Answer

Here is a commonly accepted Jain-friendly list of condiments and substitutes. Please note that exact practice can vary a little by family, sect, and whether it is a regular day or a fasting day.

Explanation

Common Jain-approved condiments

• Rock salt
• Black salt
• Sea salt, if your family accepts it
• Cumin seeds and cumin powder
• Coriander seeds and coriander powder
• Fennel seeds
• Ajwain
• Mustard seeds
• Fenugreek seeds
• Sesame seeds
• Poppy seeds
• Cloves
• Cinnamon
• Cardamom
• Black pepper
• White pepper
• Turmeric
• Red chili powder
• Kashmiri chili powder
• Nutmeg
• Dry mango powder
• Tamarind
• Kokum
• Lemon juice
• Jaggery
• Pure hing, if your tradition allows it and it does not contain onion/garlic or other unwanted additives

Good Jain-friendly substitutes

• For onion/garlic flavor:

- Hing - Cumin - Asafoetida with coriander powder - Black pepper - Ajwain - Roasted sesame

• For tanginess:

- Lemon juice - Tamarind - Amchur - Kokum - Pomegranate seed powder

• For savory depth:

- Cumin + coriander + black pepper - Hing + mustard seeds - Dry roasted spices - Coconut, where suitable

• For ready-made seasoning mixes:

- Make your own with Jain-safe spices - Check labels carefully for onion powder, garlic powder, yeast extract, or unknown flavorings

Usually avoided in Jain households

• Onion
• Garlic
• Shallots
• Leeks
• Chives
• Ginger, in strict Jain practice
• Root-based seasoning pastes
• Store-bought mixes containing onion or garlic

Spiritual Understanding

In Jain Dharma, food is chosen with ahimsa, purity, and restraint in mind. Condiments are also part of this discipline, because even small ingredients can affect the intention and purity of a meal. Using simple, plant-based spices helps keep food sattvic, light, and aligned with Jain principles.

Takeaway

A Jain-friendly pantry is usually built around simple spices, natural tang agents, and pure seasonings. If you want, I can also give you a Jain pantry shopping list or a Jain spice mix recipe.