Top 10 Wholefoods for Autumn

A true autumn essential, oats are the perfect way to start a cold morning. They are a brilliant source of soluble fibre, specifically beta-glucan, which is known to help lower cholesterol and keep you feeling full for hours. This makes a simple bowl of porridge a powerhouse breakfast. Beyond the morning bowl, oats are incredibly versatile. You can use them to make flapjacks, add them to smoothies for a creamy texture, or even use them as a binding ingredient in vegetarian burgers or meatloaves.

These versatile pulses are a cornerstone of budget-friendly, plant-based cooking. Lentils are a fantastic source of protein and dietary fibre, and unlike many other pulses, they cook relatively quickly without the need for pre-soaking. They are perfect for creating thick, comforting soups, rich dahls, and hearty stews that can be batch-cooked for lunches throughout the week. They also make a superb minced meat alternative in recipes like Walnut and Lentil Bolognese. A bulk bag of lentils will last you for many meals, providing an affordable and nutritious base for countless autumn dishes.

Another powerhouse pulse, chickpeas are a brilliant source of plant-based protein, fibre, and essential minerals like iron and folate. They have a subtle, nutty flavour and a firm texture that holds up well in a variety of dishes. Cook them from dry for a truly cost-effective base for creamy curries and comforting stews. You can also roast them in the oven with your favourite spices for a crunchy, savoury snack or blend them into a creamy homemade hummus that’s far cheaper than store-bought versions.

A more nutritious alternative to white rice, wholegrain brown rice retains its bran and germ layers, which are packed with fibre and nutrients. It has a satisfyingly chewy texture and a subtle, nutty flavour that pairs well with a wide range of autumn dishes. Use it as a hearty base for a warm salad with roasted root vegetables, as a side for a rich tagine, or as the filling in a warming vegetable stir-fry. Stocking a packet of brown rice is a simple way to ensure you always have a wholesome and filling carb on hand.

These tiny seeds are an incredibly rich source of fibre and omega-3 fatty acids, making them a true superfood. When soaked in a liquid, they absorb up to 12 times their weight and form a gel-like consistency, which makes them perfect for creating nourishing breakfast puddings like our Peanut Butter and Chocolate Chia Pudding. You can also sprinkle them over porridge or blend them into smoothies for a subtle, nutritious boost. Despite their small size, a little goes a long way, making even a smaller bag a long-lasting and worthwhile investment.

As autumn embraces the pumpkin season, it’s the perfect time to celebrate these delicious seeds. Pumpkin seeds are a wonderful source of protein, healthy fats, and a variety of minerals like magnesium, zinc, and iron. Their crisp texture and mild flavour make them an excellent addition to granola, and they can be roasted with spices for a simple and healthy snack. Check out one of our favourite recipes: Pumpkin Spiced Pumpkin Seeds. They are also a fantastic garnish, adding a nutritious crunch to soups and salads.

Despite its name, buckwheat is not related to wheat and is a naturally gluten-free grain. It’s an excellent source of protein and fibre and has a distinctive, earthy flavour that works wonderfully in savoury dishes. You can use buckwheat groats as a warming alternative to rice or couscous in your meals or as a rustic base for stews. Our hearty buckwheat traybake is a great way to meal-prep! Buckwheat flour is also fantastic for making pancakes and crepes.

A handful of almonds provides a satisfying dose of healthy fats, protein, and vitamin E. Buying them in larger packs from Healthy Supplies makes them a great value snack for keeping in your bag or at your desk. They are incredibly versatile in the kitchen: you can use them as a crunchy topping for bakes and desserts, blend them into a nutritious homemade almond butter, or finely chop them to add texture to stir-fries. We love using almonds to make our Low Carb Blueberry and Almond Muffins.

While they might seem like a luxury, buying pistachios in bulk makes them a more affordable snack option. These green nuts are a good source of protein and fibre. Their unique flavour and beautiful colour make them a fantastic addition to both sweet and savoury dishes, from being scattered over cakes and pastries to being used as a garnish for salads and savoury tarts. We love making home made pistachio butter – its creamy and packed with all the good stuff! It’s also the perfect addition to our Pistachio Overnight Oats!

This ancient wholegrain is a must-have for your autumn larder. Barley is packed with fibre and is a great source of protein, making it incredibly filling and a brilliant base for hearty dishes. Its satisfyingly chewy texture and mild, nutty flavour are perfect for absorbing the rich flavours of slow-cooked meals. It’s a classic and essential ingredient for creating a thick, warming vegetable or beef broth, and it can also be used as a wholesome alternative to rice in a risotto. Check out our Pumpkin Barley Risotto where we use barley instead of arborio rice. Buying it in bulk from Healthy Supplies ensures it’s a very budget-friendly way to add bulk and nutrition to your seasonal cooking.