Paging through an old cookbook, some ingredients pop up again and again. They're the ones you always have in your pantry, your mother always had in her pantry, your grandmother had in her pantry, and… you get the picture. We're so used to seeing them on our kitchen shelves that we often buy the same kinds over and over without stopping to consider alternatives. However, as we become more aware of what goes into our food—and into our bodies—it's time to give some of these products a second look to see if we can't find better options for ourselves and our families.
Fortunately, as brands become more aware of the need for real, natural foods, they're stepping up to provide organic alternatives to some of the most steadfast kitchen staples. Let's take a look at just a few of the new possibilities available—get ready to feel even better about that home-cooked meal!
OLIVE OIL
Whether stir-frying or sautéing, olive oil is a must-have in any kitchen. Now, you can get the organic olive oil you love with the convenience of a spray to boot! PAM® Organic Olive Oil has all the richness and flavor of pure, organic olive oil without the heavy bottles or greasy mess of a traditional pour top.
BUTTER
Butter, as they say, makes everything better. With its myriad uses—from going directly in a cookie recipe to coating a pan to topping your morning toast—it's worth finding a natural, organic alternative to this dairy staple. Earth Balance® Organic Whipped Buttery Spread acts just like regular butter, but it’s also organic, vegan, lactose-free, and non-GMO.
DICED TOMATOES
For salads, salsas, bruschetta, soups, pasta, omelets, and more, diced tomatoes are the jack-of-all-trades of vegetables (or fruits, if you want to get technical). Hunt's® Organic Diced Tomatoes have all the versatility of canned veggies, and they’re certifiably organic and non-GMO. There are lots of recipes where you can easily swap in Hunt’s Organic, from a veggie-packed California-Style Omelet to Mediterranean Chicken Pita Pockets for a light lunch. Try meal-prepping a big batch of Ghost Pepper Bison Chili with Quinoa for a nourishing and flavorful meal. On top of organic tomatoes, sub in Birds Eye® Steamfresh® Organic Super Sweet Corn for an extra wholesome touch.
DOWN-HOME DINNERS
If heirloom recipes are part of your family’s story, you’re no different than the Blakes, who have been using natural ingredients since 1929. Their treasure trove of small-batch, made-from-scratch organic meals—including pot pies, mac and cheeses, and more—shows that simple really is best, even in the freezer aisle.
Organic isn't just for fresh produce anymore. As we become more conscious of our food, where it comes from, and what goes into it, it's important that we don't overlook the basic ingredients we're using every day. Next time you're loading up your cart, be sure you're choosing staples you can feel good about. Mom and Grandma would be proud.
