I’ve mentioned before that when it comes to my pantry, I try to focus on ingredients and not so much the end product or “packaged items”. Ingredients are inherently versatile and will take you much further in the kitchen. It also allows me to experiment more, which in turn helps my cooking skills. Below I’m sharing my essentials when it comes to pantry items.
Spices, Oils, Vinegars
Most-Used Spices
- cinnamon
- cracked pepper
- dill
- garlic powder
- onion powder
- paprika + smoked paprika
- red pepper flakes
- rosemary
- sea salt
- turmeric
High Quality Olive Oil
I use olive oil mainly when making salad dressings, dips, and hummus. I also use it occasionally in cooking, but it does have a lower smoke point. Many olive oil brands cut there oil with other oil types, which is not ideal. So, despite the expense, I try to purchase a higher quality product like this or this to ensure I’m getting 100% olive oil.
High Quality Avocado Oil
Avocado Oil is my other go-to oil particularly for roasting and sautéing. It is neutral in flavor and can take a high smoke point. Again, many oils cut their avocado oil, so I prefer this brand to ensure a quality product.
Ghee and Butter
Ghee is clarified butter. Ghee is said to be a good source of butyric acid, which is linked to lower levels of inflammation. It is also rich in Vitamin A and Omega-3 fatty acids. I use it mainly when I cook eggs or sautéing vegetables. I use this brand.
And of course I use butter. I started using this brand – made from grass-fed cows.
Apple Cider Vinegar
I use Apple Cider Vinegar in a lot of my salad dressings as well as when sautéing greens. It’s also said that if you drink some diluted apple cider vinegar before a meal, it can help keep your glucose levels stable. Learn more from the Glucose Goddess. I prefer this brand.
Nut Butters
I use nut butters in my oats, yogurt, smoothies, on fruit – the list goes on. I like this brand and this brand for my nut butters. Here are a few of my favorites.
- Almond Butter
- Peanut Butter
- Cashew Butter
- Cashew Cacao Spread – this stuff is good!
Snacks
When I’m feeling something a little salty or sweet, these are some of my go-to’s.
Seeds, Nuts, Superfoods
I use seeds, nuts, and superfood powders mainly in smoothies and salads. I also use with oatmeal or oat bakes as well as in some desserts.
- Hemp Seed
- Pumpkin Seed
- Chia Seed
- Flax Seed
- Walnuts
- Pecans
- Cashews
- Acai Powder
- Cocoa Powder
- Spirulina Powder
Note: While we’re talking Pantry items, I do like to keep nuts and seeds in the refrigerator to prolong their shelf life.
Canned Goods + Other Packaged Items
Canned Items
Given their stability, canned items are essential to have on hand. Below are a few that I grab frequently, whether it’s for soups, smoothies, salads, or side dishes.
- Coconut Milk – use in hot drinks, smoothies, curries, soups
- Black Beans – use in nachos/Mexican dishes, soups and chili’s, rice and beans
- White Beans – use in salads and soups
- Chickpeas (Garbanzo Beans) – use in salads, hummus, soups
- Chicken/Vegetable Stock/Broth – used in soups, stews, slow-cooker meats, sautéed greens
Other Packaged Items
- Oats – I also like to keep on hand Old Fashioned Rolled Oats. I like Bob Red’s Mills Brand, and am also trying out this brand.
- Medjool Dates – I use dates often for the base of energy balls or in smoothies, but I also like them as is with a bit of nut butter and sea salt – a perfect sweet treat!
- Honey – Honey is always on hand as a sweetener for baking, smoothies, and of course tea.
- A variety of Teas – I don’t drink a lot of coffee, so tea is much more of a staple for me. Some of my favorites are Ginger, Matcha Green Tea, and Rooibos.
Nutritional Supplements
Below are a few nutritional supplements that I implement on a daily or weekly basis. Although not necessary, they are nice to have on hand.
- Protein Powder – I like to incorporate protein powder into my smoothies, as I don’t eat a lot of meat on a daily basis. Although I am trying to increase my beef and chicken intake lately.
- Collagen/Gelatin – Both have great gut-healing properties and can also help with skin, hair, and nails.
Where to Buy
I have a Thrive Market account, which is where I purchase many of my staples. I have found it to be a great resource to buy quality items at a wholesale price.
Most of these items can also be found at your local grocery store. I specifically shop at Publix, and occasionally Whole Foods and Trader Joes.
Leave a Reply