The Food Pantry Items You Need to Stock Up On Now
No one knows how long these difficult times brought on by a wicked virus will last. It could drag on for a while, it may be over relatively quickly. Life is uncertain. Regardless, every home needs a stockpile of non-perishable shelf-stable food. It’s part of any sensible emergency preparedness plan. You need to stock up now. Today.
Good news! It’s not too late. Even if you are self-quarantined at home, you can have all of these items delivered to your front door by Amazon or by a local grocery store in your area that offers online ordering with pick up or delivery.
MORE: 8 Ways Online Grocery Shopping Can Actually Help You Save Money
Here’s a list of the essential pantry items that need to be stocked in your cupboards and pantry. You may have some already. It’s time to check and take stock.
I am including a few Amazon links to help you to see so you can select the specific items in those categories that appeal to you. This is not an exhaustive list nor is it mandatory. This is a guideline for basic essentials that show up in most recipes. These are food items you will need for recipes that you will supplement with meat, poultry, and produce—as available and warranted.
I am also linking to recipes, my favorite recipe sites that may l be so helpful for you as you prepare quick, low-cost, delicious and nutritious meals.
Beans and Legumes (dry and or canned)
- white beans
- lentils
- black beans
- kidney beans
Recipe: Red Beans and Rice courtesy of Food Channel’s Robert Irvine (fabulous!)
Resources
The Protein in Rice and Beans. Rice and beans may seem like a simplistic meal without enough protein or nutrition. It turns out, however, that rice and bean dishes have complete proteins, are packed with carbohydrates, protein, and nutrients you may need for a vegan diet or fitness plan, and are totally delicious.
The Bean Cookbook, is a free download from The Bean Institute that will teach you everything you need to know about how to prepare and enjoy beans. Honestly, I had no idea. I’ve learned so much. Plus hundreds of really awesome recipes! FREE download.
We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases by linking to Amazon affiliated sites.
Whole Grains and Bread
- oatmeal, steel-cut oats
- quinoa
- rice
- bread
- tortillas
Resources
How to cook rice – easily and perfectly (easy lessons with pictures!)
Canned Goods
- tomatoes
- tomato sauce
- tuna (white albacore)
- green beans
- corn
- pasta sauce
- coconut milk
- chicken stock
- evaporated milk
Resource
Brazilian Coconut Chickpea Curry
Pasta
- spaghetti
- penne
Resource
Best Instant Pot. You can order today and have it within days. An Instant Pot, if that fits within your budget, will greatly simplify your meal prep and cooking going forward. There are thousands of online recipes and resources for how to get your Instant Pot up and turning out the best food you can imagine—easy, quick!
Baking
- all-purpose flour
- white sugar
- brown sugar
- baking soda
- baking powder
- yeast
- dry milk
Recipe: Homemade English Muffin Bread
Condiments and Sauces
- mayonnaise
- mustard
- soy sauce
- fish sauce
- hoisin sauce
- hot sauce
- honey
- peanut butter
- bouillon
Resource
20 Asian Meals on the Table in 15 Minutes (you’re going to love these!)
Seasonings
- salt
- pepper
- garlic
- cumin
- Italian seasoning
- crushed red pepper
- onion powder
- garlic powder
Oil and Vinegar
- olive oil
- sesame oil
- white vinegar
- apple cider vinegar
There you go … a quick guide so you can move quickly to stock your cabinets and cupboards with food items you will need and use. I don’t want you ending up with a bunch of food that will spoil quickly, or that you will never use.
Cinnamon. I use about 1/4 tsp in cereal (cold cereal and hot), tomato sauce, beef stew. When added to tomato sauce or stew, you can’t tell it’s there, but it really adds flavor.
Dried fruits (especially apricots and cranberries), and nuts (particularly walnuts and almonds). I buy about a half pound at a time. My husband and i go through about a pound of nuts a month.
You overlooked ketchup! Can’t be without that
No cooking oil ? rapeseed, sunflower, canola, .That,s a staple all over the world.
SPAM!
I agree with a few others. Good luck shopping online. Most essentials are out of stock or are only availble for purchase in the store, Walmart and Target for example have limited shipping, but who wants to venture to a store now? If items are available, the prices are outrageous. Stay safe.