Pantry Items
We offer over 100 specially selected items that are in alignment with our mission, to support health and build community through nourishing foods and healthy household products. Find nutritious staples like Celtic Sea Salt and our housemade Granola, along with mason jar accessories, and our own Homestead Candles.
Unlike national brands, Vital Choice canned Albacore Tuna is cooked only once, to preserve its fresh flavor, firm texture, and healthful omega-3s. In addition to ample protein, Albacore provides omega-3s in abundance, and substantial amounts of vitamin D.
All Vital Choice Albacore comes from a North Pacific fishery in which smaller boats line-catch individual tuna using the sustainable troll method, which ensures careful handling of each fish, safety for dolphins, and very minimal bycatch.
*Dolphin safe
* No added oil, water or salt
* Low sodium
* Easy-open top
* Certified Kosher (OU B.Y. & M.T.—full oversight) *
* Certified sustainable by Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) Thanks to its sustainable harvest and lower mercury content, albacore from this fishery is categorized as “Super Green” by Monterey Bay Aquarium. Vital Choice has this to say about their Albacore Tuna: "[It] is sustainably harvested by our neighbor Paul Hill, who quickly flash-freezes it on his small boat to preserve the fish at its peak of freshness. Because predatory fish such as tuna accumulate mercury over time, Paul provides us with younger, smaller Albacore tuna (14 lbs. or less) for optimal purity."
Vital Choice premium quality Portuguese Mackerel comes from a family that has been picking and packing the finest fish for more than 100 years, selecting the fattiest, tastiest mackerel and processing and cooking them with the care needed to ensure fine flavor and texture.
* Product of Portugal
* Sustainably harvested
* High in Omega-3 Fatty Acids
* Naturally low in mercury
* Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil
* Certified Kosher (EarthKosher)
Vital Choice Portuguese Mackerel is delicious added to salads or sandwiches or eaten right out of the can.
*NOTE: Unlike King Mackerel, which pregnant and nursing women are advised to avoid, Vital Choice's Atlantic “chub” Mackerel (Scomber colias) presents no safety concerns, as it is an entirely different species with very low levels of mercury.
These succulent treats come from a Portuguese family that's been perfecting their craft for more than 100 years. Just for Vital Choice, they custom-pack Sardines harvested when levels of omega-3s and flavor reach their peak.
These premium Sardines are packed in certified-organic extra virgin olive oil, rich in antioxidants and flavor.
* Low sodium
* Easy-open top
* Packed in Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil
* Certified sustainable by the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC)
Vital Choice premium Portuguese sardines with skin and bones are a full-flavored source of omega-3s. They’re custom-packed at peak freshness by a family that has perfected their craft for over 150 years. Our premium sardines with skin and bones are packed in purified water. (no salt added)
These succulent treats come from a Portuguese family that's been perfecting their craft for more than 100 years. Just for Vital Choice, they custom-pack Sardines harvested when levels of omega-3s and flavor reach their peak.
These premium Sardines are packed in certified-organic extra virgin olive oil, rich in antioxidants and flavor,
*low sodium
*easy to open top
*packed in Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil
* Certified sustainable by the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC).
Ingredients: Sardines, Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Red Chili.
The smallest of the five Pacific salmon species, pink salmon outnumber the others in sheer abundance. Wild Alaskan pink salmon is best known for its mild flavor and versatility. Vital Choice salmon is sustainably caught in the icy waters of Alaska and tastes delicious on a salad, in casseroles and sandwiches, or straight out of the can. Skinless and boneless.
Ingredients: Wild Pacific pink salmon, sea salt. Kosher pareve (OU).
Features:
Premium skinless, boneless Wild Smoked Sockeye Salmon in a 5.5 oz easy-open can. A smoky, savory treat to enjoy anytime, anywhere.
Signature Wild Canned Sockeye is the finest quality canned salmon available, because Vital Choice selects fish of superior culinary quality.
Wild Sockeye salmon is specially selected, fully cooked and ready to eat. It’s a delicious, healthy choice that’s packed with flavor and omega-3 nutrition.
Sockeye salmon nutrition
In addition to ample protein, Alaskan Sockeye salmon offers abundant omega-3s, as well as unrivaled levels of vitamin D and astaxanthin (as-tuh-zan-thin), a carotenoid-class red-orange pigment with rare antioxidant power.
