Whether you are moving across country and starting from scratch or branching out into your own place and needing to fill the cabinets, you might be wondering just how to stock a pantry for the first time from scratchon a budget!
Obviously, if money wasn’t an issue it wouldn’t be bad to go out and just buy everything you might need.
Moving typically costs money, though, and spending hundreds and hundreds of dollars purchasing all those little things that make up a full pantry might not be top priority.
So let’s share ideas on how to stock a pantry for the first time and not go broke doing it.
When stocking a kitchen you typically have baking supplies, cooking supplies, packaged foods, and condiments of various types. Some go in the pantry and others need to be stored in the fridge. That’s a lot of different supplies that can quickly add up when stocking a pantry from scratch.
How to Stock a Pantry for the First Time on a Budget:
- Don’t Buy Everything at Once
Buy just what you actually need for the next couple weeks. Then each of the following weeks purchase a couple of extra items to work towards getting your pantry fully stocked. It won’t be as overwhelming or as expensive. - Buy in Bulk
Buying in bulk costs more upfront, put the per ounce/unit price is often times way less. Check with local friends or family and see if anyone is interested in splitting the bulk package of pasta, meat, salt, grains etc with you. - Buy on Sale
Wait to purchase certain items until they go on sale. Salt and spices don’t go on sale, so buy those at any time. Things like pasta, butter, meat etc wait for the prices to drop before you stock your pantry for the first time. - Store Brands
Utilize store brands to buy things on a budget. Especially the items that don’t go on sale. You probably already know which items you much prefer to have have from name brands, but other than those branch out and go for same quality but cheaper as you stock up. Many store brands are just repackaged name brands anyway! - Shop at Cheaper Stores
Look at Aldi, check Dollar Tree’s food aisle (pound bags of brown basmati for $1), look around for discount grocery stores in your area. You might be surprised at what you can find. - Accept Food From Others
Keep your ears open. If someone offers up extra staples from their pantry or garden, take them up on it! - Keep Food Simple
As you get situated and start cooking, make simple recipes. You want things that will use common ingredients and not require you to go buy 10 new items for your pantry. You can do a lot with a basic list of ingredients like I have below. As your pantry grows and you have more wiggle room in your budget, start adding in recipes with other ingredients. - Use Substitutes
Baking is a little harder to make substitutes in, unless you are a seasoned baker. So use caution. Cooking tends to be a lot simpler to make changes. Switch the seasonings around to use what you have, use rice instead of pasta, swap the veggies, use a different kind of meat or bean. Try to use what you already have instead of having to buy more ingredients. - Make a List
Sit down and take time to make a list of the pantry staples you absolutely have to have. Make a list of items that would be good to have. Make a third list of things you want but can wait a while before buying. If you go to the grocery store without a list, it will be very easy to put everything in your cart and quickly go over your budget.
As you consider how to stock a pantry for the first time and do it on a budget, remember to take baby steps! The longer you live in one location the pantry staples you have on hand will continue to grow.
To help you make your list of pantry essentials, below is a list of supplies to start your planning.
Pantry & Kitchen Essentials to Stock Your Pantry
Ignore the items you don’t use and add the ingredients you always use. Everyone’s cooking and families are different, so use this list to inspire you and help you to not forget anything. You can have a stocked kitchen without having all of these supplies.
Beyond pasta, chips, and canned tomatoes I don’t buy many boxed/packaged foods. If those are a part of what you cook and feed your family, add them to the list!
- flour (which ever type you use)
- sugar (granulated, brown, powder, or the less refined alternatives)
- salt
- baking powder
- baking soda
- yeast
- cocoa powder
- cinnamon
- vanilla extract
- syrup (we like maple syrup)
- honey
- coffee or tea
- rolled oats
- rice
- pasta
- dry beans and/or canned beans
- canned tomatoes (diced, sauce, puree, paste etc)
- dried spices: basil, oregano, parsley are the most used
- cumin powder
- chili powder
- onion powder
- garlic powder
- paprika
- beef and chicken broth/base
- pepper
- oil (coconut, olive, or whatever you use)
- vinegar
- soy sauce
- peanut butter
- popcorn
- other snacks
- salad dressing (or make your own using the oil and vinegar!)
- onions
- garlic
- condiments: ketchup, mustard, mayo, bbq sauce, pickles
- bread/tortillas (or make your own – homemade tortillas, english muffin bread, french bread)
- butter
- milk
- eggs
- meats
- cheese (start with one kind)
- fresh produce
- frozen veggies
Those 40+ items will get your pantry stocked and you’ll be able to feed your family a variety of recipes for breakfasts and suppers! Soups, pasta, stirfry, pancakes, oatmeal, scrambled eggs, sandwiches, etc.
You don’t even have to buy all of those ingredients at once. Make a menu, and just buy what you’ll need for the next week. Over a month you will have ended up purchasing most of them.
What tips do you have for someone asking how to stock a pantry for the first time? What are the essentials pantry items I missed and need to add to the list?
