Last-minute runs to the store at rush hour? No thank you!
Keep a running list of basics and stay stocked with the things that you know you can pull together for a quick meal. Pick up fresh herbs and lemons every week and never suffer a dull meal again!
Being well-stocked saves money, time and fosters creativity and ease in everyday cooking. What to stock is a matter of taste and this list is just a starting point. Your pantry is the foundation for your daily cooking and will reflect your likes and needs.
Pantry Categories to Consider
- Fresh (vegetables, fresh herbs, and fruit; dairy products; and other perishables)
- Dry (dry beans, pulses, seeds, nuts, grains, pastas, etc.)
- Seasonings (oils, vinegars, spices, herbs, spice pastes or sauces, etc.)
- Frozen (pre-cooked beans; grains, meats, fish, butter, etc.
Fridge
- Onions, Carrots
- Fresh Parsley, Cilantro, etc.
- Lettuce, Leafy Greens
- Tortillas
- Eggs, Butter, Milk, Plain Yogurt
- Cheese
- Mustard
- Mayonnaise
- Nut butters
- Capers
- Green/Red Curry Paste
- Miso
- Hot sauce
- Maple syrup
Oils/Vinegars/Sauces
- Olive, Sunflower, & Coconut Oil (or other vegetable or seed oil)
- Toasted Sesame Oil
- Red-wine, Cider, Rice, & Balsamic Vinegar
- Soy Sauce/Tamari
- Fish sauce
Essentials
- Garlic
- Lemons/Limes
- Fresh ginger
- Potatoes
Dry Storage
- Nuts
- Sesame seeds
- Sunflower seeds
- Raisins
- Crackers
- Canned tomatoes
- Canned coconut milk
- Canned tuna
- Beans
- Beans, canned
- Pasta & noodles (buckwheat, rice, etc.)
- Couscous
- Rice
- Lentils
- Quinoa
- Bulgur wheat
- Flour
- Polenta, cornmeal
- Granulated sugar
- Brown sugar
- Honey
- Molasses
- Baking soda
- Baking powder
- Vanilla extract
- Chocolate chips
Freezer
- Cooked Beans
- Cooked Grains
- Bacon, Sausages
- Chicken, Fish, Meat
- Bread/bread crumbs
- Veggie bouillon base
- Chicken Stock
- Extra butter
Spices & Dried Herbs
- Sea salt
- Black pepper
- Cumin
- Coriander
- Dried red chiles
- Mustard seeds
- Nutmeg
- Cinnamon
- Ginger
- Chili powder
- Cayenne
- Red pepper flakes
- Turmeric
- Paprika (smoked, sweet)
- Cardamom
- Oregano
- Thyme
- Bay leaves
