Online/Amazon

Arrowroot powder/starch

Arrowroot powder can be used in place of cornstarch in recipes and has the advantage of being non-GMO (unlike most cornstarch), suitable for people with a corn allergy and extracted from the arrowroot without use of harsh chemicals. I keep a large bag of arrowroot in...

Corn – (baby)

My son loves these baby corn in our famous Un-Fried Rice recipe! I found organic baby corn online.

Barley Flakes

For a variation on oatmeal, try barley flakes! I most often find them in the bulk section of the supermarket or natural food co-op.

Beans – aseptic bag/box

Cooked beans are now being packaged in bags and boxes to as an alternative to cans liner with BPA.

Beans – Dry

My favorite dry beans are grown right here in Northern California by Chip and Bobbie Morris (Elegant Beans and Beyond). These heirloom beans are available at our Raley's, Bel Air and Nob Hill stores, as well as online.

Bouillon Base (to make veggie broth)

I love this Better Than Bouillon Base to make veggie broth. While it can be purchased at grocery stores, larger jars were being sold at Costco. Look carefully at the label, you want the jar marked Organic Reduced Sodium Seasoned Vegetable Base. Once opened, store in...

Breadcrumbs – Whole Grain – Panko

Panko style bread crumbs create a crunchy texture when used as a coating for roasted veggies or tofu. Look closely at the ingredients, some have hydrogenated fat/oil, an ingredient you most certainly want to avoid (links to health problems from infertility to heart...

Cacao/Cocoa Powder

While you can buy unsweetened cocoa powder at nearly any grocery store and Trader Joe's, I use a lot of it, so I buy it online and keep it in the freezer.

Coconut Sugar

While my first choice for sweeteners is fruit, followed by date sugar (dried dates in powder version), and then coconut sugar. Costco sold organic coconut sugar for a while, but now I get it online (can be much less expensive than at the market).

Coconut flakes

If you like big coconut flakes, look for unsweetened organic coconut flakes (you can even make coconut "bacon" with these - find a recipe online!) and keep them in the freezer. They can be used as is or roasted in the oven (keep an eye on them so they don't burn!).

Coconut shredded

Look for unsweetened organic shredded coconut, if you want small pieces, and keep them in the freezer. They can be used as is or roasted in the oven (keep an eye on them so they don't burn!).

Cornmeal – whole grain – organic

Whole grain organic cornmeal can be found with the specialty flours/baking products in the supermarket or online (typically the best price). I store all cornmeal (and the rest of my whole grains) in the freezer, since higher temperatures can begin to break down the...

Date Sugar

Date sugar is the healthiest sweetener, second only to fruit. It is made by drying dates and them making them into a powder. Once I open a package of date sugar, I store it in the refrigerator. I typically buy it online or at a local health food store, but have seen...

Erythritol – sweetener

My husband uses erythritol (a sugar alcohol - a safe sweetener that has zero calories, does not raise blood sugar or cause cavities) in this coffee each morning. Sometimes we add it to my Tropical Splash. It can be purchased online (best price) or at a health food...

Buckwheat flour

Despite it's name, buckwheat flour is not made from wheat (and is actually gluten free). I like to use it in my Banana Pecan Snack Cake, among other recipes. I keep it in the freezer (with the rest of my whole grains, nuts and seeds). While I have seen it at my local...

Whole Wheat Pastry Flour

I don't use much flour, and like to make my own oat flour whenever possible. On occasion, I will use whole wheat pastry flour. It has a very light texture and can be substituted for white flour in any recipe, likely without anyone noticing. I keep it in the freezer...

Vinegar – Red Wine, Rice Wine, Orange Muscat Champange

I love different types of vinegars. Here are a few of my favorites. Be sure to buy rice wine or rice vinegar that is labeled "natural" - seasoned rice vinegar has sugar and salt added to it.

Vinegar – Balsamic

Although every supermarket carries balsamic vinegar, my favorite is Kirkland brand (Costco).

