Jenna's Top 10 Store Cupboard Essentials for Healthy Eating

Jenna's Top 10 Store Cupboard Essentials for Healthy Eating

'Eating a nutritious diet is all about preparation, ultimately if you stock your kitchen with healthy nutritious foods you’re far more likely to eat and enjoy those foods. Conversely, if you stock your kitchen with foods that are high in sugar and saturated fats then you’re far more likely to eat those instead. 

These recommendations are foods that I have regularly in my cupboards to ensure that I can make healthy, nutrient dense foods taste delicious! I hope you love them as much as I do.'


Jenna Hope has worked her magic to bring you a Top 10 of cupboard essentials for healthy eating, which are all easily bought from online retailers such as Amazon, Tesco and Sainsburys. Make sure you stock up on a few of these to keep your body healthy and performing at its best.

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Jenna Hope
Nutritionist
  • Clearspring
    Authentic Japanese Pure Toasted Sesame Oil


    Jenna Hope

    Toasted sesame oil is my go to for when I'm making Asian inspired dishes, I personally love to combine it with soy sauce, lime, ginger and a splash of maple syrup and then use that as a coating for tofu or aubergine.

    I've picked out the toasted sesame oil as it's much richer in flavour than the regular option. It's not recommended to fry in this oil as it's got a lower heating temperature which means it will smoke more easily. Although, do use it for dressings and marinades!
  • Wa-Very
    16-Jar Revolving Countertop Spice Rack


    Jenna Hope

    Herbs and spices are a great source of plant compounds known as phytochemicals. Phytochemicals have a number of beneficial properties from supporting immune function and providing diversity for the gut. 

    Additionally, they're also a great way to add more flavour to your meals without having to add lots of salt. Being equipped with a wide range of herbs and spices can make cooking that much more exciting as it allows you to become creative. I love this rack as it moves around so easily but looks super neat and tidy on the work surface!
  • Vita Coco
    Organic Extra Virgin Coconut Oil


    Jenna Hope

    Coconut oil can be a great alternative to butter in plant based baking as it provides a source of fat. Do be aware though that it is a saturated type of fat and so much like other saturated fats it shouldn't be overconsumed. 

    The UK government suggests that saturated fat shouldn’t make up more than 10% of your total dietary intake. It can be used for heating at higher temperatures as it's more stable at higher temperatures. I love using it as a base when I'm cooking Thai inspired dishes such as Thai green curry.
  • Lalani and Co
    Organic Matcha Grade III


    Jenna Hope

    If you follow me on Instagram you'll know I'm a big matcha drinker! Matcha contains L-theanine which slows down the release of the caffeine meaning that unlike coffee you don't get a large spike and crash. Matcha is also a great source of antioxidants and I personally really love starting my day with a matcha latte! 

    This Lalani and Co matcha is a great option for those of you who are new to matcha. It's affordable whilst still being of great quality. There are many matcha variants out there that are lower in quality and therefore have a more metal taste attached to them.
  • Plenish
    Almond Milk Drink


    Jenna Hope

    Soy milk is the most nutritionally similar to cows milk and therefore when I'm not drinking cows milk I tend to go for unsweetened soy. This one doesn't contain any artificial additives or sugars and so it tends to be my go to. 

    If you're completely switching your dairy milk for soya milk then you may need to look at once which is fortified with key micronutrients such as Vitamin D, Vitamin B12 and calcium. I particularly love how creamy this one is, especially when it's used to make porridge.
  • Biona
    Organic Chick Peas


    Jenna Hope

    Chickpeas are a go to for me! They're a great source of plant protein and fibre to help support a healthy gut. Additionally, they can be kept in the store cupboard for ages which means even when you're running low on fresh food you can always whip out the chickpeas! 

    I love adding them to soups, stews, curries and as a hummus lover, they're ideal for making creamy hummus! I've picked out these Biona ones are they're much fuller and juicer than the normal chickpeas which means they make for a much smoother and more indulgent hummus!
  • ManiLife
    Peanut Butter - All Natural, Single Origin


    Jenna Hope

    Peanut butter is an absolute kitchen essential! Not only is a great source of plant protein and healthy fats, but it's also incredibly delicious. I've picked out this ManiLife Deep Roast crunchy peanut butter as there really is no other peanut butter on the market like this one. It's rich in flavour and has the perfect ratio of crunch to smoothness.

    I use peanut butter in a number of ways from adding it to satay sauces and cooking chicken in it, to topping my toast with peanut butter, stirring it into porridge and serving it with an apple as an afternoon snack. You just can't go wrong with this one!
  • Moma
    Porridge


    Jenna Hope

    Oats a really good source of beta-glucans which have been associated with a reduction in cholesterol. They're also a cheap and easy go to breakfast option. I recommend the jumbo oats over the porridge oats as they're larger and therefore take longer to digest. 

    As a result, they'll keep you fuller for longer. I try to avoid the porridge pots which contain added sugars and flavourings and would rather flavour the porridge myself! You can't beat a bowl of porridge with banana and a drizzle of peanut butter! The other brilliant thing about oats is that they can be eaten warm in the winter and cold (think overnight oats in the summer). They're also a staple baking ingredient!
  • Meridian
    Light Tahini


    Jenna Hope

    Another store cupboard staple, tahini is not only a crucial ingredient to making hummus but it's also really good when combined with water, salt and lemon juice to make a dressing. I use tahini all the time as a salad dressing or to serve with miso aubergine! 

    Tahini is a brilliant source of plant based iron which is particularly important for supporting energy in the body. There are so many tahinis on the market and I really find they all taste different! This one is one of my favourites out there as it's light in flavour and colour and works really well as a dressing.
  • Slim Wine
    Rosé 500


    Jenna Hope

    This may seem like a strange one coming from a nutritionist, but I really believe that eating a healthy balanced diet is all about moderation. I personally really enjoy a glass of wine on a Friday night or the weekend and I don't feel that I'm any less healthy by doing so!

    Opting for dry wines is a great way to reduce your sugar consumption as dry wines are much lower in sugar. This rose is very low sugar and it's crisp and refreshing, hence why it's my go to drink! I hope you enjoy it as much as I do!

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