The Ultimate Pantry Essentials: 10 Must-Have Food Items for Every Kitchen

Pantry Essentials 101

Welcome to the heart and soul of every kitchen Australia-wide – the pantry! Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a kitchen newbie, having a well-stocked pantry is like having a secret weapon against mealtime drama. Okay maybe not entirely drama-proof, with toddlers screaming come 5pm and teenagers sulking, but it'll take the pressure off your shoulders, just knowing you have the essentials at hand to quickly make a great selection of meals.

So, grab your shopping list and get ready to fill your pantry with these 10 essential food items that will elevate your cooking game to a whole new level. These are the foods I always try to ensure I have in my pantry for a family of 6.

Hint: Try to buy when Specials are on to reduce costs and stay stocked up.

1. Rice: Let’s start with a staple that’s a lifesaver for quick and easy meals. Rice is incredibly versatile and can be paired with almost anything. From fluffy jasmine rice to yummy coconut rice, having a variety on hand ensures you’re always prepared to whip up a delicious meal in no time.

2. Pasta: The ultimate comfort food. Stock your pantry with different shapes and sizes, from spaghetti to penne to farfalle. Whether you’re craving a classic marinara or a creamy mushroom alfredo, pasta is a go-to option for satisfying a hungry, growing family.

3. Canned Tomatoes: Whether whole, diced, or crushed, canned tomatoes are a pantry essential for making sauces, soups, and stews. They’re packed with flavour and are a time-saving alternative to fresh tomatoes. Consider adding passata and pesto's too.

4. Olive Oil: A good-quality olive oil is like liquid gold in the kitchen. From sautéing vegetables to drizzling over salads, olive oil adds depth and richness to dishes. Plus, it’s heart-healthy and oh-so-delicious! Consider adding Truffle oil, lemon oil, coconut oil, and avocado oil.

5. Spices: No pantry is complete without a well-rounded collection of spices. Stock up on essentials like salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, meat rubs, and Mexican Spice blends and Italian Herb blends are always so useful. Get creative and experiment with different flavor profiles to spice up your meals. *Garlic and onion powder is such a great buy as it's easy to run out of fresh garlic and fresh onions!

6. Stock: Whether it’s chicken, vegetable, or beef, having stock or broth on hand is like having a flavour shortcut in your pantry. Use it as a base for soups, stews, and risottos, or simply add a splash to enhance the flavor of your dishes.

7. Canned Tuna or Salmon: When you need a protein boost in a hurry, canned tuna or salmon is a great option. Whether you’re making sandwiches, salads, or pasta dishes, canned fish adds a delicious dose of protein and omega-3 fatty acids to your meals.

8. Coconut Milk: Add to curries to take the spice out and add creamy texture. Delicious!

9. Vinegars: You can't beat Balsamic on a fresh salad. Other options are white wine and red wine vinegar to add a fresh sharpness to meals.

10. Honey: Great option to sweeten and the shelf-life is very long, so no food waste to worry about.

Just add spice!

What's your essential pantry buys? Do you have to stock up on flour to make homemade bread? Or do you always have long life milk at hand to avoid milk emergencies?