It can be quite intimidating to keep a raw food pantry stocked – especially when you’re first starting out. Meghan Pearson stopped by to share her favourite raw food pantry essentials.

• Apple cider vinegar: It is raw and unpasteurized, and packs a punch of health benefits.  Pearson recommends taking it with water first thing in the morning, similar to lemon water, and it is alkalizing and soft on the body.
• Organic hemp protein: This is a non-gritty product that can be added to protein shakes and smoothies–an easy way to get the required amount of daily protein.
• Chia seeds: You can get them in whole and sliced varieties, and is perfect for incorporating into raw puddings.  Pearson says the sliced variety makes it more bio-available and is an excellent superfood.
• Raw cacao nibs: You can use these interchangeably with chocolate chips, Pearson says.  Simply add them to your favourite raw snacks and desserts.
• Coconut oil: You can use it virtually anywhere from hair to skin to food!
• Lucuma powder: This all-natural ingredient is a Peruvian fruit that’s ground up into a powder.  It acts as a natural sweetener, but is low on the glycemic index.
• Almonds: A versatile ingredient in the kitchen, and high in vitamin E.  Pearson warns to make sure they come in their rawest form.
• Nutritional yeast: A perfect item to have on hand for flavouring.  It is a raw yeast that acts similarly to cheese.

Take a look at the segment below:

Have you tried any of the above ingredients in your recipes? Let us know what you thought in the comments below.