Nigerian Best Selling African Foodstuff Products You Must Have in Your African Shop

When running an African food store business, one of the major aspect you need to address properly is finding the best selling African foodstuff products for your shop. The demand for African foods and cuisines are rising due to the increasing number of Africans, particularly West Africans who traveled to foreign Countries for a better life and in search of greener pastures.

As an African store owner, you can take advantages of making the best selling African foodstuff products available in your store especially those products that cannot be found easily within your area.

If your area is populated with a lot of people from West Africa, it stands to reason that the following best selling African foodstuff in your grocery store will be in high demand. African families and restaurants will always want to have the ethnic items needed to prepare their various traditional foods.

List of 50 Best Selling African Foodstuff Products

Recent consumer-centric research reveals the best selling foodstuff products most missed by West African expats living in abroad. We have listed the best selling African foodstuff products in this article. You should consider some a must have in your African food store.

1. Palm Oil
   Palm oil one of the best selling African foodstuff products is a type of edible oil that is derived from the palm fruit, used primarily for cooking African dishes.
   Tips: Go for freshly produced palm oil and check for colorants as some are contaminated with scarlet red to boost the reddish color. Scarlet red (Sudan IV) is very harmful to human body.
2. Melon seed (egusi) is a popular food ingredient consumed mostly by Africans. It is used to prepare popular egusi soup recipe and other African dishes.
   Tips: Always go for seasoned dried melon seeds and check for Aflatoxin which can make the seeds unfit for human consumption. Aflatoxin is a type of mold that is considered a human carcinogen.
3. Ogbono Seeds
   Ogbono seeds are used for preparing the popular ogbono soup and can also be used as a thickener for other African soup recipes.
   Tips: Ogbono seed comes in variations depending on where they are grown. Good ogbono seeds will always draw, thick and add flavor to soups.

4. Crayfish
   Nigerian crayfish is a common ingredient in African dishes, very nutritive and add iconic flavor to local meals.
   Tips: Crayfish is prone to sands and chaffs due to harvesting and processing method, therefore you must take time to check for sand. Good quality crayfish adds flavor and great taste to the meal
5. Cocoyam powder (Ede Ofe) for Soup
   Cocoyam is used for preparing various African soup and also acts as a soup thickener. It mostly used for cooking bitter leave soup, oha soup etc.
   Tips: Note that not all cocoyam can be used for soup, so look for a particular one known as Ede Ore in Igbo meaning cocoyam for soup. Also, make sure no additive is added to the powder

6. Achi Powder (Soup Thickener)
   Achi powder is a popular soup thickener used for thickening much African soup. It adds irresistible flavor to the soup.
   Tips: Over fried achi seeds which are done during the processing can mess up your whole pot of soup. Always look for medium fried that will still have its thickening properties and will not add burnt flavor to your meal.

7. Ofor Powder (Soup Thickener)
   An ofor powder is another soup thickener that can be used in the place of Achi powder. Its thickening and flavoring properties can add great taste to African dishes.
   Tips: Ofor seeds can easily be mistaken so its very important that it’s the real ofor is used and not the other.

8. Ijebu Garri
   Ijebu Gari is well dried fermented cassava flakes. It is used for making swallow and gulping. It has low cyanide content.
   Tips: Check for the crunchiness, cyanide content, and sands.
9. Yellow Gari
   Yellow gari can be produced from vitamin A-fortified cassava roots or adding quality palm oil the normal cassava root during processing. It is majorly used for making popular eba.
   Tips: Check for the dryness, sands and cyanide level.
10. White Gari
    The difference between White gari and Ijeu gari is the number of days spent during the fermentation process. Also, White gari is whiter compared to Ijebu.
    Tips: Check for the dryness, sand and cyanide level.

11. Dry Okra
    Dried Okra is used for preparing local dishes, it is the most common in Africa. It has a unique flavor, especially when prepared with smoked fish.
    Tips: Always check for sand and some can grow mold if not well stored.

