Stock a Healthy Pantry with These Staples

Stocking your kitchen with healthy pantry staples is the key to creating easy meals in a pinch. From whole grains and beans to various condiments and spices, a pantry full of staples will make it easy to whip up healthy meals without the last-minute stress of running to the grocery store.

Take inventory

First, evaluate what you have by doing a pantry assessment; take inventory of the foods in your pantry, fridge, and freezer.

If your focus is on healthy staples, remember that real foods should be the foundation. These are whole, unprocessed foods from nature, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats. Check the ingredients list of packaged foods for unhealthy ingredients such as artificial colors, flavors and added sugar.

Look for any expired items as well as highly processed food items that may be hiding in there. If you’re aiming to eat healthier, it’s best to discard these items or donate them. Otherwise, you can keep them. Once you have a clear idea of what’s in your kitchen, it’s time to create your grocery list, write a meal plan with recipes in mind and fill your healthy kitchen.

Canned goods

Canned foods such as tomatoes, tuna, salmon, coconut milk and beans are versatile, healthy options that are also budget friendly. Canned goods also have a long shelf life and are perfect for adding to soups, salads, pasta, grain bowls and more!

Whole grains and legumes

I like to fill my pantry with various whole grains and beans. They are not only nutritious, but also versatile. Brown rice, quinoa, barley and farro are staples in my kitchen each bringing their own unique texture and subtle flavor differences.

Beans, whether dried or canned, are a must-have. Stocking a variety of beans, such as black beans, chickpeas, lentils, and kidney beans, adds delicious heartiness to salads, soups, and many other dishes. Their versatility allows for creativity in meal prep, and they are budget-friendly with a long shelf life.

Pasta

Pasta is convenient, versatile, and has a long shelf life. It’s perfect when you are craving comfort food. Pasta pairs with just about any type of vegetables, proteins, and sauces – the possibilities are endless.

There are also so many varieties of pasta, with different shapes and ingredients. Whole wheat pasta is a staple in my pantry. I like the nutty flavor, and it contains more fiber than white pasta, which helps keep me satisfied longer.

There are also pasta varieties that are gluten-free, made from rice, quinoa, or legumes. Even if you are not on a gluten-free diet, these are worth a try; many are higher in protein and fiber than wheat-based pasta and they taste great.

Frozen vegetables and fruit

I find that keeping a variety of frozen veggies in my freezer pays off when I’m running low on fresh produce and don’t want to run to the grocery store. Frozen vegetables are a healthier option over some canned vegetables, which contain salt. Plus, essential vitamins and minerals are locked into frozen fruits and veggies since most are right after they are harvested.

Toss frozen vegetables into soups, stews, or stir-fries. Thanks to flash-freezing technology, the goodness of frozen vegetables is sealed in so that you can enjoy out-of-season produce year-round. Stock up on a few varieties of your favorite frozen veggies to quickly add them to any meal.

Meat

If you are a meat eater, having frozen meat such as chicken, and ground meat (chicken, turkey, beef or pork) in your freezer is a good idea. This way you will always have protein-packed options available. You can quickly whip up a delicious stir-fry, tacos or a hearty soup by simply reaching into your freezer.

Nuts and Seeds

Nuts and seeds are delicious and versatile, and they also offer many health benefits. Nuts and seeds like almonds, walnuts, cashews, chia seeds, sunflower seeds, flaxseeds and pumpkin seeds are perfect for snacking on, and also great additions to salads, yogurt, whole grain dishes and oatmeal. So don’t forget to stock up on these little delicious bites – your body will thank you!

Herbs and spices

Spices are where the magic comes from for home cooks. I have so many of those little jars in my spice cabinet. Herbs and spices are flavorful and add depth to dishes without extra calories. Try adding a variety of spices to your kitchen to jazz up any meal. In addition to sea salt and black pepper, here are a few common spices to consider:

• Garlic powder – If you love garlic, you know this is a must-have!
• Onion powder – Adds a nice touch of flavor to savory dishes.
• Cayenne pepper – A tiny pinch of hot pepper will kick up the heat in any dish.
• Cinnamon – Not just for sweets, it’s a great addition to savory food too.
• Cumin – Earthy and peppery is perfect in Mexican recipes, hummus and more!
• Oregano – Perfect for pasta, sauces, pizzas, salads and veggies.
• Basil – Its fresh, vibrant flavor pairs with tomatoes, pasta and sauces.
• Thyme – Light and almost floral is perfect for soups, stews and roasts.
• Chili powder – Its bold and spicy flavor is perfect for Mexican and Tex-Mex.
• Curry powder – Besides curries, curry powder adds flavor to rice and veggies.

