20 Pantry Necessities to Always Have on Hand

Nobody wants to eat bland, boring food. You need at least a few spices to add some kick to your meals. Thankfully, seasonings could last in your cabinets for up to four years depending on the spice. It goes without saying that all household pantries should contain salt and pepper, so be sure to keep that well-stocked!

Herbs

People have used herbs for centuries, and not just for tasty food. They have health benefits like antioxidants, cholesterol-lowering properties, and key vitamins as A. Jiang describes. Some basic spices to have on hand include:

• Oregano: This is most commonly used in tomato-heavy meals like spaghetti, pizza, & tomato soup. It also pairs well with olive oil to help make vinaigrettes & marinades.
• Basil: Also popular in Italian dishes, it can be used in salads. Food.ndtv.com notes that basil also helps treat throat infections.
• Bay Leaves: These are often used in meals that take time cooking, like soups & stews. 
• Parsley: This herb helps keep control of your blood sugar level as explained by Healthline.com.  It’s also a great seasoning that cuts the growth of foodborne bacteria.
• Rosemary: This is one of the most versatile spices out there. You can use it to season any meat or pair it with a grain or vegetable.
• Thyme: Light seasoning with thyme can add a huge boost of flavor to your meal. It pairs well with all of the herbs mentioned above.

If you feel like your kitchen pantry is too cluttered, you could also just buy a large container of Italian seasoning; it contains most--if not all--of these herbs. Or you can buy a container, buy the above dried seasonings, and mix it into one container. That way, your cabinets will have some extra space. Note that this tip should only be used when creating your own Italian blend.

For the best bang for your buck, consider looking for these spices in bulk.

• Garlic Powder: Not only is it a convenient way to add flavor, but it’s also great for spice rubs. 
• Onion Powder: Netmeds.com lists some of the health benefits of onion powder, including fighting off colds, coughs, & infections.
• Crushed/Flaky Red Pepper:  The experts at SFGATE examined this spicy ingredient and found that it can actually help with relieving stomach aches. 
• Cayenne Pepper Powder: Healthline.com adds that a great way to boost your metabolism and add some kick to your pot of chili is with a little Cayenne Pepper. 
• Cinnamon: A classic spice to give some extra boost to your desserts and your antioxidant intake.
• Lemon Pepper gives fish, chicken wings, and other types of food a great taste without excessive amounts of salt.
• Chili Powder: This is commonly used in many Latin dishes, but is also a nice addition to meats, beans, & stews. It’s also perfect for jazzing up nacho or taco night.

While these are the basics you should always have available, some additional choices include Cajun seasoning, French fry seasoning, or all-purpose seasoning (think Creole). However, be cautious of the sodium intake.

Having these items in your kitchen pantry will prepare you for your baking & meal prep needs.

These items are often listed in recipes, but they’re sometimes easy to forget. They seem small but play a large role in the outcome of the finished product. 

• All-Purpose Flour: Whether you want to make bread, cake, cookies, or other sweets, flour is a must-have. All-purpose flour is suggested versus other types for its versatility.
• Baking Powder and Baking Soda: These two, paired with other baking ingredients, help items rise while in the oven.
• Cornstarch: There are a few ways to make gravy but using cornstarch is one of the easier methods. Simply pour in some water, stir, slowly pour into boiling broth, then stir until thick.
• Sugar: To add some sweetness to your life, always have some sugar available. Use it in your drinks, desserts, candies, and more.

Before you cook anything, you need to have something that prevents your food from sticking to the pan. Unless you have non-stick cooking spray or butter, not having oil may lead to messy results. 

There are many options for oil: vegetable, corn, canola, coconut, olive, and avocado. The one you choose is up to your taste preferences.

If you need a side item besides fresh or frozen vegetables to go with your main dish, try experimenting with:

• Rice: This compliments almost any meal. It’s simple to make --just boil it in water-- and it helps make your meal complete. Rice goes great with gravy, too.
• Legumes: These are healthy food options that are low in fat and high in iron and potassium. They’re great for making a vegetarian meal.
• Nut Butter: Add an additional boost of protein with a healthy smoothy, mixed with a few tablespoons of peanut butter, or use it to jazz up your oatmeal or sandwich.

Having all of the above necessities in your kitchen pantry will keep you prepared for any cooking or baking adventure. Since you'll likely use these necessities often, consider buying them in bulk to save money.