Did you know that 25% of adults in the United States are intimidated to cook in their kitchen?
Getting an education, job, and home, might seem easier than cooking a creative meal for these people. A lack of kitchen knowledge and experience with ingredients can make most turn to takeout menus and restaurants. Instead of avoiding the issue by ordering out, especially with high prices, you can stock up on essentials and feel prepared.
If you aren’t sure where to begin in the kitchen, take a look at the pantry staples mentioned below to create a grocery list!
1. Spices
One of the most important pantry staples to add to your list is a variety of spices.
Spices and herbs can turn a dull dish into something delectable. It’s helpful to have a diverse selection of spices, but stock up on the ones you like to use the most. Depending on which culture you pull inspiration from, you might need specialty items.
Salt, pepper, and garlic are the most essential, but you don’t want to stop there. Italian herbs, paprika, dill, and cilantro are other options to consider. Spice and herb blends can also help you create flavorful and aromatic dishes.
2. Grains
Now that you’ve moved into a new home, you might be looking for lunch and dinner inspiration.
If you want to stock up on grains that are versatile and healthy, there are a few to consider. Quinoa, couscous, and wild rice are some of the best. If you want to step outside of your comfort zone, order some teff, farro, or amaranth to add more diversity to your dishes.
Ancient grains are also great for the pantry since they are a foundation to a nutritious diet. They are loaded with vitamins, minerals, and fiber, so you don’t have to feel guilty about taking a bite.
3. Snacks
There’s nothing worse than going shopping at the store, only to come home and desire your favorite snacks.
Keeping a few of your snacks in the pantry can help you adjust to your new home. While you’re still unpacking, you can munch on veggie chips, crackers, and gingersnap cookies. Many people try to save money and calories by skipping snack purchases, but they often lead to intense cravings.
If you have kids, snacks are one of the most important things. To always be prepared, stock a few extra boxes of their favorites in the back so you always have somewhere to pull from.
4. Pasta
Almost every culture around the globe uses some form of pasta in their dishes.
Pasta is a delicious ingredient, and gets even better when mixed with sauce and herbs. The great thing about this pantry staple is that it’s filling and offers a lot of fiber. Whole grains make pasta a good source of energy, but you should opt for more natural recipes.
There are endless dishes and flavors to try with pasta and it’s the perfect foundation for a dish. Although fresh pasta is the healthiest, you can still find nutritious dried noodles. Whole wheat pasta is the best, but some brands also offer recipes with vegetables and chickpeas inside.
5. Baking Supplies
Holidays, birthdays, and special occasions quickly arise, especially when you’re busy unpacking boxes.
If you just moved into a new home, you shouldn’t wait to invest in some baking supplies. Sugar, flour, and baking soda and powder are needed for most recipes. Coconut, chocolate chips, and flavorings will be useful and give you more creativity in the kitchen.
New homes are often designed with a walk-in pantry. If you’re lucky enough to have one of these beautiful pantry layouts, you can also fit your mixers, blenders, and baking sheets inside. Putting your supplies in the cabinet will help reduce clutter and prevent people from sneaking into bags of chocolate.
6. Nuts & Seeds
If you want a healthy diet, you don’t want to skip on nuts and seeds.
In your new home, you need to fill your cabinets with the most useful ingredients. Aside from snacking on nuts and seeds, they are also great with smoothies, granola, and salads. Protein, fiber, vitamins, and healthy fats are loaded included and some of them are flavored to enhance each bite.
Nut butters are essential for a stocked pantry. They’re an excellent source of protein that tastes delicious and goes well with sandwiches and fruit. If you want to order it from a reputable business, take a look at this bulk almond butter!
7. Boxed Mix
Did you know that companies have created shelf-stable milk?
Whether you’re looking for oat, almond, or two percent milk, you can keep a container in your pantry for emergencies. Shelf-stable ingredients, like milk, are great to have in the cabinet because you can use them for a variety of dishes. Dehydrated milk, condensed milk, and other variations may also be available at your local stores.
8. Canned Goods
When was the last time you took inventory of your canned goods in the pantry?
Most people pull out cans, thinking they have something that they don’t or only show up with tasteless options. Although canned products aren’t the freshest, they can still add a lot of flavor and depth to your dishes. If you’re trying to avoid metal cans, Mason jars that are properly sealed will be the safest choice.
Instead of buying whatever is on sale or stocking up only on a few things, invest in canned and jarred foods that aren’t disgusting.
Unpack These Pantry Staples
Whether you cook every night or prefer to order out, you don’t want to be stuck at home with an empty pantry.
Stocking up on pantry staples can help you prepare for anything and you’re less likely to go hungry. You can create something for every meal of the day with baking items, canned goods, and grains. Try to invest in the things you will actually eat so your cabinets don’t get overfilled with useless goods.
If you want to learn more about kitchen essentials and creating a healthy home, take a look at our blog for inspiration!