Stocking your Pantry

Stocking your pantry with nonperishable items is important. It allows you to stock up on items on sale  and have food on hand for recipes etc. a pantry can be a cupboard, shelf or closet depending on your space.

Non-perishable foods are “shelf-stable” items that do not spoil or decay.  They can withstand months of shelf life.  They do not require refrigeration. These types of items are found on the shelves of most home pantries.

Non- perishable foods include many boxed and canned foods. Here are a few examples.
Fruits and Vegetables 
• Canned vegetables 
• Vegetable and fruit juices
• Canned fruit and fruit cups; dried fruit 
• Canned tomatoes (juice and sauce) 
Grains
• Oatmeal 
•Whole grain or salted crackers 
•  cereals 
• All pasta types 
• Whole grain or white rice  
•dried beans
Proteins
• Canned tuna, salmon or chicken 
• Bean soups 
• Baked beans 
• Dried and canned beans and peas. 
• Chili Beef stew 
• Peanut butter and nuts

Also soups, gravies, jams/jellies, seasonings, powdered milk, granola bars, nuts, cookies, pre-packaged dry meals like hamburger helper, side kicks etc.

Many recipes can be created using items from the pantry. Often with these items you just need to add water and heat.  A stocked pantry is essential. Peanut butter and powdered milk are my must have items. But that is more out of emergency preparedness than daily use for us. You never know when  you may be snowed in.


Do you have a MUST HAVE pantry item?