Having a well-stocked pantry is an important part of having a balanced household. Check out our pantry supplies checklist to make sure you have everything you need!
Key Points
- Stocking both dry and refrigerated goods is essential to having a balanced pantry.
- Make sure you keep track of expiration dates.
- Keep all of your dry food in a cool, dark, dry place.
Basic Pantry Needs Checklist
Staples
All purpose flour
Baking soda
Baking powder
Granulated sugar
Brown sugar
Honey
Salt
Black pepper
Yeast
Oils (canola oil, olive oil, peanut oil, sesame oil)
Vegetable shortening
Vinegar (balsamic, white, red wine)
Dried pasta
Canned tomatoes, dried beans, peas, and other vegetables
Stock
Peanut butter
Dried herbs
Spices(cinnamon, cumin, chili powder, mustard, allspices, ginger)
Dried chili peppers
Fresh garlic
Nuts(walnuts, pecans)
Bread
Crackers
Coffee, tea, hot cocoa
Powdered milk
Potatoes
Onions
Cold cereal
Oatmeal
Maple syrup
The Fridge
Milk
Butter
Cheese
Frozen vegetables
Meat
Eggs
Pickles
Jam/jellies
Ketchup
Mustard
Relish
Mayonnaise
Salad dressing
Fresh fruits and vegetables
Orange juice
Miscellaneous
Aluminum foil
Plastic wrap
Ziploc bags
Napkins
Sponges
Coffee filters
Other Things to Keep in Mind When Stocking Your Pantry
Stocking a pantry can take a lot of work and money, but it's part of having a balanced household. There are some other things you'll want to keep in mind when stocking your pantry, in addition to what items to get.
Remember to keep expiration dates in mind. Some food items won't expire for years when kept in the right conditions, while others will only last for several months to a year. Make sure you research the expiration dates of each item you buy, and keep track of them.
Keep your pantry cool, dark, and dry. By maintaining these conditions in your pantry, you'll be giving your food the longest shelf life possible. Wet and warm conditions invite bugs and mold. In the summer, try to keep the area where your pantry is cool. If running an air conditioner on hot days isn't possible, move your food to your basement if needed.
Keep everything organized. This might sound like a no-brainer, but sometimes organization falls on the wayside when we have a lot to buy and do. Try your best to keep your pantry organized, so that nothing gets lost or forgotten about. There are lots of options out there for keeping your pantry organized.
Keep food containers sealed. In addition to keeping your food cool, dry, and dark, you'll want to keep their containers sealed. Air invites spoilage or staleness, neither of which you want. It can also allow bugs to get in. Make sure all containers are tightly sealed before putting them back in your pantry. Use bag clips on bags or put them in sealed containers.