Essential Healthy Staples: A Peek Inside the Everyday Maven Fridge for Clean Eating & Family Meals

Today, we’re thrilled to host a special guest, our wonderful friend Alyssa from Everyday Maven, who is opening up her kitchen to share a truly insightful glimpse into what consistently fills her refrigerator. What has always captivated me about Alyssa’s blog, and what keeps me returning for inspiration, is her unwavering commitment to simple, family-friendly, and genuinely good-for-you recipes. She masterfully navigates the culinary world by focusing on lighter preparations, prioritizing whole foods, and continuously introducing innovative dishes that immediately pique my interest. Just last week, I was eyeing her Italian Roasted Cauliflower with Marinara – it looks absolutely divine! It’s funny how shared passions create connections; a couple of things I instantly noticed about Alyssa’s fridge were that we actually own the same refrigerator model, and coincidentally, I had just picked up a jar of Bubbies pickles myself last week. It’s a testament to the fact that healthy eating doesn’t have to be complicated or exclusionary.

We extend our deepest gratitude to Alyssa for being here and sharing her invaluable wisdom with our community!

To dive deeper into Alyssa’s world of clean eating and discover more of her fantastic recipes and lifestyle tips, be sure to visit her blog Everyday Maven. You can also connect with her vibrant community and stay updated on her latest culinary adventures through Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest!

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Hello everyone! My name is Alyssa, and it’s a genuine pleasure to be visiting today from Everyday Maven to offer you an exclusive peek into the heart of our home – our fridge! At Everyday Maven, my mission is to share real food recipes crafted with clean, wholesome ingredients. As a busy mom, I wholeheartedly believe that good food should never compromise on taste, but it also absolutely needs to be relatively easy and efficient to prepare. This philosophy underpins every recipe I develop, ensuring that delicious and nutritious meals are accessible even on the most hectic days.

I absolutely adore this “What’s in My Fridge” series. There’s something uniquely insightful about peering into other people’s refrigerators; it offers a fascinating glimpse into their everyday lives, their culinary priorities, and the practical workings of their homes and kitchens. It’s more than just food storage; it’s a reflection of lifestyle choices, dietary preferences, and even meal prep strategies that can inspire us all.

Capturing the essence of my fridge in photographs, however, turned out to be quite an undertaking, I must confess! The lighting conditions in my kitchen are, to put it mildly, less than ideal. Coupled with having one of those side-by-side fridge/freezer combinations, achieving a comprehensive and well-lit shot of everything inside proved surprisingly challenging. I persevered, though, taking countless photos until the persistent beeping of the open fridge door warning system finally convinced me to call it a day. Despite the minor photographic struggles, I hope these images and insights provide a clear and helpful overview of our family’s essential staples.

It’s worth noting that much of our fresh produce – items like avocados, onions, garlic, and tomatoes, along with fruits such as apples, pears, bananas, and melons – typically doesn’t even make it into the refrigerator in our household. These are usually stored at room temperature until they’re ready for use, unless they’ve been cut, cooked, or require refrigeration for preservation. Our fridge contents naturally fluctuate with the changing seasons, embracing the bounty of local and seasonal produce. However, there’s a consistent core of about ten items that you will almost always find stocked in our fridge, regardless of the time of year. These are the unsung heroes of our everyday healthy cooking:

