THE PLANTBASED PANTRY

4/660 East Street, Ashburton 7700, New Zealand
$$$ Cafe
(23 Reviews)

Welcome to THE PLANTBASED PANTRY, a delightful café tucked away at 4/660 East Street in Ashburton, New Zealand. This gem is not just a place to grab a bite; it's a sanctuary for anyone seeking delicious plant-based options that nourish the soul. Step inside to find a beautifully decorated, spotless space that radiates warmth and tranquility.

The atmosphere is undeniably relaxing, making it an ideal spot for both quick visits and leisurely afternoons. Whether you're catching up with friends or indulging in some alone time with a book, every corner invites you to pause and enjoy the goodness around you. As customer Deborah expressed, “the fantastic coffee” truly enhances the experience, especially with signature offerings like the macadamia milk chai latte that transforms each sip into pure bliss.

What sets THE PLANTBASED PANTRY apart is its incredible commitment to quality. Not only can you savor delightful cabinet food that’s fresh and wholesome, but you’ll also find a pantry section stocked with an array of organic food products. From ready-to-eat Moroccan Couscous to hearty salads brimming with flavors like beetroot, lentils, and vegan feta, there's something for everyone here. Larissa, a recent visitor, raved about the “delicious food” and the satisfying, health-conscious options available.

The café excels in catering to those with dietary needs, offering a diverse range of allergen-friendly foods. Customer David couldn't have said it better: "The owners are doing a cracker job providing allergen-friendly foods," highlighting their dedication to inclusivity. The selection doesn’t just stop at meals — Olivia fondly mentioned the “tons of food items and cleaning materials that are all vegan,” showcasing a commitment to a sustainable lifestyle.

Indulge your sweet tooth with divine treats like the salted caramel hot chocolate or the decadent carrot cake slice that'll transport your taste buds to dessert heaven. Shelley urges travelers to stop here while driving to Tekapo or Twizel, and you won’t regret making this delightful detour!

Service is another highlight at THE PLANTBASED PANTRY. The owners are known for their warm, friendly demeanor, making every guest feel right at home. Their passion for plant-based living shines through in every interaction. As Olivia noted, they are “marvelous” and always ready to help you find exactly what you need.

So whether you’re a local or simply passing through, make sure to visit THE PLANTBASED PANTRY. It’s not just a café; it’s an experience, a commitment to a plant-based lifestyle, and a vibrant community hub that caters to both your taste buds and your well-being.

Service options
On-site services
Takeaway
Highlights
Great coffee
Popular for
Solo dining
Accessibility
Wheelchair-accessible car park
Wheelchair-accessible entrance
Wheelchair-accessible toilet
Offerings
Coffee
Quick bite
Amenities
Gender-neutral toilets
Toilet
Atmosphere
Casual
Crowd
LGBTQ+ friendly
Tourists
Transgender safe space
Payments
Credit cards
Debit cards
NFC mobile payments
Credit cards
Children
Good for kids
Parking
Free of charge street parking
Free parking lot
On-site parking
Parking
Openings Hours
Checking

Monday

10:00 AM - 04:00 PM

Tuesday

10:00 AM - 06:00 PM

Wednesday

10:00 AM - 06:00 PM

Thursday

10:00 AM - 06:00 PM

Friday

10:00 AM - 06:00 PM

Saturday

10:00 AM - 04:00 PM

Sunday

Closed

23 Reviews
Deborah & Greg Hay

08 Oct 2025

More than happy to review the plant based pantry/ cafe Ashburton. Beautiful spotless premises .. Tastefully decorated. Very relaxing atmosphere Staff really helpful and friendly Fantastic coffee ..really enjoy our macadamia milk chai latte.. Nice selection of cabinet food with the added benefit of knowing what your eating is fresh and healthy. Love the fact we can also purchase organic food products as well as shampoo...soaps ..etc. Will be regulars here.

David Lawson

28 Sep 2025

This Cafe is amazing. The owners are doing a cracker job providing allegen friendly foods. Absolutely love not just the Cafe food but the selection of pantry staples is huge. Please support these guys.

Shelley Inon

25 Sep 2025

I would definitely recommend this place!!! The cafe is roomy and inviting, and the grocery section has — by FAR — the best selection of vegan products in South Canterbury…. So if you are driving to Tekapo or Twizel you might want to stop here on the way.

Larissa Salvacion

20 Aug 2025

Delicious food and we found a lot of plant-based gems in the pantry section (like a ready to eat Moroccan Couscous that just requires a pot and some water) We also got a potato salad and a beetroot, lentil and vegan feta salad that were tasty and really healthy!

Olivia Boyle

16 Aug 2025

I absolutely love the Plant Based Pantry! The salted caramel hot chocolate was delicious as well as the toasties and carrot cake slice. The pantry side had so many options to choose from. Tons of food items and cleaning materials that are all vegan! I bought one of the body butters which smells soo good! The owners are marvelous, they were so helpful and pleasant to talk to! I highly recommend visiting if you are in Ashburton!!!

Liz Armijo

11 Aug 2025

Nice new shop with a great variety of vegan products. The café wasn’t open yet, but it looks promising. The person at the counter was very lovely and kind. The prices are reasonable, and I loved what I bought. We didn’t find the shop right away because it still has the old Asian restaurant façade. Wishing you all the best for the café opening, and I hope the business is successful this year! Ps: please add your business in “happy cow” app.

Jos D

25 Jun 2025

Wow!! What a fantastic spot to stop for not only some excellent supplies but the best beetroot latte ever! Great range of plant based cheese, meats, snacks, and other supplies and super nice staff. We also had a couple of cakes with our hot drinks, a pistachio and ginger slice (delicious) and a rocky road slice. The rocky road is droolworthy, definitely a must try! And a large range of caffeine and non caffeine drinks. I wish they were based in Christchurch but it's definitely a reason to visit ashburton.

Lani Taraunu

14 Jun 2025

The PlantBased Pantry has a vast range of vegan, vegetarian, gluten free, dairy free products to purchase for your own pantry, or if you'd like to grab something to eat either as takeaway or dine in at their beautifully spacious café, you will not be disappointed. Service is amazing and the Coconut Rough Hot Chocolate is just sinful.

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