For over a decade, I’ve kept a well-stocked pantry. By doing so, I never have to run to the store for one ingredient I don’t have for a recipe because I often buy in bulk. In addition, I can make many different recipes at any time because I have all the ingredients at home. If you want to keep a well-stocked pantry, follow these tips and suggestions.
Save Time When You Buy in Bulk
I frequently buy our pantry ingredients in bulk. My favorite stores are Costco, Vitacost, and Azure Standard.
Each of these stores runs sales occasionally, so I stock up when my favorite pantry ingredients are on sale. Even more conveniently, I can order from Vitacost and Azure Standard online and have it delivered to my home in the case of Vitacost or nearby with an Azure Standard drop. If you prefer, you can also have Costco ship you dry goods, but you will pay an increased price for each item compared to buying them in the store.
How to Organize Your Pantry
Whenever I add new ingredients to my pantry, I take a Sharpie and write on the package the expiration date. Then, I move the older items forward and use those first. I put the newer items on the back of the shelf. Finally, once a month or so I look through the pantry to see what products expire in the next month or two. Those are the items I make a priority to use. By using this system, no food goes to waste.
55 Essential Items for a Well-Stocked Pantry
Grains
I recommend storing items like cornmeal, oatmeal, brown rice farina, and flour in the refrigerator or freezer to maximize shelf-life.
- Pasta
- Rice
- Couscous
- Chia seeds
- Oatmeal
- Brown rice farina
- Cornmeal
Baking
- Flour
- Almond flour
- Baking soda
- Baking powder
- Yeast
- Cornstarch
- Chocolate chips
- Cinnamon
- Cocoa powder
- Vanilla extract
- Nutmeg
- Pumpkin spice seasoning
- Chia seeds
Oils/Fats
- Avocado oil
- Olive Oil
- Butter
- Mayonaise
Sweeteners
- Coconut sugar
- White sugar
- Brown sugar
- Maple syrup
- Honey
- Powdered sugar
Seasonings
- Italian seasoning
- Oregano
- Cumin
- Basil
- Thyme
- Rosemary
- Turmeric
- Chili powder
- Paprika
- Parsley
- Granulated garlic
- Onion flakes
- Ginger
- Salt
- Pepper
- Poultry seasoning
Canned Goods
- Tomatoes
- Tomato sauce
- Tomato paste
- Salsa
- Beans (I keep both canned and dry beans. I use the dry beans, lentils, and split peas when I have more time to cook and the canned when I want to get dinner on the table quickly.)
- Broth
- Pumpkin
- Salmon
- Tuna
Final Thoughts
A well-stocked pantry can make cooking a breeze because you never run out of items when you’re cooking and need to run to the store. In addition, it can save you money, especially if you buy in bulk when products are on sale. Finally, a stocked pantry also serves as an emergency fund. If you lose your job, you know you have food available for likely a month or two based solely on your pantry.
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Read More
Smart Pantry and Freezer Organization
5 Things I’ll Never Buy in Bulk Again
Sensible Strategies for Buying in Bulk
Melissa is a freelance writer and virtual assistant. She earned her Master’s from Southern Illinois University, and her Bachelor’s in English from the University of Michigan. When she’s not working, you can find her homeschooling her kids, reading a good book, or cooking.
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