1. Eggs – A true kitchen workhorse, eggs are an indispensable staple in our fridge. We consume them almost every single morning, often prepared simply, but their versatility extends far beyond breakfast. From enriching homemade mayonnaise to serving as a key ingredient in delightful puddings and fluffy pancakes, eggs play a pivotal role in countless recipes. We prioritize purchasing good quality eggs, opting for organic and pasture-raised whenever possible, recognizing the superior flavor and nutritional benefits they offer. Beyond raw eggs, you’ll typically find a convenient tub of hard-boiled eggs tucked away, perfect for a quick protein-packed snack, adding to salads, or preparing egg salad sandwiches for lunchboxes. They are the ultimate fast food, naturally packaged and ready to go.
2. Condiments and Miscellaneous Flavor Enhancers – As a food blogger dedicated to real food, an obsession with high-quality condiments and flavor boosters is practically a prerequisite! These are the secret weapons that transform simple ingredients into extraordinary meals, adding depth, complexity, and a burst of flavor. Our most frequently used condiments include a variety of mustards – spicy brown, classic Dijon, and even yellow mustard for nostalgic comfort. We also boast an impressive collection of hot sauces, each bringing its unique heat and character. For Asian-inspired dishes, you’ll always find toasted sesame oil for nutty aroma, fish sauce for savory umami, coconut aminos as a soy-free alternative, and tamari for gluten-free soy flavor. Tamarind paste adds a wonderful sweet-sour tang, and Sriracha delivers that beloved garlic-chili kick. Beyond these, other flavor powerhouses I consistently keep on hand include anchovy paste for a deep savory note, tahini for creamy dressings and hummus, miso for fermented umami goodness, fresh ginger root for aromatic warmth, and finely grated Locatelli cheese to finish off Italian dishes with authentic flavor. These ingredients are essential for crafting vibrant, globally inspired meals with ease.
3. Pickled and Fermented Things – Our fridge is a veritable haven for pickled and fermented foods, a testament to our commitment to gut health and delicious, tangy flavors. There is truly never a shortage of these beneficial items. My husband and I consciously strive to incorporate at least one fermented food into our breakfast routine daily; most recently, we’ve been enjoying Kimchi. Our local Costco often has an incredible deal on a massive tub of Kimchi, making it an accessible and delicious choice. In addition to Kimchi, you’ll consistently find classic pickles, briny olives, tangy sauerkraut, and even pickled herring (a family favorite) in our fridge. I also take pride in making Homemade Pickled Jalapenos, which add a perfect spicy kick to so many dishes. Furthermore, I am an avid brewer of my own Kombucha, though I took a hiatus over the colder winter months. I’m eagerly planning to restart my brewing adventures in just a couple of weeks, ensuring a fresh supply of this fizzy, probiotic-rich beverage. These fermented treasures not only add incredible flavor but also contribute significantly to a healthy digestive system.
4. Bacon – This might sound like a simple inclusion, but bacon holds a special, almost revered, place in our household, largely due to my son’s unwavering obsession. Seriously, he’s obsessed! To satisfy this craving and ensure we always have this flavorful ingredient on hand, we consistently stock bacon in both our kitchen refrigerator and our garage freezer. We opt for high-quality, uncured bacon whenever possible, prioritizing good sourcing. While it’s a breakfast hero, bacon’s utility extends far beyond the morning meal; crumbled bacon adds a delightful smoky, salty crunch to salads, roasted vegetables, and even acts as a fantastic flavor starter for soups and stews. It’s a versatile ingredient that brings a touch of indulgence and depth to many of our real food recipes.
5. Defrosting Tray – This might seem like an unusual item for a “what’s in my fridge” list, but a dedicated defrosting tray is an absolute game-changer for kitchen hygiene and efficiency. I keep a half sheet pan, often lined with a silicone mat or a few paper towels, in the fridge at all times, specifically designated as my “defrost tray.” This simple yet brilliant system effectively contains any potential leaks or mess that can occur when defrosting meats (beef, chicken, pork), seafood, or any other frozen items. It completely eliminates the worry of raw meat juices contaminating other foods or requiring a full fridge clean-out. This is a major time-saver for meal prep, as I can simply toss the tray and its contents (if something did leak) directly into the dishwasher, rather than having to stop and meticulously sanitize an entire refrigerator shelf. It’s a testament to how small organizational hacks can significantly streamline daily kitchen routines.
