Helping You Understand - Grocery Essentials

 Let's face it. Making a grocery list is hard. Sometimes you don't know where to start, or you struggle to figure out specifics.This doubles when you have food intolerances or allergies. With this list of grocery essentials, you can use it as building blocks for your own lists. Obviously, these aren't going to be perfectly catered to everyone, but they make a great basis, and if you are on a specialized diet, you can simply substitute any item on this list for whatever you use instead. I like to keep a magnetic notebook on my freezer door with an attached pen so that I can write things down as I remember we need them, or as we run out. This helps me keep track of things a lot easier instead of having to write everything down all at once.

Note: lots of pantry staples and condiments can contain gluten as filler, even when you think they might not. As always, be sure to check labeling and ingredients!

Oils and Condiments

• oils (canola/vegetable, olive, sesame)

• vinegars (distilled white, red wine, rice wine, balsamic, apple cider)

• condiments (ketchup, mayonnaise, mustard, etc.)

• sauces (gluten-free worcestershire, tamari, hot, etc.)

Seasonings

• salt

• pepper

• dried herbs and spices (there are lots to choose from, and you can find out more in my spices article)

• spice blends (Italian seasoning, curry powder, all-purpose etc. whatever you use the most!)

• vanilla extract (can be imitation if you prefer the less costly option)

Pantry

• gluten-free bouillon cubes or paste for broth

• canned beans

• peanut butter or other nut butter

• canned tomatoes/tomato sauce

• jarred pasta sauce

• canned tuna or chicken

• canned fruit

• canned vegetables

• dried fruit

• nuts

Grains and Legumes

• gluten-free breadcrumbs; regular and panko

• gluten-free pasta

• certified gluten-free rolled oats or quick oats

• rice

• dried beans

• lentils

Baking

• baking powder

• baking soda

• cane sugar

• brown sugar

• confectioner's sugar

• cornstarch

• gluten-free all-purpose flour (my personal favorite is the King Arthur 1:1 all-purpose flour)

• honey

Fridge and Freezer

• butter or margarine

• cheese (I tend to use pre-shredded cheese for the sake of accessibility, but if you dont like shredded cheese or are able to grate it yourself, a block is typically more bang for your buck!)

• eggs or egg replacement

• milk or dairy-free milk

• frozen vegetables (I tend to keep mixed vegetables, diced frozen onions, and corn, but you can pick whatever you like!)

Produce

• garlic

• onions

• potatoes

• carrots

• apples

• broccoli

• salad mix or head of lettuce