Buy Local: Here Are 17 Pantry and Fridge Staples Made in Vancouver

I love cooking—at least, that’s what I tell myself because going to restaurants for every single meal is generally frowned upon and also would financially devastate me. I make breakfast, lunch and dinner at home most days, and when I get in a bit of a recipe rut, I do the classic wander-around for inspiration: check the fridge, check the pantry, repeat. Luckily, my kitchen is always stocked with sauces, condiments, spices and more that are made in Vancouver.

To build this list, I combined my go-tos with reccos from foodie friends. There’s never been a better time to buy (and eat) local: here are the best fridge and pantry staples to inspire your next home-cooked meal.

17 Fridge and Pantry Staples That Are Made in Vancouver

1. Holy Duck Chili Oil

I actually officially ran out of this two days ago, so it was already top of mind, but Holy Duck Chili Oil (an honourable mention in our 2022 Made in Vancouver Awards) was also a common suggestion in my Instagram DMs—proof that this daring, crunchy flavour bomb is a not-so-secret weapon in many Vancouverite’s fridges. I use it on eggs, in stir frys and in pasta. $20, holyduckchili.shop

2. Mrs. Lee’s Kimchi

This usual suspect at Farmer’s Markets is a star on fried rice, in savoury pancakes and tacos. Like most kimchi, it’s also vegan. $15, mslees.com

3. Tocha Yuzu

When I read “yuzu” on a menu, I’m sold—whether that’s ice cream, a cocktail or a savoury dish. I can’t say that I have the fruit handy at home, though, so this yuzu sauce from Tocha should do the trick for a citrus-y kick (the local team recommends it for salads, poke bowls and rice-based dishes). $12, tochafoods.com

4. Spread ‘Em Kitchen Applewood Smoked “Cheese”

There are plenty of dairy alternatives out there that, to be blunt, suck. This isn’t one of them. It’s a creamy, smoky cashew “cheese” that’s super versatile: I’ve had it on sandwiches, pizza and spread on crackers. $11, spreademkitchen.com

5. Klippers’ Heirloom Tomato Ketchup

Klippers Organic Acres is technically based in the Okanagan, but as an alumn of our Restaurant Awards and a regular vendor at local Farmer’s Markets, I felt like it was an appropriate addition. This organic farm’s heirloom tomato ketchup will make you swear off any supermarket brand—try it on hot dogs, burgers, fries and more. $10, shopklippers.ca

6. Sriracha Revolver’s Jalapeño Ginger Sriracha

This Indigenous-owned company is a local hot sauce legend. Sriracha Revolver’s lineup of flavours include chili garlic, habanero and mango. My fave for noodles, nachos and more is the jalapeño ginger. From $10, sriracharevolver.ca

7. Bone Broth from Shorba

Bone broth is really in the spotlight on social media right now, but the maker of Shorba Bone Broth has been making this protein-packed staple since long before it was all over TikTok. Drink it solo or use it to bulk up your favourite soup recipe. $14, shorbabrothbar.com

8. Hobbs’ Honey Mustard Pickles

If you’ve ever had the pleasure of visiting the Hobbs stand at the Granville Island Market, you’ve probably tried these. According to the vendor (who is very happy to give you approximately 15 different samples), honey mustard is the most popular flavour. They’re a 2-in-1 hack for hot dogs and hamburgers, or a simple snack all by themselves. From $10, hobbspickles.com

9. Tradish’s Blueberry Lavendar Jam

When you’re looking for something a little fancier than your classic strawberry spread, reach for this blueberry lavendar jam from Tradish. The Indigenous-owned company is based in Fort Langley (okay, it’s not in Vancouver, sue us!) and also offers raspberry dandelion, blackberry sage and chamomile pear jam. $20, tradishcanada.ca

10. Shio Koji from Vankoji Foods

Instead of adding salt to your marinades, sauces, soups and brines, consider shio koji paste. It’s got the same, well, saltiness as salt does, but is more complex (according to Vankoji, “the live cultures within the seasoning activate the ingredients you put them on”) and, even better, it’s made in Vancouver. $12, vankoji.com

11. Thai Coconut Green Curry Hummus from BobAli

Citrusy, spicy and versatile, this hummus from BobAli (another regular at Farmer’s Markets) usually doesn’t last long. That’s not because it goes bad quickly, but because you’ll run out quickly: expect your household to use it generously on falafel and as a dip for veggies and chips. $9, bobalifoods.com

12. Hot Miso Chili Sauce from Ogojo Jan

This chili sauce comes from an organization that supports Japanese women who have immigrated to Canada (Ogojo hosts workshops and classes in addition to making this kickass sauce). Have it on your avocado toast, in fried rice or even on popcorn. $16, ogojojanchili.com

13. The Indian Pantry’s Vindaloo Simmering Sauce

Cooking Indian cuisine the traditional way is a time-consuming art, but the team at the Indian Pantry have created a pretty sweet shortcut: for example, their Goan Vindaloo simmering sauce, made with tomato, red chili and vinegar, requires just the addition of protein, some veggies and water. Then, simmer and serve. $10, theindianpantrycatering.com

14. Granville Island Spice Co.’s Shichimi Togarashi

Give rice, noodles, eggs and french fries a boost with this togarashi from Granville Island Spice Co. It’s made with three kinds of chilies, orange peel, ginger, nori and sesame seeds (seven flavours—”shichi” is seven in Japanese). $13, granvilleislandspiceco.com

15. Mẹ’s Chilli Fish Sauce from Anh and Chi

This sauce from Anh and Chi won an award from Vanmag several years ago, but I’m not tired of talking about it—it’s the perfect way to bring this beloved family restaurant home to your own fam. It’s great on veggies (and a cheeky little dip for the occasional chicken nugget, too). $15, anhandchi.com

16. Mumgry’s  Pistachio Chocolate Almond Butter

When I asked for made-in-Vancouver staples on social media, suggestions of Mumgry made me think of my own mom—and how annoying it is when she asks me to do something that I was going to do anyway. Of course I was going to include this local nut butter celeb on my list. The pistachio chocolate almond butter is what dreams are made of. $20, mumgry.com

17. XO Sauce from Ah Nui

Instant noodles, tofu, mac and cheese and even waffles (recipe here!) can get a spicy kick with Vancouverite Renée Chan’s plant-based XO sauce. Usually XO is made with dried seafood, but no animals were harmed in the making of this sauce—instead, clever ingredients like seaweed, wood ear mushrooms and dates are used so it’s all flavour, no fish. $16, ahnui.com