Stocking Your Paleo Pantry

Ready to start cooking Paleo meals at home?

Don’t let your time get sucked up by constant trips to the grocery store for just one more thing – it’s so much more convenient to stock up on pantry staples right away. Here’s a starter list to get you going:

Spices (and spice blends)

The Basics:

• Salt
• Pepper
• Oregano
• Basil
• Raw garlic
• Cinnamon
• Chili powder
• Cumin
• Paprika
• Rosemary
• Thyme
• Fresh ginger

* (If you’re strapped for cash, buy these first; they’re the most essential.)

You’ll Probably want...

• Curry powder
• Garlic powder
• Cloves (whole and/or ground)
• Allspice
• Nutmeg
• Red pepper flakes
• Red pepper flakes
• Cayenne
• Dill
• Whole peppercorns and a grinder
• Mustard powder
• Vanilla extract

* Once you have the essentials, you can buy these one or two at a time to spread out the cost.

If you like ethnic foods...

Tip: Online spice stores are almost always cheaper Than anything you can get in a grocery, and the spices are fresher, too. That goes double for The less common ethnic spices.

Other Staples

The Basics

• Full-fat coconut milk (canned or homemade)
• Coconut aminos (a Paleo-friendly substitute for soy sauce)
• Mustard
• Balsamic vinegar
• Apple cider vinegar
• Red wine vinegar
• Extra virgin olive oil
• Coconut oil
• Butter or ghee
• Canned tomatoes: at least one can each
  of diced tomatoes and tomato paste
• Canned or jarred olives
• Raw nuts (almonds, cashews, etc.)
• Canned fish (salmon, sardines, etc.)

You May Want...

• Wine (don’t buy cooking wine; it’s disgusting. Just buy a real bottle of wine and use it for cooking.)
• Almond and coconut flour (keep in the freezer if you only use small amounts at a time)
• Dried fruit
• Coffee and tea
• Tapioca starch and/or arrowroot powder (for thickening sauces)r
• Sweeteners: maple syrup, molasses, and/or honey
• Gelatin powder
• Unsweetened cocoa powder
• Nutritional yeast
• Almond or other nut butters

Tip: Many of These items may be cheaper (or only available) online. Check prices before you buy, and try a small container first To make sure you like and will use it.

Make it Yourself

Anything marked with a * can be made in a huge batch and then frozen in an ice cube tray to pop out single servings when you want them.

The Basics

• Ketchup*
• BBQ sauce*
• Mayonnaise
• Salad dressing

You'll Probably Want...

• Sriracha * (or another favorite hot sauce
• Salsa
• Yogurt (if you tolerate dairy well)
• Guacamole

Tip: “Can’t I just buy These at the store?” Yes, nowadays there are Paleo-friendly staples found in most grocery stores, but not all, and they can also come with a higher price tag. If you do go the store-bought route, read the labels carefully, and watch out for sugar and soy!