14 Tips for Stocking Your Kitchen Pantry

Knowing how to stock a kitchen pantry correctly can sometimes feel like an overwhelming task and you may find yourself asking, where should I even start?

Have no fear, though, because below are all the tips and tricks you need for stocking your pantry to meet every culinary desire!

• Pick Your Favorite Recipes
• Buy in Bulk
• Consider Equipment
• Start With The Basics
• Create An Organization System
• Clip Coupons
• Storage
• Check Expiration Dates
• Clips
• Emergency Stock
• Make Use of Sales
• Don't Forget Paper Products
• Properly Label Items
• Use Baskets

Read on to learn more about how each of the above tips will help you create a fully stocked and organized pantry.

A good place to start is by looking over some of your favorite recipes. Try to pick 10 or so to really examine what ingredients they require. They can be a mix of breakfast dishes, side dishes, baked items, etc.  Keep in mind that these should be recipes that you frequently make. 

From there, make a list of all the ingredients that they require. Once you have that list, go through and star items that came up repeatedly. These are staples that you will need to have available in your pantry as they’ll be used time and time again!

Especially when stocking a pantry on a budget, you’ll want to buy certain items in bulk whenever possible. The pros at Uproot Kitchen note that rice, beans, flour, sugar, pasta, and even some types of spices are items to buy in large quantities.

You need to have staples that match the appliances and equipment in your kitchen. Really think through what appliances you have when it comes to stocking your pantry and then consider what staples you need to use with them.

If you have a blender for smoothies, you'll want to have items like peanut or almond butter and even protein powder on hand to use in these confections. If you have an attachment for your mixer to make pasta, you’ll want to have the right flour for doing so. 

When stocking your pantry, always start by filling up on basic necessities.  Items such as flour, sugar, different types of oil, vinegar, spices, and beans are must-haves for day-to-day cooking and baking.

Having an organization system is key when stocking a pantry. Make sure that you map out different sections and group like items together. You may also want to purchase clear plastic containers that make organizing items like spices easier and more accessible. Above all, find a system that works for you.

Stocking your pantry can get expensive! To make it a less pricey venture, keep an eye on the weekly flyer and specials at your local grocery store. Clip coupons for items you need to add to your arsenal of products so you can slowly chip away at your list at a fraction of the price.

When stocking your pantry, you’ll want to store the items you purchase correctly to ensure that they live up to their shelf life. While many products can stay in the container or packaging they are purchased in, some are best stored in different containers. For instance, flour is best stored in an airtight container. Taste of Home provides an interesting tutorial about correctly storing flour to maximize its shelf life. 

Effective storage also ensures that pests are kept at bay. These are visitors that you certainly don’t want in your pantry! Also, double-check that all packages and containers are completely closed and clean the area around your pantry frequently to eliminate crumbs. You'd be surprised how even one of two crumbs can attract a colony of ants.

As you stock your pantry, you’ll want to be vigilant about checking expiration dates if you’re working with a back stock of items that you already have. At the same time, make sure you throw out anything that is expired. To further prevent waste, place items that are soon expiring towards the front of your pantry so that you can use them first. You may even want to have a separate bin or basket in the pantry that's labeled “eat first.”

Pantries usually include things like bags of chips, crackers, and other snacks. Have chip bag clips available to close up bags once they’re open but not fully eaten. You're probably going to need to remind your family members about using the clips consistently. If not, there's always a possibility of pests visiting.

Having an emergency stock of food is a must for any pantry. You’ll want things that are simple to cook if you’re stuck in the house for a long period of time due to, for example, a severe weather event.  Real Simple mentions that products such as peanut butter, cereal, energy bars, crackers, packages of tuna, and canned vegetables are great to have in case of emergencies. Don't forget about bottled water!

Another money-saving tip for stocking your pantry is to make use of sales at the grocery store. Especially after the holidays, you can snag staples at great prices and build your stockpile without breaking the bank. Typically, items such as chicken broth, stuffing mix, and, in many instances, paper products are marked down by 50% or more.

Your pantry can hold more than just food! Make sure to have a section that includes paper products such as napkins & paper towels. You can also keep a stock of household items like trash bags, ziplock bags for sandwiches & snacks, plastic wrap, aluminum foil, and parchment paper available as well. 

If you’re storing items in jars or airtight containers, be sure to label them accordingly. You want to make the cooking process as easy and stress-free as possible. Use a label maker for clean and concise labels. If you don’t have a label maker, chalkboard sticker labels are a great option because they can be reused time and time again.

Baskets can be used to store a variety of items. From Tupperware containers to larger cans of soup, they can be placed throughout your pantry. You might also have baskets for your kids' snacks. Think about it, do you really want your pantry torn apart, again?

Keeping your kitchen pantry well-equipped doesn’t have to be an impossible task. With a bit of organization, some dedication, and a little knowledge, you'll be well-versed in how to stock your pantry with everything necessary!

• https://www.realsimple.com/food-recipes/shopping-storing/emergency-foods 
• https://www.tasteofhome.com/article/how-to-store-flour-properly/
• https://uprootkitchen.com/2016/01/15/10-pantry-items-to-buy-in-bulk-at-the-grocery-store/