These cupboard ingredients shouldn’t be missing from your kitchen!

As any frugal person who respects themselves, every time I go shopping, I have a giant list with me that contains everything I need for me and my family that will last us about a week. If you’re a subscriber to Brainy Savings, then you probably know me already, and you know I love some excellent bargains.

In today’s article, I will share the essential cupboard ingredients that your kitchen should always have on hand. The good news is that these pantry ingredients can last months or years, so stock up. Look at our list of must-haves as we count down to our top ingredients that you should never be without.

Instant coffee

Whatever kind of coffee you like, everyone who bakes or loves desserts needs a small jar of instant granules. After all, what is tiramisù without the added kick of strong coffee? You can use an ounce or two of granules to boost the flavor of other foods as well as dishes that taste like coffee. Adding coffee to chocolate makes the flavors stronger, but chocolate will still be the main flavor.

The best thing about this? Instant coffee, besides being one of the cupboard ingredients you may want to have in your kitchen, is that most of them are also affordable.

Porridge oats

Oats are tasty, low-calorie, full of fiber that regulates the digestive system, and are one of the cupboard ingredients to keep in your kitchen. Whether served hot or combined with your preferred fruit to make overnight oats, they make a filling and delicious breakfast, but that’s not all they can do.

In addition, they can be used to prepare a tray of cereal bars or flapjacks, and they would be the ideal garnish for a fruit crisp or crumble. Oh, and for sure oats are healthier than any other cereals you will find in the stores!

Spices

When you go shopping, don’t forget to add some spices to your cart! For example, my cupboard never misses oregano, rosemary, cumin, pepper, and chili flakes. But this may differ from one person to another.

For example, the cupboard ingredients you should stock up on if you like Chinese food are star anise, chili flakes, and some mixed spices for a wok. If you’re into Indian turmeric, coriander seeds, and cumin are mandatory. But I recommend purchasing spices only when you need them because they spoil over time. To keep them fresh, I purchase most of them in their whole seeds or pods and grind them whenever needed for cooking.

Flour

The type of cooking you do will determine which flours you should keep in your pantry. Plain and self-raising flours should always be on hand if you bake frequently. Breadbakers should keep a supply of strong flour on hand, keeping an eye on the protein content.

Because flour can attract weevils and has a short shelf life, it is best to store it in an airtight container. Of course, if you’re gluten intolerant, go for coconut, almond, or rice flour.

Noodles (or pasta)

Not to mention straight-to-wok noodles, which don’t require precooking, the variety of dried noodles is constantly growing. Additionally, gluten-free noodles made from rice or buckwheat are readily available, allowing everyone to enjoy them. They keep well for a long time and are great in salads, stir-fries, and soups like tom yum.

Capers and olives

If you enjoy healthy snacks or Italian cuisine, then one of the cupboard ingredients you should always stock is olives and capers. They can elevate a Margherita pizza, elevate a basic pasta sauce, and add spice to a simple potato salad.

Despite being a potent flavor enhancer, you must rinse capers in salt before using them. Jars of capers packed in brine and kept in the pantry for up to two years should not be opened. Capers should be kept in the refrigerator for up to a year after they are opened.

Soy sauce

Marinades, dips, and stir-fries can be tastier if you add a bit of soy sauce. But I recommend the natural Japanese soy sauce because the unnaturally fermented sauces can be excessively salty. Take note that soy sauce contains wheat; if you’re gluten intolerant, look for tamari sauce instead (which is still made from soy but is gluten-free).

Canned tomato purée

Tomato passata is made from smooth, sieved, uncooked tomatoes, while tomato purée is a concentrated version. Both ingredients are extremely useful to have on hand in your kitchen cupboard. A small amount of purée can be mixed into soups and sauces or used to add a hint of tomato flavor to a casserole.

Honey

Everybody loves honey in their tea, porridge, or over their butter toast. However, you can use honey for more than just these three dishes. If you enjoy Chinese food, a honey drizzle will balance the sour and spicy flavors with a hint of sweetness. It works wonders in dipping sauces as well, balancing out the heat of any chili.

Canned stock

I love cooking, but sometimes I just don’t have the mood or the energy for it. That’s why one of the cupboard ingredients I love to have on hand is instant stock. I use vegetables, beef, and chicken the most. For risottos, soups, gravies, and casseroles, I always have something on hand, whether it’s cubes, powder, or our favorite, jelly-like stock pots. To get more flavor out of your stock, try to get high-quality.

Canned fruit

Does anyone recall using fruit salad or canned peaches as a quick and inexpensive dessert? You are not restricted to eating canned fruit directly from the can, but it is still a delicious choice for a sweet treat.

In addition to being handy for a last-minute crumble or pudding, canned fruits such as peaches, pineapple slices, apples, and even rhubarb can also be used in cakes and pies. Of course, if you’re in the mood for a satisfying scoop of hot custard, you can always just dig in with a spoon. Mmm… I don’t know about you but after finishing this I will go and open a can!

Lemon juice

Although it’s not quite as good as fresh lemon juice, bottled lemon juice has a long shelf life and can be helpful in an emergency. Lemon juice from the bottle works well as a seasoning and can also be added to sauces and salad dressings. Additionally, it’s a traditional pairing with sugar on pancakes or crêpes. Is there anything more convenient?

Jarred garlic

Fresh garlic keeps well and is always a beneficial thing to have on hand. But there is a place for jarred garlic as well; it’s ideal for days when it’s not appealing to chop a single clove finely. Both pickled and confit garlic can be added to sauces for extra flavor, and they can also be spread over bread or crackers for a decadent snack.

Nuts

Next time you go shopping, add some nuts to your cart! They’re super nice to have in the pantry. In addition to being a simple high-protein snack, unsalted nuts can be added to salads, curries, cakes, and cookies. Almonds complement nearly everything, peanuts are ideal for satays and stir-fries, and pistachios are excellent in cakes and Middle Eastern dishes. Just make sure to buy the quantity you want to eat or you plan on eating in less than 2 weeks after opening the can; otherwise, they’ll go rancid.

What are the cupboard ingredients you can’t live without? Tell me in the comments.

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