RESOURCES

Let's Stock Your Plant-Based Kitchen!

Setting Up Your Plant-Based Kitchen

Welcome to the Choosing My Health Resources page, a curated list of personally tested products I use in my plant-based kitchen (minus a few on my wish list). Some are kitchen staples (can’t live without them) and others I use occasionally. I recommend them because I find value in them. Please note that you don’t need to purchase all of these items at once. I collected these items over many years on this journey, and will continue to add to my pantry (and to this page) as needed.

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Should you choose to purchase from one of these affiliate links, I’ll earn a small commission, and you’ll have my most sincere thanks! There is no additional cost to you. Please don’t spend any money on these products unless you feel you need them or that they will help you set up your plant-based kitchen. You can read my full affiliate disclosure here.

Products I Use

Many have asked what products I use to help boost my health, and kitchen tools I use for efficiency. So here, you’ll find a little of everything from versatile food items to quality vitamins and supplements, to practical kitchen tools and appliances. These resource links are for educational purposes and should not substitute professional medical advice.

Some grocery stores carry many of the food items listed but some are limited in product offerings so I hope you find this list of direct purchase links convenient and helpful. Though not an exhaustive list, this guide is sure to help get your plant-based kitchen needs on the right track!

In addition, you’ll find links to products used for the CMH photo/video setup. 

PLANT-BASED FOODS

Nuts & Seeds

Flaxseed Meal

Flaxseeds provide a whopping amount of omega-3 fatty acids–a fabulous egg replacer for baking, and a nutrition booster in smoothies.

Chia Seeds

Tiny and mighty! An excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants and minerals. Great for chia seed pudding.

Sesame Seeds

A good source of B vitamins and anti-aging. Nice in smoothies, and Asian cuisine recipes.

Pumpkin Seeds

Pumpkin seeds provide omega-3, omega 6, iron, magnesium and zinc. Love them in salads.

Sunflower Seeds

Rich in B vitamins and magnesium, sunflower seeds are versatile and add a nice crunch to salads.

Hemp Seeds

High in protein! And perfect in a smoothie bowl.

Cashews

A powerhouse of vitamins and minerals, this creamy nut is a must for amazing plant-based cheese sauces!

Raw Organic Walnuts

The omega-3 king! I eat a few everyday.

Raw Pecans

High in Vitamin E, I love mixing pecans into pie crusts, bars, and nut loaf.

Unsweetened Shredded Coconut

Coconut is uber healthy, super versatile, and a delicious treat! I always go for unsweetened.

Unsweetened Shredded Coconut (larger bag)

This is a larger bag for the coconut lovers.

Creamed Coconut

Excellent for bakes, frozen pies and nice cream (also known as banana ice cream).

White Quinoa

Quinoa is a gluten-free grain-like seed, that’s high in protein, contains all 9 essential amino acids, and is super versatile.

Tri Blend Quinoa

Tri blend quinoa contains white, black and red quinoa for a healthy, colorful dish.

Organic Carob Powder

Organic Carob Powder

Carob is a highly nutritious, non-caffeine-free alternative to chocolate.

Legumes

Red Lentils

Red lentils are uber nutritious and they’re commonly used in Indian cuisine for amazingly delicious curries.

Green Lentils

High in folate and protein, lentils cook super fast and make wonderful soups, lentil loafs, and more. Always smart to have lentils on hand.

Black Lentils

Full bodied and closer to a black bean, they’re considered the most nutritious variety of lentils, and used in many cuisines.

Garbanzo Beans/Chickpeas

Super versatile, and protein packed. Perfect buttery texture for hummus lovers! They also make a lovely snack when roasted. Non-GMO and non-irradiated, making them healthier than an average non-organic option.

Green Split Peas

Scrumptious split pea soup anyone? These peas are non-GMO and non-irradiated, making them healthier than an average non-organic option.

Pastas

Brown Rice Pasta Spirals

Love using brown rice pasta for pasta dishes! Also gluten-free.