12. Cassava Fufu
    Cassava fufu is a starchy food that is usually eaten with any kind of soups in Nigeria, it is one of the most common traditional delicacies in Africa.
    Tips: It is important you know the level of fermentation and the cyanide content.
13. Pounded Yam Flour
    Pounded yam flour is the flour obtained when parboiled yam is dried and milled. It is commonly known as Poundo yam.
    Tips: Some poundo yam are not 100% yam as they claim, some are mixed with either potatoes or starch.
14. Yam Flour ( Elubo)
    Yam flour is used for making the popular àmàlà isu or elubo. It is very popular in Nigeria and enjoyed mostly by the Yorubas.
    Tips: Always go for freshly dried yam because stored dried yam if not well preserved develops mold especially if not dried very well before storage.

15. Plantain Fufu
    Plantain Fufu is basically a swallow made from green plantains. It is called elubo ogede.
    Tips: Always go for freshly dried plantain because stored dried plantain if not well preserved develops molds making it unfit for human consumption.
16. Cameroon Pepper (Scent Pepper)
    Cameroon pepper is commonly added to soups, stews or seasoning for meat before cooking. It is very popular in West Africa.
    Tips: There is a common cheap type in the open market which is not the original Cameroon pepper and some contain sands as result of the drying process.
17. Hot Chili Pepper
    Hot Chili Pepper is one of the most important spices used in making most African
    Tips: There are many types of chili pepper, also go for the native small and medium seeds which are very hot compared to others.
18. Pepper Soup Spice
    Pepper soup spice is a spice blend used in many Nigerian soups, stews and pepper soup. It adds irresistible flavor and great taste to the soup.
    Tips: Always check for the ingredients used in the making of the spice.
19. Suya Spice
    Suya Spice is the special blend of pepper and spice that is added to Nigerian Suya, grilled fish, and chicken.
    Tips: Always check for the ingredients used in the making of the spice.
20. Banga Spice
    Banga spice is a fundamental spice used for cooking Banga Soup or Ofe Akwu. It makes the soup very delicious with an irresistible flavor.
    Tips: Always check for the ingredients used in the making of the spice.
21. White Soup Spice
    White soup spice or Nsala spice is the ingredients used in preparing white soup or ofe nsala. It’s very hot and spicy.
    Tips: Always check for the ingredients used in the making of the spice.
22. Honey Beans
    Nigerian honey beans are a variety of black-eyed peas with a uniquely sweet flavor. There are kidney-shaped cowpeas, known as Ewa oloyin in Yoruba, are enjoyed throughout West Africa.
    Tips: Always check for weevils and phostoxin
23. Ofada Rice
    Ofada rice is a locally produced type of rice which comes with a unique aroma and flavor. It is a popular rice variety in Nigeria and also called Unpolished rice.
    Tips: There is a great variety of ofada rice, always check for the main ofada which have a unique flavor.
24. Dried Okazi Leave
    This is an excellent alternative to fresh Okazi leave (Spinach) but it must be soaked for about 10 minutes or more, wash and drain the water before using. It is used for preparing Afang soup and other delicious Nigeria meals.
    Tips: Soak the dried okazi leaves for about 10 minutes or more, wash and drain the water. Also, make sure the dried leave has a greenish color.
25. Dried Ugu Leave
    Ugu is used mainly as a vegetable complement to prepare different kinds of African soups like Egusi soup, ogbonno soup.
    Tips: Soak the dried leaves for about 10 minutes or more, wash and drain the water. Also, make sure the dried leave has a greenish color.
26. Dried Bitter leave
    This is one of the important leave used to prepare bitter leave soup and egusi soup. It adds a slightly bitter taste to the soup.
    Tips: Cook or soak the dried leaves for about 10 minutes or more, wash and drain the water.
27. Dried Oha leave
    Oha leave is used for cooking Oha soup which is a popular soup in Nigeria. It adds a unique taste and great flavor to the soup.
    Tips: Soak the dried leaves for about 10 minutes or more, wash and drain the water. Also, make sure the dried leave has a greenish color.
28. Dried Utazi Leave
    This leave is used for cooking varieties of local soup. Utazi is an African herb that is used for the bitter taste it imparts in soups and stews.
