What Products Are in a Food Pantry?

Baking Staples

• While each pantry is different, some staples belong in nearly every food cupboard. For baking, the essentials are all-purpose flour, granulated and brown sugar, baking powder and soda, cornstarch and various kinds of chocolate. Evaporated, powdered and sweetened condensed milk can also come in handy. A pancake mix is useful for quick breakfasts. Other types of flour include rice and potato. Cornmeal is important in many Southern and Mexican meals.

Canned and Jarred Goods

• Canned goods include various types of tomatoes and tomato sauces; vegetables such as beans, peas, mushroom pieces, corn, beets, peppers and meats such as tuna and salmon. Soups can make a meal by themselves, and creamed soups can be used for casseroles. Canned fruits are useful when fresh varieties are out of season. Jarred staples include peanut butter, relishes, sauces, jellies and jams, pickles and curry paste.

Dried Goods and Other Necessities

• Dried goods such as beans, rice and pasta are the essentials for many inexpensive meals. Pastas such as lasagna, egg noodles, spaghetti, fettuccine, angel hair and linguine can be used in an endless number of dishes. Other useful ingredients include chicken, beef or vegetable broth, horseradish and soy, terikiyi, hoisin and Worcestershire sauce. Condiments for the final touch include hot sauces, chutney, honey, ketchup, mayonnaise and mustard.

Flavoring Agents and Oils

• Flavoring agents are important for creating regional dishes. All pantries should have a spice and herb cabinet with basil, bay, caraway, chili powder, dill weed, fennel, marjoram, oregano, rosemary, sage, parsley and thyme. Also on hand should be ground allspice, ginger and mace, regular and sea salt and various black peppers. Pantry vinegars are apple cider, balsamic, rice and white vinegar. Olive and vegetable oils are essentials for cooking and making salad dressings.