Chickpea Pasta - Penne

Banza makes a variety of pasta shapes  out of chickpeas for an extra boost of protein! Check out their angel hair pasta for spaghetti night 😉 

Chickpea Pasta - Elbows

Chickpea elbows for plant based mac & cheese, please!

Grains

Millet

Relatively high in protein, millet is an excellent gluten-free grain for breakfast porridges, soups, and dense whole grain breads.

Buckwheat

Buckwheat is a gluten-free, grain-like seed that’s wonderful for breakfast porridges, and a rice alternative. I use it in some granola recipes.

Hulless Barley

A super nutritious gluten-free grain that tastes great as a hot porridge and in soups.

Organic Gluten Free Oats

Amongst hot porridge, and oatmeal cookies, oats can also serve as a binder in many veggie burger recipes.

Organic Gluten Free Steel Cut Oats

If you enjoy steel cut oats, you’ll find this gluten-free option pleasing.

Flours & Baking

Gluten Free Baking Flour

I like this GF blend for pancakes and waffles—also for baking. 

Chickpea Flour

Packing tons of nutrition, I use chickpea flour to make chickpea pancakes/ omelettes, quiches, and more. Excellent grain-free flour alternative.

Cassava Flour

In some circles, it’s called the “Holy Grail” of gluten-free flours because it’s highly nutritious, allergy friendly and can easily replace wheat flour.

Teff Flour

Teff is a small gluten-free grain high in nutritional benefits–including loads of fiber. It’s a wonderful alternative to wheat. I use it to make pancakes, cookies, or pie crusts.

Almond Flour

Excellent grain-free flour with a sweet tinge, perfect for breads, crusts, and cookies.

Coconut Flour

Low in carbs and high in protein. I like to mix this into my flour blends.

Brown Rice Flour

Gluten-free, very versatile, and easily used to replace wheat flour in recipes.

Sweeteners

Date Syrup

Date syrup is the perfect syrup for pancakes and waffles–and just happens to taste good on everything else, too! I love that it’s low glycemic. 

Other Food Items

Agar Agar

I use this as a thickener to make block cheese I later shred, or slice for sandwiches 😉

Himalyan Salt

A naturally pink rock salt sourced near the Himalayas in Pakistan. Slightly saltier in taste than table salt, so you don’t need as much–so less sodium! Also less artificial than table salt.

Indian Black Salt

Sourced from mines in South Asia, black salt has a pungent, sulfurous smell, and tastes similar to hard boiled eggs. Awesome in chickpea scrambled eggs.

Tahini

Tahini paste is made from sesame seeds, used a lot in Mediterranean cuisine, and makes great salad dressings and falafels.

Coconut Aminos

A nutritious alternative to soy sauce, except sweeter. Excellent in Asian inspired dishes, sauces, and more.

Nutritional Yeast Flakes

Nutritional Yeast is full of vitamins and minerals, with a nutty/cheesy-like flavor. It’s the star in many plant-based cheese recipes. A must!

Turmeric Powder

Powerful anti-inflammatory seasoning with potent medicinal properties. Awesome for making golden milk.

Bean Cereal

If you’re gluten free and allergic to nuts, this is an excellent cereal option made with beans.

That's It - Apple Strawberry

Nutritious fruit bar with minimal ingredients. 

Cacao Butter

Cacao butter (also known as food-grade cocoa butter) is a nutrient-rich ingredient used to make chocolate and is caffeine-free. I use it to make homemade carob/chocolate chips and top them on ice cream, oats, brownies, or use in any recipe that calls for chocolate.

Medjool Dates

Medjool dates are plump and moist–the perfect sweetener for just about anything. The uses are endless. Also low-glycemic.

Tapioca Starch

I use this for thickening sauces and making vegan mozzarella cheese. It’s also used in baking.

