Key Takeaways
- A well-stocked pantry means fewer trips to the store and more home-cooked meals.
- Store oils, spices and grains away from heat and light.
- Use the "first in, first out" rule — older items to the front.
- Clear, labeled containers make it easy to see what you have.
Some of the best meals come from what is already in the cupboard. A thoughtfully stocked pantry means you can make a pot of soup, a quick pasta or a batch of cookies at a moment's notice — no special trip to the store required.
Oils, vinegars and condiments
- Extra-virgin olive oil
- Neutral oil (canola or vegetable)
- Red wine or apple cider vinegar
- Balsamic vinegar
- Dijon mustard
- Worcestershire sauce
- Low-sodium soy sauce
Canned and jarred goods
- Crushed and diced tomatoes
- Tomato paste
- Low-sodium chicken and vegetable broth
- Beans — chickpeas, kidney and black beans
- Canned tuna or salmon
- Peanut butter
Grains and pasta
- Long-grain or brown rice
- Pasta in two shapes
- Old-fashioned rolled oats
- Quinoa
- Plain breadcrumbs
Baking basics
- All-purpose flour
- Granulated and brown sugar
- Baking soda and baking powder
- Pure vanilla extract
- Honey or maple syrup
- Semisweet chocolate chips
Herbs and spices
- Kosher salt and black peppercorns
- Dried thyme and oregano
- Ground cinnamon
- Smoked paprika
- Ground cumin and chili powder
- Red pepper flakes
Kitchen tip
Ground spices lose flavor over time. Smell them — if the aroma is faint, it is time to replace them. Buying smaller jars helps keep them fresh.
Smart storage
- Keep oils and spices away from the stove, where heat shortens their life.
- Decant flour, sugar, oats and grains into clear, airtight containers with labels and dates.
- Put the most-used items between waist and shoulder height so you are not bending or stretching.
- Use lazy Susans and pull-out bins in deep cabinets so nothing gets lost at the back.
Five pantry meals
- Pasta with garlic, olive oil, red pepper flakes and canned tuna.
- Chili with beans, tomatoes and spices.
- Fried rice with frozen vegetables and an egg.
- Overnight oats with frozen berries.
- Chocolate chip cookies for an easy treat.
Questions & Answers
How long do pantry staples last?
Dried pasta and rice keep for many months to years when stored airtight; flours and nuts are best within several months and can be refrigerated or frozen to last longer. Check "best by" dates and use your senses.
What is first in, first out?
Place newly purchased items behind older ones, so you always use the oldest first and nothing expires forgotten.
