Top 10 African Food Staples You Should Always Have in Your Kitchen (Especially in the U.S.)

If you’re living in the United States and miss the taste of home, you’re not alone. For many Africans in the diaspora, keeping traditional ingredients in the kitchen is essential—not just for preparing meals, but for staying connected to culture. At Zee African Foods, your trusted African food store in Texas, we’ve made it our mission to bring authentic, high-quality African food items right to your doorstep—anywhere in the USA.

Here are 10 essential African food staples every kitchen should have:

1. Garri (Ijebu or Yellow Garri) – Perfect for soaking, drinking, or serving with soup.

2. Palm Oil – A must-have for traditional dishes like egusi, banga soup, and stew.

3. Crayfish – Adds that rich umami flavor to any pot of soup or sauce.

4. Egusi (Melon Seeds) – The heart of Nigerian egusi soup.

5. Ogbono (Wild Mango Seeds) – Thick, flavorful, and great for draw soups.

6. Dry Fish & Stockfish – Adds depth and flavor to soups, stews, and sauces.

7. Plantain Flour or Poundo Yam – Ideal for quick, easy swallows.

8. African Spices & Seasonings – Think Cameroon pepper, suya spice, iru, etc.

9. Moi Moi Leaves or Foil Wraps – For those who love to cook Nigerian delicacies the traditional way.

10. Beans (Honey or Black-eyed) – A base for porridge, akara, or moi moi.

With Zee African Foods, you don’t have to miss out. Order these staples today from our online African grocery store in the USA, and get them shipped straight to your door.

Stocking your pantry with these essentials keeps you prepared to cook traditional African meals anytime. Visit zeeafricanfood.com to shop your favorites now.