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Cooking at home can sometimes feel much the same, day in and day out.

And the essential foods that you need to buy each time are not likely to change much week by week. So how can you breathe some new life into your everyday recipes?

One way to feel reinvigorated and excited about cooking is see if there are any basics on your essential grocery list that can be swapped out for alternatives.

Something a little different may give a traditional recipe a new flavour!

Essential foods

Non-dairy milks have quickly become a firm fixture in many households. Even if you normally eat cheese or drink dairy milk, non-dairy can make a nice change once in a while (it is a little better for the environment too!)

Try a non-dairy milk with your cereal, or in tea and coffee. Oat milk’s flavour in particular is different and delicious and could give your ordinary cuppa an interesting twist.

Try Minor Figures Oat M*lk which is barista standard, so if you are feeling fancy, you can even froth it for home-made cappuccino or heat a big cup for a home-made latte.

For those after a lighter milk as an alternative to skimmed dairy milk, try Alpro Organic Unsweetened Soya. This soya milk is particularly good in lighter teas, such as Earl Grey.

If your tea and coffee routine is feeling a little repetitive, how about switching your standard English Breakfast with something herbal or fruity?

Health & Heather’s Organic Camomile and Spearmint Tea is refreshing and light. The organic mix is also naturally decaffeinated, so perfect for before bedtime (or if you are trying to cut down your caffeine intake in general.)

For those with a busy schedule, try Pukka Relax Tea a soothing blend of camomile, fennel and marshmallow root. Taking a few minutes out of your day to relax with a hot drink can make all the difference in today’s fast paced world.

Cooking essentials

Every home cook should have a selection of cooking oils. Coconut oil has become one such essential in many kitchens. Its smoothness and distinct flavour make for a solid base in vegetable dishes, and especially in Asian cuisine.

Try Vita Coco Coconut oil for your next stir fry

Rice is of course a cooking essential, serving as a basis for a wide variety of dishes. Chili con carne, stir fry, and curries all need a rice base.

Why not try Eat Water Slim Rice? This lower calorie rice alternative has zero carbs and is quick to make.

You can also try Eat Water Slim Noodles a low calorie alternative to noodles, or Eat Water Slim Pasta Fettuccine a low calorie alternative to traditional pasta.

Snacking essentials

Every snacker needs a good store of nuts and raisins, as a healthy treat between meals.

Keep Holland & Barrett’s Mixed Nuts and Raisins in the cupboard for those low energy moments.

Nuts and raisins belong with the rest of your baking essentials, too – they are perfect for last minute recipe spruce ups, turning even a dull bake into a fruity, chewy treat.

Peanut butter is a protein-rich food which goes great on toast (add a chopped banana topping for a sweet and low-sugar alternative to jam).

It’s also tasty served as a dip with slices of apple. Keep a tub of Pip & Nut Peanut Butter. It’s sugar free and made without palm oil.

It belongs with the rest of your baking essentials, thanks to its uses in cakes, cookies and tray bakes.

Store cupboard meals

It is always worth having a few store cupboard meals which you can whip up in a trice if you find yourself out of fresh ingredients, and you aren’t in the mood to go out to the shops.

Pasta is an easy meal to make. For a twist on a traditional recipe, try Liberto Organic Black Bean Spaghetti. This very high protein pasta tastes great with a simple olive oil, salt and pepper dressing.

Another store cupboard meal for when you’re in a bind is delicious pot barley. Try Holland & Barrett Pot Barley.

Simply add stock (there’ll definitely be some in the back of the cupboard) and simmer for fifty minutes. Nutty, warming and flavoursome thanks to the stock, this simple meal will always be there just in case!

Always have some crisps in your cupboard, just in case all else fails! Eat Real Veggie Straws are a healthier alternative to standard snacks, with lower fat than an ordinary potato chip.

Eat Real’s products are also vegan and come in a great range of flavours. These kale, tomato and spinach favoured straws are a family favourite.