Most of the questions I seem to get are 1) what is that 2) where do i get that and 3) can you ship that to me? Well, iI can’t help too much with number 3, but I can hopefully help by posting some kitchen staples and where I find them. All Numbered Titles are links to where you can buy them and photos are “clickable” links to which can direct you to Amazon where you can purchase my faves directly!
- This is the most like wheat flour in terms of texture and with it I have been able to create pita bread, bagels, blintzes, homemade pasta and ravioli, and more. It has become a new favorite and I keep some at all times!
- I order it online HERE. I have not tried other brands so I cannot say if other brands’ quality is the same.
- I use this A LOT in baked goods. It is the most like glutenous starch and I love the texture. It is sourced from a tuber and can be used as a thickening agent or to batter fried foods as well.
- Where to find: I buy mine at a local health foods store, many of which carry. Some WHOLE FOODS MAY have it, but not all. I do buy bob’s red mill brand because it is most widely available but I am not partial to it for any other reason. If you cannot find locally, click on the link above and the photo below for an online option. I recommend to cut shipping (if you cannot find free shipping), wait until you need additional items or supplements and make one bulk order at a time. k=Keep in mind, most of my recipes only call for 1/4 of a bag at a time. So even though a bag is not dirt cheap, it can be spread over 4 recipes at least.
- This is not exactly interchangeable with arrowroot flour but it is another very basic binding agent, helpful in thickening soups as well. I do bake with this, not to the degree I use arrowroot, but it is a staple, nonetheless. It is from another root vegetable, cassava, and is much less costly than arrowroot, but slightly less versatile.
- Where to find: tapioca can be found more readily but i found mine at a LOCAL ASIAN (THAI) MARKET. it was $1 per pound bag and lasts quite awhile. most cost effective online option is posted below (link by clicking on photo or click on above link).
- This is one of my go-to sweeteners for treats. It is less processed than white sugar and is very versatile
- Where to find: 100% maple syrup can really be found in any MAINSTREAM GROCERY, HEALTH FOOD STORE OR ONLINE. It would be most cost effective from a mainstream grocery on sale generally speaking. An online option can be found by clicking on above link or photo of syrup below.
5. MAPLE SUGAR
- Maple sugar is another natural sweetener I use in my treats, depending on the treat. Sometimes maple syrup and honey are too runny/liquidy and I need a more solid sugar. This is when maple sugar is more convenient. I typically do not use more than 3-4 tablespoons TOTAL in a recipe, so one bag will last quite awhile.
- Where to find: I find my maple sugar at AMAZON or TRADER JOE’S. Otherwise I have seen it at HEALTH FOOD STORES and some bigger stores like WEGMAN’S. An online cost effective option can be found by clicking link above or maple sugar photo below.
- Another favorite sweetener, mild and crunchy crystals. I use this in baked goods or for garnishing.
- Where to find: I buy mine in a LOCAL HEALTH FOODS STORE, most health food stores will have something similar. VITAMIN SHOPPE carries it locally in some states. The most cost effective online option can be found by clicking link above or Coconut Sugar photo below.
7. COCONUT MILK
- I use this daily, at least once in my mom’s favorite coffee! but I often use it in other things too, for making whipped cream, baked into things, or to make soups creamy. This is used in my loaded buffalo chicken casserole to make the sauce.
- Where to find: you really can find coconut milk in any REGULAR GROCERY in the ethnic foods section. I am partial to NATIVE FOREST brand because of its thick consistency, its bpa free can, and the quality (not grainy or diluted). If you cannot find this brand and are interested in trying it, an online source is found by clicking link above or photo below.
- Since this site is soy, dairy free, and refined sugar free, finding chocolate chips without the junk. I use these quite often in desserts, including my double chocolate avocado cookies, “peanot” butter chocolate chip cookies, and more.
- Where to buy: I find these at AMAZON or My Local HEALTH FOOD STORE, though I have seen them in some MAINSTREAM GROCERIES. WHOLE FOODS also carries them. Online option posted below.
- I always keep this on hand but it lasts quite awhile. I keep it refrigerated so that the shelf life is extended. In baking, you typically do not need much coconut flour as it is thirsty and will absorb a lot of liquid like in my coconut flour pancakes.
- Where to find: coconut flour is becoming much easier to find. I see it in MAINSTREAM GROCERIES LIKE GIANT AND SAFEWAY as well as in LOCAL HEALTH FOOD stores. WHOLE FOODS has it as well as VITAMIN SHOPPE. online option below.
10. LOCAL RAW HONEY
- i use honey frequently for sweetening treats and for hot tea. local (to your region) raw honey has lots of health benefits and is a far cry from the detriments that bleached white sugar has.
- where to buy: LOCAL FARMER’S MARKETS AND HEALTH FOOD STORES will have local raw honey. ordering online is less likely because it would need shipping, meaning it is probably further away and not local. eating local honey will help with seasonal allergies specific to that area so buying nearby (few hour radius) is preferred.
11. ALMOND FLOUR
- Also a staple, I keep almond flour on hand at all times. I do not use it in every baked good recipe because I like to alternate nut flours but this one is nice to have in my fridge. It bakes well and gives a glutenous-like texture to most baked goods. I prefer HONEYVILLE brand but any blanched almond flour will work.
- Where to find: I always order Honeyville online, usually through AMAZON where I can get prime 2 day shipping. It is a 3 (OR 5) pound bag and will last 3 lifetimes.
12. COCONUT OIL
- I use coconut oil daily, if not in food or for frying, at a minimum it goes on my face and hands and in my coffee in the form of mct oil. It is a can’t do without item in my house
- Where to find: you can find coconut oil in most MAINSTREAM GROCERIES in the health foods section. AMAZON, TRADER JOE’S, COSTCO, VITAMIN SHOPPE, HEALTH FOOD STORES all carry. It should not be a problem finding it locally.
13. AVOCADO OIL
- i love love love love avocado oil. i bake with it, fry with it, and generally adore everything about it. it is good for high heat cooking like coconut oil (unlike olive oil) and i always keep it on hand.
- where to find: AMAZON HAS THE BEST DEAL, LOCAL HEALTH FOOD STORES will typically carry it but I prefer to buy at COSTCO IF they have it (as the bottles there are bigger and last much longer) AND IF I choose to buy locally. Online option posted below (Amazon).
14. GRASS FED BEEF, PASTURE RAISED CHICKEN, PASTURE RAISED EGGS
- these are the only meats/eggs i will buy. i am done with conventionally raised meats in terms of cooking at home. i realize that on occasion i will eat them in restaurants but for the most part i cook daily and my animal sources are very important to me.
- where to find: MAINSTREAM GROCERIES, LOCAL HEALTH FOOD MARKETS, and COSTCO these meats
Thank you so much for posting this. This is a helpful grocery list to start! Do you have any knowledge on the difference btwn Grade A and Grade B Maple Syrup? I was once told to buy Grade B Maple Syrup and that it was “better for you” but have since heard conflicting reports or that B doesn’t offer anything better than A. Also, I’ve heard not to cook with Olive Oil at high heats, but why exactly? Do you know? And what is “high heat?” Does that mean no cooking on the stove with it? Thanks so much for your posts!