Inside My Kitchen: How I Keep Food Flavorful and Clean

If you’ve ever wondered what’s really in my kitchen — today, you get a peek behind the curtain.

During a recent grocery trip with one of my clients, she asked a great question:

“What do you actually use at home for flavor — the condiments, spices, and sauces that don’t derail your health goals?”

That question inspired this new video: a full kitchen tour where I show exactly what I keep in my pantry, spice cabinet, and fridge — and how I make food taste amazing without junk ingredients.

🧂 My Go-To Flavor Staples

From vinegars to salts to healthy oils, I’m a big believer that flavor doesn’t have to come from fillers or sugar-laden sauces.Here are a few of my daily favorites:

• Apple Cider, Balsamic, Rice & Raspberry Vinegars: Each brings a unique flavor profile. My current favorite? A 3-year-aged Chinese black vinegar — deep, rich, and full of umami.

• Salt Variety: Pink Himalayan, flaky sea salt, gray Celtic, and Baja Gold — each changes a dish in subtle but powerful ways.

• Trader Joe’s Soy Sauce & Red Boat Fish Sauce: Used sparingly, these add natural depth to Asian-inspired meals.

• Sesame Oil (for flavor, not cooking): Adds a nutty richness without breaking down under heat.

• Raspberry Molasses: A touch of seasonal sweetness paired beautifully with roasted veggies or salads.

🍯 A Word on Sugars & Sweeteners

Yes, I do keep a few sweeteners in my house — but they’re intentional.Raw honey, pure maple syrup, and allulose (a probiotic sugar) are my go-tos for baking or hosting. These offer natural sweetness without compromising balance or gut health.

🥫 The “No Junk” Fridge Rule

If you open my refrigerator, you won’t find rows of sauces or processed condiments.Instead, you’ll see mustards, kraut, olives, bone broth, sun-dried tomatoes, and clean fats like duck fat and wagyu tallow.My philosophy is simple: don’t mask your food — enhance it.

🥗 Why This Matters

So many people eat “healthy” but still rely on processed condiments and additives that quietly sabotage progress.When you clean up your pantry and condiments, you’ll notice food actually tastes better. Real ingredients don’t need to be disguised — they need to be celebrated.

I walk through everything in detail — from sourcing tips to flavor pairing ideas — and show you how to simplify your pantry without sacrificing taste.

If you’d like guidance on rebuilding your pantry, cleaning up ingredients, or designing a nutrition plan that fits your lifestyle, I’d love to help.

💌 Reach out at Rene@ReneCaruso.life🌐 Visit ReneCaruso.life📸 Follow on Instagram: @rene.caruso💬 Join my Facebook group: Eat Evolve Inspire