How To Stock A Pantry

This is your guide to how to stock a pantry and keep it organized. Having a well-stocked pantry makes life so much easier.

Cooking meals or grabbing a quick snack is simple when your kitchen is stocked with the right items. Knowing what to put in your pantry and how to stock a pantry can feel tricky if you’re just starting out.

This guide will walk you through the basics of stocking your pantry, so you’ll always be ready to make and store delicious meals without having to keep looking for ingredients.

If you don’t have a pantry, you can still use this guide to help organize your kitchen closet or cupboards.

How To Stock A Pantry

When I was taking inventory of my pantry, I realized how much easier life gets when I’m organized. I really do not like food waste and I get really annoyed with myself when I throw things out.

Keeping organized with lists and having the basics on hand also means fewer last-minute trips to the store and more time to focus on cooking meals and enjoying them. Here’s how to stock it, so you’re always prepared for whatever the day brings.

10 First Steps for Organizing Your Pantry

1. Take Everything Out

Start by completely emptying your pantry. This lets you see everything you have and gives you a clean slate to work with. Use this time to wipe down shelves and remove any crumbs or spills.

2. Check Expiration Dates

Go through each item and check for expired food. Toss anything that is past its prime or no longer safe to eat. For items close to expiring, plan to use them in the next few meals to avoid waste.

This step makes sure you’re only keeping what’s fresh and usable. Keep In mind that labelling food with dates is very important, I usually write directly on jars with a sharpie or get food storage labels.

3. Group Similar Items Together

Once you’ve sorted through everything, organize items into categories like canned goods, baking supplies, snacks, and spices.

This helps you see what you have and makes it easier to find things later. Grouping similar items also highlights any duplicates or gaps in your pantry.

4. Decide What to Keep

Take a moment to decide which items should stay and which aren’t worth keeping. If you have unopened, non-expired items you won’t use, consider donating them to a local food bank.

Keep only the foods you enjoy and use regularly to make your pantry more efficient. We all have things that we buy with good intentions of using, but never do!

5. Clean and Organize Containers

If you use jars, bins, or containers for dry goods, clean them before refilling. Make sure they’re airtight to keep food fresh longer.

Clear containers are great for seeing what you have at a glance, making it easier to avoid overbuying.

6. Label Everything

Use labels to identify what’s in each container or bin. This is especially important for items like flour, sugar, and grains, which can look similar.

Labels help keep everything organized and make it easy for everyone in the household to find what they need. If you do not have labels, you can also write directly on the jar with a marker for glass jars.

7. Create a System for Storage

Designate specific areas for different categories of food. For example, snacks could go on one shelf, canned goods on another, and baking supplies in their own section.

Having a clear system prevents clutter and makes it easier to restock when you run low.

8. Rotate Items Regularly

Place newer items at the back and older ones in the front to use them up first. This rotation system prevents food from going to waste and keeps your pantry fresh. Make it a habit to check for expired items every few months.

9. Invest in Storage Shelves

Add storage shelves to maximize your pantry space. These make it easier to see and access items, especially in small or crowded spaces.

I like the shelves that are sturdy, like the ones people use in a garage.

Keep in mind that food storage like canned jars can be very heavy when you have a lot of them. So make sure your shelves are very well secured to the wall and are heavy duty so they don’t collapse.

10. Make a Shopping List

As you sort through your pantry, jot down items you’re missing or running low on. This helps you restock efficiently and helps that you are getting the things you need when you go grocery shopping.

One way I like to do my lists is to use a spreadsheet on my tablet or computer. Most are editable so you can things to your food lists. I like these because I can also access them with my phone while I’m shopping.

Tips For Keeping A Well Stocked Pantry

1. Keep the Basics Stocked

A well-stocked pantry starts with the basics. Items like flour, sugar, rice, pasta, salt, and oils form the base of many recipes. I also like to keep my jams and jellies organized so I know what to start prepping for the next year.

Have a selection of canned goods, such as beans, vegetables, and tomatoes, for quick and easy meal options for when you are super busy.

Check these staples regularly and replace them as needed to avoid running out when you need them most.

2. Organize for Easy Access

An organized pantry saves time and helps so that you can find what you need quickly. Use clear containers for dry goods and label them to make everything easy to identify.

Group similar items together, like snacks, baking supplies, or canned foods, to keep things tidy. Regularly rotate older items to the front to use them before they expire.

3. Include Long-Lasting Foods

Stock up on non-perishable items that last a long time, such as dried beans, lentils, and powdered milk. These foods are excellent for emergencies and can be used in a variety of meals.

Vacuum-sealing or storing freeze dried foods in airtight containers can extend their shelf life even further. Don’t forget to include comfort items, like coffee or tea, to make your pantry feel complete.

4. Add Spices and Seasonings

Spices and seasonings are the key to flavorful meals, even when working with simple ingredients. Keep basics like salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika, along with your favorite herbs and spices.