VITAMINS & SUPPLEMENTS

Hemp Protein Powder

Hemp is an amazing complete protein, containing all 9 essential amino acids. Hemp seeds are grounded to make hemp protein powder. This one is free from fillers, and I use it in my morning/post workout smoothies.

Spirulina Powder

Powerful antioxidant with anti-inflammatory properties. Awesome for smoothies.

Maca Powder

Super energy here we go! Loads of health benefits. Nutrition booster in smoothies. 

Buffered Vitamin C

Very helpful for immune health, and an important antioxidant in the body.

Vitamin B-12

Essential! B12 helps keep your nerve and blood cells healthy. To avoid B12 deficiency on a plant-based diet, I supplement. This sublingual spray works well for children, too.

Vitamin D

Vitamin D is a common deficiency, even with daily sun exposure. To fix this, I supplement. Maintaining healthy Vitamin D levels is critical, especially in the winter.

Probiotics

One of the best probiotics I’ve found for digestive health and overall improved wellness.

Magnesium

I use this after workouts, or for better rest.

Mary Ruth Organics Liquid Multi Vitamin

Liquid Multivitamin

This is one of my kids favorite multivitamins. We use the strawberry, but it also comes in other flavors too. Of course, it’s vegan AND sugar free.

B Complex

This Vegan Vitamin B Complex is great for hair, skin, nails, and energy. It is sublingual, which makes it easier for your body to absorb. I love the tart cherry flavor and I get my B12 too!

Multivitamin

Excellent multivitamin, made with organic whole-foods, with no chemical solvents.

Trace Mineral Drops

Helps you maintain healthy energy levels while providing the body with the minerals it needs to function optimally.

Mary Ruth Organics Liquid Multi Vitamin

Floradix Liquid Iron and Vitamin

Floradix is a natural liquid iron supplement with natural herbal extracts and fruit juices.

Mary Ruth Organics Liquid Multi Vitamin

Prenatal & Postnatal Liquid Iron

An easy-to-take liquid iron supplement–perfect for pregnancy.

Mary Ruth Organics Liquid Multi Vitamin

Prenatal & Postnatal Liquid Vitamin

An easy-to-take liquid multi-vitamin to support your pregnanacy needs. Tastes great too!

Liquid Chlorophyll

Amazing for healthy liver function, skin health, blood health, and decreases body odor!

Mary Ruth Organics Liquid Multi Vitamin

Liquid Vitamin C Liposomal

 

Liposomal form of vitamin c for enhanced absorption.

Mary Ruth Organics Liquid Multi Vitamin

Potassium Iodine Liquid Drops

Key supplement as the body does not  produce iodine naturally, and is often lacking in those on a vegan/ vegetarian diet.

SMALL KITCHEN APPLIANCES

Vitamix Blender

My best friend in the kitchen! Smoothies, baby food, soups, flours, ice-cream, and more! If you’re considering taking your kitchen skills to the next level, this is an awesome investment. 

Small/On-The-Go Blender

The containers for the NutriBullet work great to prep smoothies overnight, and blend in the morning. Perfect for on-the-go. 

Juicer

I love juicing! This centrifugal juicer has worked perfectly for my fresh green juices, and 3-day reboot juice fasts. If you want speedy health at your finger tips, invest in a juicer! 

Juicer

Interested in getting the highest nutrient density out of your fresh juices? A masticating juicer is the way to go!

Food Processor

Chop, slice and shred! Also great for whipping up some taco meat, veggie patties…even purees. A kitchen staple.

Belgium Waffle Maker

This waffle maker is more dear to the kiddos than you’d imagine. I love that it’s non-stick, evenly spreads waffle batter, and stores easily.

Instant Pot

One of my favs! Changed my life (no joke)! This bestselling, multi-functional kitchen machine pressure cooks, slow cooks, sterilizes, makes rice, yogurt, and more. If you want to up your chef skills and cut your cooking time in half, consider investing in one of these.

Kitchen Aid Stand Mixer

A dear Christmas gift a few years back, and a wonderful addition to my kitchen. Pizza crust game changer! Baking boss!

