I’ll occasionally see a recipe on Pinterest that makes me want to go out and spend my entire paycheck at Whole Foods. Can you relate?!
Most recently, I’ve been seeing some great ‘What to Stock in Your Low Carb Pantry’ posts that would include a long list of things that I’m not sure I really need.
Since a 20-item shopping list of entirely new foods isn’t something that appeals to a lot of people, I thought I’d give my take on the 5 healthy low carb staples that you might need if you’re a beginner to the low carb diet.
Of course, this list can be customized to your preferences. Just think about your top food in each category and you’re good to go.
Psst. This is the second post in the series Low Carb in Real Life. Check out the first post, How To Stay on a Low Carb Diet While Traveling. This post also contains affiliate links.
Here Are The 5 Low Carb Staples That Your Kitchen Needs
1- High-Quality Cooking Oil
Using an unhealthy cooking oil to prepare healthy ingredients will ruin your good intentions. Luckily, this is a quick fix.
Healthy cooking oils can be used in a number of ways. Olive oil is great for drizzling over salads and making dressings. Coconut oil is a preference of many when it comes to deep frying and cooking in general.
Which one would suit you better? Or is it both?
Some other healthy oils include avocado oil, grapeseed oil, peanut oil and sesame oil. Be sure to get extra virgin or unrefined oils when possible.
To get more ideas for oil for your low carb pantry, check out our resource page
2- Quick & Easy Protein Options
Do you prefer to whip up a smoothie or salad on those busy weeknights? Depending on your go-to food, you can choose a protein source that will make it possible.
This could be canned beans for a quick dinner or a good low carb protein powder for a quick smoothie in the morning.
The key is to have something that’s easy to prepare and good for you at the same time.
For some quick tips on adding more protein to your low carb diet, you can read this post.
3- High-Quality Salts & Seasoning
Vegetables can get a bit bland if you prepare them the same way every day. A quick way to add some flavor is to use high-quality salts and seasoning.
Salt is the most basic ingredient in any pantry so you most likely have that already. But what about seasoning and herbs?
Some good options for herbs and seasonings are red pepper flakes, rosemary, garlic powder, thyme, curry, and black pepper.
You can use these to turn the blandest can of chickpeas into a delicious stew or herb-flavored hummus. Go crazy on this one and get the seasonings that you love!
4- Nut Butter
This is perfect for snacking or making a quick breakfast or dessert. No, really. You can add a nut butter to smoothies, porridge, and almost any recipe that calls for a fat (although this will affect the flavor of the final product.)
They are super convenient and affordable, and you’ll also have options to choose from.
Almond butter
5- Flour or Sugar Replacement
If you’re new to this diet then these 2 low carb pantry essentials are a must. Not only will they make the transition easier, they add versatility and reduce that initial feeling of restriction.
This is because a good flour replacement can help you to recreate your favorite meals in a jiffy. Whether that’s pancakes, cakes, or even cookies.
You won’t feel like you have to give up on your favorites. Instead, you can enjoy them even more because you’re using healthy ingredients that are great for you as well.
Sugar replacements are definitely a personal choice. Some persons prefer honey or maple syrup while others prefer stevia and erythritol 
You can read this post to learn about low carb sweeteners and how to use them.
No matter what you choose, ensure that it’s something that is versatile because some of these sweeteners can be kinda pricey. Some experimenting might be necessary when you first start using sugar replacements.
Now that you have your low carb pantry staples…
Let’s look at 3 ways to pack more protein into your low carb diet because that will help you to feel less hunger as you go through the day.
To get more ideas for your low carb pantry, check out our resource page.