On average, Sockeye salmon provides these amounts of nutrients per 3 oz serving (click the Nutrition tab on this page to see the omega-3 levels per official serving size for this product):
Ingredients:
Wild Alaskan smoked Sockeye salmon, natural sea salt, organic brown sugar, organic garlic.
YES Bars are fully plant-based, paleo, & vegan and free of GMO’s, gluten, grains, dairy, corn, soy, eggs, & peanuts. They’re perfect for the whole family to enjoy.
A savory and sophisticated flavor. Toasted sesame seeds, almonds and pecans, pumpkin seeds, French sea salt, Japanese nori, and a hint of coconut nectar. It's crunchy, chewy, sweet, and salty goodness. 5g of protein, 3g of fiber, 220 calories, and only 7 grams of sugar. Perfect for on-the-go, in between meals, or before a workout.
Almonds*, Cashews, Maple Syrup*, Macadamia Nuts, Sunflower Seeds*, Pumpkin Seeds*, Coconut Butter*, Pecans, Furikake, [Black Sesame, White Sesame, Pickled Red Shiso Leaf (Red Shiso, Sea Salt, Ume Plum Vinegar), Nori Seaweed], Sesame Seed Butter, White Chia Seeds, Ground Flax Seeds*, Celtic Sea Salt* *Organic
Serv. Size: 1 bar (40g), Servings: 1, Amount Per Serving: Calories 220, Fat Cal. 140, Total Fat 16g (25% DV), Sat. Fat 4g (20% DV), Polyunsat. Fat 3g, Monounsat. Fat 9g, Trans Fat 0g, Cholest. 0mg (0% DV), Sodium 70mg (3% DV), Potassium 170mg (5% DV), Total Carb. 15g (5% DV), Fiber 3g (12% DV), Sugars 9g, Protein 5g (4% DV), Vitamin A (0% DV), Vitamin C (2% DV), Calcium (2% DV), Iron (6% DV). Percent Daily Values (DV) are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
YES Bars are fully plant-based, paleo, & vegan and free of GMO’s, gluten, grains, dairy, corn, soy, eggs, & peanuts. They’re perfect for the whole family to enjoy.
A tried and true blend of delicious pecans, macadamias, almonds, and cashews with a kiss of pure Vermont maple syrup and French sea salt. It's crunchy, chewy, nutty, plant-based goodness. 5g of protein, 3g of fiber, 220 calories, and only 7g of sugar. Perfect as an afternoon indulgence, or to start off your day off with a bite of buttery pecan goodness!
Almonds*, Cashews, Maple Syrup*, Sunflower Seeds*, Macadamia Nuts, Pumpkin Seeds*, Coconut Butter*, Pecans, Coconut Nectar*, Sesame Seed Butter, White Chia Seeds, Ground Flax Seeds*, Celtic Sea Salt* *Organic
Serv. Size: 1 bar (40g), Servings: 1, Amount Per Serving: Calories 220, Fat Cal. 150, Total Fat 17g (26% DV), Sat. Fat 3.5g (18% DV), Polyunsat. Fat 3g, Monounsat. Fat 10.5g, Trans Fat 0g, Cholest. 0mg (0% DV), Sodium 90mg (4% DV), Potassium 200mg (6% DV), Total Carb. 13g (4% DV), Fiber 3g (12% DV), Sugars 7g, Protein 5g (4% DV), Vitamin A (0% DV), Vitamin C (0% DV), Calcium (2% DV), Iron (8% DV). Percent Daily Values (DV) are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
The red shiso leaves give the distinct red color and flavor to the Umeboshi Plums; they sit together for months in the pickling bucket. After the aging process is done, they take them out, sundry them, and make into a delightful condiment.
It has that bright tanginess from the plums and still assertive shiso flavor. Japanese people love to sprinkle Yukari onto their bowls of steamed rice. Our recent favorite is to sprinkle on melon or fig salads. The unique flavor and its natural color are unlike anything else!
Enjoy experimenting new matches of the flavors on your own!
Size: 1 oz Compostable Bag
This is what we think of as the deluxe version of umesu that is extracted in the final stage when their jar our umeboshi plums. Very limited production. This beautiful, red-colored, thick liquid tastes brightly tangy and salty.
