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Staying on a budget is hard. I especially struggle with budgets when it comes to eating out. I recommend stocking up your pantry with cheap and versatile ingredients.
But what’s the most economical way to find the best pantry items? And what are those items, and where is the best place to get them? To help out, I curated a list of the best items to stock in your pantry. I chose items you can find in most grocery stores to curate this list. These pantry staples are easy to find, cheap, and can be used in multiple recipes for maximum savings.
Here are 12 must-have pantry staples to save you money.
1. Rice
Rice is a staple in most people’s pantry. It’s such an easy thing to cook and versatile. You can eat rice for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and dessert.
I love making eggs over rice to stretch my budget and eat at home as much as possible. You can also add rice to soup to keep yourself full.
2. Dry Beans
I cook beans every week and like to add variety to our meals by cooking different types. I like using beans in stews, mixed in rice, and even by themselves. Something I’ve noticed, though, is that canned beans are more expensive. Sure, they are already cooked, but a bag of dried beans lasts longer and is inexpensive.
If you can prep your meals once a week, cook and freeze the beans. This way, all you’ll need to do is take a frozen pack of beans out of your freezer the day before and simmer them on the stove.
3. Yeast
I’ve been making my own bread for over a year now. I only buy sliced bread on special occasions or when I’m completely out of all the necessary ingredients.
Did you know sliced bread and pita bread are easy to make? All you need is some yeast, which costs nearly nothing. I bought a pack of three at Aldi for less than $2. One pack lasts me two to three uses.
4. Flour
Flour can be used for many things, including baking bread, muffins, cookies, and more. It is a staple in my pantry, and I always have at least one bag ready.
You can use flour in breaded chicken, beef, and eggplant. But just how much does flour cost? It depends on your location, the store, brand, type, and size. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, a one-pound bag of flour in June 2024 costs an average of $0.575.
5. Oil
You’d be surprised just how many dishes and recipes call for oil. It’s even used in baking! I recommend keeping at least a bottle or two of oil in your pantry.
While I prefer using olive oil, the possibilities are endless. Vegetable oil is a popular option. You can also cook with avocado and coconut oil. A small amount of oil goes a long way, too, so a bottle should last you a while.
6. Canned Vegetables
While fresh vegetables are healthier, canned vegetables are a time and money saver. This is especially true on long days when you come home exhausted. Just mix a can of vegetables into your rice and cook on low.
Another option for a filling breakfast is to make an omelet or scrambled eggs with canned vegetables. Canned vegetables are relatively affordable and can be found in most dollar stores.
7. Vanilla Extract
Do you have a sweet tooth? Are you constantly baking something new or making pancakes for breakfast? Then, vanilla extract should be a staple in your kitchen.
Vanilla extract is an inexpensive liquid that gives food a slight vanilla flavor. A small bottle goes a long way. I bake a lot and rarely go through a bottle within six months.
8. Seasonings
Food doesn’t have to be boring, even while living on a budget. A money-saving pantry staple is buying your favorite seasonings. You don’t need to torture your tastebuds to save money.
Seasoning isn’t expensive. I buy mine in Dollar Tree and Big Lots for under $2 a bottle, and they last!
9. Sugar
Sugar also makes our list of must-have pantry staples. You can do a lot with a bag of sugar. Sugar isn’t just for baking or adding to cups of coffee.
Have you ever made a sweet chicken or glazed meat dish? They are sweet and savory and use sugar. Sugar is also inexpensive.
10. Pasta
Pasta is cheap, filling, quick, and easy to cook. All you need is a pot and water. I love pasta. It’s a cheap staple in my pantry because of all the ways I can make a new dish.
You can make chicken alfredo, veggie pasta, or spaghetti with meat sauce. This is even easier if you stock up on canned tomatoes.
11. Vinegar
I recommend always carrying vinegar in your pantry, even if you don’t cook with it. It’s one of those ingredients that you never have until you need it.
Vinegar is a food ingredient and an effective cleaner. Healthline says white vinegar can clean glass, faucets, appliances, and floors.
12. Chicken or Vegetable Broth
Last but not least is chicken or vegetable broth, although any kind of broth will do. This, like vinegar, is something I seem to always miss when I need it the most.
Keep a bottle in your pantry for when you need it. You can use broth for stews, soups, and even rice dishes.
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