Immersion Blender

If you love to make soup purees, then you’ll love the immersion blender for convenient one-pot/one-dish cooking. 

Blender

A powerful blender that can replace up to 8 kitchen appliances, including the food processor.

Convection Oven

I love this convection oven because it has tons of features and is super affordable as far as these products go. Plus, it’s super sleek and easy to operate.

KITCHEN TOOLS & ACCESSORIES

Pots & Accessories

Cast Iron Stove Top Grill

Love this! I use it to grill veggies and even fruit. Grilled peppers, pinapple slices, zucchini…the options are limitless.

Zester

Lemon zest will finish the right dish to perfection! Certainly adds the pop when I need it.

Vegetable Peeler

In case you need a good one, here you go!

Stainless Steel Colander

 

I love this colander. It’s easy to use and clean, and the handles make it easy for draining into other containers or the sink.

 

 

 

4-Quart Covered Casserole CorningWare

CorningWare dishes are great because they can be used from the oven to the table to the fridge. This large size is perfect for casseroles.

Round CorningWare Set–10-Piece

A variety of sizes makes this set desired and lid options help with storage. I’ve had my set for almost 10 years, and use them all the time.

Fine Mesh Strainers

Filter small particles out of your sauces or use to sift flour for baking. I also use these when straining fresh herb teas. 

Mixing Bowls with Lids

Stainless-steel mixing bowls are non-toxic, lightweight and durable.

Glass Mixing Bowls with Lids

Glass mixing bowls are non-toxic and a must in any kitchen. Covers make these practical for food storage.

Garlic Press

Super handy in the kitchen to get that garlic prepped and ready. I like to pound it but when I’m in a rush, this is my go-to.

Cooling Racks

Just another kitchen tool that makes baking especially easy. Cool cookies in no time with these handy sheet.

Berkey Water Filter

The Berkey is a superior filter system scientifically tested and proven to remove chemicals and bacteria to levels higher than 99.9%, while still leaving in essential minerals your body needs. We have the big Berkey for our family of four, which we’ve outgrown. I’m saving up to get the Crown Berkey.

Other Kitchen Items

Parchment Baking Paper

Non-bleached, parchment paper for all your baking needs.

FroZip

Turn smoothies into ice popsicles! Loads of healthy fun for the kids.

PHOTO & VIDEO EQUIPMENT

Manfrotto Tripod

Sturdy, Strong, and never slips!

JOBY GorillaPod

This flexible tripod works great to get in tight corners and odd angles.

Manfrotto Joystick

Use to find the Perfect angle with ease.

C Stand with Boom Arm

Mount various equipment, tools, and cameras for overhead shots.

Rode Go Microphone

I use this to capture sound on the go.

Rode Mic

I use this mic for great sound capture quality.

Manfrotto Converter Plate

Helpful when mounting various tools on tripod.

Canon 5D Mark IV

My best friend in the studio.

Gimbal

Allows the camera to rotate smoothly to capture those beautiful pans.

Soft Boxes

Soft yet powerful lighting distributed evenly over subject.

LED Video Light and Stand Kit

Great lighting is an absolute must! Sometimes filming happens at unplanned hours and we can use all the lighting we can get.

Ring Light

Delivers an even distribution of light especially when filming a human subject.

Sigma 105mm Lens

One of my favorite lenses for that focused, close-up look close and awesome apperture.

Canon EF 50mm Lens f/1.8

Known as the nifty fifty, this is an all-around lens, great for photo and video.

Canon EF 50mm Lens f/1.4

This is an all-around lens, great for photo and video.

Canon Extension Tube

I use this with my 50mm lenses to capture macro shots. It’s a great (and less expensive) alternative to buying another lens.

55mm UV Protection Filter

Lenses cost. Protecting them is a must. I’ve had food of every color splash onto my lens. Thankfully, this filter took the hit.

Three Game-Changers I Wish I Knew

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