topsverseLast month, I found myself staring at a wilted bunch of kale in my fridge, wondering for the hundredth time how to make it taste like something I actually wanted to eat. Despite good intentions and a Pinterest board full of colorful plant-based recipes, I kept falling into the same trap: ordering takeout when my attempts at vegan cooking fell flat.
According to recent data from the Plant Based Foods Association, sales of plant-based foods grew by 6.6% in 2024, reaching $8.1 billion. Yet here I was, part of what researchers call the “intention-action gap” – wanting to eat more plants but lacking the skills to make it happen consistently.
After talking with friends who faced similar challenges, I decided to investigate what online vegan cooking classes could actually teach someone like me. What I discovered was a landscape of options ranging from quick skill-building workshops to comprehensive certification programs that rival traditional culinary school training.
Top 10 best vegan cooking classes online
1. Rouxbe Plant-Based Professional Certification
After three weeks into Rouxbe’s program, I finally understood why my vegetable dishes always tasted bland. Chef instructor Sarah explained that most home cooks under-season vegetables because they fear overpowering delicate flavors – but vegetables actually need more seasoning than most people realize.
The course structure mirrors traditional culinary school with 22 comprehensive units covering knife skills, flavor building, and advanced techniques like fermentation. What impressed me most was the personalized feedback system. When I submitted a video of my knife work, instructor feedback arrived within 48 hours with specific corrections.
The certification carries weight too. The American Culinary Federation recognizes this program, making it valuable for career changers. During my research, I spoke with Maria Gonzalez, a Rouxbe graduate who now runs a successful plant-based catering business in Austin. “The certification opened doors that my home cooking experience never could,” she told me.
2. Veecoco Global Plant-Based Cooking
What sets Veecoco apart is authenticity. Instead of westernized versions of international dishes, you learn from chefs in their home countries. I took a Thai curry class with Chef Siriporn, streaming live from Bangkok, who taught me that the secret to restaurant-quality curry lies in properly blooming the paste in coconut cream – something I had never seen explained elsewhere.
The platform includes over 270 video lessons covering cuisines from Italy to Vietnam. The production quality varies slightly between instructors, but the cultural insights more than compensate. During the Japanese cooking class, Chef Takeshi spent ten minutes explaining the philosophy behind seasonal cooking, which completely changed how I shop for vegetables.
3. Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts
This represents the most serious option – a full culinary arts diploma with plant-based specialization. The program includes a required externship, which provides real restaurant experience. I interviewed recent graduate James Chen, who completed his externship at a Michelin-starred restaurant in San Francisco. “Working on the line taught me speed and precision that no home kitchen could,” he said.
The coursework covers business fundamentals alongside cooking techniques, making it suitable for entrepreneurial students. However, the time commitment is substantial – expect 20-25 hours weekly.
4. Forks Over Knives Cooking Course
Chef Jackie Akerberg’s approach focuses on whole food, oil-free cooking. This was initially challenging for me since I relied heavily on oil for flavor. However, her technique for building flavor through proper browning of vegetables (using water and deglazing) actually produces deeper tastes than oil-based methods.
The course includes practical skills often overlooked elsewhere: meal planning, batch cooking, and food storage. These unglamorous topics proved most valuable in my daily routine. The downloadable recipe collection continues growing, adding value over time.
5. MasterClass Culinary Collection
While lacking dedicated vegan courses, MasterClass excels at teaching fundamental techniques applicable to plant-based cooking. Thomas Keller’s lessons on knife skills and flavor building transformed my approach to vegetables. His explanation of why proper seasoning happens in layers throughout cooking, not just at the end, eliminated years of guesswork.
The cinematography is stunning, though sometimes style overshadows substance. Use this for inspiration and technique refinement rather than recipe learning.s
6. The League of Kitchens
These live workshops with immigrant home cooks offer something no celebrity chef can: authentic family recipes passed down through generations. I joined Fatmia’s Bangladeshi cooking class, learning to make begun bhaji (eggplant curry) while hearing stories about her grandmother’s garden in Dhaka.
The intimate format (usually 8-12 students) allows for real-time questions and cultural exchange. However, class schedules can be limiting for busy professionals.
7. Udemy Vegan Cooking Courses
Udemy’s strength lies in specific skill development at budget-friendly prices. I purchased a vegan cheese-making course for $23 during a sale and learned to make cashew-based mozzarella that actually melts properly. The instructor provided detailed troubleshooting tips that prevented common beginner mistakes.
Quality varies significantly between instructors. Read reviews carefully and focus on courses with recent student feedback.
8. The Vegan Academy
This European-based platform offers a free trial course that demonstrates their teaching style before purchase. The production quality is professional, and the instructors clearly explain techniques. However, the course library remains smaller than competitors.
Their vegan pastry masterclass impressed me with scientific explanations of how plant-based ingredients behave differently than traditional dairy and eggs in baking.
9. ClassBento Live Workshops
Perfect for learning single skills without broader commitment. I attended a dumpling-making workshop that covered three different folding techniques in 90 minutes. The live format allows immediate instructor feedback on technique.
However, these workshops assume basic cooking knowledge and move quickly. Complete beginners might feel overwhelmed.
10. Sayuri Healing Food Academy
This Bali-based intensive program combines cooking instruction with wellness philosophy and food photography. While primarily in-person, they have been developing online components since 2024.
The holistic approach appeals to Instagram-focused food entrepreneurs, but the high price point and travel requirements limit accessibility for most home cooks.
Quick Comparison Guide
| Course | Best For | Price Range | Time Commitment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rouxbe | Professional skills | $1,799 | 9 months |
| Veecoco | International cuisine | $29/month | Flexible |
| Escoffier | Career change | Contact school | 18+ months |
| Forks Over Knives | Health focus | $169 | Self-paced |
| MasterClass | Technique mastery | $120/year | Flexible |
Conclusion
After testing all these options, here is my honest assessment:
For career changers: Choose Rouxbe. The certification and comprehensive curriculum justify the investment.
For culture enthusiasts: Veecoco offers unmatched authenticity and variety at reasonable cost.
For health-focused cooks: Forks Over Knives provides practical, science-backed techniques for everyday cooking.
For budget learners: Start with Udemy courses targeting specific skills you want most.
The plant-based cooking landscape offers more quality education options than ever before. Whether you are looking to master knife skills, explore international cuisines, or build professional credentials, these courses can bridge the gap between good intentions and actual cooking confidence.
The key is matching your learning style and goals with the right program structure. Take advantage of free trials where available, and remember that cooking skills develop through practice, not just watching videos.
Ready to stop ordering takeout every time you face that bunch of kale? Pick a course and start cooking.