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Pantry Staples Education Guide

A guide to stocking a nutrient-dense, inflammation-lowering, and clean-label pantry—from oils and condiments to baking essentials

Why do pantry staples matter for wellness?

Why do pantry staples matter for wellness?

Pantry staples are the foundation of daily meals, snacks, and sauces. Even the healthiest recipe can become inflammatory if it's made with rancid oils, refined sugars, or synthetic additives. Clean, whole-food staples allow you to create nourishing meals without hidden toxins or metabolic stress.

🌿 Pure Basics Tip: If it's something you reach for every week—flour, oil, spices—quality matters most there.

What should I look for in baking ingredients?

What should I look for in baking ingredients?

Choose minimally processed, nutrient-dense flours and sweeteners:

Best flours:

  • Almond flour (protein- and fat-rich, grain-free)
  • Cassava flour (gut-friendly and gluten-free)
  • Sprouted spelt or einkorn flour (ancestral grains with lower gluten and better digestibility)
  • Organic oat flour (if tolerated)
  • Best sweeteners:

  • Raw honey
  • Maple syrup
  • Coconut sugar
  • Dates or date sugar
  • Organic stevia (whole-leaf or extract only)
  • 🌿 Pure Basics Tip: Sprouted or fermented grains are easier to digest and less likely to spike blood sugar—just like ancestral preparation methods.

    What oils are pantry-safe and which should I avoid?

    What oils are pantry-safe and which should I avoid?

    Avoid highly processed seed oils:

  • Canola, soybean, corn, cottonseed, grapeseed, vegetable oil
  • These are oxidized, inflammatory, and stripped of nutrients
  • Safe, stable cooking oils:

  • Coconut oil: High-heat stable, antimicrobial
  • Ghee: Clarified butter rich in butyrate and fat-soluble vitamins
  • Tallow or lard (grass-fed): Great for frying and sautéing
  • Avocado oil (cold-pressed): Mild flavor, high-heat safe
  • For cold use only:

  • Extra virgin olive oil: Polyphenol-rich and heart-supportive
  • Flaxseed oil: Omega-3 rich (keep refrigerated)
  • 🌿 Pure Basics Tip: If it comes in a clear plastic bottle and says “vegetable” or “heart healthy”—skip it. Look for glass, tin, or opaque packaging.

    What condiments are clean and nourishing?

    What condiments are clean and nourishing?

    Many condiments are packed with seed oils, artificial preservatives, MSG, or added sugars. Choose fermented, oil-free, or simple-ingredient options:

    Clean condiment swaps:

  • Mustard: Look for organic with no “natural flavors”
  • Ketchup: Use versions with honey, agave, or maple syrup (no HFCS)
  • Mayonnaise: Choose ones made with avocado oil or olive oil (check labels carefully—many are blends)
  • Coconut aminos: A soy-free alternative to soy sauce, lower in sodium
  • Raw apple cider vinegar: A digestive and blood sugar helper
  • Ghee or tallow-based spreads: Flavor-rich and dairy-safe for many
  • 🌿 Pure Basics Tip: Read labels! Even “organic” condiments can sneak in canola oil or “natural flavors.” Less is more.

    What are some must-have ancestral pantry items?

    What are some must-have ancestral pantry items?

    Stocking your pantry with nutrient-dense, time-tested ingredients ensures you're always ready to prepare a healing meal or snack.

    Top Pure Basics Pantry Staples:

  • Bone broth (shelf-stable or frozen)
  • Canned wild sardines or salmon (with skin and bones = calcium-rich)
  • Raw honey or manuka honey
  • Seaweed (nori, kelp flakes, dulse)
  • Sprouted nuts and seeds
  • Natural sea salt (Celtic, Redmond, Himalayan)
  • Gelatin or collagen powder
  • Herbal teas (like nettle, peppermint, chamomile)
  • Beef liver capsules or desiccated organ powder
  • 🌿 Pure Basics Tip: Use your pantry to fill micronutrient gaps—vitamin A, K2, minerals, and amino acids should be shelf staples, not just supplements.

    What salt is best for daily use?

    What salt is best for daily use?

    Skip iodized table salt, which often contains anti-caking agents and stripped minerals.

    Best options:

  • Celtic sea salt: Moist and mineral-rich
  • Himalayan pink salt: Rich in trace minerals (but test for microplastics with cheaper brands)
  • 🌿 Pure Basics Tip: Your body needs sodium—but from a clean source, not processed foods.

    Are there ingredients I should always keep out of my pantry?

    Are there ingredients I should always keep out of my pantry?

    Yes—these common items contribute to chronic inflammation and metabolic dysfunction:

    Pantry no-gos:

  • Refined white sugar
  • White bleached flour
  • Canola or vegetable oils
  • MSG or “yeast extract”
  • High-fructose corn syrup
  • Artificial sweeteners (aspartame, sucralose)
  • “Natural flavors” (when undisclosed)
  • 🌿 Pure Basics Tip: If it has a long shelf life but zero nutrients, question its place in your pantry.

    Any bonus tips for upgrading my pantry?

    Any bonus tips for upgrading my pantry?

  • Rotate your stock seasonally for freshness and alignment with ancestral rhythms
  • Store oils and flours in cool, dark places to avoid oxidation
  • Label jars clearly and keep bulk staples in glass or stainless steel
  • Create a “nourishment zone” where you can grab teas, broth, or adaptogens with ease
  • 🌿 Pure Basics Tip: Your pantry should feel like an apothecary of nourishment—not a storage closet for processed food.

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    Disclaimer

    Information on this site is for general informational purposes only and is not medical advice. We do not diagnose, treat, or cure any health conditions and are not healthcare providers.

    Always consult your physician or a qualified professional before making health-related decisions. Use of site content is at your own risk. Pure Basics Collective is not responsible for outcomes related to the use of this information.