This list of raw food products is to help you decide what to buy on your raw food journey. For the love of Pete, you certainly do not need to buy everything on this page! Always try to buy products and foods locally when possible.

Raw Equipment:

• Blender

  Your blender is the most crucial part of being a raw vegan. Blenders are used to make smoothies, puddings, sauces, and much more. I recommend the VitaMix. It's the best blender you can get, it's large, but it isn't cheap! There is no alternative to a good blender. If you must, you can use a cheaper, personal blender but I guarantee that your existing blender will not blend as well and the motor will burn out over time. Don't feel bad if you can't afford one right away. But plan on buying a VitaMix at some point soon. At least put it on your Christmas list! READ MY BIG VITAMIX REVIEW HERE (AND GET FREE SHIPPING AND A GIFT FROM ME)

• Food Processor

  You need a blender and a food processor. This here is a great food processor, but you do not needsuch a good one. My honest recommendation is to use the food processor that you have at home. If you do not have a food processor then simply go to your local big box store and choose a medium priced food processor (perhaps in the $50 range). Invest any extra money into the VitaMix blender above, please!

   

• Spiralizer

  I don't even own a spiralizer, so please don't rush out and buy one. Spiralizers are perfect for making "noodles" out of zucchini and other squashes. Instead of a spiralizer, I tend to just use a carrot peeler and manually slice "noodles." However, the spiralizer obviously makes for much better presentation. This is a fun gadget, but not a must-have unless you care about presentation of your meals.

• Dehydrator

  However, if you are a raw fooder you will probably want a dehydrator at some point so that you can make crackers, cookies, fruit leather, veggie burgers and other raw goodies. I use my dehydrator about twice a month to make crackers and veggie burgers. The Excalibur dehydrator is the gold standard in dehydrators. The 9 tray modelis the most practical size.

   

• Cracker Spreader

  If you're buying a dehydrator I recommend picking up one of these cracker spreaders (also known as icing spreaders or palette knives) at the same time. Cracker spreaders are inexpensive and they make spreading crackers so much easier! You can also easily buy these cracker spreaderslocally at kitchen supply stores.

   

• Manual Juicer

  This little glass juicer is so handy. It's easy to clean and is a snap to use. I use it to juice lemons or oranges by hand quickly. I have used plastic versions of these manual juicers, but I definitely prefer glass, although they are more difficult to find.

   

Raw Ingredients:

• Chia Seeds

  Chia seeds are a must. Chia seeds are similar to tapioca and I use them all the time to make pudding and other desserts because they plump up so nicely and give you a nice gelatinous texture which is difficult to replicate. Raw food rule of thumb: always keep chia seedson hand in your pantry!

   

• Nutritional Yeast Flakes

  Nutritional yeast flakes lend a nice cheesy flavor when blender with creamy sauces made from cashews. I always keep nutritional yeast flakes on hand in case I want to make a raw cheese sauce or raw macaroni and cheese! Nutritional yeast flakes can sometimes be purchased in bulk or in containers. Check your local health food store for nutritional yeast flakes.

   

• Coconut Oil

  Coconut oil is something that is used sparingly to provide a fatty taste and texture. Coconut oil is found in a few select recipes, such as in raw chocolate bark. One container should last you quite a long time. Coconut oil is solid in cool temperatures and become a liquid in warmish temperatures so depending on the temperature it may resemble butter oroil. 

   

• Cacao Powder

  Cacao (cocoa) powder is a necessity in your raw food kitchen! It's used to make chocolatey recipes, which are crucial! If you are on a tight budget you could substitute non-raw cocoa powder from your local grocery store, but this raw cacaois the good stuff so use it if you can. Store and use it just like cocoa powder.

   

• Kelp Noodles

  Kelp noodles are so good. Please just buy one package of kelp noodles, make my raw alfredo sauce, eat them together and tell me whether I am lying! Yes, the packaging is ugly but they are so worth it! Kelp noodles basically have no taste. Kelp noodlesare made from sea vegetables but they do not taste like sea vegetables. They are an alternative to pasta!

   

• Tahini

  Tahini is simply pure sesame seeds that have been ground up. Once they're ground, they become similar to peanut butter, in that they are oily and spreadable. In fact, tahini is even oilier and creamier than peanut butter. I don't use tahini on its own. Rather, I use tahini to blend with other ingredients when I need a quick, creamy texture. I always keep a small jar of tahini on hand. It can be stored in the refrigerator or in your pantry, similar to peanut butter. You can usually find tahiniin your local health food store. Just ensure that it is raw.

   

• Nori Sheets

  Nori sheets are seaweed sheets. They are used to make "sushi" rolls. Store them in your pantry and be sure to keep them dry. Nori sheetskeep for a long time.

   

• Dulse

  Dulse is seaweed. Dulse has a very strong sea-vegetable flavor and is very salty. I store dulse in a tightly-sealed jar in my pantry. I use dulseto make "raw mock tuna" spread. Other than that I don't tend to use dulse very often. Some people add dulse to their salads.

   

• Cold-Pressed Olive Oil

  Cold-pressed extra virgin olive oil is something you'll always need to have on hand. It is an essential good fat! You can usually get cold-pressed olive oil in your local grocery or health food store. I use extra virgin cold-pressed olive oil(sometimes referred to as EVOO) frequently. For example, as part of a raw salad dressing. Do not be afraid of fats. If you are eating a 100% raw food diet then you need fats. You really do.

   

• Cacao Nibs

  Cacao nibs are the raw vegan substitute for chocolate chips! I don't use them very often because they are expensive, but they sure are delightful! I do not use any cacao nibs in very many of my recipes, but there are many recipes that you can use cacao nibsin--just like chocolate chips in the Standard American Diet (SAD) world.

   

• Nama Shoyu

  Nama shoyu is a raw vegan alternative to soy sauce or tamari. Some people use wheat free soy sauce or Braggs liquid aminos. The choice is yours. Store this soy sauce alternativein your pantry similar to your extra virgin cold-pressed olive oil.

   
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