What to Keep in a Well-Stocked Pantry in 2025

No matter if you're preparing dinner for a hectic family, prepping meals for the week, or cabinet-ruminating through the “what's for dinner?” desperation, a fully stocked pantry is your best friend. In 2025, pantry essentials include more than just flour and sugar—they indicate a turn toward health-conscious eating, international flavors, ease, and sustainability. So, the following are the essentials to have on hand so that you can always cook up something tasty:

Grains and Carbs

Brown rice, jasmine rice, basmati rice
Quinoa, farro, bulgur wheat
Rolled and steel-cut oats
Whole wheat penne, chickpea or lentil spaghetti
Whole grain or low-carb tortillas
Shelf life naan, flatbreads, or pizza

Canned & Jarred Essentials

Crushed tomatoes, tomato puree, diced tomatoes
Coconut milk
Canned beans include the following: black, chickpeas
Tuna, salmon, and sardines (in olive oil or water)
Vegetable or chicken broth, low sodium
Olives, artichokes, and roasted red
Peanut, almond, and tahini are

Baking and Cooking Basics

General-purpose flour, almond flour, and gluten-free flour
Sugar, maple syrup, honey, and agave
Baking soda, baking powder, and yeast
Vanilla extract, Cocoa powder
Cornstarch or arrowroot powder

Oils and Vinegars

Extra virgin olive oil
Avocado oil or coconut oil
Balsamic vinegar, apple cider vinegar, and rice vinegar
Soy sauce or tamari, fish sauce, sesame oil

Spices and Seasonings

Salt (sea salt, kosher salt)
Pepper, freshly ground whenever possible
Garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cumin
Curry powder, turmeric, chili flakes
Dried herbs: thyme, oregano, basil
Everything bagel seasoning, taco seasoning, za'atar
Bouillon cubes or paste

Global flavors to increase meal variety

Miso paste
Harissa or gochuj
Sriracha or chili garlic sauce
Canned curry sauces or simmer sauces
Jarred pesto or tomato-based sauces

Snacks and Healthy Add-ons

Nuts: almonds, walnuts, pist
Chia, flax, pumpkin, and sun
Dried fruit - cranberries, raisins,
Popcorn kernels
Protein bars or bars of granola
Dark chocolate squares

Refrigerator-Type Pantry-Type Staples (Long Shelf)

Eggs (stored in fridge last week(s))
Hard cheeses (like Parmesan)
Yogurt and plant milk (oat, almond, soy)
Fermented foods: kimchi, sauerkraut, pickles

Bonus 2025 Pantry Planning Tips:

Go modular: Utilize transparent bins and containers so you can view what you have and get rid of waste.
Stock up as you cook: Love smoothies? Stock up on chia seeds and protein powder. Baking fan? Stock up on flours and extracts.
Rotate and refresh: Inspect expiration dates once a month and rotate older stock to the front.

A fully stocked pantry saves you time, money, and hassle—and makes spontaneous cooking more enjoyable.
Whether you're cooking up tacos on a Tuesday or rounding up a comforting soup on a Sunday, these essentials will have your back.