Honest Review: The Plant-Based Cookbook – Worth It or Not?

By AntonG April 28, 2025  

A Skeptic’s Journey into Plant-Based Cooking

I never thought I’d be the type to buy a plant-based cookbook. As someone who grew up in a meat-and-potatoes household, the idea of swapping my steak for tofu or my scrambled eggs for chickpea flour felt like culinary blasphemy. But after a health scare last year—high cholesterol and a stern warning from my doctor—I decided it was time for a change.  

That’s when I stumbled upon The Plant-Based Recipe Cookbook by Justin Kaye. Promising over 100 easy, delicious vegan recipes, a 30-day meal plan, and even a grocery shopping guide, it seemed like the perfect solution for a newbie like me. But was it really worth the hype? Here’s my honest take after three months of testing it out.  

First Impressions: More Than Just Recipes  

When I downloaded the digital version (no physical copy available, which was a slight downside), I was surprised by how comprehensive it was. This wasn’t just a collection of recipes—it was a full plant-based lifestyle guide, complete with:  

- Nutritional breakdowns (finally, I understood where my protein would come from!)  

- Meal prep strategies (because who has time to cook from scratch every night?)  

- Flavor-boosting tips (miso paste and nutritional yeast became my new best friends) 

The book also included bonus guides like Green Smoothie Lifestyle and 30-Day Jumpstart, which helped me ease into the transition without feeling overwhelmed .  

Testing the Recipes: Hits and Misses  

The Wins:  

1. Creamy Mushroom Pasta – Made with cashew cream instead of dairy, this dish was so rich and satisfying that my husband didn’t even realize it was vegan.  

2. Lentil Shepherd’s Pie – A hearty, protein-packed comfort food that even my picky kids devoured.  

3. Chocolate Avocado Mousse – Yes, avocado in dessert! Silky, decadent, and guilt-free .  

Most recipes took under 30 minutes, and the ingredients were easy to find at my local grocery store—no obscure health food items required.  

The Struggles:

- Tofu Scramble – My first attempt was a mushy disaster. It took a few tries to get the texture right (tip: press the tofu first!).  

- Some recipes lacked photos, which made it harder to gauge if I was on the right track .  

The Real Test: Did It Change My Health? 

After three months, my cholesterol dropped by 20 points, and I had more energy than I’d had in years. I also lost 8 pounds without feeling deprived—mostly because the meals were so filling and flavorful.  

But the biggest surprise? I stopped craving meat. Dishes like the BBQ Jackfruit Sandwich and Chickpea Curry became staples, and I didn’t miss my old diet at all.  

Final Verdict: Is It Worth It? 

Pros:  

✅ Beginner-friendly – Perfect for those new to plant-based eating.  

✅ Variety – Recipes for every meal, including desserts and snacks.  

✅ Health benefits – Backed by science and my own results.  

✅ 60-day money-back guarantee – Low-risk tryout .  

Cons: 

❌ Digital-only format – Some may prefer a physical book.  

❌ Learning curve – A few recipes required trial and error.  

Would I Recommend It?  

Absolutely. Whether you’re a full-time vegan, a flexitarian, or just curious about eating more plants, this cookbook is a fantastic resource. It’s not just about removing meat—it’s about discovering a whole new world of flavors.  

And who knows? You might just surprise yourself, like I did.  

Have you tried The Plant-Based Recipe Cookbook? Share your thoughts in the comments!  

For more plant-based inspiration, check out our roundup of the [20 Most Popular Plant-Based Cookbooks https://eatplant-based.com/plant-based-cookbooks/.