Is Trader Joe’s Harvest Blend Good? A Dietitian’s Review
Here is a Trader Joe’s Harvest Grains Blend Review from a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist with a Master’s in Nutrition. My review might surprise you!
In this review, I discuss versatility, taste, nutrition, and more!
Please note that this article contains affiliate links. These links incur no additional cost to you but may provide a small commission to support the upkeep of our site. Thank you for your support and understanding.
What is Trader Joe’s Harvest Blend?
Before I jump into the Trader Joe’s Harvest Grains Blend Review, let’s review what the product is!
The Harvest Blend at Trader Joe’s, also called Trader Joe’s Harvest Grains Blend contains the different grains of Israeli couscous, orzo, baby garbanzo beans, and red quinoa.
This product comes in a 16oz bag and can be found in the pasta and grain aisle in Trader Joe’s.
Trader Joe’s Harvest Grain Product Scorecard
I scored Trader Joe’s Harvest Blend across five categories and allotted points from 0 to 10. The scores below reflect the rating for each category.
Overall Score: 8.25/10
Meal Variety: 10/10
Nutrition: 7/10
Ease of preparation: 8/10
Taste: 8/10
+PRO
You can do so much with this grain mix. It is a fantastic ingredient to add to meals and recipes.
Dinner ready in under 30 minutes
12g of protein (37% calories coming from protein, for a grain mix this is great!)
320 calories or ½ cup dry mix
xCON
Only 4g fiber – this is a con light. 4g is pretty good but it could be better
Needs additional protein sources, veggies, and flavorings for this to be a balanced meal.
Available on Amazon However, you have to buy a pack of three and it is more expensive than purchasing in store.
Applications of Trader Joe’s Harvest Blend
Trader Joe’s Harvest Grains Blend is excellent in a variety of dishes.
It is a great product for when you don’t know what to have for dinner andyoudon’t have much time.
A Dietitian’s Nutrition Analysis
I wish this product had more quinoa or legumes. So, to bump up the fiber and protein, I add more quinoa and some lentils into my mix!
Incorporate the Harvest Grains Mix with your favorite combination of veggies and some protein for a balanced meal, such as goat cheese, pine nuts, chicken, fish, or tofu.
Ease Of Cooking
A Harvest Blend dinner can be ready in under 30 minutes.
The directions say to bring water or chicken stock (you could also use vegetable stock, or vegetable broth) or to a boil then stir in the Harvest blend with one tablespoon of butter (avocado, coconut, or olive oil work well too).
Then bring the mixture back to a boil and reduce the heat to simmer, covered for 10 minutes. Please note, that cooking times may vary slightly from stove to stove.
You can eat this immediately or make a batch in advance for some meal prep! This recipe tastes just as good served the next day.
Taste of Trader Joe’s Harvest Blend Recipes
This product makes so many different delicious recipes. I love the varieties of textures, sizes, and shapes of the grains included. However, alone Harvest Grains Blend does not have tons of flavor.
This product requires you to add your seasoning because they are not included in the package. However, this makes this product super versatile.
You can add so many seasoning combinations from garlic and herb (minced garlic with fresh parsley, dried oregano, and thyme) to lemon pepper (lemon juice, lemon zest, and black pepper) to olive rosemary (olive slices, red pepper flakes, and as the grain mix cooks include a spring of fresh rosemary to infuse the mixture.
Who is this product suitable for?
I recommend this product as an easy weeknight meal staple. It brings fiber and protein to the mix and pairs well with many varieties of foods.
It is excellent for vegans, vegetarians, and flexitarians alike!
Please note, thatthis product is not gluten-free.
The Bottom Line
The next time you are strolling the isles at Trader Joe’s consider picking up a bag of their Harvest Blend.
Like this Trader Joe’s Product Review? Check Out These Other Related Trader Joe’s Product Articles!
Are Trader Joe’s Thai Wheat Noodles Good? A Dietitian’s Review
My honest Trader Joe’s Thai Wheat Noodles review. My review might surprise you!
