Pantry as an essential buffer against inflation. In the past two decades, the cost of groceries has significantly increased. When I got married two decades ago, I would spend around $50-$75 per week on groceries for just the two of us. This budget was minimal, with little room for extras. If a recipe called for onions, I would often skip them or make do with onion powder if it was available. However, if we consider the effects of inflation using an inflation calculator, we can see that the same $75 would amount to $127.20 in today’s currency. To feed our family of four with only the essentials, we would now need to spend around $254.40 per week or roughly $1101.55 per month. While our current grocery expenses have increased, we have also been able to improve the quality of our meals. By maintaining a well-stocked pantry, we can buy ingredients at lower prices and have them available when prices inevitably rise. In this article, I will share my essential pantry list and also provide a video tour of my pantry.

Pantries are foundational but not all encompassing. The pantry list does not include all of your fresh produce, dairy, meats, or stocked freezer items, and is not exhaustive of all toiletries. It is intended to provide you with a basic emergency stock for situations such as natural disasters, short-term illnesses, or lockdowns that limit access to grocery stores. I recently prepared a week’s worth of Great Depression Era Meals (you can find the article and recipes here). Thanks to my well-stocked pantry, I only needed to purchase 8 additional items to complete the meals. Furthermore, when I recently caught the flu and had to stay home, I was grateful to have a neighbor bring us a meal, and for my well-stocked pantry, which enabled us to get through the week without having to visit a grocery store.

A wise investment. It is crucial to have a well-stocked pantry as a smart investment. While a well-stocked deep freezer is convenient, unforeseen circumstances such as power outages or mechanical failures can result in spoiled or unsafe food. I have personally experienced the loss of refrigerated and frozen items due to tropical storms, hurricanes, and even a house fire. In such situations, pantry items have proven to be a more reliable investment. Therefore, I recommend prioritizing the stocking of your pantry. In the chart below, I primarily provide measurements in ounces, pounds, and gallons. The canned and jarred goods mentioned in the chart typically come in sizes ranging from 10 to 16 ounces, with slight variations depending on the brand and product.

“Two is one, one is none.” It is always a good practice to have multiple packages of commonly used baking ingredients. When it comes to oils, I like to keep a variety in my pantry. Olive and avocado oils are great for sautéing, while vegetable or canola oils are versatile for baking and frying. I personally prefer having a mix of coconut, avocado, olive, and vegetable blend oils for a healthier selection. For vinegar, white distilled vinegar with 5% acidity is a great all-purpose option for cooking, canning, and cleaning. Additionally, balsamic and apple cider vinegar are great for salads and specialty cooking. The quantities of rice and pasta can vary depending on your family’s needs, but it’s always a good idea to have an ample supply. Some suggest up to 20 lbs. for a family of 4. If you or your family members have gluten intolerance, consider substituting with gluten-free pasta, rice, or potatoes. In my pantry video tour, I discuss the reasons behind my choices and what has worked for me. It’s important to also take into account any dietary restrictions or specific needs of your family members when stocking your emergency food pantry. It’s also important to regularly check expiration dates and rotate items to ensure the pantry remains stocked with fresh supplies.

Essential Food Storage Containers. After setting up your pantry, it would be detrimental to lose supplies due to pests such as weevils, sugar ants, moths, and the like. Airtight storage options become a necessity in such situations. One highly recommended option is the use of cereal storage containers. These containers are not only suitable for cereal but also for various items like different varieties of flour, sugar, cornmeal, and more. Additionally, the 4-piece rectangular set is ideal for storing beans, pasta, and more. For storing a diverse range of items such as cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and brown sugar, the airtight 7-piece set is highly recommended. Finally, consider utilizing mason jars in different sizes, as they offer great versatility for canning and storing purposes.

Also, don’t forget that you can seal dry goods in mason jars with an airtight vacuum sealer top. This keeps staples such as flour and sugar fresher for longer. The seal on these jars can be opened and resealed multiple times.

Pantry Organization Tips. A well-organized pantry is key to knowing what you have and where it is. Consider incorporating these helpful items to enhance your pantry organization. If your pantry lacks built-in can storage, invest in dedicated can storage solutions to save precious space. Utilize 4-section organizers to neatly store loose items such as granola bars, seasoning packets, and single-serve items. Additionally, opt for clear all-purpose storage baskets to easily identify the contents at a glance. Use these baskets to store items like rice, snacks, and other pantry essentials. Use can rack organizers to organize cans in a rotating system.

Concluding Thoughts

I hope you’ve enjoyed this article on essential pantry items and the video tour of my pantry. If you’re just starting to build your pantry, begin with one week’s worth of the recommended items and adjust based on your dietary needs and preferences. Feel free to leave a comment if you have any questions. Finally, remember that while it’s important to be prepared, placing our trust in the Lord is of the upmost importance. Don’t overthink it! As Matthew 6:19-21 reminds us, “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves do not break in or steal; for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”

Pantry Tour

As an Amazon Associate, I may make a small commission from items purchased through my links. Your purchase helps offset my operating costs for this blog. I personally use these items and know that they are sure to bring value to your pantry. For further information, you can visit our affiliate disclosure and current partners list.