6. Greens and Vegetables – Our refrigerator features two dedicated vegetable drawers, and we utilize them strategically to maximize freshness and organization. The top drawer, equipped with humidity control, is exclusively reserved for our salad ingredients and delicate fresh herbs. Here, you’ll typically find an assortment of crisp lettuce or mixed greens, alongside crunchy cucumbers, vibrant carrots, and whatever fresh herbs we currently have on hand – be it cilantro, parsley, basil, or dill. This ensures they remain fresh and vibrant for quick salads and garnishes. The bottom drawer is where all the heartier vegetables reside, destined to become nutritious side dishes or integral components of our main meals. We frequently stock robust greens like kale, zucchini for its versatility (especially for spiralizing into noodles), plenty of cauliflower for delicious ricing and creamy mashing (a fantastic low-carb alternative!), and an ever-changing variety of other seasonal vegetables that are either in peak season or available at a great value. Prioritizing seasonal produce not only supports local agriculture but also ensures maximum flavor and nutritional content in our meals.
7. Citrus – While I’ve been hearing whispers of an impending lime shortage in other regions, thankfully, it hasn’t quite reached us here yet! Citrus fruits are an absolute non-negotiable in our fridge. I’m particularly fond of Trader Joe’s organic bags of lemons and limes. At an incredibly reasonable price point of $1.99 a bag, I can consistently keep both lemons and limes on hand without breaking the bank. These bright, acidic fruits are phenomenal for adding a burst of fresh, vibrant flavor to almost any dish or beverage. They brighten up dressings, cut through richness in marinades, enhance the taste of roasted vegetables, and are essential for countless clean-eating recipes. A squeeze of fresh lemon or lime can truly elevate a simple meal, making it taste incredibly fresh and dynamic. They’re also perfect for infusing water or crafting homemade, healthy beverages.
8. Dark Chocolate – What more needs to be said about this delightful indulgence? In our opinion, everyone should absolutely have a stash of good quality dark chocolate in their fridge! Beyond its undeniable deliciousness, dark chocolate, especially varieties with a high cocoa content, offers numerous benefits. It’s rich in antioxidants and can even contribute to mood enhancement. We view it as a healthy treat to be enjoyed in moderation, a small square after dinner or as a pick-me-up during the day. Storing it in the fridge keeps it firm, prevents melting, and ensures a satisfying snap with every bite. It’s a little moment of self-care, a delicious reward that fits perfectly within a balanced, real food lifestyle.
9. Coffee – Living in Seattle, the epicenter of coffee culture, it’s virtually impossible not to embrace a regular coffee habit! Our fridge is consistently stocked with high-quality organic, fair-trade coffee beans, ensuring we can brew a delicious and ethically sourced cup anytime. Alongside the coffee, you’ll always find a batch of my homemade creamer, which allows us to control the ingredients and keep it aligned with our clean eating principles. While we thoroughly enjoy our coffee, we’ve also been consciously working to cut back a bit, finding balance in our daily routines. And, of course, for moments of relaxation and good company, there’s always some wine for good measure, stored at the perfect temperature to complement an evening unwinding after a busy day.
10. Freezer – A discussion about what’s in my fridge wouldn’t be truly complete without also addressing our freezer situation, as they work hand-in-hand for efficient meal management. We have a standard side-by-side refrigerator in our kitchen, which, regrettably, comes with one of the smallest freezers known to mankind. This compact space is strategically utilized for storing leftover meals for quick lunches, various flours (to keep them fresh), nuts and seeds (to prevent them from going rancid), and an assortment of frozen fruits specifically for blending into smoothies. Beyond these essentials, it barely accommodates ice cubes. For all our heavier-duty freezing needs, we rely on a full-size upright freezer located in our garage. This powerhouse is meticulously stocked with bulk purchases of meats, a wide array of frozen vegetables (ideal for when fresh isn’t available or for convenience), and ample quantities of homemade stocks and broths. This dual-freezer system ensures we’re always prepared, minimizing food waste, and maximizing our ability to cook delicious, healthy meals from scratch.

Thank you so incredibly much for having me here today, Aggie! It’s been a true pleasure to share these insights with your wonderful audience.