How many times have you arrived home from work with the full intention of cooking dinner to find your pantry is empty and have nothing to work with? If the answer is too many, it’s time to stock it up. Instead of having to run to the grocery store every day, kitting out your pantry with the essentials will mean you have the staples needed to whip up some tasty grub. Here are some must-haves to get hold of for your pantry today.
Juices
Juice is one of the best items you can buy for your pantry. Whether you love apple juice, orange juice, carrot juice, or cranberry juice, all four are perfect pantry staples. If you have young kids, you’ll understand how much juice they can guzzle, so it’s wise to buy bulk juice. This is because it’s cheaper overall and gets used relatively quickly. You can purchase bulk juice from Louisiana Pantry, as well as other essentials like milk and water. Juice is best served cold, so when you grab one out of your pantry, ensure you put it in the refrigerator straightaway before use.
Dry Goods
If you want to fill up your pantry without spending a fortune, dry goods tend to be the least expensive ingredients to buy. These include flour, rice, rolled oats, and sugar. Other dried goods include coffee, breadcrumbs, crackers, and pasta. To prevent moisture, it’s best to store dry goods inside a container or in a dry place.
Vinegars, Oils, and Sauces
While we’re not saying you need to buy every kind of vinegar, oil, and sauce, it is good to have a couple of options for all three. These are used in numerous recipes and can be kept for up to two years. Apple cider vinegar and vegetable oil are pantry staples across America. To bring your food to life, stock up your pantry with soy sauce, honey, mustard, and mayonnaise.
Herbs and Spices
Herbs and spices can turn any boring, flavorless dish into a drool-worthy masterpiece. The great thing about spices is they have a relatively long shelf life, particularly if they’re kept in an air-tight container and out of sunlight. There’s no exact expiration date for spices and herbs, so it’s best to give them a sniff before use to determine their potency. Of course, there are a ton of options to choose from, but some of the most popular herbs and spices include basil, whole peppercorns, thyme, and oregano.
Canned Goods
Having canned goods in your pantry will always be a lifesaver. If you want to make something quick, items like beans, lentils, broth, and soup can come in handy. Canned tuna is an excellent canned good as it’s rich in omega 3 fatty acids and boasts several health benefits, such as lowering cholesterol, improving eye health, and boosting brain function. Many canned goods are shelf-stable too, meaning they can be kept in your pantry for some years.
Filling your pantry with all the staples above will make it simpler to cook a variety of recipes at home. Whether you have a dedicated pantry space or use cupboards, keeping your food organized and stocking up on the essentials will mean you have everything on hand as and when you need them.
