I love a recommendation, and with so many new plant-based books appearing on our local book shop shelves and on online stores, I thought I would list ten of my absolute favourites that you may wish to read yourself.

These books range from the some of the reasons why we should be moving to a plant-based food system, like in George Monbiot’s Regenesis and Simon Hill’s The Proof is in the Plants, to how to ensure you are getting all the nutrients you need from your food, like in Ella Mill’s How to Go Plant-Based. These books are not all specifically recipe books, but some of them do provide some delicious dishes for you to try, like those in Alan Desmond’s Plant Based Diet Revolution and Recipes For Happiness from The Happy Pear.

1.     The Proof is in the Plants by Simon Hill

Simon Hill is a great advocate for the scientific process and scrutinising the claims made about nutrition. In this book, Simon explains a plant-based diet in relation to chronic disease, plus the benefits of eating more plants for climate concerns and animal welfare. Simon also sets a few of those big plant-based myths straight and teaches you how you can build a healthy plant-based plate.

2.     How to Go Plant-Based by Ella Mills

In Ella’s sixth book, she brings together a range of experts (including me!) to set out the power of plants for her audience. In my chapter, building a balanced plate, I have set out a range of principles you can follow to support you to get the nutrients you need every day. Other experts include Dr Shireen Kassam, Dr Alan Desmond and Dr Gemma Newman as well as nutritionist Rohini Bajekal, dietitian Paula Hallam and psychologist Shahroo Izadi. 

Alongside all the nutritional know-how and evidence-based education is a collection of inspiring recipe creations; something I believe Ella does best. Quick meals, meals for kids, and more innovative ideas are all included. I have followed Ella since the start of my plant-based journey back in 2013 and this latest book does not disappoint (although I may be slightly biased).

3.     Regenesis by George Monbiot

If you’re keen to delve into the problems of our current global food system, then look no further than this wonderful book from George Monbiot. I recently had the opportunity to enjoy a delicious plant-based meal alongside George at Riverford Field Kitchen, and with our shared background in Zoology, I really connected with George’s insights into the impact of our food production on the natural world. His book goes right down to the vital microbes within our soil that are active and abundant beneath our feet. Get ready to learn some new things with this one!

4.     How Not to Die by Michael Gregor

This book from Michael Gregor was one of the first books I read on plant-based nutrition, and it really fired up my interest and enthusiasm for the subject. This book is one of the staples if you want to delve into the science behind a plant-based diet, as Michael presents much of the scientific literature on the impact of diet on diseases such as heart disease, cancers, and many more. 

5.     The Plant-Based Diet Revolution by Dr Alan Desmond

This book is a fantastic addition to any plant-powered book-shelf. The Plant-Based Diet Revolution presents an evidence-based overview of the science behind a plant-based diet alongside a 28-day plan to help you, and your gut, feel better in just 4 weeks. As I said in my review of the book;

‘The food we choose on a daily basis has a more powerful impact on our lives than many of us realise. This book provides everything you need to discover the compelling science and experience the astonishing results of plant-based eating for yourself. Come and join the Plant Based Diet Revolution and discover what it could do for you’

6.     Plant Based Nutrition in Clinical Practice by Shireen Kassam and Lisa Simon

If you’re a healthcare professional, a nutrition student or simply fascinated by the science of plant-based nutrition, this textbook is a go-to resource. Plant-Based Nutrition in Clinical Practice provides an evidence-based guide to the uses, benefits and the practical application of a plant-based diet, taking both a holistic and a systems-based approach in areas including heart, lung, kidney, liver, gut, diabetes and weight management from experts in the field. A book that should grace the shelves of any library, university or healthcare centre.

7.     Becoming Vegan by Brenda Davis & Vesanta Melina

This book is a comprehensive textbook-style publication that is a must-have for anyone wanting to pursue a career in vegan nutrition, or anyone with a deep interest in the topic. Brenda and Vesanto are US dietitians and have written about every aspect you can think of in this book including athletes, the elderly, and pregnant and breastfeeding mums.

8.     Recipes For Happiness by The Happy Pear

I am really fond of this particular Happy Pear cookbook as it was the first one I purchased in their shop in Greystones when I started working with them back in 2018. Plus, the recipes make me very happy too! The Happy Pear guys certainly know how to pull the best flavours out of foods, and their recipes have become a staple in my family’s various households. They of course have had many a successful cookbook since then (such as The Happy Health Plan, Vegan Cooking for Everyone, and The Veg Box), but Recipes For Happiness remains a firm favourite for me. This book includes a real range of recipes from ‘I can’t believe it’s not (enter meaty dish name here)’ to quick recipes, sweet treats, and those that are worth the wait. 

9.     Eating Plant-Based by Shireen and Zahra Kassam

This is a valuable question and answer book from sisters Shireen and Zahra Kassam. As well as working as a Consultant Haematologist and Honorary Senior Lecturer at King's College Hospital, Shireen heads up the incredibly influential organisation Plant Based Health Professionals UK. Shireen is dedicated to presenting robust scientific reviews to support others to spread to word on a plant-based diet for health, environment and animals. Her sister Zahra is a Radiation Oncologist at the Stronach Regional Cancer Centre in Ontario, and an Assistant Professor in Radiation Oncology at the University of Toronto, Canada. Questions answered in this book include how do you get enough protein? Is it safe for children? Is soya problematic for hormones?

10.  Vegan Savvy by Azmina Govindji 

This book is a little guide on maximising your nutrition intake on a vegan diet using little hacks and ‘nutrient bridges’. It’s a great evidence-based reference book written by a UK dietitian, providing accessible and practical ways to reach your nutrient requirements whilst following a vegan diet. This is one I go back to on a regular basis for myself and my clients.

I hope that is a helpful overview of some of my favourite books. Of course there are plenty more excellent resources out there including Vegan For Life by Ginny Mesina and Jack Norris, The Plant Power Doctor by Gemma Newman, The Plant Based Power Plan by TJ Waterfall, and Living PCOS Free by Rohini and Nitu Bajekal. There are also many others I haven’t got around to reading yet. Feel free to let me know your favourites!

Please note that as an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases through links on this page at no extra cost to you. While these links are for Amazon, there are also many other places to buy these books online and in store.