A well-stocked pantry is more than a convenience — it’s the backbone of good cooking. Whether you’re putting together a last-minute pasta dinner, slow-simmering a weekend beef stew, or improvising lunch from odds and ends, having the right items in your pantry is crucial.
At The Kitchn, we rely heavily on our pantries and believe that they should make life easier, and even be a source for inspiration. That’s why we’ve broken down the must-have staples (and added a few fun extras in italics) that will make your everyday cooking better. Organized by category and built for lived-in kitchens, this guide will help you shop smart, and avoid that helpless “nothing to eat” feeling.
Oils, Vinegars, and Other Fats
Oils are the foundation of almost every recipe. We recommend keeping at least one neutral cooking oil in your pantry, as well as an extra-virgin olive oil. Vinegars are also incredibly useful for adding a bit of zest to soups, dressings, and more, and every kitchen should have a basic distilled vinegar. Apple cider vinegar, balsamic vinegar, and rice vinegar are fun additions, too. They can bring differently levels of acidity and sweetness to your cooking.
- Extra‑virgin olive oil
- Neutral oil (canola, grapeseed, or vegetable)
- Distilled vinegar
- Speciality oils like avocado or algae oil
- Apple cider vinegar
- Balsamic vinegar
- Rice vinegar (unseasoned)
Salt, Pepper, and Other Seasonings
Seasonings are the building blocks of flavor. Salt and peppers are a must, but this is also a space to build out other foundational flavors like garlic powder, onion powder, and dried herbs like oregano, thyme, and rosemary. The world of spices is vast, so we encourage you to explore other seasonings that are catered to your specific tastes.
- Salt: kosher salt, fine sea salt, table salt
- Black peppercorns
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Dried herbs: oregano, thyme, rosemary
- Paprika
- Crushed red pepper flakes
- Ground cinnamon
- Whole spices like nutmeg, clove
- Seasoning blends
Baking and Sweeteners
Even if you’re not a full-fledged baker, a modest stash of flour, sugar, and leavening agents means you’re ready for anything — a simple roux, fried chicken, or an impromptu birthday cake. All-purpose flour is important for many desserts, but it’s also a great thickening agent for stews and batter for frying. Sugar is equally important, and a great flavor balancer for all sorts of recipes, including spaghetti sauce.
- All‑purpose flour
- Baking powder
- Baking soda
- Pure vanilla extract
- Sugar: granulated, powdered, and brown sugar
- Honey or maple syrup
- Agave syrup
- Molasses
- Whole‑wheat or speciality flours (cake flour, almond flour)
Grains, Pasta, and Legumes
These are your weeknight workhorses. Rice, pasta, and legumes form the base of countless meals across cultures. Keep a variety on hand and you’re never far from risotto, lentil soup, or a comforting bowl of noodles.
- Long‑grain white rice
- Brown rice
- Pasta
- Rice noodles
- Canned beans
- Cornmeal
- Dried beans
- Instant or quick‑cook grains
- Quinoa, farro, or bulgur wheat
Boxed, Canned, and Jarred Goods
The unsung flavor heroes of the pantry. Tomatoes, beans, and broths are time-savers that don’t sacrifice quality. Anchovies, olives, and capers add depth and brightness with minimal effort. These are the building blocks for fast meals with big flavor.
- Canned tomatoes
- Tomato paste
- Canned beans (chickpeas, black beans)
- Canned soup
- Canned vegetables (corn, green beans)
- Broths (chicken or vegetable)
- Pickles, olives, or capers
- Canned tuna and other canned fish, like anchovies and salmon
- Salsa
Breakfast and Snacks
A well-rounded pantry goes beyond dinner. Nut butters, oats, and dried fruit are great for breakfast or baking, while crackers and nuts double as snacks or entertaining staples.
- Nut butters like almond or peanut butter
- Rolled oats
- Granola or cereal
- Crackers and chips
- Bread, tortillas, or flatbreads
- Nuts and seeds
- Dried fruit (raisins, apricots, cherries)
- Popcorn kernels
- Coffee and tea
Sauces and Condiments
Just a dash of soy sauce or fish sauce can transform a dish. These condiments bring acidity, umami, or spice to the table. Having a variety of sauces can bring the flavor when you’re short on time or energy.
- Mustard (Dijon or whole‑grain)
- Ketchup
- Mayonnaise
- Soy sauce or tamari
- Hot sauce
- Salad dressing
- Jarred pasta sauce
- Worcestershire sauce
- Fish sauce
What staples do you always stock in your pantry? Tell us about it in the comments below.
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