Shopping for foodstuffs is a really personal and one-of-a-kind experience in Nigeria and beyond. No two shopping lists are alike. People alter and adjust their eating choices to meet their needs and settings. But where do you start if you’ve never created a grocery list before? So, here’s a basic foodstuffs shopping list to get you started in Nigeria on your own.
Overview
Shopping for food is a personal and unforgettable experience. There are no two shopping lists that are the same. People change and adapt their diets to meet their specific demands and situations. But where do you begin if you’ve never made a grocery list before? So, here’s a quick grocery shopping list to get you started.
It’s convenient to have a list with you when you go grocery shopping, but this household and raw food list makes it much easier.
Nigerian staple foods and components are available in a variety of flavors and smells. People regularly seek the basic ingredients of Nigerian dishes, particularly those visiting overseas or looking for a list of Nigerian foodstuffs.
The following is a list of the most often purchased foodstuffs in Nigeria today.
List of FoodStuffs in Nigeria
We took it upon ourselves to compose this post to improve the problem. We will give you a list of fundamental foodstuffs common in Nigeria. Why limit yourself to simple foodstuffs? We can only present a list of fundamental foodstuffs because there are so many in Nigeria that listing them all would be difficult.
#1. Palm Oil
Palm oil is the primary coloring agent in the majority of Nigerian meals. There is no home that does not have a bottle of palm oil. Palm oil is a key element in all Nigerian soups. That makes it the most popular domestically produced Nigerian cuisine.
#2. Food Sweeteners/ Seasoning Cubes
In Nigeria, there are hundreds of different brands of seasoning/stock cubes. Because they are used to sweeten foods, they are classified as food sweeteners. Almost no recipe is complete without a seasoning cube. There are numerous brands and tastes to choose from. Make an informed decision.
#3. Crayfish
Crayfish is a common element in Nigerian cuisine. There isn’t much soup without crayfish. It gives Nigerian soups and stews a savory flavor and scent.
#4. Dried Fish
This is dried catfish, which is commonly referred to as dried fish. It is a popular Nigerian cuisine that is used in most Nigerian soups, stews, and sauces. Aside from catfish, any fish can be cured.
#5. Egusi (Melon) Seeds
Because egusi soup is the most famous Nigerian soup, it is only natural that the main ingredient is also well-known among Nigerians. Egusi seeds are crushed and used to thicken soups.
#6. Ogbono Seeds
Ogbono seeds are used to make ogbono soup. They are now a permanent fixture in my pantry. Almost no Nigerian does not consume ogbono soup.
#7. Yams
Yams are widely consumed in Nigeria. It is a common staple in Nigeria. Every year, billions of yam tubers are grown in Nigeria and sold between August and December.
Many people throughout the country enjoy and consume yam. The meal can be consumed on its own or utilized to prepare a variety of cuisines. These are the dishes: Iyan, Amala, Asaro, and Ikokore. Yam is a good source of carbohydrates, and it is also good for people who need a lot of energy for their daily tasks. Yam can be eaten with a fried egg, soup, stew, cooking oil, and other ingredients.
As you move from one ethnic group to another in Nigeria, different yam dishes abound. As a result, it merits a permanent spot on this list of Nigerian foodstuffs and ingredients.
#8. Goat Meat
This is goat meat, one of many types of meat eaten in Nigeria. Meat is a key element in Nigerian cuisine.
Meat is the foundation of Nigerian soups, stews, and sauces. In Nigeria, we have goat meat, cow meat, chicken meat, and so on.
#9. Tomatoes & Peppers
Tomatoes and peppers are common foodstuffs in Nigeria. Peppers can be used for almost anything. Peppers (chilies) are an essential element in soups, stews, and even snack foods.
Tomatoes can also be used in soups, stews, and other dishes. It is an essential component of the Jollof Rice recipe.
#10. Garri
Garri is another traditional Nigerian meal prepared from cassava that can be preserved for an extended period of time. It can be used to make Eba or soaked in water for a quick lunch. Garri is neither expensive nor inexpensive, yet it is an excellent source of carbs. Nigerian soups are served with eba, a famous Nigerian swallow.
#11. Nigerian ingredients & Spices
There are numerous native spices used in Nigerian cookery. Bay leaves, dried onions, thyme, Seasoning cubes, Maggi, Ehur, uda, Uziza, yellow pepper, curry powder, and shallots are among the ingredients.
#12. Stockfish Head
Stockfish is a common element in Nigerian food, particularly soups. You may also use the stockfish head in most of the soup recipes on this blog. They can also be used to make ofe akwu and porridge beans.
#13. Assorted Meats
A dish devoid of meat is almost always incomplete. Meat is an essential component of Nigerian cuisine. In Nigeria, almost every dish has either meat or fish. In Nigeria, we eat meat from many animals, with cow meat being the most common. There’s chicken, goat meat, and a variety of other options. Red meat, white meat, Suya, Tire, Kilishi, Balangu, and Nkwobi are all examples of meat.
#14. Cocoyam
In Nigeria, cocoyam is a significant element (food). While other ingredients can fulfill the same function as cocoyam, it remains the most common soup thickening in Nigeria.
#15. Salt
Salt is never lacking in a Nigerian kitchen, and it is an essential ingredient in the preparation of cuisines all over the world.