With a fruity profile and piquant bite from tangy red shiso leaves, it's an incredibly versatile condiment that lends a unique complexity to savory dishes. Use it like you’d use soy sauce or old balsamico, or as a finishing condiment over vegetables, meat, or fish.
Ingredients: ume plums, sea salt, red shiso leaves
Yume Boshi founder Ayako Iino grew up eating her mother's house made umeboshi pickles. She founded Yume Boshi in 2013 as the fruit on the ume plum trees became ripe in Northern California. Using traditional methods Ayako set to work transforming the tangy fruit she sources from small local orchards into pickles. Koume is a style of umeboshi pickle that is made with a different variety of ume plum. The fruit is smaller and more delicate. Soft, tangy, salty, bright red color --- that same taste but it can be used with less impact.
Great for rice balls or for bento box. Umeboshi is a savory ume plum pickle eaten as a condiment for rice every day in Japan. She uses locally sourced plums and traditional methods of preparation. Ume plums are salted, flavored with red shiso leaves, and then dried under the California sun to make umeboshi. The ultimate companion for a bowl of plain steamed rice. (Mix in small amount as you wish.) Stronger taste than your usual pickle - a little goes a long way!??
Ingredients: ume plums, sea salt, red shiso leaves No need to refrigerate, but keep in cool place.
Yume Boshi founder Ayako Iino grew up eating her mother's house made umeboshi pickles. She founded Yume Boshi in 2013 as the fruit on the ume plum trees became ripe in Northern California. Using traditional methods Ayako set to work transforming the tangy fruit she sources from small local orchards into pickles. Koume is a style of umeboshi pickle that is made with a different variety of ume plum. The fruit is smaller and more delicate. Soft, tangy, salty, bright red color --- that same taste but it can be used with less impact. Great for rice balls or for bento box. Umeboshi is a savory ume plum pickle eaten as a condiment for rice every day in Japan. She uses locally sourced plums and traditional methods of preparation. Ume plums are salted, flavored with red shiso leaves, and then dried under the California sun to make umeboshi. The ultimate companion for a bowl of plain steamed rice. (Mix in small amount as you wish.) Stronger taste than your usual pickle - a little goes a long way!?? Ingredients: ume plums, sea salt, red shiso leaves No need to refrigerate, but keep in cool place.
This is the precious brine collected from the Umeboshi plums just before they are jarred. It is very rare and we will only have it for a short time. It is a great alkalinizer and a perfect vinegar substitute. It has a bright salty flavor, perfect to add to broth, salad dressing or for seasoning soups and stir-fries. Ingredients: brine made from ume plums, sea salt, red shiso leaves
Daybreak is a locally based business form by a two-woman team that creates nutrient-packed, umami-rich seaweed products that are good for you and good for the ocean. Daybreak partners with regenerative ocean farmers to bring the highest quality, sustainably grown seaweed from the pristine waters of the Pacific Ocean to your kitchen. The seaweed flakes are easy-to-use, packed with salty and savory goodness, nourishing vitamins and minerals. Add an umami-filled depth of flavor to any dish. These seaweed flakes bring a nutritional punch - they're packed with fiber, protein, minerals, and vitamins. Get a little extra dose of iodine, B-12, calcium, and magnesium, without all the sodium chloride of table salt. Seaweed's saltiness comes from other mineral salts, like Potassium Chloride and Magnesium Chloride.
Turn up the heat with this smoky, spicy blend of chipotle chile flakes from sustainable pepper farms in California and Wakame seaweed from regenerative ocean farms in Alaska. This blend has an incredible depth of flavor, a burst of heat, and the perfect amount of salty umami. Try it for a nutrient-packed spicy kick!
How to use: Sprinkle on pizza, pasta, popcorn, noodles, stir-fry … anywhere you like heat!