In this review, I discuss versatility, taste, nutrition, and more!
Please note that this article contains affiliate links. These links incur no additional cost to you but may provide a small commission to support the upkeep of our site. Thank you for your support and understanding.
What are Trader Joe’s Thai Wheat Noodles?
Trader Joe’s Thai Wheat Noodles are fully cooked, ready-to-eat, and shelf-stable wheat noodles. One package contains three ready-to-use noodle packages located in the Trader Joe’s grocery aisle near ramen and other noodles.
They are made from scratch by a supplier in Thailand. These noodles are soft, chewy, and delicious.
The Product Scorecard
I scored Trader Joe’s Thai Wheat Noodles across four categories and allotted points from 0 to 10. The scores below reflect the rating for each category.
Meal Variety: 10/10
Nutrition: 8/10
Ease of preparation: 9/10
Taste: 8/10
Overall Score: 8.75/10
+PRO
You can do so much with these noodles. It is a fantastic ingredient to add to a plethora of meals and recipes.
These noodles are already cooked and ready to go! You can have a nutritious dinner ready in 15 to 30 minutes!
10g Protein per package
5g fiber per serving
xCON
Needs additional protein sources, veggies, and flavorings for this to be a balanced meal.
Available on AmazonHowever, it is more expensive than purchasing in-store.
Thai Wheat Noodles Applications
Trader Joe’s Thai Wheat Noodles are excellent in a variety of dishes.
Some of my favorites include:
Noodle Stir Fry: Use a delicious peanut sauce or other Thai-inspired recipes such as pad thai
Noodle Power Bowls: Drizzle with sesame oil and top with sesame seeds
Thai Curries: Rather than rice noodles incorporate the wheat noodles
Soups: I like to draw inspiration from chicken noodle soup. Rather than egg noodles, I use Thai Wheat Noodles
Lettuce Wraps and Spring Rolls: Use these fresh noodles and other veggies such as red pepper or green onions
These noodles are a terrific product for when you don’t know what to have for dinner,and you are short on time.
Thai Wheat Noodle Nutrition
I wish this product had more fiber and protein. So, to bump up the fiber and protein, I add veggies and high-protein food like a fried egg, baked tofu, or chicken.
Easy To Prepare Meals
An easy, complete, and balanced Trader Joe’s Thai Wheat Noodle dinner can be ready in 15 to 30 minutes. Make a stir-fry batch in advance for some meal prep! This recipe tastes just as good served the next day.
How to Cook Thai Wheat Noodles
These noodles are pre-cooked! I like to add them to a bowl of hot water, to warm and break up the noodles.
I remove the noodles from their packaging and place them in a medium-sized bowl. Then, I bring some water to a bowl, then pour it over the noodles until they are submerged. I wait about 5 minutes until they easily break apart.
Taste of Thai Wheat Noodles
This product makes so many different delicious recipes. I love the varieties of textures, sizes, and shapes of the grains included.
However, alone the Thai Wheat Noodles do not have a lot of flavor. It does require a bit of seasoning that is not included in the package to bring more flavor to the mix however, this makes this product super versatile.
A Versatile Product
You can add so many seasoning combinations from Peanut noodles with a spicy sauce to curries topped with chili crisp to chicken noodle soups garnished with fresh green onion.
Who is this product suitable for?
I recommend this product as an easy weeknight meal staple. It brings fiber and protein to the mix and pairs well with many varieties of foods. It is excellent for vegans, vegetarians, and flexitarians alike!
Note thatthis product is not gluten-free.
The Bottom Line
The next time you are strolling the isles at Trader Joe’s consider picking up a box of their Thai Wheat Noodles and experimenting with different recipes!
Enjoy This Article? Check Out These Other Article Discussing Trader Joe’s Products!
