16 Pantry Staples Every Family Should Always Have

Keeping a well-stocked pantry makes life so much easier—especially when dinner feels like one more thing on your list. With a few go-to ingredients at home, you can skip the store (and the takeout). These aren’t fancy, but they’re the kind of staples that come in handy all the time. Here are sixteen options worth keeping around.

Rice

Rice is cheap, filling, and works with just about anything. It makes a great base for stir-fries, burrito bowls, or a quick side with frozen veggies and chicken. Keep both white and brown rice on hand if your family likes variety. Store it in an airtight container so it lasts longer.

Pasta

Pasta is a pantry hero. It cooks fast and pairs well with whatever sauce, veggies, or protein you’ve got. Whether it’s spaghetti night or a simple buttered noodles situation, it always comes in handy. Stock a few different shapes—kids often prefer shorter ones like penne or shells.

Canned Tomatoes

Canned tomatoes are the base for countless meals—soups, chili, sauces, and more. Crushed, diced, or whole, they add flavor and bulk to simple dishes. Keep a few cans in the back of the pantry so you’re always ready to simmer something on the stove.

Peanut Butter

Peanut butter works for sandwiches, sauces, or quick snacks. It’s shelf-stable and packed with protein, which makes it a go-to for busy families. It’s also a great fallback on those nights when cooking isn’t going to happen. Add some crackers or apples, and you’re good to go.

Beans (Canned or Dry)

Beans are a budget-friendly way to add protein and fiber to meals. Keep both canned and dried on hand if you can. Canned beans are ready to go, while dried ones are cheaper and great for batch cooking. Black beans, chickpeas, and kidney beans are solid choices.

Broth or Stock

Broth adds flavor to rice, soup, sauces, and more. Even plain veggies taste better cooked in broth instead of water. Boxed or canned works fine, and bouillon cubes or paste save even more space. Choose low-sodium so you can control the salt.

Oats

Oats aren’t just for breakfast. You can bake with them, add them to meatloaf, or even make overnight oats for quick mornings. They last a long time and are easy to portion out. Keep rolled oats or quick oats on hand depending on what your family likes.

Flour

Flour is essential for baking but comes in handy for other things too—like thickening sauces or coating chicken. All-purpose flour covers most needs. If you bake a lot, you might also want to stock whole wheat or gluten-free options.

Sugar

Sugar adds sweetness to coffee, baked goods, sauces, and even savory dishes. White sugar is the most versatile, but brown sugar or powdered sugar can be useful depending on what you cook or bake. Store it in a sealed container to keep it from clumping.

Oil

Cooking oil is a basic that’s easy to overlook until you run out. Keep a neutral oil like vegetable or canola for everyday use, and olive oil for flavor. A little goes a long way, but it’s hard to cook without it.

Salt

Salt is one of the most important pantry staples. It brings out the flavor in everything and is used in almost every recipe. Keep table salt for everyday use and kosher or sea salt for cooking, depending on your preference.

Spices

You don’t need a huge collection—just a few basics go a long way. Think garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cinnamon, chili powder, and Italian seasoning. These help turn plain ingredients into something tasty. Replace old spices once a year so they stay fresh.

Canned Tuna or Chicken

Canned meat can be a lifesaver when the fridge is empty. Tuna sandwiches, chicken salad, or quick casseroles come together fast with just a can. Look for low-sodium or packed in water if that matters to you.

Cereal or Crackers

These are great for quick breakfasts or snacks. They’re also good to have on hand for kids (or adults) who need something fast. Choose whatever your family likes, and store opened packages in airtight containers so they stay fresh longer.

Baking Essentials

If you bake at all, it’s smart to keep things like baking soda, baking powder, and vanilla extract in the pantry. These don’t take up much space and last a while. That way, you don’t have to run to the store every time you want to make cookies.

Canned or Jarred Sauces

A jar of pasta sauce or canned enchilada sauce can make dinner a lot easier. You don’t always have time to make it from scratch. These sauces help pull a meal together quickly when paired with rice, pasta, or meat.

Keep it Simple and Useful

Your pantry doesn’t need to look like a cooking show. Focus on what your family actually eats, and skip the stuff that just sits there. These staples keep things running smoothly, especially on the busiest nights. A little planning now can save you a lot of stress later.

This article first appeared on Happy From Home.