Ingredients: smoked red pepper (Chipotle) flakes and seaweed (Alaska Wakame)
Net weight: 1.7 oz (48 g)
Daybreak is a locally based business form by a two-woman team that creates nutrient-packed, umami-rich seaweed products that are good for you and good for the ocean. Daybreak partners with regenerative ocean farmers to bring the highest quality, sustainably grown seaweed from the pristine waters of the Pacific Ocean to your kitchen. The seaweed flakes are easy-to-use, packed with salty and savory goodness, nourishing vitamins and minerals. Add an umami-filled depth of flavor to any dish. These seaweed flakes bring a nutritional punch - they're packed with fiber, protein, minerals, and vitamins. Get a little extra dose of iodine, B-12, calcium, and magnesium, without all the sodium chloride of table salt. Seaweed's saltiness comes from other mineral salts, like Potassium Chloride and Magnesium Chloride.
Alaska Wakame is a nutrient-packed seaweed that adds a savory depth and burst of flavor to your cooking. An exquisite seaweed seasoning that is good for you and good for the ocean!
How to use: Sprinkle on rice bowls, veggies, eggs, popcorn, fish … anything! Or use in salad dressing, smoothies, bread dough, or desserts for a savory nutrient boost.
Ingredients: seaweed (Alaska Wakame)
Net weight: 1.8 oz (51 g)
Ecojarz Reusable Stainless Steel Straws w/ Linen Straw Bag and Straw Cleaner smoothie straws
Disposable straws are so out-of-style; all the classiest hippies sip through stainless steel! For a glamorous green juice on the go, show how much you love the earth and add some bling-bling, stainless steel sustainability to your drink.
EcoJarz Stainless Steel Straw Set comes with 2 Stainless Steel Straws, a Straw Cleaner, and a Linen Straw Bag.
Best for sipping liquids like fresh-squeezed juice or tea, this drinking straw fits both our silicone and stainless steel drinking jar lids. If you need a great straw that can handle thicker drinks like smoothies select our Smoothie Straws.
We recommend washing your new Stainless Steel Straws thoroughly with soap and water before use. Cleaning your straws is easy with our excellent stainless steel Straw Cleaner (included)!
Smoothie Straws (8mm)
Made of 304 (18-8) stainless steel.
We are temporarily packaging our nuts in compostable bags due to low supply of jar lids. Rolled oats are gently mixed with Straus yogurt, coconut oil, and butter and allowed to culture overnight before we add maple syrup, brown rice syrup, vanilla, orange zest and spices. The granola is dehydrated until crunchy, and then crumbled and mixed with biodynamic raisins and Crispy Almonds for a more digestible and nutrient-dense version of the classic!
Ingredients: rolled oats*, yogurt*, crispy almonds*, raisins*, butter*, maple syrup*, coconut oil*, brown rice syrup*, vanilla extract*, orange zest*, cinnamon*, cardamom*, nutmeg*, Celtic sea salt
(* = organic)
We are temporarily packaging our nuts in compostable bags due to low supply of jar lids. We're now offering a nut-free and raisin-free version of our Granola. Rolled oats are mixed with melted butter and coconut oil, massaged with Straus yogurt, then cultured overnight before adding the sweeteners and flavorings. The granola is then slow baked under low heat for over a day until crunchy, for a more digestible and nutrient-dense version of the classic! Add your own fresh or dried fruits, seeds, or nuts to taste, mix with milk or yogurt, or just snack on the go.
Ingredients: rolled oats*, yogurt*, butter*, maple syrup*, coconut oil*, brown rice syrup*, vanilla extract*, orange zest*, cinnamon*, cardamom*, nutmeg*, Celtic sea salt
(* = organic)
100% Sprouted Brown rice. Perfect for when you don't have time to soak your rice. Digestible and delicious.
These gluten-free beans are packed with staying power to give you lots of energy. Great cooked alone or added to soups. Recommended soaking up to 24 hours for rehydration to lessen cooking time. A portion of the beans’ starch has been converted into simple sugars which will make them sweeter and pleasantly chewy, not mushy or mealy. Great basis for dips.
All To Your Health Sprouted Flour Co.’s facilities are certified organic and kosher certified.
Yes, sprouted popping corn! Pops up nicely. Great with liberal amounts of Ancient Organics Ghee, and Celtic Sea Salt! Easy to digest and less reactive that regular popping corn. USDA Organic. GMO Free.
100% Organic Sprouted Rolled Oats- Great for oatmeal, cookies, granola, and energy bars. No need to soak!!! Certified Gluten Free Oats.
Organic 100% Sprouted Whole Grain Lentil Flour. Best added to other flours to add taste and texture to breads. Try it in Indian bread recipes. Great grain alternative for GAPS dieters wanting bread.
