The Ultimate Grocery List for a Proper African Kitchen in the U.S

If you’ve ever landed in a U.S. grocery store searching for egusi or ogbono and left with nothing but confusion, you’re not alone. For Africans in the diaspora, keeping a kitchen stocked with the right ingredients is more than a cooking habit and more like a way we feel a connection to home.

Here’s the thing: African meals aren’t just recipes; they’re memories. They’re the Saturday mornings when mummy made pap and akara on a Saturday morning, the smell of palm oil bubbling for stew on Sunday afternoons, or the late-night chin chin runs after a long day.

But for us in the U.S., you can’t just stroll to your local market in Surulere, Lafenwa or Kumasi. You need a plan. And that’s why we at MamaJones have created the ultimate African grocery list, so your kitchen stays ready for any craving, any day.

Pantry Essentials (Your Non-Negotiables)

• Palm Oil – For authentic soups and stews like egusi, banga, and efo riro.
• Egusi Seeds – Ground and ready for that thick, nutty goodness.
• Ogbono – For soups that draw (because yes, we care about texture).
• Jollof Seasoning Mix – Because there’s no perfect home party Jollof without the perfect spice blend.
• Stock Cubes – Maggi, Knorr, or Royco
  
  

Swallows & Flours

• Cassava Flour (Fufu) – For a soft, stretchy swallow.
• Yam Flour (Amala) – Best friends with ewedu and gbegiri.
• Poundo Yam – Quick, smooth, and perfect for weeknight dinners.
  
  

Proteins & Seafood

• Stockfish – For depth of flavor in soups.
• Dry Fish – That smoky, earthy taste you can’t fake.
• Frozen Goat Meat, Cow Skin (Pomo) – Owambe in your own kitchen.
  
  

Snacks & Drinks

• Plantain Chips – Sweet or spicy, your call.
• Kuli Kuli – Crunchy, nutty, and perfect with garri soakings.
• Malt Drinks & Zobo Leaves – Because sometimes you just need that African refreshment.
  

Why This Matters

For Africans in the U.S., a well-stocked pantry is more than convenience, it’s a way to keep culture alive. It’s how you teach your kids the taste of home. It’s how you celebrate milestones, comfort yourself on hard days, and make new friends feel welcome.

And the best part? You don’t have to hunt from store to store anymore. At MamaJones Africa, we’ve done the hard work for you. Everything on this list is just a click away, fresh, authentic, and delivered to your doorstep anywhere in the U.S.

Ready to fill your kitchen with the flavors you love?

You can start Shopping with MamaJones here