I like to buy bulk spices from Etsy and Amazon and then transfer them into jars. Getting spices out of the plastic packaging helps with organizing and they stack way better.

Consider adding spice blends, like Italian seasoning or taco seasoning, for quick meal prep. Store them in a cool, dry place to maintain their flavor longer.

5. Plan for Emergencies

Prepare for unexpected situations by including shelf-stable items like canned soups, dried fruits, and protein bars.

Bottled water and extra snacks can also be useful during power outages or natural disasters. Aim to stock at least a week’s worth of food that doesn’t require refrigeration or special preparation.

Regularly review your emergency supplies to make sure they’re up to date and ready when needed.

10 Pantry Organizing Ideas

Clear Storage Containers
Use transparent containers for dry goods like grains, pasta, and snacks. They help you see what’s inside at a glance and keep everything fresh.

Stackable Bins
Stackable bins maximize vertical space and allow you to store smaller items like snacks, canned goods, or spices neatly.

Lazy Susan
A rotating Lazy Susan is perfect for organizing oils, spices, and condiments. It makes it easy to reach everything without moving other items around.

Wire Baskets
Wire baskets are great for grouping similar items together, like potatoes, onions, or snack bags. They keep everything visible and easy to grab. The hanging ones are super handy.

Shelf Dividers
Use adjustable shelf dividers to create separate sections for different categories of food. This helps keep everything from getting jumbled together.

Over-the-Door Organizers
Take advantage of your pantry door by hanging organizers with pockets to store smaller items like spice packets, seasoning mixes, or snack bags.

Labels
Labeling your containers and bins ensures everything stays organized and easy to find. You can use simple labels for grains, baking supplies, or canned goods.

Wire Racks
Wire racks are excellent for organizing canned goods. They allow you to easily view and access items while keeping them in order.

Tension Rods
Install a small tension rod under a shelf to hang bags of chips or other snack items. This saves space and keeps things from getting crushed.

Pantry Inventory List
Keep a pantry inventory list on the inside of your pantry door on a whiteboard. It helps you track what you have, what needs restocking, and prevents overbuying.

Top 10 Food Categories for a Well-Stocked Pantry

1. Grains and Starches

• Rice
• Pasta
• Quinoa
• Oats
• Couscous
• Barley
• Cornmeal
• Crackers
• Bread crumbs
• Instant noodles

2. Canned and Jarred Goods

• Canned beans (black, kidney, chickpeas)
• Canned vegetables (corn, peas, green beans)
• Canned tomatoes (diced, crushed, paste)
• Canned soups or broths
• Canned fruits (peaches, pineapple)
• Tuna or other canned fish
• Canned chicken
• Jarred sauces (marinara, Alfredo)
• Peanut butter or nut butters
• Applesauce

3. Baking Essentials

• All-purpose flour
• Sugar (white, brown, powdered)
• Baking powder
• Baking soda
• Yeast
• Cornstarch
• Cocoa powder
• Salt
• Vanilla extract
• Chocolate chips

4. Snacks

• Granola
• Popcorn kernels
• Pretzels
• Nuts (almonds, peanuts, walnuts)
• Dried fruits (raisins, apricots, cranberries)
• Crackers
• Rice cakes
• Trail mix
• Jerky
• Chips or veggie crisps

5. Spices and Seasonings

• Salt
• Pepper
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Paprika
• Italian seasoning
• Cinnamon
• Chili powder
• Cumin
• Oregano

6. Cooking Oils and Condiments

• Olive oil
• Vegetable oil
• Vinegar (white, apple cider, balsamic)
• Soy sauce
• Hot sauce
• Mustard
• Ketchup
• Mayonnaise
• Honey
• Maple syrup

See our list of the best maple syrup brands.

7. Proteins

• Lentils
• Dried beans (black, pinto, navy)
• Split peas
• Canned fish (tuna, salmon)
• Canned chicken
• Protein powder
• Peanut butter or almond butter
• Packaged nuts and seeds
• Powdered eggs

8. Dairy and Dairy Substitutes

• Shelf-stable milk (dairy, almond, oat, or soy)
• Powdered milk
• Condensed milk
• Evaporated milk

9. Beverages

• Coffee
• Tea bags
• Hot cocoa mix
• Bottled water
• Sparkling water
• Juice boxes
• Powdered drink mixes

10. Emergency Foods

• Instant ramen
• Canned stews
• Protein bars
• Canned chili
• Dried pasta meals (mac & cheese kits)
• Shelf-stable soups
• Pouches of rice or grain mixes
• Freeze dried food

Thanks for reading! I hope these tips help you create a well-stocked pantry that makes cooking easier and more enjoyable. I’d love to hear your tips for stocking a pantry—feel free to share them in the comments below! Happy organizing!