Chili is rich, hearty, and one of my favorite foods to enjoy when the weather starts to turn and the leaves begin to fall. One of the ingredients I always include in my chili creations is onions. Which is why I am writing this article about The Best Onions For Chili.
You can enjoy many varieties of onions when making and serving up chili. The choice of onion depends on the chef’s tastes!
So, before we dive into the different varieties, let’s review my favorite tool for easily chopping onions and the role of onions in cooking!
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My Favorite Onion Cutting Tool!
Vegetable and Onion Choppers are specialized tools designed specifically for cutting vegetables and onions. They often consist of a container with a grid of blades that you press the onion through, resulting in uniformly diced pieces. Ultimately, the best tool for you depends on your personal preferences and the specific task at hand.
Onions contribute to your chili recipes in three significant ways: flavor, texture, and aroma. Whether you sauté them with chili spices at the outset of your cooking journey or opt to serve them raw as a final flourish, onions make a notable impact.
First, the FLAVOR is one of the most important components of chili. Onions add a depth of flavor and a hint of sweetness elevating your chili to new heights.
The TEXTURE of onions can vary based on how they are sliced, and cooked, and the type of onion. Some melt into the chili, whereas others maintain their shape and crunch. Moreover, when left raw and sprinkled over a bowl of chili, onions have a fresh crunch.
The presence of onions in chili brings forth a noticeable and enticing AROMA. When cooked within the chili, they meld flavors with the other ingredients. However, when served raw alongside the chili, they add a sharp and fresh aroma that compliments the warm savory scent of chili.
Raw onions are my favorite chili topping. They add a snappy crunch, and I love their earthy, fresh, and sweet aroma. Sweet onions are my favorite toppers garnishing a hearty bowl of chili.
Now that I have discussed the role of onions in chili, let’s explore the different types of onions you can experiment with to find the right onion for you!
Yellow Onion
In my opinion, yellow onions are the most versatile onion in the bunch. They work well in almost any recipe.
They have a pungent flavor when eaten raw but are excellent for infusing onion flavor and aroma with your chosen blend of spices during the cooking process. My favorite variety are Spanish onions.
The yellow onion is great choice for incorporating with your ground meat when browning it in the frying pan or chili pot.
For Chili Best When – Cooked
White Onion
White onions offer a milder taste compared to yellow onions, making them versatile for both raw and stir-fried preparations.
You can finely chop them and use them as a topping for your chili to introduce a gentle onion crunch and flavor.
For Chili Best When – Raw
Red Onion
Red onions known for their mild flavor are often used raw in salsas and salads.
In terms of aesthetics, red onions shine as a visual centerpiece, their vibrant purple-red tones contrasting beautifully with the rich hues of chili.
Additionally, they maintain their color when cooked and make for an excellent choice to include cooked red onions with your chili ingredients. Moreover, I love to make pickled onions with red onions. Which would be a creative topping choice for chili!
For Chili Best When – Raw or Cooked
Sweet Onion
Sweet onions are known for their natural touch of sweetness, making them a fantastic choice for adding a sweet flavor to chili without the need for extra sugar.
Sweet onions are great for caramelizing due to their natural sugars. You can cook them into your chili, serve them raw over top chili, chili-topped corn chips, or chili-topped hot dogs. Additionally, you can brown onions for a caramelized sweet onion topping.
Some of my favorite sweet onions are Walla, Walla, Maui, and Vidalia Onions.
For Chili Best When – Raw or Cooked
Shallots (a relative to onion)
Shallots the smaller, milder relatives of onions, bring a delicate flavor profile to the table. They can substitute onions in many dishes.
Whether sautéed alongside the chili’s ingredients at the outset of cooking or finely chopped and served fresh as a topping, shallots prove to be an excellent choice.
For Chili Best When – Raw or Cooked
Green Onions (also called scallions or spring onions)
The most common way to use scallions is as a garnish. Once your chili is ready, finely slice fresh scallions, utilizing both the white and green portion, and generously scatter them over each bowl.
