A well-stocked pantry can save you time and money. No more last-minute trips to the store or spending an extra $10 on something you just couldn’t pass up while you were there. Follow these tips to keep ingredients for quick and healthy meals on hand.
1. Hold on to whole grains.
Fill your pantry with whole grains like oatmeal and brown rice.
2. Bet on beans.
Use canned or dried beans to add bulk to soups, salads and pastas.
3. Don’t forget fruits and veggies.
Canned produce was picked at its peak, so it’s full of great nutrients.
4. Feature fish.
Canned fish is heart healthy and affordable.
5. Nosh or nuts.
Add some to homemade trail mix for an easy snack.
6. Think outside the cereal bowl.
Stock up on whole grain, low-sugar cereals when you find a good sale.
7. Fill your pantry with flavor.
Vinegar and other condiments are great for a quick homemade salad dressing.
8. Spice things up.
Keep the dried herbs and spices you use often on hand.
9. Invest in healthy fats.
Oils made with healthy fats are great for sautéing, baking, roasting, making salad dressing and more.
10. Buy basic baking items.
Ingredients like flour, baking soda and baking powder are great to keep in stock for your next baking project.
These tips and more can be found at cookingmatters.org.
