Shopping for vegan food in Japan isn’t easy, but if you know what to look out for, then even the humblest supermarket can yield some delicious plant-based treats. Sometimes buying products in Japanese supermarkets can feel like an . are far from mainstream, and many Japanese people are unfamiliar with what the word ‘vegan’ actually means.
Even Japanese dishes centered on plant-based ingredients are frequently seasoned with (fish stock) and other ingredients derived from animal products. All of this can make shopping for vegan food in Japanese supermarkets a considerable challenge, especially since some vegan-friendly products are not labeled as such. But with a little research, it is possible to find what you’re looking for.
This guide to vegan supermarket shopping is here to get you started. There are a few go-to supermarkets and food stores in Japan that all vegans should know. Check out our for more.
When you’re unable to access a more vegan-friendly food store like the ones listed above, there are still plenty of vegan staples you can pick up at mainstream Japanese supermarket chains like Aeon, Seiyu and Gyomu Super. Here are a few plant-based food items you can stock up on at most Japanese supermarkets. While home cooking is a necessary part of the vegan lifestyle in Japan, there will always be days when you don’t feel like making a recipe from scratch.
It can be very difficult to find ready-made vegan foods outside of organic or import stores, but there are .