#16. Palm fruit (Banga seeds)
Banga (palm fruits) are commonly used as colorants. Banga is used to make palm oil, which is utilized in Nigerian cooking. As a result, Banga is a popular Nigerian food.
#17. Vegetable Oil
Cooking and frying dishes are done with vegetable oil. Vegetable oil is used to make soups, stews, and sauces. In Nigeria, we have a wealth of options, such as olive oil, canola oil, and so on.
Cooking oil, whether palm oil or groundnut oil, is one of the fundamental foodstuffs required by a Nigerian. It will be required when the necessity to fry some goods arises. It is also required while making soup, fried rice, and other dishes.
#18. Vegetables
Nigerian foodstuffs include a plethora of nutritious veggies that are frequently utilized in Nigerian cooking. A large number of them are cultivated locally, with only a few imported. We have fluted pumpkins, water leaves, spinach, smell leaves, and many more types of leaves in Nigeria.
#19. Onions
In Nigeria, onions are a popular cuisine spice, and there are numerous health benefits to consuming them. We make soups, stews, and oatmeal with them.
#20. Potatoes
Potatoes are popular foods in Nigeria, and we have a few different varieties. We have red and white potatoes, as well as sweet potatoes and a few more.
#21. Dried prawn
Dried prawns, like crayfish, are utilized in Nigerian cuisine. They enhance the flavor and scent of dishes.
#22. Rice
Rice is a widely consumed food in the country. It is a staple cuisine for Nigerians throughout the country. Rice is a rather pricey food, yet it is high in carbs.It digests quickly, making it great for breakfast. This food can be used to prepare a variety of recipes. Coconut rice can be made by boiling rice with coconut milk. It can also be used to produce jollof rice, which is tomato and pepper rice. Fried rice, pate, tuwo masara, tuwo shinkafa, and white rice are some more rice-based foods.
#23. Beans
Beans are another important staple in the country. The dish is high in protein, however, it is relatively pricey, similar to rice. It also digests quickly. This meal can be used to make a variety of dishes, including Akara, Ewa Agoyin, Gbegiri, Moin moin, Ekuru, Kiyaru Batonu, and Okpa. Beans go well with rice, garri, bread, yam, maize, eko, eba, and other grains.
#24. Maize
Maize, like rice, beans, and yam, can be eaten alone or combined with other foods. Also, Maize can be used to make pap, a popular food among the elderly and the sick.
Nigerian Fruits
Just right after listing the basic spice and foodstuffs mostly used in Nigeria while cooking their dishes, let’s look at the top fruits they eat:
- Orange
- Banana
- Icheku, Awin, Black Velvet Tamarind
- Udara , Agbalumo (Yoruba), African Star Apple
- Avocado pear
- Carrots
- Garden Egg
- Uber (Pear)
- Paw-paw
- Pineapple
- Mango
- Soursop fruit
- Cucumber
- Watermelon / Golden melon
Dairy and Beverages – Foodstuff List
Under the dairy and beverages foodstuffs in Nigeria, we have:
- Tea
- Powdered milk
- Milk: – Tin Milk/Evaporated milk
- Eggs
- Soya milk
- coconut milk
- Yogurt /Yoghurt
- Cheese
- Butter / Margarine
- Cocoa powder
- Milo/Bournvita
- Coffee
- Soft drinks
- Soda
Canned Food
Under the canned food, there is:
- Tomato paste
- Peas (Green Peas)
- Sweet corn
- Sauce
- Baked Beans
- Sardine
Foodstuff Dressing Condiment
Some dressing condiments also used include:
- Sugar
- Ketchup
- Honey
- Mayonnaise
- vinegar
- peanut butter
- Jam
What are Basic Food Items in Nigeria?
Essential Nigerian Food Ingredients Include:
- Stock Cubes
- Salt
- Peppers
- Curry Powder
- Thyme
- Onions (Red or White)
- Palm Oil
- Vegetable Oil
What is the Most Consumed Food in Nigeria?
The Most Consumed Food In Nigeria include:
- Rice
- Yam
- Beans
- Noodles
- Pasta
- Garri
- Suya
- Akara
How Do I Start a Foodstuff Business?
How to Start Your Food Business Include:
- Make a solid Business Plan
- Secure your financing
- Choose your location
- Design the layout of your space
- Choose your suppliers
- Get your licenses and permits
- Start hiring your employees
- Advertise your business
What are the Types of Food?
The common types of foods include:
- Vegetables
- Fish and Seafood
- Dairy Foods
- Fruits
- Grains, Beans, and Nuts
- Meat and Poultry
What are The Top Most Popular Foods?
The Most Common Foods are:
- Potato Chips
- Chicken Tenders
- Soft Drinks/Soda
- Pizza
- Oreo Cookies
- French Fries
- Donuts
- Ice Cream
What is the Most Popular Grocery Item?
Soda – Like it or not, soda is at the top of practically every “most commonly purchased grocery store item” list. This could be due to the fact that soda is frequently on sale and placed in the front of the store to entice customers.
Conclusion
Nigerian foodstuffs and ingredients are unique to Nigerians, and while many of them exist in various species in other nations, our recipes differ. Many individuals struggle to identify Nigerian goods and ingredients; I hope this post alleviates that tension.
Please use the comment box below if you have any questions.
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