In these uncertain times, you may find it somewhat overwhelming to try and organize your kitchen and stock it with low carb items. Any of the trips I have made to the grocery store lately I see people stocking up on higher carb, easy to grab items such as pasta, potatoes, beans and high carb/highly processed frozen food items. To avoid the urge to eat high carb foods we need a low carb friendly kitchen with an wide choice of healthy options. Out of site, out of mind.
Below is an extensive list of low carb items you should try and have on had. Some of the items also include a suggested shelf life for the fresh produce and dairy items that you can stock up on a bit to help lessen your trips to the grocery store and keep you safe.
Remember, if you’re at risk for blood-sugar lows, you’ll want to keep around some simple carbs like jelly beans, honey, jam, hard candies, and popsicles.
Low-carb Vegetables – opt for frozen if available
Cauliflower
Large, firm heads of cabbage, if you have room for them (stored in a plastic bag, these can keep a month or longer—just peel off the outer leaves)
Broccoli
Brussels sprouts
Asparagus
Green beans
Edamame
Low-carb Fruit – berries are hard to keep fresh as they only last for about a week. Try substituting
with frozen berries instead.
Raspberries
Blackberries
Strawberries
Canned or jarred vegetables
Green beans
Mushrooms
Artichoke hearts
Roasted peppers
Pickles (make sure these don’t have added sugar)
Kimchi and sauerkraut (these can last up to a year)
Tomatoes
Salsa
Meat and Entrées – buy a few packs and throw them in the freezer
Chicken, pork, ground beef, lamb, fish, and seafood
Hot dogs and sausages
Bacon
Essential Oils – avoid corn, soy, and canola oil
Coconut oil
Olive oil
Avocado oil
Low Carb Flours
Almond flour/meal
Coconut flour
Psyllium Husks
Ground flax
Low Carb Sweeteners
Stevia
Monk fruit
Low Carb Baking Ingredients
Unsweetened Cocao Powder
Cacao Nibs
Vanilla
Unsweetened baking chocolate
Sugar free chocolate chips
Xanthan gum
Low Carb Pantry Proteins
Broth
Nutritional yeast flakes
Low Carb Dairy and Alternatives
Butter (6 months)
Unopened hard cheese (2-4 months)
Tofu (about 2 months)
Plain yogurt (about 2 months)
Eggs (about a month)
Cream cheese
Full Fat heavy Cream
Unsweetened Almond, coconut and soy milk
Full fat heavy cream
Nuts and Seeds – watch the higher carb count nuts, like peanuts, pistachios, and especially cashews.
Almonds
Macadamia nuts
Pecans
Walnuts
Sunflower seeds
Pumpkin seeds
Hemp seeds
Chia seeds
Sesame seeds
Nut Butters – check ingredient labels and avoid any with added sugar
Peanut butter
Almond butter
Coconut butter
Macadamia nut butter
Sunflower seed butter
Tea and Coffee
Low Carb Condiments
Avocado oil mayonnaise
Fish sauce
Dijon mustard
Sugar-free ketchup
Sugar free BBQ sauce
Lemon juice
Lime juice
Curry paste
Balsamic vinegar
Apple cider vinegar
White wine vinegar
Red wine vinegar
Minced garlic in a jar
Herbs and spices
Italian seasoning
Dill
Oregano
Paprika
Chili powder
Ground cumin
Cayenne pepper
Ground ginger
Ground cinnamon
Garlic powder
Onion powder
Sea salt
Black pepper
Low Carb Snacks
Beef jerky
Crunchy snacks made of 100% cheese (eg. Moon Cheese and Whisps)
Pork rinds
Unsweetened coconut chips
Parmesan crisps
Flax seed crackers
Other Pantry Supplies
Grated Parmesan cheese
Diced tomatoes
Tomato paste
Sun-dried tomatoes
Canned tuna, salmon, ham and chicken
Split pea soup
Pumpkin
Tomato sauce
Sardines
Pitted Black Olives
Vegetable soup