help you lose weight, stay healthy, and feel better every day. The recipes are generally straightforward, making them accessible even for novice cooks. The emphasis on simplicity means that most recipes do not require advanced cooking skills or hard-to-find ingredients, which is a big plus for someone just starting a plant-based diet or looking for easy meal ideas.

However, some users might find the reliance on common ingredients a bit repetitive over time. The cookbook is comprehensive, covering a wide range of cuisines, which adds to its versatility. Nutritional information is not always present for every recipe, which could be a drawback for those strictly monitoring their intake. Visually, the book might not be the most appealing as there could be more vibrant images to accompany the recipes.

On the positive side, the author is experienced and credible in the plant-based community, adding a level of expertise and trustworthiness to the content. The book's 368 pages are packed with valuable content, though its size and weight might make it a bit cumbersome to handle in the kitchen. 'Forks Over Knives―The Cookbook' is an excellent resource for those wanting to delve into plant-based eating with practical, everyday recipes that do not require a lot of fuss.