The vivid green hue makes a lovely contrast to the rich and hearty chili the red bell pepper, tomato sauce hues, and earthy ground beef or beans.
For Chili Best When – Raw
Ready to Make Some Chili?!
And there you have it—an article discussing the best onions for your classic chili recipe!
The next time you are at your local grocery store I encourage you to explore and then use different types of onions in your cooking.
Let your newfound onion knowledge inspiration for trying different onions in your next beef chili, vegetable chili, hot chili, slow cooker, or easy chili recipe. Oh, and don’t forget to add your favorite toppings and consider the onion as a great option.
Reducing the amount of animal protein you eat is a great way to reduce your carbon footprint. But if you grew up in a meat-and-potatoes household, a vegan – or even vegetarian – diet might seem a bit out of reach.
The good news? You can significantly reduce your individual carbon footprint without cutting out animal products completely!
To celebrate Earth Month, Registered Dietitian Ann Kent joins us from Peas and Hoppiness to share a few easy meal planning tips to create a Flexitarian meal plan for your family!
A flexitarian meal plan is a plant-forward alternative to a strict vegan or vegetarian diet.
It’s also called a “semi-vegetarian” meal plan because it includes some animal proteins like meat and dairy, but in much smaller amounts than the typical Western diet.
Learn more about the Flexitarian diet and find some simple tips to get started.
#1 Flexitarian Meal Planning Tip: Use your Schedule to Make your Meal Plan
If meal plans haven’t worked in the past, I want you to know: it’s not you. It’s the PLAN.
The truth is, only YOU can make your family’s meal plan.
Why? Because it must work with your schedule, your taste preference, and your cooking ability. And only YOU know those things well enough to create a plan that will work.
Learn our easy 3-step process that has helped hundreds of busy families find their rhythm of meal planning. It makes life SO much easier!
Grab the meal planning template, your calendar, and a cup of coffee – and let’s talk about what to put on your flexitarian meal plan.
Start your Flexitarian Meal Plan with Meatless Mondays
The best way to start following a flexitarian meal plan is to pick just ONE day or one meal to eat plant-based foods.
Once you’ve written out your schedule on your meal planning template and have planned which days you want to cook, decide which of those days you want to make a vegetarian or vegan meal.
The biggest mistake to avoid is to completely change how you’re eating now.
Stick with your usual meals most of the time and start adding in plant-based meals and snacks one at a time.
Think of it this way: if you try just ONE new vegetarian meal each week, a year from now you’ll have 50 new plant-based meals that you know how to cook! Little changes go a long way.
Which Vegetarian Recipes are Best for Beginners?
As you start to add in new meals you haven’t made before, it can feel overwhelming to know where to begin.
To choose the best vegetarian recipes for beginners, make sure to pick well-written recipes and ones that sound good to you!
Choose Well-Written Vegetarian Recipes
As a dietitian, I’ve worked with dozens of clients who *think* they’re not a good cook. But as a meal planning professional who writes and tests recipes for a living, I can tell you this isn’t true…
If a meal doesn’t turn out well, it’s not you – it’s the recipe!
That’s why you MUST choose a recipe from a source you trust when you’re learning a new way to cook.
Sure, Google and Pinterest will give you lots of ideas – but just because it’s on the internet, it doesn’t mean it’s a good recipe.
A good recipe is:
Easy to understand, even if you’re not a professional chef
Clearly written with description of how the recipe should look at each step
Has ingredients you can find in any grocery store
Pick a recipe from a source you trust so your recipe (and evening) will go smoothly.
Choose Vegetarian Recipes that Sound Good to You!
Just because all your vegan friends are telling you to eat tempeh doesn’t mean you have to start there (although if want to, this Vegan Yakisoba Noodle Recipe is delicious!).
There are plenty of plant-based recipes to choose from, so start with flavors you love!
Shifting toward a plant-forward lifestyle is great for so many reasons – the environment, your health, and even your pocketbook! But when you’re busy it can be hard to get started.
