What are those few items – you know those pantry staples – that you always like to have on hand “just in case”?
I keep a fairly frugal pantry – meaning you won’t find any extreme coupon-esque hoard in my basement. But you will find a few basics that I like to keep on hand for those rainy days.
These are shelf-stable items I can keep handy so that I can make a quick dinner without going to the store, if I need to.
What are pantry staples?

When I think of pantry staples, I think of shelf stable items that I can buy on sale – or with coupons – and save myself beaucoup bucks down the road. So when I read an article about pantry staples that includes produce items such as avocados and peaches, I simply shake my head. No this is not what I am talking about here.
This article, and my printable list at the end, is not meant to be an end-all-be-all list of everything you should purchase on every shopping trip.
Instead, these are the items that I like to purchase when they are on sale so that I always have them on hand. I do not want to run out and then end up paying full retail price…booo!
So without further ado, here is my list of what I like to keep on hand in my pantry:
Pantry Staples
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flour
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sugar
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garlic salt
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onion powder
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table salt
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pepper
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canned tuna
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canned diced tomatoes
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canned mushrooms
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rice
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red kidney beans
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split peas
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potatoes
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butter
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extra virgin olive oil
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sesame oil
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vinegar
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Worcestershire sauce
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soy sauce
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chili powder
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cumin
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paprika
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frozen chicken broth saved in one cup increments
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ketchup
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mustard
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basil
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noodles
Kitchen essentials

Printable list
I have spent a long time getting my pantry to a place where it can provide for us weekly so that my shopping list is short and sweet! However, as the freezer cooking articles and see if that helps you to plan ahead as well. Freezer cooking is my secret weapon to being a busy, working momma and still getting dinner on the table most nights. I hope you can use these tips to make your own pantry and freezers your secret weapon as well. Use your menu planner to plan your week and eat from your pantry and freezer to cut the budget on those rainy days.