Condiments and sauces

Condiments, similar to spices, condiments have the power to transform any dish from bland to amazing. Whether it’s a tangy splash of vinegar, a dollop of mustard, or a fiery kick from hot sauce, these flavor enhancers can take your culinary creations to the next level.

Vinegar add brightness to salads and marinades, mustard can elevate sandwiches and dressings, soy sauce can bring umami richness to stir-fries and marinades, and hot sauce adds that spicy punch that keeps things interesting.

Make sure to stock up on your favorite condiments for an instant flavor boost in your cooking. Here are some condiment suggestions for your pantry:

• Soy or tamari sauce
• Assorted vinegar (apple cider vinegar, white wine vinegar, red wine vinegar, rice wine vinegar, and balsamic vinegar)
• Mustard
• Yogurt
• Ketchup
• Hot sauce
• Nut and seed butters (peanut butter, almond butter, tahini)

Healthy oils

Olive oil, extra virgin olive oil, avocado oil, coconut oil, and nut oils are some of the best options to consider. These oils are loaded with healthy fats that are good for your health.

Additionally, these oils are versatile and can be used in various dishes. They can be used for sautéing, roasting, grilling, salad dressings, and even baking.

Baking staples

A good supply of healthy baking ingredients is essential for making delicious and nutritious baked goods.

Keep some essential items in your pantry such as unbleached white flour as well as almond flour, coconut flour, and whole wheat flour, which are great substitutes for traditional all-purpose flour and can add flavor and nutrition to your baked goods.

You should also keep baking soda and baking powder in stock as they are indispensable leavening agents that help your baked goods rise and become fluffy.

Additionally, use consider using natural sweeteners like honey, maple syrup, and coconut sugar instead of processed sugars for a healthier option.

Fresh Produce

Perishable items like lettuce, tomatoes, celery, onions, potatoes, sweet potatoes, carrots, garlic, and fresh fruits such as citrus can add freshness to your delicious meals. Remember that certain produce, such as carrots, cabbage, potatoes, celery, and onions, have a longer shelf life than leafy greens and tomatoes.

Dairy and eggs

If you are not sensitive to dairy products, they are a great addition to a healthy kitchen. Greek yogurt, for example, is an excellent source of protein and contains probiotics. It can be enjoyed on its own or used in smoothies, marinades, baking, and sauces. I like to use it as a replacement for sour cream.

Butter and cheese are versatile ingredients that can elevate the flavor of your meals when used in moderation. They bring a rich and creamy flavor even when used in small amounts.

Eggs are versatile and a great source of protein. They are perfect for whipping up a quick omelet for dinner or incorporating it into baking recipes.

Snacks

Whole grain crackers made with healthy ingredients, air-popped popcorn, and unsweetened dried fruits are some good examples of healthy snacks that you can keep on hand. They can help satisfy your cravings without undermining your diet and keep you full and energized throughout the day. Additionally, they are easy to grab and go, making them perfect for busy days when you don’t have time to prepare a full meal.

Keep a budget in mind

Some healthy foods can be expensive, but a well-stocked pantry does not have to break the bank. Plus, if you cook more instead of going out, you are saving money, too. If you are on a tight budget, think about buying in bulk for long-shelf-life items such as beans, pasta, whole grains, and canned goods.

Spices, on the other hand are best when purchased in smaller quantities as they will lose their flavor over time; after about 6 months you might notice a decline in the flavor of some spices.

Lastly, look for sales and stock up on non-perishable items when the prices drop. Remember to take inventory of the non-perishables in your pantry to avoid food waste.

Healthy Pantry FAQs

Recipes using Healthy Pantry Staples

• Blush Sauce – A simple sauce made with tomatoes, garlic, and milk.
• Ground Turkey and Spinach – A one pot dinner made with ground turkey, and frozen or fresh spinach and pasta.
• Deconstructed Stuffed Peppers – A hearty dish that’s simple to make with ground beef, rice, canned tomatoes and bell peppers.
• Red Beans and Rice – This spicy and delicious dish combines beans, rice, canned tomatoes, and ground beef.
• Air Fryer Frittata – Breakfast for dinner is always delicious; this frittata is made with veggies (frozen or fresh) and eggs.
• Vegetable Minestrone Soup – An easy vegetable soup made with vegetables (frozen or fresh), beans and broth.