It can be a bit daunting to figure out how to start a pantry from scratch when you are first living on your own or trying to get set up in a new home. But having the right ingredients on hand makes cooking and baking so much easier! No need for a last minute trip to the grocery store or trying to google how to substitute an ingredient or ordering pizza…again. But what makes a well-stocked pantry?
Of course, everyone’s pantries are going to be unique to their personal tastes and favorite flavors, but there are definitely some basic pantry staples that are essential to keeping a well-stocked pantry that is ready to go for the next meal. Down below is a free printable pantry checklist to help you get started without forgetting any pantry staples.
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How to start a Pantry on a Budget
While you’ll hear how great it is to save money on groceries by having a well-stocked pantry…starting a good pantry does take a bit of an investment. Thankfully it doesn’t have to cost an arm and a leg and can be built up over time to spread out the initial costs. Here are a few tips on how to start a pantry from scratch on a budget.
Low Cost Stores
I’ve helped fully stock people’s pantries for less than $200 using Aldi and the dollar store. This greatly depends on how crunchy you want to be. We value organic and high-quality food in our household, so we tend to spend a bit more money on our groceries and pantry items. But if you are fine with conventional, you can get an entire pantry set up for $150-200 with some savvy shopping and keeping an eye on sales. BOGO spices anyone?
Buy in bulk (Azure Standard is our favorite!)
Buying in bulk is the classic advice for anyone looking to reduce their grocery bill, but it is also a great place to start when building a pantry. When you buy a pantry item in larger quantities, you can save a significant amount per pound! If you already have a Costco or Sam’s Club membership, take advantage of the larger packages. Have an Amish or Mennonite bulk foods store in your region? Their prices are amazingly affordable and they can often order items they may not carry regularly on the shelves from their suppliers. Or you can check out my favorite place to shop in bulk–Azure Standard. Azure has high-quality bulk goods and loads of organic options. They have dropsites all around the country, so they are a great option if you don’t have a local store to visit.
Add to your pantry over time
You can start with small quantities of each item and work up to a bulk backlog as well. When I was single and living alone for the first time, the way I built up my spice cabinet was to purchase one spice each time I went grocery shopping. A few dollars here and there was not too much of a stretch to the grocery budget.
A similar method is to buy double each time you need an ingredient for a recipe to gradually build a backstock without feeling the full cost of an entire pantry at once. For example, if a recipe calls for lentils, buy 2 bags of lentils that week–one to cook with and one to supply the pantry. Then if a recipe the following week calls for diced tomatoes, buy 2 cans instead of 1 can. Rinse and repeat!
Make Your Own
Herbs and spices are expensive! Especially the blends and mixes. So it pays off in the end to learn how to make your own spice mixes with the basic pantry staples. Need taco seasoning, pumpkin spice, steak rub, and so on. Don’t buy them pre-made, find a recipe online. You can make just about any blend with what you already have. The same goes for salad dressing! If you have oil, vinegar and some spices, you are set.
Grow Your Own
While growing wheat and rice isn’t usually an option for most of us, there are some pantry staples you can grow yourself–herbs and spices! A couple of herb plants in pots or in the garden is a great way to save $$$ on your pantry stocking bill. Plus, you get the added bonus of being able to use the fresh herbs as well as drying them for future use. If you grow a vegetable garden, learn how to can or freeze your own diced tomatoes and tomato sauce. This is a great way to learn new skills and stock your pantry at the same time!
Basic Pantry Staples
All items are linked to Azure Standard to make filling a shopping cart to get your pantry started a snap!
Pantry Staples
- Oils: Olive, coconut, avocado, vegetable, or any that you prefer
- Vinegars: Apple cider, white, and/or balsamic
- Pasta: Spaghetti, macaroni, and any others you like
- Rice: Both white and brown or alternative like quinoa
- Beans: Dried and/or canned
- Other Legumes: Lentils, chickpeas, etc.
- Oatmeal
- Broth – Chicken, beef, or vegetable
- Canned Vegetables: Especially diced tomatoes and tomato sauce!
Baking Supplies
- Flour: All-purpose, self-rising, cornmeal, masa, almond, or whatever you bake with.
- Sugar: White/Cane & Brown
- Yeast
- Baking Soda
- Baking Powder
- Cornstarch
- Chocolate Chips
- Cocoa Powder
- Vanilla Extract
- Honey, syrup or other preferred liquid sweetener
Herbs & Spices
- Salt
- Pepper
- Onion powder
- Garlic powder
- Basil
- Rosemary
- Thyme
- Sage
- Oregano
- Parsley
- Cumin
- Paprika
- Chili powder
- Mustard
- Bay leaves
- Cinnamon
- Clove
- Nutmeg
- All spice
Drinks & Beverages
Snacks & Condiments
- Mayonnaise
- Ketchup
- Mustard
- BBQ Sauce
- Pickles
- Peanut Butter
- Jelly
- Soy Sauce or Coconut Aminos
- Worcestershire Sauce
Clean Up Supplies
- Ziploc bags: Quart, gallon, sandwich
- Parchment Paper
- Aluminum Foil
- Saran or Plastic Wrap
- Paper Towels
- Toilet Paper
- Trash Bags
- Dish Soap
- All-purpose cleaning spray
- Window cleaning spray
- Sponges, swedish dishcloths, dish towels, etc.
- Broom & dust pan
Help others learn how to start a pantry
One of my favorite types of parties or showers to host is an old-fashioned pounding. If you’re not familiar with a pounding, it is a great way to help someone fill up their pantry after a life transition whether it be a move, marriage, or just starting off on your own from the first time. One of the most useful housewarming gifts given to me was a pound of salt, a pound of flour, a bottle of oil and a bottle of wine. A great way to kick off starting a pantry in a new place!