Pantry items are lifesavers—ready to use and perfect for whipping up quick, healthy meals. Below is a curated list of my favorite clean-eating pantry staples that I rely on regularly. If you have a favorite clean-eating product I didn’t include, please share it in the comments—I’m always eager to try new finds!
Note: Not every item below is Whole30 compliant. Items marked with an * are Whole30 approved.
Dave’s Killer Bread — This is a flavorful, clean-label bread option that isn’t gluten-free but is a much better choice than many conventional loaves. I don’t eat a lot of bread myself, but it’s what I use for my kids’ PB&J, grilled cheese, and turkey sandwiches because the ingredients are simple and the taste is excellent. I commonly find it at Whole Foods, Sprouts, Tom Thumb, and Central Market.
Siete Chips — I always keep a bag of Siete chips or tortillas in the pantry for a reliable, clean snack. They’re my go-to for chips and salsa and are available at many natural food stores like Whole Foods.
*Joe T. Garcia’s Salsa — For jarred salsa, this medium salsa is my top pick. I consider myself somewhat of a salsa connoisseur, and this one delivers balanced flavor and freshness straight from the jar. I pick it up at Whole Foods or Tom Thumb, and it’s also sold online.
Jovial Brown Rice Pasta — Among gluten-free pasta options, Jovial is my favorite for flavor and texture. I keep several boxes on hand for the kids as a starchy side, and I reach for it whenever I want real pasta without gluten.
*Rao’s Marinara — Raised on homemade tomato sauce, I was skeptical of jarred marinara until I tried Rao’s. It’s savory, well-balanced, and one of the rare jarred sauces I truly enjoy. It’s also Whole30 approved and widely available at stores like Whole Foods and Central Market.
*Southwestern505 Green Chile — I’m a fan of this brand’s sauces, especially the Flame Roasted Hatch Green Chiles. I use it to spice up eggs, to add depth to soups and stews, and to save time when I don’t want to peel and chop fresh chiles. I’ve found this product at Costco and Tom Thumb.
*Thai Kitchen Coconut Milk and Curry Pastes — Keep a can of coconut milk and a curry paste on hand and you can make great Thai-inspired meals in minutes. Both products have solid flavor and are Whole30 approved, making them versatile additions to a clean pantry. Try them in a homemade Thai green curry for an easy weeknight dinner.
*Frontier Co-Op Adobo Seasoning — Many adobo blends contain MSG, but Frontier Co-Op’s version does not. It’s my favorite store-bought spice for seasoning chicken, mixing into ground meat for tacos, or sprinkling over rice (or cauliflower rice) to boost flavor quickly. I usually buy it at Whole Foods.
*Fourth & Heart Ghee — Ghee is excellent for cooking and Fourth & Heart offers high-quality clarified butter in several fun flavors, such as California Garlic, Vanilla Bean, and Truffle. Ghee has a high smoke point and rich flavor, making it a pantry staple for sautéing and roasting.
*Crazy Richard’s Nut Butters — These nut butters contain just one ingredient—the nut—so they’re clean and pure. The texture and flavor are impressive without added oils or sugars. I use their peanut butter for the kids’ sandwiches, and their almond and cashew butters are great for Whole30-friendly recipes like panang curry.
*Barney Butter Bare Smooth Almond Butter — For a thick, creamy almond butter that resembles peanut butter in texture, the “bare smooth” line is a reliable choice. Make sure to choose the “bare” version, which has no added sugar. It’s perfect for apple slices, snacks, or a Whole30-approved treat.
*Arrowroot Flour/Starch — Arrowroot is a versatile thickener and a better Whole30- and paleo-friendly alternative to cornstarch. I use it to thicken Asian-style stir-fries and to create smooth, creamy pan sauces and gravies for dishes like skillet chicken piccata or Mongolian-style beef.
*Tonnino Tuna — These small jars of high-quality tuna are convenient and flavorful, especially the jalapeño-packed variety. They make for an effortless, protein-rich topping on salads or a quick no-fuss lunch.
*Wild Planet Canned Tuna — I keep several cans of tuna in the pantry for quick tuna salads and easy weeknight meals. It’s a dependable source of protein and a staple I buy in bulk at Costco.
*Cento Anchovies in Olive Oil — Anchovies are a secret weapon for building savory depth in dressings and sauces. I add them to Caesar or Green Goddess dressings or a small amount to pasta sauce for extra umami. They store well and are widely available.
*Imagine Brand Broth — I prefer making my own chicken broth when possible, but Imagine makes a tasty, Whole30-approved broth that’s a dependable standby when I’m short on time. It’s a great base for soups, stews, and one-pot meals.
Simple Mills Pancake and Waffle Mix — Simple Mills products use short, recognizable ingredient lists and make it easy to prepare cleaner versions of family favorites. Their pancake and waffle mix is a hit with my kids and a pantry favorite for weekend breakfasts.
These clean-eating pantry items cover a range of needs—from staples that make family meals easier to specialty items that elevate flavors without relying on processed ingredients. Keeping a well-stocked pantry with a mix of Whole30-approved staples and clean-label favorites makes it simple to prepare fast, nutritious meals any night of the week.