Top 10 Raw Food Kitchen Essentials

 

 

The raw food diet is based on the idea that cooking food destroys the enzymes and nutrients within it and thus makes it less nutritious.

A raw food diet is typically based on fruits, vegetables, nuts and some grains.

Since raw food still need to be prepared, someone following the raw food diet will need the following implements:

Blender

A blender will also get a lot of use, for the raw foodist can use it to make smoothies, soups and salsas. The blender will need a powerful motor.

Quality knives

You simply can’t get away with having a low-quality knife in your kitchen, any kitchen. Thus, eating a raw food diet consist of having to slice through ingredients with a tough exterior. Choose a paring knife, chef’s all –purpose knife and a Chinese cleaver.

Cutting board

You absolutely need to ensure that you have a variety of cutting boards available in your kitchen – whether you choose expensive wooden ones or more affordable acrylic. As long as you have one nearby when the prep work begins.

Food processor

You’ll be doing your fair share of grating and shredding, which is why it makes sense to purchase a high-quality food processor to take the work out of food preparation. Stay clear of the cheapest variety but it’s also not necessary for the most expensive one on the market.

Coffee/ Spice grinder

A grinder can be used to grind fresh spices, which raw foodists prefer over the pre-ground spices in stores. A grinder can also be used to grind seeds or nuts.

Essential food dehydrator

You simply can’t follow a raw food diet without purchasing a food dehydrator – an invaluable raw food kitchen gadget for any raw foodist. Ranging between cheap and expensive, you ultimately need to find one matching your needs and budget.

Handy mandoline slicer

What better way to add some character to your plate than with a mandoline slicer. They’re cheaper than food processors and easier to clean, which makes it an essential raw food kitchen gadget to have.

Fine mesh strainer

Many raw food recipes require some form of straining, which makes a fine mesh strainer essential. Not only is it an inexpensive raw food kitchen gadget to have, it also makes life easier, instead of having to use a cheesecloth.

Food storage containers

Whether you have leftovers or simply need to store your prep work for later, having reliable and affordable food storage containers will keep your food fresh and colorful – ensuring tasty snacks wherever you may go.

Zester

Used for obtaining zest from lemons, having a zester in your kitchen is a must-have for any raw food diet follower. Producing fine, thread-like strips of citrus zest, a zester will only make life a little bit more colorful.

By adding the above-mentioned raw food diet kitchen tools to your wish list, eating healthy can become an everyday adventure – being able to try different things with what nature gives us. Remember, eating healthy not only makes you feel better, mentally and physically, you’re also able to create colorful dishes on a whim without adding non-essential fats and oils.

How to Choose Raw Food Kitchen Tools on Any Budget

You don’t need to buy everything at once. If you’re just getting started with raw food prep, here’s a simple priority order:

Start with these first:

• Blender — a good blender is the single most-used tool in a raw kitchen. A mid-range option ($50–$100) is fine to start. Upgrade to a high-speed blender (Vitamix or Blendtec) when your budget allows — the difference in smoothies, raw soups, and nut butters is dramatic.
• Chef’s knife + cutting board — more prep time is spent here than anywhere else. A sharp 8-inch chef’s knife and a large wood or bamboo board is all you need.
• Food dehydrator — opens up an entire world of raw crackers, wraps, granola, and jerky. The Excalibur 9-tray is the gold standard; the Nesco is a solid budget entry point.

Add these once you’re committed:

• Juicer — a masticating (slow) juicer preserves more nutrients than centrifugal models and handles leafy greens far better. Omega and Hurom make the most reliable models.
• Spiralizer — turns zucchini, beets, carrots, and sweet potatoes into noodles. Makes raw pasta dishes practical and satisfying.
• Food processor — essential for raw energy balls, nut-based crusts, cauliflower rice, and chopped salads. An 11-cup capacity is the sweet spot.

Nice-to-have down the road:

• Nut milk bag — for homemade almond milk, cashew cream, and cold-brew coffee. Costs just a few dollars and eliminates the need for store-bought nut milks full of additives.
• Mandoline slicer — razor-thin, uniform slices of cucumber, beet, or fennel that are nearly impossible to achieve by hand. Use the guard — always.

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Raw Food Kitchen Essentials: Frequently Asked Questions

What is the most important kitchen tool for a raw food diet?

A high-quality blender is the single most important piece of equipment for a raw food kitchen. It handles smoothies, raw soups, nut butters, sauces, and dressings — and it gets used every single day. If you’re only going to invest in one piece of equipment, make it the blender.

Do I need a food dehydrator to eat raw?

No — but it expands your options significantly. Without a dehydrator, raw eating is mostly fresh fruits, salads, and blended foods. A dehydrator opens up raw crackers, wraps, granola, “baked” vegetables, and raw desserts. For anyone planning to eat raw long-term, it’s worth the investment.

What’s the difference between a masticating and centrifugal juicer?

Centrifugal juicers are faster and less expensive but generate heat through their spinning blades, which can reduce enzyme activity. Masticating (cold-press) juicers operate at low speed, preserving more nutrients — especially from leafy greens like kale and wheatgrass. For a true raw food lifestyle, a masticating juicer is the better long-term choice.

Can I follow a raw food diet without expensive equipment?

Yes. A sharp knife, a cutting board, and a basic blender will get you surprisingly far. Many raw food recipes — large salads, fruit bowls, guacamole, chopped slaws, simple smoothies — require no special equipment at all. Start simple and add tools as you discover what your lifestyle actually needs.

Is a Vitamix worth the price for raw food prep?

For serious raw food enthusiasts, yes. A Vitamix blends raw cashews into silky cream, processes frozen fruit into smooth ice cream, and handles fibrous greens without straining. It’s built to last 10+ years with a warranty to match. That said, a mid-range blender (Ninja, Oster Pro) is perfectly usable while you’re starting out — upgrade when you’re ready.

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New to raw food eating? Check out our guide to why the raw food diet is ideal for seniors — or browse our raw food recipes for meal ideas that put these kitchen tools to work.