Vegetable Broth – in box

Vegetable broth comes in aseptic containers like the one below (always look for low sodium varieties). I tend to use the refrigerated broth base, but usually have one carton in my pantry. Keep any open cartons in the fridge.

Tomatoes – aseptic packaging

These tomatoes are packed in aseptic boxes, so worry about BPA lined cans. Several brands are available at the grocery store.

Tofu – silken

Silken tofu is sold in water or in shelf-stable aseptic boxes (like a juice box), typically in the refrigerated section of the produce aisle. Check the label to ensure that the tofu is made from organic soybeans and the company is not adding any protein isolates. Do...

Hibiscus Tea

Hibiscus tea has an amazing ability to boost the antioxidant level of your blood within minutes! Be sure to make Timaree's Tropical Splash (recipe in The Foodie Bar Way and on my website - www.TheNutritionProfessor.com) - it couldn't be easier - no heat needed! Any...

Sun-dried tomatoes

Many varieties of sun-dried tomatoes are packed in oil, but these are dry and can be re-hydrated or chopped dry and added directly to a dish.

Turmeric – fresh and dried

Turmeric is an amazing root with a huge amount of research detailing the plethora of health benefits. It can be purchased fresh in the produce aisle (look next to the ginger root), or dried in powder form. The fresh root can be frozen.

Sage – dried ground

While you can grow sage in your yard, it can also be purchased, ground in a bottle.

Poultry Seasoning – dry spice

Poultry seasoning is 100% poultry-free! It is simply a combination of several herbs, namely sage, that give it a characteristic flavor.

Paprika – Smoked – dry spice

Smoked paprika should not be confused with "regular" paprika (bell peppers dried and ground), as the flavors are completely different. Be sure to have smoked paprika on hand, as it is a wonderful addition to many soups, marinades and several recipes in The Foodie Bar...

Nutmeg – whole or ground spice

Nutmeg can be purchased whole and grated with a microplane, or purchased ground. The outside of nutmeg can be ground and is sold as mace.

Curry Powder – dry spice

This is my VERY FAVORITE curry seasoning/powder. Since all curry powders are a blend of several herbs and spice, each taste a little different. This one has a bit of a sweet flavor, while other brands taste bitter to me. If you don't have a Cost Plus World Market near...

Cumin – ground dry spice

Cumin seeds can be purchased whole (and toasted in a dry pan before grinding for maximum flavor) or ground. If you are not fond of cumin, try ground coriander.

Cloves – ground dry spice

Cloves are an amazingly potent antioxidant able to protect our cells, even when only a pinch is added to a dish!

Cinnamon – Ceylon

Ceylon cinnamon is considered "true cinnamon" and some research suggests that it may be the most healthful. I buy this online as cinnamon sold at stores is most often of the Cassia (Chinese or Saigon varieties).

Cayenne pepper – dry spice

Cayenne pepper certainly packs a punch, so a little bit goes a very long way. Better to add it cautiously, little by little - tasting for heat as you go.

Cardamom – ground

Cardamom seeds, that give Chai blends their characteristic flavor, are grown in little pods as sold whole or ground. The very best price that I have ever seen is at Cost Plus World Market (3x less expensive than the supermarket!

Ancho Chili Powder – dry spice

I buy Ancho Chili Powder in the grocery store (small bags/packets) or at Cost Plus World Market. Depending on the batch, it can bring a bit of heat.

Allspice – dry spice

Allspice is featured in my Chai Spice Blend (in The Foodie Bar Way and on my website www.TheNutritionProfessor.com) and I usually buy it at Cost Plus World Market (best price), but can also be found at the local supermarket and even in bulk at a co-op.

Sesame seeds

Sesame seeds are one of the most nutrient dense sources of calcium! They can be purchased in bulk bins, bagged or in bottles. I keep them in my freezer and use them in a variety of recipes as well as in place of tahini (sesame seed "butter" - expensive). Black sesame...

Chia seeds

Chia seeds provide protein, fiber, omega-3 fatty acids, are flavorless and have the ability to thicken when stirred/blended with a liquid (in a dressing/sauce, to make a chia "egg", or in a smoothie). I use them in many recipes They are sold in bulk and bagged and...

