I have been stocking my refrigerator and pantry with the same items for years, and it has allowed me to be able to prepare the various recipes I make on a daily/weekly basis. I only restock my pantry as needed and try to stick to my general shopping once every two weeks. As the seasons change, I do like to modify my vegetable selection to buy what is freshest and offered at the best deal. And as far as meats and seafood go – I usually buy those specifically for the meal I am planning to make and not with my general shopping. I hope you can use this as a helpful guide to save money in the long run and expand your menu options regularly without any additional trips to the store!
Pantry Staples - Canned and Dry Items
VINEGARS
- Red Wine
- White White
- Balsamic
- Rice Wine
SAUCES
- Worcestershire
- Soy
- Oyster
- Fish
- Kosher Salt
- Crystal Sea Salt
- Pepper grinder
- Anchovies
- Vegetable/ Chicken/ Beef Stock
- Tomato Paste
- Garlic
- Onions
- Dry Roasted Nuts (Almonds, Cashews, Peanuts)
- Nut Butters (Cashew, Almond, Peanut)
- Panko Bread Crumbs
- Honey or Agave Nectar
- Nutritional Yeast Flakes
GRAINS/STARCHES
- Pastas
- Rices
- Ancient Grains (Quinoa, Farro, Lentils, etc)
- Rolled Oats
- Potatoes
CANS
- Beans (Black, Garbonzo, White, etc)
- Diced Tomatoes
- Tuna
CONDIMENTS
- Mayonnaise (like Avocado Oil based)
- Dijon Mustard
- Hot Sauce
OILS
- Olive or Avocado
- Extra Virgin
- Grape Seed (Vegetable or Canola)
DRIED SPICES
- Allspice
- Basil
- Cumin
- Chili Powder
- Cinnamon
- Cloves
- Curry Powder
- Cayenne Pepper
- Coriander
- Fennel Seeds
- Garlic Powder
- Marjoram
- Nutmeg
- Onion Powder
- Oregano
- Paprika
- Parsley
- Rosemary
- Saffron
- Sage
- Star Anise
- Thyme
- Tumeric
Typical Grocery List
DAIRY
- Milk (I use Almond)
- Butter (I use Avocado oil based)
- Eggs
- Cheese (keep a good Pecorino or Parmigiano on hand)
- Plain Greek Yogurt
BREADS
- Good Whole Grain or Sourdough
- Corn Tortillas
- Naan/Flat/Pita
FRESH PRODUCE
- Scallions/Green Onions
- Onions
- Lemons and Limes
- Asparagus
- Cauliflower
- Broccoli
- Mushrooms (I prefer Cremini)
- Carrots
- Cabbage
- Tomatoes
- Avocados
- Peppers
- Brussels Sprouts
- Cilantro, Parsley
- Various Lettuces
- Seasonal Fruits
These lists are limited to what I typically use in my recipes. I do buy fruits, snacks, and other items but they tend not to be ingredients. Please use this as a general guide of things to keep on hand, which in my opinion, will make it so much easier to cook a great deal of the delicious recipes that are always at your fingertips!
