Ten staple foods grown in Nigeria (African walnut, cocoyam, plantain, cassava, water yam, okra, pigeon pea, cowpea, African yam bean and lima bean) were analysed for four antinutritional groups alkaloids, saponins, phytic acids and tannins. Alkaloids were generally absent except in African walnut, where trace quantities were found. Soyasapogenol B was identified as the predominant saponin in these foods by capillary gas chromatography and FAB-MS. Phytic acids and tannins were also present in fairly low quantities. The presence of these antinutritional substances in relation to the nutritional value of the food items is discussed.