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The Best Locally-Made Pantry Staples in Toronto
Written By
Posted Jan 22, 2021
The Best Locally-Made Pantry Staples in Toronto
Written By
Posted Jan 22, 2021
The best locally-made pantry staples can help you fulfill your COVID cooking dreams. Especially since COVID's biggest lesson so far, apart from the incomparable value of masks and hand-washing, is that a well-stocked pantry is a culinary lifesaver.
Before our first lockdown, when we lived in ignorant bliss, sparing no thought for our next bag of coffee or flour, jar of jam or pound of pasta, we didn't realize how essential these items would soon be. Practically cut off from our restaurant lifelines, we dove deep into our cupboards, scrutinizing contents to solve the daily dinner riddle. Coming up for air, we realized that not being prepared, just like the boy scouts warned, meant interminable days of mediocre meals.
Happily, we live in a cosmopolitan city, bursting with artisans and top-notch food purveyors. We're blessed with some of the best pantry products money can buy, made right here at home. When you long to jolt your deprived tastebuds back into service, look no further than the best locally-made pantry staples Toronto has to offer. From kimchi and crackers to nut butter and tortillas, give these products space in your home and you'll soon wonder how you ever lived without them.
Tortillas From Maizal Tortillería
Made from locally-grown maize, Maizal's tortillas are Toronto's best.
Tortillas From Maizal Tortillería
Made from locally-grown maize, Maizal's tortillas are Toronto's best.
Tea From Pluck Teas
Soothe body and soul with one of Pluck Teas locally-made tea blends.
Tea From Pluck Teas
Soothe body and soul with one of Pluck Teas locally-made tea blends.
Spices From The Spice Trader
Blended in small batches, The Spice Trader's über-fresh spice blends give dishes an exhilarating pop of flavour.
Spices From The Spice Trader
Blended in small batches, The Spice Trader's über-fresh spice blends give dishes an exhilarating pop of flavour.
Sourdough From Blackbird Baking Company
Up your toast game with a steady supply of sourdough from Blackbird Baking Company.
Sourdough From Blackbird Baking Company
Up your toast game with a steady supply of sourdough from Blackbird Baking Company.
Snacks From Toronto Popcorn Company
Whether your cravings lean salty or sweet, the Toronto Popcorn Company has the snacks to keep you going.
Snacks From Toronto Popcorn Company
Whether your cravings lean salty or sweet, the Toronto Popcorn Company has the snacks to keep you going.
Pickles From Alchemy Pickle Company
Wake up any meal with an array of pickles and condiments from Alchemy Pickle Company.
Pickles From Alchemy Pickle Company
Wake up any meal with an array of pickles and condiments from Alchemy Pickle Company.
Pasta Sauce From Forno Cultura
Keep Forno Cultura's supernal sauces on hand and dinnertime stress will all but disappear.
Pasta Sauce From Forno Cultura
Keep Forno Cultura's supernal sauces on hand and dinnertime stress will all but disappear.
Pasta From Famiglia Baldassarre
Eat your noodles from Famiglia Baldassarre fresh or store them in the freezer so you're ready whenever hunger strikes.
Pasta From Famiglia Baldassarre
Eat your noodles from Famiglia Baldassarre fresh or store them in the freezer so you're ready whenever hunger strikes.
Nut Butter From The Roasted Nut
The Roasted Nut has 10 types of nut butter, from almond and pecan to white chocolate pistachio, to help make every day delicious.
Nut Butter From The Roasted Nut
The Roasted Nut has 10 types of nut butter, from almond and pecan to white chocolate pistachio, to help make every day delicious.
Mustard From Kozlik’s Mustard
Go savoury, sweet or spicy with locally-made mustard from Kozlik's.
Mustard From Kozlik’s Mustard
Go savoury, sweet or spicy with locally-made mustard from Kozlik's.
Kombucha From Greenhouse Juice
Dry January, or not, kombucha from Greenhouse Juice will help keep your gut health in check.
Kombucha From Greenhouse Juice
Dry January, or not, kombucha from Greenhouse Juice will help keep your gut health in check.
Kimchi From Kimchi Korea House
With eggs, stir-fry, rice bowls and more, there are few condiments better than Mama Lee's kimchi.
Kimchi From Kimchi Korea House
With eggs, stir-fry, rice bowls and more, there are few condiments better than Mama Lee's kimchi.
Jam From Kitten and the Bear
Keep quarantine interesting with a flurry of jam flavours from Kitten and the Bear.
Jam From Kitten and the Bear
Keep quarantine interesting with a flurry of jam flavours from Kitten and the Bear.
Hot Sauce From Mado
Not for the faint of heart, Mado's has a cult following for good reason.
Hot Sauce From Mado
Not for the faint of heart, Mado's has a cult following for good reason.
Honey From Bee Local 416
Sweeten your lockdown, and beyond, with local honey from Bee Local 416.
Honey From Bee Local 416
Sweeten your lockdown, and beyond, with local honey from Bee Local 416.
Granola From Mabel's Bakery
Mabel's granola is so good you'll want to eat it all day long.
Granola From Mabel's Bakery
Mabel's granola is so good you'll want to eat it all day long.
Flour From Brodflour
Boost your pandemic baking projects with fresh-milled flours from Brodflour.
Flour From Brodflour
Boost your pandemic baking projects with fresh-milled flours from Brodflour.
Curry Seasoning Kit From Jaswant's Kitchen
Make your best curry yet with help from an authentic curry mix from Jaswant's Kitchen.
Curry Seasoning Kit From Jaswant's Kitchen
Make your best curry yet with help from an authentic curry mix from Jaswant's Kitchen.
Crackers From Evelyn's Crackers
Whether your cheese board is for one or a few, Evelyn's Crackers will make it sing.
Crackers From Evelyn's Crackers
Whether your cheese board is for one or a few, Evelyn's Crackers will make it sing.
Coffee From Pilot Coffee Roasters
Prep for your morning caffeination with locally roasted beans from Pilot Coffee Roasters.
Coffee From Pilot Coffee Roasters
Prep for your morning caffeination with locally roasted beans from Pilot Coffee Roasters.
Chocolate From SOMA
From chocolate to snack on, to drink, cook with or swoon over, Soma has all your sweet needs met with a slew of treats perfect for squirrelling away.
Chocolate From SOMA
From chocolate to snack on, to drink, cook with or swoon over, Soma has all your sweet needs met with a slew of treats perfect for squirrelling away.
Chili Oil From Okazu
Okazu Spicy Chili Miso sauce, along with the company's other options, is a favourite garnish and marinade.
Chili Oil From Okazu
Okazu Spicy Chili Miso sauce, along with the company's other options, is a favourite garnish and marinade.