Whether you are preparing for the arrival of a new baby, gearing up for company and the holidays, or better yet, afraid the world might end and we’ll lose access to the grocery store, there’s definitely good reason for stocking your kitchen fridge, freezer, and pantry. When your kitchen is well-stocked, you might be more likely to plan meals and try new recipes [hey, you’ll have some ingredients on hand!], which are both key steps to eating healthfully.
Stocking your fridge, freezer, and pantry might seem like a daunting task, but you’ll thank me afterwards! Plus, if you cook every now and again, you should have a few of these items already on hand. Keep in mind these are not the only foods I eat or have in our house at the moment. I picked them because a. they are commonly accessible and keep long before spoiling b. they mix and match well with other foods and c. they are standby’s that are commonly used in a variety of recipes. By the way, Ted teases me and says I must think the world is ending when I do one of these big grocery-shopping trips!
Stocking Your Kitchen: Fridge Freezer and Pantry Basics
You know you’re a dietitian when grocery shopping is more fun than clothes/shoes/purse shopping! Did I miss anything? What would you add to my growing list?
I almost forgot to share a picture of my fridge, freezer, and pantry. No judging please- remember we have a 15 month old and a 3 week old at home! I’m stocked, just not organized 🙂
And yes, I’ll be shopping this weekend to update my fridge stock! It’s looking pretty empty…
This is so useful. Although I keep about 8 different vinegars on hand at all time. Ha ha. Other than that though this is amazing, and will point people toward this when they ask. Very cool.
Lol! I’d love to hear your vinegar list. I’m stuck on balsamic and red wine!
Great tips on stocking the kitchen with nutritious ingredients. I don’t typically stock frozen cherries but I should. What do you like to make with them? Smoothies? So curious!
Thanks Liz! I’ll use them for smoothies or defrost and sautee with onions for chicken or pork topping. I’ve also warmed and had with vanilla ice cream 🙂
Also, delicious puréed or diced and added to dark chocolate cupcakes!!
Love love love that idea!!!
Great list. I really can’t think of anything that you haven’t included that I keep on hand. I’m not going to lie- I checked to see if you had chocolates chips on your list – you never know when you’ll need to bake some cookies 🙂
Hahahaha!! Editing 😉
This inspires me to maybe do a blog post on what to stock if all you have is a tiny apartment-sized kitchen. I have no pantry! A lot of the stuff you’ve mentioned here would definitely make my list.
Awesome idea Jordan!! I’d love to see pictures too… I feel like I run out of space so easily.
When my pantry, fridge and freezer are stocked well, I’m so much more likely to come up with healthy, interesting meals. This post is so helpful!
Couldn’t agree more! Or then you improvise and come up with a new recipe 🙂
5 things I always have to hand in addition to your list: Hummus, dijon mustard, cinnamon, dark chocolate and red wine (totally a pantry essential).
Those are great additions!! Thanks for sharing Emma!