Here are some good products to have on hand for replacing butter, eggs, and making sure the vegan gets enough protein.
Tempeh -- we like the Lifeline brand
Tofu -- we like the Nasoya Organic extra firm
Lentils -- use fresh, since they cook in 30 minutes. We like Arrowhead Mills Organic red or black
Coucous -- we like Rice Select which cooks in under 5 minutes
Edamame -- a great protein source. We like Seapoint Farms shelled as it's easy to mix into couscous or other grains.
Dried edamame -- for snacking; Seapoint Farms dry roasted
Butter Substitute -- we like Earth Balance
Egg Replacer -- we like Bob's Red Mill
B-12 -- we like VeganSafe liquid B-12 bioactive blend or Nature's Bounty
Shredded coconut -- Woodstock-- add to yogurt or smoothies
Soy yogurt -- Stonyfield assorted flavors
Coconut milk yogurt -- SO Delicious Dairy-free, assorted flavors
Almond Milk -- Califia Farms toasted coconut is delicious; looks for brands without carrageen
Flax seeds -- Spectrum Organic ground flaxseeds
Cheese Alternatives -- Go Veggie! Grated parmesan style topping; Day Cheddar Cheese Slices; Treeline Treenut French Scallion cheese
Nutritional Yeast -- Bragg Nutritional Yeast Seasoning
Beans -- canned is okay; Eden makes Organic garbanzo, kidney and black