Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just beginning to explore African cuisine, your pantry is the gateway to unforgettable meals. For many Africans living in the U.S., finding authentic ingredients that evoke the tastes of home can be a challenge, but not anymore. Today, African grocery stores like Abart Foods make it easy to stock your kitchen with trusted staples, delivered fast anywhere in the USA.
In this guide, we’ll walk through essential African pantry staples you should always have on hand, from garri and cassava flour to red palm oil and ready-made sauces. These ingredients are more than just food, they are part of our identity, culture, and memories.
1. Garri – The West African Powerhouse
No African pantry is complete without garri. Made from fermented and dried cassava, garri is a staple across West Africa, especially Nigeria, Ghana, and Sierra Leone. Whether soaked in cold water with sugar and milk, or used to make eba, it’s quick, filling, and highly versatile.
Where to buy it in the USA: Look for finely milled or coarse yellow and white garri in the Flours category on Abart Foods.
2. Cassava Flour – Gluten-Free and Indigenous
Cassava flour is a rising favorite, not just for Africans but also for those on gluten-free diets in the U.S. It’s used in making fufu, pancakes, and even low-carb pastries. Unlike many commercial brands, African cassava flour maintains its earthy flavor and elasticity.
Tip: Mix it with yam flour or plantain flour for a more balanced fufu.
3. Rice and Pasta – The Base of Countless Dishes
From jollof rice to fried rice, rice is a staple you simply can’t run out of. Long-grain parboiled rice, jasmine, and basmati are commonly used. African pasta, such as spaghetti for jollof or coconut pasta, is also increasingly stocked in African-American homes.
Recommended brands: Look for authentic African-labeled rice or U.S.-imported quality pasta blends.
4. Palm Oil and African Cooking Oils
Red palm oil gives African dishes their unmistakable taste and color. It’s essential in stews, soups, and beans. Rich in beta-carotene, it adds both nutrition and flavor depth.
Also stock up on: Peanut oil, groundnut oil, and vegetable oils used in African frying recipes.
5. Ready-to-Eat Sauces and Seasoning Mixes
Life gets busy, but that doesn’t mean you should skip flavor. Abart Foods offers ready-made sauces like Nigerian pepper sauce, tomato stew base, and African curry blends that make cooking a breeze. These are lifesavers for busy parents, students, or anyone craving that homemade taste in minutes.
6. Spices and Seasonings
The soul of African cuisine lies in its spices. Think crayfish powder, dried pepper, locust beans (iru), all-purpose seasoning, and stock cubes. These bring heat, aroma, and authenticity to every dish.
Tip: Buy in bulk or sealed containers to preserve freshness.
7. Olives, Pickled Vegetables and Flavor Enhancers
Though not traditional in all African cuisines, many North African and fusion dishes incorporate olives and pickled items. They add a tangy balance to rich, spicy foods.
Ready to restock your kitchen?
Browse the Pantry Essentials section on AbartFoods.com and bring the taste of home to your table today.