5 Innovative Pantry Staples that are worth your attention!

Welcome to this week's edition of GRATE!

After a short Easter break (and more than a few chocolate eggs), we’re back - and just in time for the glorious sunshine rolling in ahead of the bank holiday weekend. Like many of you, I’ve been daydreaming about outdoor dining, picnics, and fresh spring salads. That got me thinking: what are the handy, flavour-packed ingredients that can truly pimp up your pantry and turn everyday meals into something special? Quite a few new launches have caught my eye, and in this week’s edition, I’m shining a light on five innovative pantry staples that are worth your attention - from zesty condiments with health benefits to restaurant-worthy beans! Read on to find out more! 

And don't forget, we've included a handy "Events" guide down below. Let us know if you know of any key events coming up! 

As always, enjoy the read and keep the feedback coming! 

Annie x

BOLD BEAN CO X OTTOLENGHI

Bold Bean Co, known for elevating the humble bean with their beautifully jarred heirloom varieties, has teamed up with none other than Yotam Ottolenghi for a limited-edition collaboration that truly delivers. This release centres around the black chickpea, enriched with Ottolenghi’s signature blend of aromatics and bold, layered flavours. It’s not just a pantry upgrade - it’s a brilliant example of what happens when a rising food brand and an iconic chef join forces, both totally obsessed with beans of course!

FAIRMENTAL'S KOSHO

This small Irish fermentary is doing big things with global flavours. Their take on Kosho - a Japanese condiment, traditionally a mix of yuzu peel and chilli giving it a complex, citrusy heat. Fairmental's version uses fermented blood oranges and chili, offering a citrusy heat that can enhance dishes like grilled meats, noodles, or even a simple bowl of rice.  It's a standout example of how fermentation continues to evolve in modern pantries.

FORTNUM & MASON'S ROSE BALSAMIC VINEGAR

Forget your standard balsamic. This rosé balsamic from Fortnum & Mason is made in Modena using local red grape must and red wine vinegar, resulting in a delicate, floral vinegar that’s ideal for spring salads or even strawberries. Elegant and under-the-radar, it’s a pantry upgrade that quietly steals the show.

DIRTY SUE PREMIUM PICKLE JUICE

This isn’t just pickle juice - it’s a bar cart essential. Dirty Sue’s Premium Pickle Juice is crafted specifically to level up cocktails like Bloody Marys, margaritas, and the classic pickleback shot. But what makes it pantry-worthy is its versatility: it doubles as a recovery drink, a bold mixer for soft drinks, or even a tangy secret weapon in marinades and dressings. It’s a salty, savoury flavour booster that appeals to both mixologists and health-conscious foodies - a rare crossover win.

LIFEWAY KEFIR PROBIOTIC SALAD DRESSINGS

Known for its probiotic-rich kefir drinks, Lifeway Foods is now giving the salad dressing aisle a much-needed makeover. Their new line of kefir-based dressings—launched at Natural Products Expo West 2025—packs live and active cultures into delicious, creamy options like Green Goddess, Avocado Chipotle, and Dreamy Caesar. These dressings offer a flavour-forward way to support gut health while adding serious zing to your greens. With a clear eye on Gen Z and millennial wellness trends, this is a smart evolution of a familiar staple - and one to watch.