What You Need to Have in Your Pantry to Cook

Meal planning has truly brought my family to a path of financial peace. When I take the time every week to think about the meals we are going to eat, look at the proteins that are on sale and use what is in the pantry to feed my family, the savings are astonishing.

TIP: I Use coupon matchup lists where all the savings are done for me. You can print a customized shopping list or use the app for FREE! 

I didn’t start off with the skill of cooking in the kitchen. Still, I would much rather bake than cook. But when the kids are distracted and I have all my meals planned I am calm in the kitchen and enjoying the simplicity in feeding my family healthy foods at home for less.

TIP: With coupons and watching the sales I can spend less than $60 a week on groceries. 

Below is a list of pantry and fridge items I like to keep on hand to live a healthier simpler life. I can easily come up with simple and delicious meals for my family when I have these pantry items.

READ OR PIN- Fool Proof Way to Eat Healthier on A Budget- Every Week

Look at having a stocked pantry as setting yourself up for success in meal planning and offering your family healthy options. This is also a key factor in creating the perfect grocery list.

I love to buy many organic spices at BJ’s Wholesale club because it is cheaper than our local grocery store. Of course, if you can dry your own herbs this is the better option.  Aldi is another great store to go and get your basic pantry items from. Just remember the importance of looking at unit price and the quality of the ingredients.

Quick Recap How You Can Stock Your Pantry For Cheap

• Follow a coupon matchup list
• Buy produce in season
• Buy Meat in bulk-freeze for later
• Only Buy items on sale
• Keep your pantry stocked with the items below to always make a meal from scratch at home for less

Spices/Herbs

• Sea Salt
• Whole Black Peppercorns( grinding fresh pepper is the way to go)
• Basil
• Oregano
• Thyme
• Marjoram
• Tarragon
• Dill
• Bay Leaves
• Ground Mustard
• Chili Powder
• Nutmeg
• Parsley
• Cumin
• Fresh Garlic

Cooking & Baking 

• Active dry yeast( This is Super affordable at BJ’s- no coupons needed $3.99 for 4 lbs.)
• All Purpose Flour ( 10 lb. bag $4.99 at BJ’s)
• Baking Powder ( Aluminum Free 2 pack $4.99 at BJ’s)
• Baking Soda ( 13.5 lb bag $4.99- Use for many other things. Put a small amount in container to keep fresh use rest for cleaning)
• Brown Sugar
• Granulated Sugar
• Cornstarch
• Cocoa Powder
• Real Maple Syrup
• Pure Vanilla Extract
• Raw Honey
• Whole Wheat Flour
• Cinnamon Powder
• Chicken & Beef Stock

Oils, Vinegars, Sauces

• Extra Virgin Olive Oil
• Extra Virgin Coconut Oil
• Frank’s Hot Sauce
• Soy Sauce
• Olive Oil
• Apple Cider Vinegar
• Balsamic Vinegar
• White Vinegar
• Red Wine Vinegar
• Worcestershire sauce

For the Fridge Door

• Dijon Mustard
• Ketchup
• Mayonnaise

Dairy & Eggs

• Butter Quarters
• Cheese
• Milk
• Yogurt ( I like grabbing Greek yogurt to use in place of sour cream in recipes.)

Vegetables

• Onions
• Celery
• Lettuce
• Potatoes
• Scallions
• Tomatoes

Canned/Dry Goods

• Beans
• Tomatoes
• Tuna
• Pasta- variety of kinds
• Rice
• Chicken Stock/Bouillon Cubes

I run another blog all about shopping and saving at BJ’s Wholesale Club and other stores.  You can download a FREE BJ’s Freezer to Slow Cooker Meal plan. It includes 14 meals and can feed a family of up to 8 people.

These meals are healthy, delicious and affordable at only $0.80 per person!!