A nutrition expert has identified a selection of Australian-made pantry staples that stand out for their outstanding nutritional attributes. These products, ranging from bread to pasta sauce, offer superior health benefits compared to many processed foods on supermarket shelves.
Among the top picks is a wholegrain bread with over 6g of dietary fibre per serve and a high proportion of seeds, providing good fats. Corn thins, made with just a couple of ingredients, are highlighted as a budget-friendly wholegrain option. Extra virgin olive oil, despite not receiving a 5-star health rating, is praised for its high antioxidant content and anti-inflammatory properties.
Other recommended products include a wholegrain muesli with no added sugar, a nut and seed spread rich in plant-based omega-3s, and crackers with an 86% wholegrain base. A wholegrain cereal that is 99% wholegrains with no added sugar also makes the list.
Convenient options like a quick-cook brown, red, and wild rice mix, a ready meal with wholegrains and protein, and a clean-label gravy with no additives or added sugar are noted. Legume-based pasta with extra protein and fibre, bone broth stock with low salt, and tomato passata rich in lycopene are also recommended.
The expert also emphasizes the value of fresh, seasonal Australian produce, suggesting fruits and vegetables like bananas, avocados, apples, asparagus, tomatoes, pumpkin, potatoes, lettuce, cucumbers, corn, carrots, and brussels sprouts as excellent choices for spring.