    Tips: Soak the dried leaves for about 10 minutes or more, wash and drain the water. Also, make sure the dried leave has a greenish color.
29. Dried Scent Leave
    This leave is used for cooking varieties of African foods because of its unique flavor and medicinal value.
    Tips: Soak the dried leaves for about 10 minutes or more, wash and drain the water. Also, make sure the dried leave has a greenish color.
30. Locust Beans (Iru)
    Locust beans (Irú)is a type of fermented and processed locust beans used as a condiment in cooking. It is called ogiri the Igbos and dawadawa by the Hausas.
    Tips: Go for well-fermented locust beans to get that optimum value.
31. Dried Ugba
    Ugba from African oil bean seeds is one of the Nigerian delicacies. Very traditional moist, spicy hot and enjoyed both old and young. It goes together with African salad (Abacha).
    Tips: Cook the dried ugba for 15 minutes or until it softens, wash and drain the water.
32. Abacha
    African salad (Abacha) is a delicious Nigerian meal that can serve as a meal as well as a snack.
    Tips: Soak the dried African salad (Abacha) in a hot water for 10 minutes or until it softens, wash and drain the water.
33. Bonga and Shawa Fillets
    Shawa or Bonga Fish Fillets (Herring) which among the best selling African foodstuff products is used in preparing various African soup and stew such as Ogbono, Egusi and other fish meals.
    Tips: Check for the dryness as some will staring growing molds if not well dried.
34. Ginger Powder
    Adding ginger powder to your meal offers many benefits. Ginger powder helps in weight loss, boost the immunity system, aid in digestion.
    Tips: Stone and sand free dried ginger should be used.
35. Garlic Powder
    Garlic powder is a very common seasoning used for preparing pasta, pizza, ranch dressing and grilled chicken. It an important ingredient in African food recipe.
    Tip: There are several varieties of garlic, always go for the main garlic.
36. Zobo Leave
    Zobo leaves (Hibiscus flower) are used for preparing zobo drinks. A very popular drink that goes with all kind African meals especially when served chilled.
    Tips: Sort the leaves very well before use.
37. African Fresh Yams
    Another best selling African foodstuff is yam. Yams are very delicious and the common carbohydrates consumed in West Africa. It is enjoyed by both young and old.
    Tips: Always go for sweet yams as it’s the most preferred choice.
38. Fresh Plantain
    Fresh plantains are used for preparing several African delicacies. It’s very delicious and nutritive.
39. Roasted Peanuts
    Roasted peanuts or groundnuts are popular snacks in West Africa which made it one of the best selling African foodstuff products. It is enjoyed by both young and old.
    Tips: Always go for crunchy and airtight pack peanuts.
40. Bitter Kola
    Bitter kola is considered one of the best selling African foodstuff, it is used as Natural remedies for many ailments because of its medicinal attributes. It increases sex drive and sexual performance in men.
41. Catfish
    This oven dry catfish is very popular and used to spice up African local dishes
42. Mangala Fish
    Mangala fish is for preparing delicious Nigerian food
43. Asa Fish
    Asa (Osan) fish is a popular fish for preparing African food
44. Peeled Beans
    Peeled beans are used in traditional recipes like moimoi, gbegiri, and akara.
45. Palm Fruit (Banga)
    The extract from Palm fruit is used to cook Banga Soup/Stew, Bitterleaf Soup etc.
46. Bread Fruit ( Ukwa)
    African breadfruit(ukwa) is definitely one of the popular Igbo foods, so it is well worth a good place in your African food store
47. Alligator Pepper
    Alligator pepper is a West African spice used to cook several African dishes.
48. Edible Local Chalks (Nzu)
    Nzu which is an edible clay called calabash chalk is consumed as a traditional remedy for morning sickness and also used for other numerous things.
49. Dried Periwinkles
    Dried Periwinkle is used for preparing delicious Nigerian meal
50. Smoked Prawns
    Prawns add an ethnic flavor to meals, enjoyed by both young and old.

Conclusion:

I hope you have learned the best selling African foodstuff products. If you have further questions, ask in the comments below.

If you need a registered and experienced African Foodstuff Supplier| Exporter,  African Food Products Branding and Packaging services,   or how to get any of the best selling African foodstuff for your African store, talk to us.