Juice Shop is a local family business focused on producing juices and tonics. They only use 100% organic ingredients and all of our juices, elixirs, and nut milks are completely raw (no pasteurization or HPP). They are made daily in small batches using a hydraulic press— widely known as the cold-press method. Unlike other juicing methods, hydraulic presses maintain the temperature of the produce and limit oxidation by slowly exerting thousands of pounds of pressure. This process protects the integrity of the plants’ cellular structure and, therefore, yields the purest form of extracted juice with the highest density of nutrients, enzymes, and flavor.
Detox Tonic is made with pure mountain spring water, cold-pressed juice, and an herbal Detox Blend to support daily detoxification and healthy liver function. Its herbaceous, classic apple-lemon-ginger taste is mighty crisp and refreshing, while have an uplifting and rejuvenating quality and feel.
Juice Shop is a local family business focused on producing juices and tonics. They only use 100% organic ingredients and all of our juices, elixirs, and nut milks are completely raw (no pasteurization or HPP). They are made daily in small batches using a hydraulic press— widely known as the cold-press method. Unlike other juicing methods, hydraulic presses maintain the temperature of the produce and limit oxidation by slowly exerting thousands of pounds of pressure. This process protects the integrity of the plants’ cellular structure and, therefore, yields the purest form of extracted juice with the highest density of nutrients, enzymes, and flavor.
Turmeric Ginger Tonic is made with pure mountain spring water, cold-pressed juice, and adaptogens, to reduce stress and inflammation.
Dynamic notes of lemon and ginger meet warming miso for a chip that soothes as it rejuvenates. This chip is alkalizing and lends a note of bright delight to any dish or midday snacktime. Great enjoyed with salads, in sandwiches, or solo. Ingredients: 100% Organic Ingredients: curly green kale, sprouted sunflower seeds, extra virgin olive oil, carrots, currants, rice vinegar (water, organic rice), Miso Master Chickpea Miso (whole chickpeas, handmade rice koji, sun-dried sea salt, Blue Ridge Mountain well water, koji spores), Eureka lemon juice, ginger, sea salt Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, and Soy-free
“A good broth resurrects the dead” – South American Proverb. High notes of sage and thyme play with our base of ghee, sweet potatoes, and beef bone broth to create a full bodied snack. This kale chip provides dense nutrition and revitalization for those who seek a mineral rich and delightful superduperfood. Low temperature dehydrated with a pastured bone broth-infused dressing. Ingredients: 100% Organic ingredients: curly green kale, sprouted sunflower seeds, roasted sweet potato, beef bone broth (filtered water, beef bones, apple cider vinegar, real salt), ghee, granny smith apple, Eureka lemon juice, Miso Master Chickpea Miso (organic whole chickpeas, organic handmade rice koji, sun-dried sea salt, Blue Ridge Mountain well water, koji spores), thyme, sage, black pepper, white pepper, sea salt Gluten-Free and Soy-free
“A good broth resurrects the dead” – South American Proverb. Wild strength of pastured buffalo meets mineral rich wildcrafted seaweed and biodynamic dates. This chip is enzymatically rich and nutritionally vibrant and is excited to invigorate your explorations in the wilderness or the cityscape jungle. Low temperature dehydrated with a pastured bone broth-infused dressing. Ingredients:100% Organic Ingredients: curly green kale, sprouted sunflower seeds, pastured bison bone broth (filtered water, bison bones, apple cider vinegar, real salt), house-made ghee, biodynamic medjool dates, wildharvested sea palm and bull whip seaweed, Miso Master Chickpea Miso (Organic Whole Chickpeas, Organic Handmade Rice Koji, Sun-Dried Sea Salt, Blue Ridge Mountain Well Water, Koji Spores), garlic, thyme, cayenne, sea salt Gluten-Free and Soy-free
Miss Bee Haven, brings us a fantastic gift box for any occasion. The box includes 1 handmade cutting board, 1 half lb honey, 1 1oz bars of beeswax to make your own board conditioner, 1 honey dipper, and 1 beeswax wrap.
Coconut is one of the world's most nourishing super foods. This creamy taste of the tropics is great for sautéing and baking, enhancing your favorite recipes, and body care.
