How To Stock A Healthy Pantry
Today I am sharing how to stock a healthy pantry.
Having a pantry stocked with healthy staples is one of the best ways you can set yourself up for healthy eating. When you have options at your fingertips, you are more likely to cook healthy meals and less likely to be tempted to order out. It can also save you time and money, and who doesn't want that?
Pantry staples are items that you can keep on hand and that stay fresh for several weeks. The items below are nutrient-dense and can be used in a variety of ways to make lots of different meals and snacks. Many of these staples are budget-friendly as well.
Here's how to stock a healthy pantry.
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What are the benefits of stocking a healthy pantry?
There are many reasons why stocking your pantry with healthy essentials is beneficial.
ONE: You will have healthy, nutrient-dense foods on hand. When you have foods that are nourishing for your body at the ready, you are more likely to eat those foods! A healthy pantry leads to healthy meals and snacks for you and your family.
TWO: You will save money. A well-stocked pantry can help you avoid those mid-week trips to the grocery store. It can also help you to avoid eating out or grabbing pricey snacks when you are out and about. These items are also shelf-stable and last a long time, which helps to avoid food waste.
THREE: You will save time. Keeping your pantry full of items that are multi-purpose can help you throw together weeknight meals quickly. You can also use your stocked pantry to meal prep breakfasts, lunches, dinners and snacks for the week.
What should I do first when stocking my pantry?
Before you start, take the time to do a pantry clean-out. Take inventory of what you have in your pantry. Clear out any expired items or items you know you will not eat. Use up items that may have been there for a while. Set aside items you want to keep. It's time for a fresh start!
Which healthy foods should I buy to stock my pantry?
Here are some of the best healthy pantry staples - items that are shelf-stable and versatile.
Grains & Legumes
Grains and legumes have a long shelf-life, and can be an easy-to-prepare side for many meals. Grains and legumes are also great for meal prep. Make a batch on the weekend to eat all week long.
Grains & Legumes: Oats, rice, quinoa, beans, lentils, pasta.
Canned/Jar Goods
Canned/jar goods also have a long shelf-life. Items such as canned beans, crushed tomatoes, and pizza sauce are great for quick meals. Look for canned goods and sauces that have little-to-no added sugar.
Canned/Jar Goods: beans (canellini, black, kidney, chickpeas), crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, pizza sauce, canned tuna or chicken, olives, salsa, and broth.
Nuts, Seeds & Dried Fruit
Nuts, seeds, and dried fruit make for easy and healthy snacks and are great additions to smoothies and baked goods. Nut butters are incredibly versatile and add hearty doses of healthy fats.
Nuts, Seeds, & Dried Fruit: nuts (almonds, cashews, walnuts, pecans, etc.), seeds such as pumpkin or sunflower, chia seeds, flax seeds, dried fruit, nut butters (peanut, almond, etc.).
Oils, Vinegars, Condiments & Spices
These gems help to add flavor to our food. Keep your favorites on hand. I prefer avocado and olive oil to other more processed oils. Look for condiments with low-to-no added sugar.
Oils, Vinegars, & Condiments: avocado oil, coconut oil, olive oil, spray oils (avocado and olive), vinegar (balsamic, red wine, white wine, apple cider), ketchup, mustard, soy sauce or coconut aminos, your favorite spices.
Baking Staples
No pantry is complete without some baking staples. These are the ones I find to be the most useful. If you don't bake, a good baking mix or two is nice to have on hand.
Baking Staples: flours (grain or gluten free if needed - almond, coconut and oat are helpful to have on hand), coconut sugar, white sugar, maple syrup, honey, vanilla extract, baking soda, baking powder, chocolate chips, cacao chips.
Other Staples
Here are some other staples that I like to have on hand for smoothies, baked goods and to add to my water in the morning.
Other Staples: protein powder, greens powder, collagen peptides.
That is how to stock a healthy pantry. I hope this inspires you to to do a little pantry clean-out and restock. Anything you'd add to this list? Let me know in the comments below!
For more on healthy eating, check out these easy and healthy breakfast ideas and these simple pantry meals.
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