Kitchen Pantry Essentials You Absolutely Need For Healthy Living

Having a perfectly stocked cupboard, or pantry, can make your dinners go from boring to restaurant quality in just minutes. To do that you need plenty of non-perishable items such as spices, grains, canned goods and baking supplies on your grocery list.

Your list can be as long or as short as you’d like, depending on your preferences, how much you cook and how many people you cook for. These items have very long shelf lives, making your perfect pantry very easy on the wallet.

Take your chicken or salmon to the next level with an array of herbs and spices. And all that canned food you buy is just waiting in your cupboard to be made into a delicious meal. Although they are not the most appealing, canned foods don’t have to be a drag! The coolest thing about cooking is that you can create anything you want, with the right tools. Give that boring piece of chicken a taste of China, Spain or Italy just by using certain ingredients all found in your kitchen pantry.

A hearty supply of grains and proteins in your cupboard will guarantee a quick and healthy meal. Check out the Whole Foods’ version of essential healthy pantry items, too! Whatever you decide to throw into your shopping cart, make sure it’s all stuff you like and would use. Yet, don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone a little. You won’t know if you like something or not unless you try it!

Oils, Vinegars & Condiments

• Oils: Olive, Coconut
• Vinegars: Red Wine, White Wine, Balsamic
• Peanut Butter
• Jelly/Jam
• Ketchup
• Soy Sauce
• Tabasco Sauce
• Steak Sauce
• Mayonnaise
• Mustard
• Pesto

Herbs & Spices

• Salt/Pepper
• Oregano
• Bay Leaves
• Nutmeg
• Cinnamon
• Garlic Powder
• Curry Powder
• Chili Powder
• Crushed Red Pepper
• Paprika
• Vanilla Extract
• Sesame Seeds
• Ground Ginger

Baking

• Flour: All Purpose, Whole Wheat
• Yeast
• Sugar
• Brown Sugar
• Confectioner’s Sugar
• Baking Powder
• Baking Soda
• Chocolate Chips
• Sweetners: Maple Syrup, Honey, Agave

Dry Goods

• Rice: White, Brown, Basmati
• Quinoa
• Couscous
• Pasta: White, Whole Grain
• Egg Noodles
• Breadcrumbs: Plain, Panko
• Oats: Steel-Cut, Instant, Old-Fashioned
• Popcorn Kernels
• Mixed Nuts

Canned Goods

• Chicken/Beef Broth
• Vegetables: Tomatoes, Peas, Corn, Green Beans, Mushrooms, etc.
• Fruits: Oranges, Peaches, Grapefruit, Pear, Pineapple, etc.
• Soups: make sure to look for low sodium options!
• Beans/Lentils
• Salsa
• Tuna
• Artichokes
• Roasted Red Peppers
• Olives

For more Food features, check out our articles here.

What do you always have in your food pantry?

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