Our virgin coconut oil is cold-pressed and never refined, deodorized or bleached! Savor its rich aroma and its smooth and sweet flavor. It's ideal as a medium-heat cooking oil, a nutritious substitute for baking and even "better than butter" on bread, vegetables or popcorn. A pinch of salt will reduce the coconut flavor in savory recipes.
You can even use the luscious, soothing oil on your skin and hair. Use coconut oil as a natural skin moisturizer, eye make-up remover, or deep conditioning hair treatment. Combine coconut oil with coconut sugar and essential oil for an exfoliating, refreshing body scrub.
New! Fair Trade - We are now offering fair trade certified coconut oil in 14 oz.
*Bottled in a facility that packs peanut oil.
Please note that there is no difference between Virgin and Extra-Virgin Coconut Oil. They previously called our coconut oil "extra-virgin" to emphasize our commitment to quality, however as they move into international markets we have removed the term to comply with international regulations that disallow the term. Be assured that our product quality has not changed in any way.
Coconut is one of the world's most nourishing super foods. This creamy taste of the tropics is great for sautéing and baking, enhancing your favorite recipes, and body care.
Our virgin coconut oil is cold-pressed and never refined, deodorized or bleached! Savor its rich aroma and its smooth and sweet flavor. It's ideal as a medium-heat cooking oil, a nutritious substitute for baking and even "better than butter" on bread, vegetables or popcorn. A pinch of salt will reduce the coconut flavor in savory recipes.
You can even use the luscious, soothing oil on your skin and hair. Use coconut oil as a natural skin moisturizer, eye make-up remover, or deep conditioning hair treatment. Combine coconut oil with coconut sugar and essential oil for an exfoliating, refreshing body scrub.
New! Fair Trade - We are now offering fair trade certified coconut oil in our 14oz & 23oz glass sizes.
*Bottled in a facility that packs peanut oil.
Please note that there is no difference between Virgin and Extra-Virgin Coconut Oil. We previously called our coconut oil "extra-virgin" to emphasize our commitment to quality, however as we move into international markets we have removed the term to comply with international regulations that disallow the term. Be assured that our product quality has not changed in any way.
Bariani Olive Oil is family run company committed to crafting an authentic raw extra virgin olive oil. The Bariani family hand harvests their olives from October through December.This artisanal product is produced in limited quantity and with certified organic olives.
While their extra virgin olive oil is subject to seasonal variation, the subtle characteristics that differentiate Bariani olive oil from any other remain, making it a great complement to any food. Extra virgin olive oil is rich in antioxidants and helps to absorb vitamin A, D, E, and K. This extra virgin olive oil is cold extracted and unfiltered to preserve its raw qualities and stored in temperature controlled stainless steel tanks until bottling.
When the sun is high and the summer garden is pouring over with bounty, it is time to gather basil for pistou. Kaleidoscope take their pistou, fresh with basil and garlic from Capay Valley's Riverdog Farm, and toss it with kale and sunflower seeds before low-temperature dehydration. What results is a delightful chip that touches memory and fantasy and energizes our bodies with pure, raw, summer sun.
A little bite of a little chip and one is transported to a picnic in the French countryside where deep and pure are the words du jour. Like the sauce with which it is decked, this energizing chip can be enjoyed solo as a snack or added to any and every dish for an ephemeral hit of summer.
100% Organic Ingredients: Kale, Sunflower Seeds+, Basil, Olive Oil, Garlic, Lemon Juice, Thyme, Sea Salt.
*Paleo & GAPS Diet Friendly
+Sprouted
Séka Hills Premium Arbequina Extra Virgin Olive Oil is custom milled from the fruit of their 82 acres of high density Arbequina olive trees. Séka Hills estate grown olives are carefully harvested at the peak of ripeness. Transported immediately to the Séka Hills Olive Mill after picking, clean, fresh fruit produces the highest quality extra virgin olive oil. Séka Hills Arbequina is ideal as your everyday olive oil and will be a flavorful addition to your favorite recipes. This is the olive oil we use in our kitchen.
Gluten-Free. Often used in Indian and Mexican breads. Recommended to mix with other flours. Cook alone with stock as great basis for hummus. Adds rich flavor and thickens soups and stews well.