7 Pantry Food Staples for Every Household

kitchen pantry

In uncertain times having a well-rounded pantry can be a lifesaver for your home. Stocking up on the right food staples can ensure that you and your loved ones have enough to eat when the unexpected happens. In this article, we’ll dive into  pantry essentials, giving you advice on 7 must-have pantry food staple.

Rice: A Versatile Pantry Champion

Rice is like the superhero of pantry staples. It’s versatile, easy to store, allergy friendly and has an impressively long shelf life. Whether you’re whipping up a stir-fry, or have a picky eater who just likes rice; rice has your back as a valuable source of carbohydrate. Also consider premade rice meals by Peak, or Nutristore to give you more ideas!

Noodles & Grains: Quick and Satisfying

Noodles and grains are perfect for those days when you need a quick, comforting meal. They come in all shapes and sizes, and the best part is that they last a long time in your pantry. Short list includes items like: Macaroni, Spaghetti, Quinoa, Oats, Wheat, and Amaranth.

Vegetables and Fruits: A Nutrient Boost

Vegetables and fruits are packed with essential nutrients. They’re like a little burst of sunshine in your pantry, ready to be used in a variety of recipes. Of course you can extend their shelf life with freeze dried or dehydrated options, which you can find here. Freeze dried options also give you the benefit of having less spoilage in your fridge when you forget its there.

Nutristore freeze dried potatoes
Nutristore freeze dried potatoes
Nutristore Freeze Dried Green Peas
Nutristore Freeze Dried Green Peas
Nutristore Freeze Dried Sweet Corn
Nutristore Freeze Dried Sweet Corn
Nutristore Freeze Dried Broccoli
Nutristore Freeze Dried Broccoli
Nutristore Freeze Dried Green Beans
Nutristore Freeze Dried Green Beans
Nutristore Freeze Dried Blueberries
Nutristore Freeze Dried Blueberries
Nutristore Freeze Dried Apples
Nutristore Freeze Dried Apples
Nutristore Freeze Dried Strawberries
Nutristore Freeze Dried Strawberries
Nutristore Freeze Dried Raspberries
Nutristore Freeze Dried Raspberries

Proteins: Your Emergency Protein Fix

Get your math brains working for a moment: The Canada Food Guide suggests that we need a minimum of 0.8grams of protein per body weight kilogram or 0.36grams per pound. So lets pretend that I weigh 130lbs (59kg). That would equal 47grams of protein, which is the equivalent to 7-8eggs, or 1 large chicken breast.   Another calculation I found on the CanadianLiving.com site suggests protein should be approximately 20% of your daily diet. For example: if you consume 1800 calories a day, you would make 360 calories protein based. Of course, your age, daily movement/athletics, etc. factor in also.

Really though, you need protein in your diet to help your body repair cells and make new ones. Protein is also important for growth and development in children, teens, and pregnant women (in case any of these people are in your household). Stock up on canned beans, fish, and meats to keep your energy levels up during tough times. Check out this line of freeze-dried meat and egg options as well.

6 pack of freeze dried meats

Milk: Marvelous Milk

If you have a favorite cereal, soup, or recipe that calls for milk, I highly recommend keeping some powdered milk onskim powerdered milk In Case Of hand! There are so many times when we run out of fresh milk and its not convenient to make a quick run to the grocery store. Powdered milk has a 20 year sealed shelf life. So it will always be there, ready when you need it.

Cooking Oils: The Secret Non-Stick Weapon

Cooking oils are essential for frying, sautéing, and baking. Make sure to choose the right ones for your pantry, and store them properly to extend their shelf life. How do you ask? For longer shelf life, keep it cool in a cabinet or dark place. Cooking oils deteriorate and lose nutritional value more quickly when exposed to light. Some oil brands package their products in dark bottles to preserve their freshness for longer.

Flour and Baking Essentials: Get Your Bake On

food storage items sealed in the pantry

Flour & Sugar seem to be the backbone of many recipes. Having it on hand can open up a world of baking possibilities, from bread to cookies and everything in between. Of course the other essentials include items like baking soda, baking powder, coconut, cocoa, salt, seasonings of choice, etc. These can all turn a simple meal into a culinary delight!

Don’t forget to read through your favorite recipes and consider what ingredients are important to have on hand for your specific family. If your a family that loves ketchup, better have a few extra on hand.

So there you have it, our list of 7 pantry food staples for families.

A few tips before we go:
  1. Store food items you normally eat and enjoy
  2. Rotate through your pantry and storage needs so items do not expire (even with 10+ year shelf lives it’s still possible for them to expire!)
  3. Create a recipe book or a food plan for “in case of emergencies” as to not have to scramble in using your well prepped pantry. Trial run these recipes in good times so you know what your family loves, so you can stock more of those favorites.

Remember, having a well-stocked pantry isn’t just about preparing for the worst—it’s also about peace of mind and being ready for whatever life throws your way. Start building up your pantry today, and keep it growing little by little. Then you can rest easy knowing that you’re taking care of your family’s future, one meal at a time. Stay safe and prepared!

Reach out with any questions or comments: BridenAcademy@bridensolutions.ca

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