Your Pantry Detox
Set yourself up for success by creating an environment conducive to your goals
By doing a pantry detox and replacing unhealthy items with nourishing alternatives, you're setting yourself up for long-term success in achieving your health goals. Remove tempting foods from your home and stock up on nutritious options.
Here’s a practical guide to help you detox your pantry and set yourself up for success:
Take Inventory
Start by pulling everything out of your pantry. Group items into categories like canned goods, snacks, baking supplies, etc. This helps you see what you're working with and identify what's not supporting your health goals.
Check Labels
As you go through each item, read the ingredients. Eliminate or replace foods that contain high levels of sugar, artificial ingredients, or unhealthy fats. Focus on removing:
Processed snacks (e.g., biscuits, potato chips, muesli bars, muffins)
Sugary cereals
Packaged sauces and condiments high in sugar, sodium or preservatives
Soft drinks and sodas
Declutter Expired Items
Remove any expired or stale items, as these clutter your space and make it harder to stay organized. Toss out old spices, oils, or canned goods that are past their prime.
Organize for Accessibility
Place healthier, frequently used items at eye level and less healthy options (if you’re keeping any) on higher or lower shelves. This makes it easier to reach for nutritious choices when you're in a hurry.
Our Healthier Household Pantry Staples
Grains & Carbohydrates
Brown rice
Quinoa
Rolled oats
Wholemeal pasta
Buckwheat groats
Barley
Freekeh
Pulse Pasta
Legumes & Pulses - Canned or Dried Options
Lentils (red, green, and brown)
Chickpeas
Black beans
Cannellini beans
Split peas
Nuts & Seeds
Almonds
Walnuts
Pumpkin seeds
Sunflower seeds
Chia seeds
Flaxseeds (linseed)
Hemp seeds
Healthy Oils
Extra virgin olive oil
Coconut oil
Avocado oil
Butter
Flours
Almond flour
Coconut flour
Buckwheat flour
Spelt flour
Wholemeal flour
Rye Flour
Herbs & Spices - Dried or Fresh
We love Mingle for pre made spices blends - e.g Mexican Spice Mix
Canned Goods
Choose Chantals or Ceres Organics brands for BPA Free
Others
Apple cider vinegar
Tamari (gluten-free soy sauce)
Tahini - unhulled is a much milder taste
Raw honey or pure maple syrup (not maple flavoured syrup)
Meat & Protein Sources
Grass-Fed Beef & Lamb
Avoids processed deli meatsFree-Range Chicken
Look for free-range options at most supermarkets.Wild-Caught Fish
Fresh or frozen wild-caught fish such as salmon, snapper, tarakihi and gurnard are ideal sources of protein and omega-3 fatty acids.Free-Range Pork
Opt for pork that’s free from additives and preservatives.Eggs
Choose free-range eggs
Dairy Products
Cottage Cheese
A high-protein, low-fat option for snacks or meal additions. Check for options with minimal additives.Edam Cheese (Block, Not Pre-Grated)
Edam cheese in block form is less processed than pre-grated cheese, which often contains anti-caking agents and preservatives. Grating it fresh ensures you avoid unnecessary additives.Yoghurt
Choose brands with minimal ingredients with no artificial additives or preservatives, and that are unflavored and unsweetened.
Pre-Packaged Foods
Alternative Milks Choose Almond or Coconut (avoid Oat), brands Coco Quench, Macro Organics, Pure Harvest or Nutty Bruce are best
Mitchell’s Bone Broth Protein or Go Good Whey Protein Great source of protein For smoothies.
Mountain Bread Wraps Thin, preservative-free wraps made with simple ingredients.
Coconut Yoghurt (e.g., Raglan Coconut Yoghurt or Cathedral Cove Naturals) Dairy-free yogurt without added sugars or preservatives.
Sourdough Bread Fermented wholegrain bread, available at bakeries or artisanal stores.
Paleo Bread OMG, Vernerdi or Home St brands
Danny’s Pita Bread Versatile, preservative-free pita bread for dips or fillings.
Gennose Pesto Made with simple, whole ingredients, free from preservatives and artificial additives.
Pasta San Remo Pulse Pasta, Brown Rice or Quinoa Pasta
Poonsin Vietnamese Dipping Sauce A versatile, preservative-free sauce made with natural ingredients, great for salads, dipping, or enhancing meals.
Curry Paste Opt for clean curry pastes made without artificial additives or preservatives, like Mae Ploy or Valcom, which are available in most supermarkets.
Hummus Look for preservative-free options made with chickpeas, tahini, olive oil, lemon, and garlic. Many local brands offer clean ingredient lists. Genoese Hummus uses simple, clean ingredients, is preservative-free and made with minimal ingredients.
By incorporating these wholefoods and high-quality, additive-free pre-packaged items, including dairy and healthy proteins, you’ll have everything you need to support a nourishing, balanced diet.