Sea vegetables – Seaweed – nori snacks and dulse

Seaweed snacks made from nori are showing up at many stores, from the local supermarket to Costco. Sea vegetables, including "seaweed" are very nutrient rich, especially when it comes to minerals like iodine. Dulse is another type of sea veggie that can be found...

Aminos (Bragg’s Liquid Aminos and Coconut Aminos)

Bragg's Liquid Aminos and Coconut Aminos are flavorful sauces that are fun to experiments with. Coconut Aminos has a slightly sweet flavor, but 0 g of sugar, is made from coconut sap and contains ~113 mg of sodium per teaspoon. Bragg's Liquid Aminos contains 320 mg of...

Soy Sauce or Tamari

I buy "regular" soy sauce or tamari, instead of low-sodium and simply dilute it with water (this is cheaper way to go). Both soy sauce and tamari are made from fermented soy beans, with soy sauce incorporating wheat and tamari made with very little to no wheat (check...

Curry Paste, Red Thai

This is a very taste paste without any scary ingredients! A little goes a long way in a soup or other savory dish. Refrigerate once opened.

Rice – Red and Forbidden (black/purple)

Whole grain rice comes in many varieties - including brown, red, black, purple and wild (I keep them all in my freezer).

Pasta – You have options!

My Pasta Foodie Bar includes many different noodle options - some of which are pictured below: Whole Grain (durum wheat), Edamame & Mung Bean, Edamame, Quinoa & Corn. Also look for noodles made from black beans, chickpeas (garbanzo beans) and lentil. The...

Pine nuts

Unless I find them for a great deal, I only keep a small amount of pine nuts in my freezer (they can be expensive) - use walnuts in their place. (Trader Joe's also sells pine nuts).

Nutritional Yeast

Nutritional yeast is sold in bags, bulk or round containers as flakes or powder (either will work for the recipes in The Foodie Bar Way), at supermarkets like Sprout's, as well as from online retailers and has a nutty/cheesy flavor. This is not to be confused with...

Mustard

My daughter and I love all different types of mustard! There is wonderful research that even just a pinch of mustard powder added to greens can boost the health promoting power! Be sure that you purchase a mustard without any food dyes. Trader Joe's has quite a...

Molasses

Molasses is a rich source of iron and calcium and I often add include it in my Oatmeal Foodie Bar and on my Pumpkin Oatmeal (www.thenutritionprofessor.com). I keep it in my pantry at room temperature and it lasts for years...

Maple Syrup – the real stuff!

Although I prefer to use Date Syrup (see recipe in The Foodie Bar Way) and on my website (www.thenutritionprofessor.com), when I do use maple syrup, I made sure that it is not a "maple flavored imposter" made with coloring and flavor agents. Costco seems to have the...

Liquid Smoke

I use a few drops of Liquid Smoke in a few recipes. A small bottle will last a VERY long time and does not need to be refrigerated. If you are interested - here is some interesting info/research about liquid smoke.

Lentils – Red Split

Red split lentils are great in the Seasoned Lentils recipe, or in a marinara sauce, as they get very soft and completely lose their shape. Do not use these red split lentils in the Cauliflower Lentil Filling recipe (Nacho Foodie Bar), as the texture (very soft) will...

Lentils – green – whole

While there are a variety of lentils, these green whole lentils are perfect for the Cauliflower Lentil Filling in The Foodie Bar Way's Nacho Foodie Bar, because they hold their shape. Do not substitute red split lentils, as the texture (very soft) will disappoint you....

Gum for healthy teeth

There are a few brands of gum on the market that do not use scary artificial sweeteners or sugar. These are our favorites: PUR and Xyloburst. We have tried all different flavors, including green tea, and really like them!

Goji Berries – dried

I add goji berries to my Crazy Lunch Salad and Apple, Chia, Goji Oatmeal recipe. They are sold at many grocery stores with the other dried fruit or in the natural foods area. However, I typically buy them online.

Shopping Guide