The perfect pantry or how to stock your cupboards for a raining day (or everyday). A lot of people calling this food storage or prepping but for me, it is just good ‘ol common sense. A well stocked pantry can get you through your daily cooking, sure, but it is also a place of refuge during hard times (like a layoff). So I’d like to share a few tips on how to stock your cupboards that have helped me over the years.

Before we get started on how to stock your cupboards, let me say that I am not assuming that you are shopping or canning. However you decide to buy, grow or DIY your pantry items is up to you. I think the principal is the same whether you are buying it all or growing and preparing it all yourself.

The Perfect Pantry How to Stock Your Cupboards

The items on this list are not an exhaustive one, but a good start to keeping a well-stocked pantry. Later I will write about keeping your freezer and fridge stocked as well.

When putting your pantry together you need to look at different categories: But consider your family’s dietary needs too; if you’re gluten free change what you store to meet that need.

Make sure you store your newest items to the back so you’re using the older ones first. I highly recommend investing in a Food Saver to increase the shelf life of your pantry items.

I should note before you stock your cupboards consider keeping a supply of drinking water on hand at all times; good for emergencies!

How to Stock Your Cupboards – Get the Printable List Here

Grains

• All Purpose Flour (Gluten Free or Nut Flours if that is your preference)
• Rice (White, Brown, Wild)
• Corn Meal
• Oatmeal

Vegetables

• Fresh Potatoes (tips for long term storage)
• Canned Potatoes
• Sweet Potatoes
• Onions
• Tomatoes – a variety of whole, diced, crushed, stewed and powdered
• Canned vegetables your family enjoys eating
• Consider keeping some dehydrated veggies on hand as well

Fruits

• Raisins
• Prunes
• Applesauce
• An assortment of fruits
• Dehydrated fruits

Canned Meats

• Tuna
• Chicken
• Ground Beef (See How to Can Ground or Chopped Meats)

Beans

• Keep a variety for soups, stews, chili, refried beans

Cooking Staples & Baking

• Yeast
• Baking Soda
• Baking Powder
• Sugar (white, brown, powdered)
• Cocoa Powder
• Oils (I recommend olive and coconut)
• Honey
• Real Maple Syrup (no corn syrup please)
• Stocks, Broths and Bouillons
• Corn starch
• Shortening
• Vinegar (I like to have a variety for different needs)
• Evaporated and Condensed Milk

Spices

• Pepper
• Salt
• Garlic Powder
• Dehydrated diced garlic
• Onion Powder
• Dehydrated Onion slices (great for adding to soups, casseroles, etc)
• Oregano
• Basil
• This list could be endless but definitely keep your top 10 spices on hand at all times.

Ready to Eat

• Soup, Stew, Chili
• Spaghetti Sauce

Condiments & Compliments

• Mayonnaise
• Mustard (variety)
• Ketchup
• Salsa
• BBQ Sauce
• Hot Sauce
• Canned Peppers
• Olives
• Pickles (dill, sweet, spicy)

Miscellaneous (including short term storage items)

• Bread
• Tortillas
• Crackers
• Pasta
• Nut Butters
• Jams and Jellies
• Real Popcorn (not microwave stuff)

Stock Your Cupboards by keeping a list of what you have and need: Print out my Pantry List Here!