Premium subscribers to our meal planning app get a new menu every week which is planned seasonally and provides you a nutritionally balanced flexitarian eating plan.
You even get options for vegetarian or vegan meals, so you can shift towards a plant-based diet as quickly or as slowly as you like.
Customize your menu each week by deleting recipes you don’t need, substituting recipes from our database of 800+ options, and adjust servings to feed more or fewer people. Your changes automatically update a grocery list for you to save you tons of time and money at the store!
Use the code ADDYBEAN at checkout to try premium access FREE for one month. After that it’s just $14.99/month – less than a video streaming service!
The most important thing to remember when transitioning to a flexitarian eating pattern is to do what you can – not to worry about being perfect. If we all make a few small changes, it makes a big difference!
Air Fryer vs Microwave: Which One is Better for Cooking?
The choice between an air fryer vs microwave depends on the type of cooking you’re planning to do and your personal preferences and cooking method you desire for that food item. I can not say that there is truly a better option but can discuss both in detail!
Here are the pros and cons of the air fryer vs microwave to help you decide.
Air Fryer
Starting with the air fryer, the secret kitchen appliance of health-conscious cooks everywhere. This innovative appliance uses hot air circulation to mimic the results of deep frying but with significantly less oil. This is also a terrific alternative to conventional oven or toaster oven cooking.
For flexitarians looking to indulge in crispy foods like french fries, chicken wings with crispy skins, or mug cakes, the air fryer is a game-changer. Some of my favorite recipe on this blog are air fryer recipes such as my Easy Air Fryer Camembert and my Healthy Bacon Wrapped Jalapeno Poppers Air Fryer.
Pros:
Healthier Cooking: By drastically reducing the amount of oil needed for frying, the air fryer offers healthier alternatives to traditional deep frying methods. Air fryers can create a super crispy exterior for many types of food.
Fast Cooking Time: For me, one of the best things about my air fryer is the fast cook time. It is a common misconception that air fryers take a long time to cook food.
Air Fryer is one of my favorite kitchen appliances to use to replace the regular oven. I find myself using the air fryer over the oven often. The preheating and cooking times are both faster. For example, two salmon fillets in the oven will cook at 400˚F for 13-15 minutes, where as the air fryer takes 8-10minutes at the same temperate with no preheating required! It might not cook faster than a traditional microwave but it does produce crispier results!
Versatility: Beyond just frying, modern air fryers come with additional air fry functions for cooking foods such as baking, grilling, and roasting, making it a versatile tool for various cooking needs. I love all the different ways and ease of use of the air fryer. Additionally, the power level allows you to adjust to heating element to adjust cooking for less time.
Crispy Texture: Whether it’s golden-brown french fries or crispy chicken wings, air frying is a healthier way achieving that satisfying crunch without excess oil. This makes the air fryer a better choice for people who want crispy food without the excess calories.
Space Efficient: During the holiday season, when oven space is coveted, I like to whip out the air fryer to free up space for turkey and casseroles. I find when some of the holiday food cooks in the air fryer it is the best way to reduce my holiday stress! Recipes like my Air Fryer Brussel Sprouts are an easy way to provide a healthier option during the holidays.
Cons:
Limited Capacity: If you have a small air fryer or really, depending on the size of your air fryer basket, cooking for a large family may require multiple batches. This cooking process may be a bit time-consuming.
Storage Space: Air fryers can be bulky and take up considerable storage space. So, it’s important to consider your kitchen and storage layout before investing in one. I like to limit my countertop appliances, so having a good storage space for the air fryer is a great way to have kitchen gadgets without a cluttered kitchen!
Microwave
Now the microwave, the unsung hero of quick and convenient cooking. A microwave oven operates by utilizing electromagnetic waves, specifically a form of electromagnetic radiation known as microwaves, to facilitate its cooking process. Microwaves target water molecules, fats, and sugars in food, making water molecules oscillate rapidly, generating heat and cooking the food evenly from the inside out.
