The MIND Diet Kitchen

Does your kitchen need a bit of a MIND Diet makeover? Below are some products I recommend stocking in your kitchen to make MIND Diet cooking a breeze. This list is by no means exhaustive, but these are the items I reach for to make my family brain-boosting food on a daily and weekly basis. As you continue to explore brain-healthy cooking, your MIND Diet kitchen will become unique to you.

You do not have to go out and buy everything on this list all at once. In fact, that would be quite overwhelming! I recommend starting with the oils. You can use extra virgin olive oil for cold applications and low- to medium-heat cooking. Avocado oil is great for medium- to high-heat cooking, and anywhere you need a neutral flavor, such as baking. Basically, you can use avocado oil anywhere you would use canola/vegetable oil. After you replace your oils, find a few easy swaps you can make based on what you already eat, and go from there.

Buying in bulk will often save you money (but not always, be sure to do the math!) and will give you plenty to keep on hand. Having the MIND Diet essentials at your fingertips is the easiest way to stay on track.

The MIND Diet Kitchen Pantry

Oils

Whole grains

Dried legumes

  • Chickpeas
  • Black beans
  • Kidney beans
  • Red lentils

Beverages

  • Coffee
  • Tea
    • Black tea
    • Green tea
    • Herbal tea
clear glass bottle with yellow liquid
Photo by Maria Verkhoturtseva

Canned items

  • Canned tomatoes
    • Crushed
    • Whole peeled
    • Diced
    • Paste
  • Canned beans
    • Black
    • Cannellini
    • Pinto
    • Chickpeas
  • Tinned seafood
  • Broths
    • Vegetable
    • Chicken

Nuts and seeds

  • Almonds
  • Walnuts
  • Pecans
  • Sunflower seeds
  • Flax seeds
  • Chia seeds
  • Tahini
  • All-natural/stirrable nut butters
    • Almond butter
    • Peanut butter

Room temp produce

  • Onions
  • Shallots
  • Garlic
  • Bananas
  • Potatoes
  • Sweet potatoes
  • Tomatoes

Vinegars

  • Balsamic
  • Red wine vinegar
  • White wine vinegar
  • Apple cider vinegar

The MIND Diet Refrigerator

Veggies

  • Leafy Greens
    • Spinach
    • Kale
    • Swiss chard
    • Lettuces
    • Arugula
  • Cruciferous veggies
    • Broccoli
    • Cabbage
    • Cauliflower
    • Brussels sprouts
  • Colorful veggies
    • Bell peppers
    • Carrots
    • Beets
    • Celery
    • Sugar snap peas
    • Snow peas
    • Squash
    • Zucchini
    • Green beans
    • Cucumbers
  • Mushrooms

Miscellaneous

  • Hummus
  • Eggs
  • Tofu
  • Olives (Kalamata, green, etc.)
  • White miso paste
  • Harissa paste
  • Capers
  • 100% pure maple syrup
  • Whole grain mustard
  • Mayonnaise (olive oil, avocado oil, or vegan)

Fruits

  • Berries
    • Blueberries
    • Blackberries
    • Raspberries
    • Strawberries
    • Grapes
  • Apples
  • Citrus
    • Limes
    • Lemons
    • Oranges
  • Melons
  • Mango
  • Pineapple
  • Avocado

Dairy products

  • Low- or non-fat or plant-based milk
  • Low- or non-fat or plant-based yogurt
Photo by Polina Tankilevitch

The MIND Diet Freezer

Frozen veggies

  • Broccoli
  • Cauliflower
  • Spinach
  • Peas
  • Roasted sweet potatoes
  • Green beans
a tray with frozen berries and ice
Photo by Antoni Shkraba

Frozen fruit

  • Blueberries
  • Mixed berries/triple berries
  • Cherries
  • Strawberries
  • Mango

Meat and seafood

  • Salmon
  • Shrimp
  • Cod or other white fish
  • Mussels
  • Chicken
    • Boneless skinless breasts
    • Boneless skinless thighs
    • 93% ground chicken
  • 93% ground turkey
  • Pork tenderloin

Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, I may earn a small commission from qualifying purchases from Amazon.com. I only recommend products I use for myself and my family.




Hi there! I’m Cassidee. I’m a certified Brain Longevity Specialist and Medical Laboratory Scientist, member of the Sandwich Generation, cat mom, Mountain West inhabitant and enthusiast, foodie, lifelong science nerd, and person with a family history of neurological disorders. Applying the science of brain health to my daily life has changed my life, and I have a passion for sharing how with others.