Stocking your pantry

Keeping some items on hand can make grocery shopping for meals easier. This is often called “stocking your pantry.” “Pantry” is a word that usually means a place to store food that lasts a long time and doesn’t need refrigeration. We also include a few refrigerated items because they last a long time and are helpful to have on hand.

When you plan your meals and grocery list, make sure to check to see if you already have the ingredients at home. But remember to check the expiration date on the package, too! If you haven’t used something in awhile, it may be time to throw it out and buy it new.

We recommend keeping the items below on hand if you cook often. The pictures are examples of what the items look like. Specific brands are not important. Generic brands are often cheaper. If you only cook specific meals or you don't cook very often, you may not need all these. You also may need to substitute items if you have an allergy or do not eat certain ingredients.

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Herbs and spices

Herbs and spices do not need to be refrigerated. You can store them in the cupboard, on a spice rack, or another convenient place. We suggest using things like turntables, spice racks, or shelf organizers to hold spices. This helps to make it easier to find what you need without getting frustrated.

Garlic powder