Speedy Cooking: With the ability to heat food in a matter of minutes, the microwave is perfect for busy individuals looking to whip up a quick meal or reheat leftovers in a flash. If you don’t require a crispy texture, this is even faster than cooking the item in the air fryer!
Reheat with Ease: For meal preppers, the microwave is an essential tool in the kitchen. From soups to stir fries to grain bowls batch cooking recipes on the weekend for easy, convenient, and healthy meals during the week. Additionally, it has different microwave cooking functions for different foods. You can use the popcorn microwave function for popcorn. Each microwave function offers different purposes.
Versatility: From steaming vegetables to cooking rice and even baking certain desserts, the microwave is a jack-of-all-trades when it comes to culinary tasks.
Space-Saving Design: Often, microwaves are built into the kitchen either above the oven or in the cabinets.
Easy to clean: Microwaves are pretty easy to clean only requiring a good wipe down of interior and exterior surfaces.
Cons:
Soggy Texture: While the microwave excels at heating and cooking food quickly, it may not always deliver the same texture and flavor as traditional cooking methods. Sometimes microwaves can leave foods feeling soggy, but this isn’t necessarily an issue depending on what you are cooking.
Limited Cooking Options: While versatile, the microwave may not be suitable for certain cooking techniques like frying or roasting, limiting its culinary capabilities. I find it is really best for reheating leftovers but hey, that’s still cooking right!?
Wrapping Up the Air Fryer Vs Microwave Debate
In the showdown between the air fryer and the microwave, there’s no clear winner. Ultimately, it comes down to your personal cooking preferences and lifestyle. As a registered dietitian nutritionist, I use both appliances for different occasions.
For flexitarians seeking healthier alternatives to traditional frying methods and don’t mind reaching for the air-fryer from a storage shelf when needed, the air-fryer is an excellent kitchen tool. I use it in many of the recipes in this blog! However, if speed, convenience, and meal-prepping are your top priorities, you can’t go wrong with the trusty microwave. I find it is amazing for reheating leftovers!
But really, why not use both appliances in your kitchen arsenal? I love to have plenty of options when looking to create a home-cooked meal for my family. No matter what, the end result will be a less expensive and healthier alternative to take out!
Having a well-stocked pantry and a comprehensive flexitarian pantry guide that supports your dietary goals is essential to having a balanced flexitarian lifestyle.
In this Flexitarian Pantry Guide, we’ll explore the essential ingredients that every flexitarian kitchen should have, ensuring you’re ready to create nutritious and satisfying dishes whenever hunger strikes.
Whole Grains
Whole grains like quinoa, rice, and farro provide essential carbohydrates and fiber for energy and satiety.
I also enjoy grains fortified with protein, high-protein rice, protein pancake mixes, and high-protein cereals.
(I am not affiliated with any of these brands, I just love them!)
Legumes
Dried legumes such as lentils, chickpeas, and black beans are versatile sources of plant-based protein, perfect for hearty soups, stews, and curries. I also love and keep canned beans and lentils on hand for convenient protein boosts in salads, tacos, and wraps.
Some legumes I like to have on hand include:
Chickpeas
Black Beans
Pinto Beans
Cannellini beans
Butter Beans (also known as Lima Beans)
Mung beans
Red Lentils
Brown Lentils
Nuts and Seeds
Almonds, walnuts, and cashews add crunch and healthy fats to meals, while also offering a dose of protein. Seeds like chia, flax, and pumpkin seeds are nutritional powerhouses, rich in omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, and minerals. And don’t forget about nut and seed butter!
Some of my favorite Nuts and Seeds include:
Peanuts (technically a legume)
Almonds
Cashews
Walnuts
Pecans
Hazelnuts
Pine nuts
Hemp Hearts
Chia Seeds
Sunflower seeds
Pumpkin Seeds
Flax Seeds
Plant-Based Proteins
Stock up on plant-based proteins for versatile meat substitutes that can be used in stir-fries, sandwiches, and more.
