How to Stock a Complete Pantry

Here’s our comprehensive list of essential ingredients to keep on hand for a fully stocked pantry.

By
Corey Williams
Corey Williams
Corey Williams

Corey Williams is a food writer for MyRecipes and Allrecipes. She has a decade of journalism experience.

Allrecipes' editorial guidelines
Published on March 1, 2022
graphic art with images of pantry staples such as dried pasta and canned tomatoes
Photo: Allrecipes Illustrations

Here at Allrecipes, we refer to "pantry staples" a lot. But what exactly does that mean? What are the essential items that every home cook needs to keep on hand for spur-of-the-moment meals and baked goods? If you've ever asked yourself these questions, you're not alone! That's why we've put together this comprehensive list of ingredients for a fully stocked pantry. Plus, get our best tips and tricks for shopping and organization:

Before You Start

pantry items
Meredith

You might be eager to start stocking, but wait! There are a few things you need to do (and ideas to consider) first:

Take Inventory

Don't go grocery shopping until you take stock of what you already have. Get rid of what you won't use and keep what you will. This is also a great way to familiarize yourself with what ingredients you use frequently (buy more of these!) and which ones just collect dust on the shelf (go ahead and cross these off the list – there's no use in buying more of something you don't like).

Make a Plan

If you don't already have an organizational system for your pantry, now's the time to make one. (Check out our entire collection of Pantry Storage and Organization Ideas for inspiration.) Even if things move around down the line, you can come back to this as a roadmap when it's time to tidy up.

Know Thyself

Regard the below list as a guide. These are general suggestions, not absolute requirements. Every cook and palate is different, and so you'll likely make a few adjustments to the broad list. For instance, if you don't like the taste of paprika, then just cross it off the list and buy what you know you'll enjoy. There's no sense in wasting money on items you won't use.

Essential Pantry Ingredients

Without further ado, here's our complete shopping list for a perfectly stocked pantry:

Complete pantry checklist with pantry staples
Allrecipes Illustrations

Oils and Vinegars

Cooking oil is among the more frequently reached-for ingredients in most kitchens – use it for deep-frying, sauteing, and so much more. Vinegar, meanwhile, is great for a variety of purposes, from household cleaning to balancing fat and sugar in a dish.

  • Olive oil
  • Canola oil
  • White vinegar
  • Apple cider vinegar
  • Coconut oil
  • Avocado oil
  • Toasted sesame oil
  • Balsamic vinegar
  • Red wine vinegar
  • Rice vinegar
  • Cooking sherry

Related:

Canned and Jarred Goods

Fresh ingredients are great, but you should always keep an array of canned and jarred goods at your disposal for quick and easy cooking and flavor-boosting solutions.

  • Crushed tomatoes
  • Tomato sauce
  • Chicken or vegetable stock or broth
  • Nut butter
  • Canned beans
  • Unsweetened coconut milk
  • Oil-packed anchovy filets

Related:

Grains and Starches

When you've got a few boxes of prepared grains (such as rice, pasta, and quinoa), you're just a few other ingredients away from thousands of satisfying dinners.

  • Rice
  • Short pasta (such as penne or shells)
  • Long pasta (such as spaghetti or angel hair)
  • Quinoa
  • Old-fashioned oats
  • Barley
  • Dried beans

Related:

Baking

A fully stocked baking cabinet is a beautiful sight to behold. Whether you're in the mood to bake a cake, a batch of cookies, or a fresh loaf of bread, so many of your favorite recipes call for only basic ingredients.

  • All-purpose flour
  • Granulated sugar
  • Light or dark brown sugar
  • Baking soda
  • Baking powder
  • Cornstarch
  • Vanilla extract
  • Active dry yeast
  • Almond extract
  • Corn syrup

Related:

Spices, Herbs, and Seasonings

Spices, herbs, and seasonings can make or break your meal. When you always have these basics on hand, you can season almost any dish to flavorful perfection.

  • Kosher salt
  • Red pepper flakes
  • Bay leaves
  • Ground cayenne pepper
  • Ground cinnamon
  • Ground cumin
  • Curry powder
  • Dried thyme
  • Dried oregano
  • Paprika
  • Flaky salt
  • Garam masala
  • Cardamom
  • Ground coriander
  • Turmeric

Related:

Condiments and Sauces

The right condiments and sauces can take tons of basic recipes from good to great. Whether you prefer things sweet, spicy, or a little bit of both, these essential sauces are perfect for fans of flavor.

  • Ketchup
  • Mustard
  • Mayonnaise
  • Hot sauce
  • Soy sauce
  • Honey
  • Maple syrup
  • Gochujang
  • Worcestershire sauce
  • Thai curry paste
  • Harissa
  • Tahini
  • Fish sauce

Related:

Produce

From onions and potatoes to lemons and limes, these are the fruits and veggies you should always keep in your pantry for last-minute meals.

  • Onions
  • White potatoes
  • Sweet potatoes
  • Garlic
  • Lemons
  • Limes
  • Peppers
  • Shallots

Related:

How to Organize Your Pantry

Ingredients in the Italian pantry
Meredith

The best way to organize a pantry depends entirely on the person doing the organizing. If you want to go full Pinterest perfection, go for it! There are few things more satisfying than magazine-worthy shelves full of glass containers, matching labels, and baskets. But, if you don't think you can maintain that level of organization, that's perfectly valid. Find what works for you and try your best to stick to it. If you're in need of a little inspiration, we've got you covered. Check out our comprehensive pantry organization guide for our best tips, tricks, and products.

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