Last week, I shared part one of my list of favourite natural and organic grocery products. Today, in part two of my grocery list, I am including my everyday essentials—items that I can’t (or won’t) live without.
Earth Balance Original Buttery Spread is our everyday margarine and butter replacement. It is plant-based, vegan, gluten-free and contains no artificial ingredients or hydrogenated oils. I know I sound like an advertisement, but this is good stuff!
Have you seen the ingredients in some bouillon powders? Scary stuff—MSG being one of the worst. Harvest Sun Vegetable Bouillon Powder is our staple for making soups. The ingredients are pretty simple: Yeast Extract, Sea Salt, Potato* & Corn Starch*, Anti-Caking Agent Calcium Carbonate, Carrots*, Leeks*, Non-Hydrogenated Palm Oil*, Celery*, Parsley*, Turmeric*, Nutmeg*. (*certified organic)
I have tried a number of different brands of tofu over the years, and my clear favourite is Sol Cuisine Organic Firm Tofu. One, it is nice and firm and fries or bakes up well. Two, it is organic, which means no GMO soy. Three, it is made with calcium, so it has the added bonus of contributing a bit of non-dairy calcium to your diet.
I have talked before about Premier Japan Gluten Free Teriyaki Sauce. Pour a half a bottle of this over a pound of tofu cut into triangles, add some garlic powder and olive oil, and bake for about half an hour. There. You have yourself an easy meat substitute for dinner.
I am a bit of a wimp when it comes to caffeine. It makes me shaky and agitated. And, like you, I hear all about the benefits of green tea. So, my drink of choice is decaf green tea. I like to try different brands, but most often I drink Stash Decaf Premium Green Tea.
Almost every Tuesday is "Taco Tuesday" at our house. Now that I am avoiding regular wheat, I can’t have the Yves meatless ground round. Luckily, I found Sol Organic Veggie Crumbles. Saute them in olive oil and add some spices like chili powder and garlic powder and they make a great taco filler, along with refried beans, tomatoes, guacamole...and my next item.
A handy addition to our Taco Tuesdays is Tofutti Sour Supreme, a non-dairy sour cream imitator. I’m not saying this is healthy, whole food, but it adds a nice little flavour and texture to your taco. We all need a little treat!
VitaSpelt Spelt Elbows also make for a quick, healthy and delicious dinner, using the on-the-package recipe for pasta with tomato sauce and chickpeas. And, this pasta is from Abruzzo, where my husband’s extended family lives.
Next time, I’m going to share some items that are more snacks than they are essentials.
Although, snacking is essential to me. How about you?
Snacking is definitely essential to me too! I love dips and fruit and nuts!
ReplyDeleteI am really happy to inform you that I have chosen you to receive the Liebster Blog Award, please see the post below for deatils.
http://glutenfreescdandveggie.blogspot.co.uk/2012/04/another-liebster-blog-award.html
Hi Vicky, Thank you so so much! That means a lot to me. Very exciting! I'm so glad you have enjoyed my blog. I will have a good look at the details. Joann
DeleteYou're welcome! I'm so happy to have found your blog, it's sooo refreshing! Oh and I love your daughter's poncho!
Deleteoh! i just bought this earth balance spread last week at the store after having seen and/or heard about it for months in blog land. i haven't tried it yet, but am thrilled to. it sounds like you like it a lot! how fun to see what other people are buying... :)
ReplyDeleteWhen I started using it, I didn't bake with it, but now I use it for everything and it seems to work. Hope you like it!
DeleteGreat items!
ReplyDeleteI always scour people's grocery carts and analyze their life LOL (kind of)
With yours I'd be impressed ;D
xo
Hi Ella, I do the same thing! Some days mine is not so impressive. Depends on my mood and how hungry I am. :)
DeleteAh yes, I would be lost without Earth Balance and Tofutti. Kinda pathetic, I'll admit it, but there are no vegan substitutes that come closer or taste better. They're key to good baking, so I see no shame in that!
ReplyDeleteYou're right. They are the best tasting. I guess we are lucky to have them!
DeleteI'm going to be honest, I'm extremely lazy when it comes to shopping for this kind of stuff - meh. :/
ReplyDeleteHowever, I have used the Earth Balance and agree with you - good stuff!
My shopping habits have changed gradually over 20 years, and become healthier. We have other purchases, though, that I am not showing. ;)
Delete