My new favorite way to prepare tofu is to freeze it and then thaw it out in the fridge. Once thawed the liquid squeezes out very quickly with some towels and just pressing it between your hands! Then just toss it in some marinade and throw it in the air fryer. The texture changes and the tofu sucks up all the flavor from the marinade.
Some of my favorite plant-based proteins include:
Baked Tofu
Firm or Extra Firm Tofu
Silken Tofu
Tempeh
Tempeh “bacon”
Tofurkey
Canned, Frozen, and Dried Produce
If loading your fridge with a colorful array of fresh fruits and vegetables, seems like a lot at the moment, try frozen or canned. Keep your freezer stocked with frozen fruits and veggies for quick and easy meal prep without sacrificing nutrition.
Canned
Corn
Peas
Green Beans
Pumpkin
Sweet Potato
Butternut Squash
Tomatoes
Frozen
Broccoli (the best in soups!)
Mixed Vegetable Medleys
Riced Cauliflower
Spinach
Kale
Peas and Corn (listing these again because I ALWAYS have these in my freezer)
Dried
Mushrooms
Spicy Peppers
Herbs and Spices
Try cooking with a diverse selection of herbs and spices, including basil, oregano, cilantro, cumin, curry powders, paprika, and turmeric. Experimenting with different spice blends adds depth and complexity to your flexitarian meals.
Right now, in my spice drawer I have:
Freshly ground cumin
Turmeric
Chili powder
Ginger Powder
Garlic Powder
Onion Powder
Black Pepper
Cayenne Pepper
Paprika (many types)
Italian seasoning
Basil
Chives
Dill
Oregano
Celery Seed
(I actually have a lot more than this but you get the idea!)
Citrus
Having citrus on hand can add lots of flavor to dishes. Don’t want to hold onto fresh ingredients, try the refrigerated bottles of lemon or lime juice. It’s not quite as tasty as fresh but is still an excellent addition to soups, salad dressings, grain bowls, and proteins.
Some Citrus I like to have in my citrus bowl include:
Lemon
Lime
Oranges
Healthy Oils and Vinegars
Choose heart-healthy oils for cooking meals, making dressings, and mixing marinades. Don’t forget to stock up on your favorite vinegar to add acidity and brightness to your dishes.
Oils:
Avocado Oil
Olive Oil
Coconut Oil
Vinegars:
Balsamic Vinegar
Champagne Vinegar
White Vinegar (the best for making pickles!)
Apple Cider Vinegar
Whole Food Sweeteners
Keep dried fruits like on hand to add sweetness and texture to baked goods and desserts. Moreover, bananas make for excellent sweet ingredients for smoothies, desserts, and “nice” creams.
My faves:
Dates
Cranberries
Golden Raisins
Pineapple (the best for a post workout snack)
Mango
Apples
Watermelon (my favorite summer camping snack!)
Specialty Ingredients
Explore the world of specialty ingredients to add depth and umami to your dishes. Furthermore, experiment with other ingredients to infuse your meals with international flavors.
Some of my faves:
Hot sauce (I have at least 5)
Nutritional yeast (amazing on popcorn)
Tahini (great for sauces like my Spicy Tahini Noodles recipe)
Miso paste
Soy sauce
Curry paste
Coconut milk
Fish Sauce (not plant based but flexitarian approved)
Oyster Sauce (not plant based but flexitarian approved)
Sauerkraut
Kimchi (I make mine from scratch!)
In Conclusion
By stocking your flexitarian pantry with these essential ingredients, you’ll be well-equipped to create a diverse range of delicious and nutritious meals that celebrate the abundance of plant-based foods while allowing for occasional indulgences in animal products.
Did I forget anything? Add your favorite flexitarian pantry staple in the comments!
Like This Article?! Check Out These Other Flexitarian Articles
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