Vegan Pantry Staples

Having a well stocked pantry comes in handy so often. It lets me make changes to a recipe on the fly, or easily have substitutes for recipes I am making.

I have to admit, I have sometimes gone over board with stocking the pantry. When things look interesting or they are on sale, I might over do it. That is why I created this list. These are the things that are super nice to have and things that I actually use daily. Obviously this will be a little different depending on what you and your family like to eat.

If you eat a lot of Asian foods or Indian foods you may have different sauces and spices than someone that eats a lot of Italian food.

This list is meant to be a base of what makes a well stocked and versatile pantry. I also point out some of my favorite items.

How to store pantry item?

Storing dry goods such as grains, beans, and nuts properly is essential for maintaining their freshness, flavor, and nutritional value. These foods are susceptible to damage from moisture, heat, and light, which can cause them to spoil or become rancid. Here are some tips on how to store dry goods:

1. Choose a cool, dry place: Dry goods should be stored in a cool, dry place with good ventilation. A pantry or a cupboard that is away from direct sunlight and heat sources like stoves and ovens is an ideal location.
2. Use airtight containers: Store dry goods in airtight containers, such as glass jars, metal canisters, or plastic containers with tight-fitting lids. This will prevent moisture and insects from getting in and help to maintain their freshness. I like using the 32oz Mason Jars. They are fairly inexpensive and super versatile.
3. Label containers: Label the containers with the name of the food and the date of purchase or expiration. This will help you keep track of what you have and when it needs to be used.
4. Use oxygen absorbers: Oxygen absorbers are small packets that can be placed inside the containers to remove oxygen, which can cause the food to spoil or become rancid. Honestly, I never use these, but if you are looking to store this for a really long time, it might be worth looking in to.
5. Store nuts in the refrigerator or freezer: Nuts have a high oil content, which can cause them to become rancid quickly. Store nuts in the refrigerator or freezer to extend their shelf life.
6. Store grains and beans in a cool, dark place: Grains and beans can be stored in a cool, dark place for up to six months. If you plan to store them for longer, consider storing them in the refrigerator or freezer to prevent them from going rancid.

By following these simple steps, you can ensure that your dry goods stay fresh and delicious for as long as possible. Proper storage will also help you save money by reducing food waste and allowing you to buy in bulk.

Pantry Essentials

This is a list of all the things I try to have on hand. I normally don’t have them all, but I try to get close. Change this up based on the foods you know you and your family will actually use.

Nut and Seeds

Nuts and seeds are great to have to throw on salad, make a trail mix, toss into granola, or to make a vegan sauce. Nuts can be used in many different ways.

• Cashews
• Flaxseed
• Walnuts
• Almonds

Grains and Beans

Grains and beans are great to have on hand because they are a base for many meals. Also, a lot of whole grains and legumes have a high protein content so having these around always gives you access to a well rounded meal.

• Pasta
• Brown Rice
• Quinoa
• Lentils
• Dry Beans

Sauces and Oils

Having olive oil and vinegar means you always have a salad dressing on hand. Also having a few other sauces live soy sauce and some type of chili paste give you a way to add a lot of flavor to any meal.

• Olive Oil
• Chili Paste
• Soy Sauce
• Vinegar

Canned Foods

Taking the easiness to the next level, having canned foods on hand makes cooking all the quicker. If you don’t like cooking with dried beans or making your own sauces, just used canned to make it simpler. I always have beans on hand to make a quick soup or chili. Tomatoes come in handy for that as well. Also, we eat a lot of pizza and pasta in our house so pasta sauce is a must. I always buy the Rao’s tomato sauce when it is on sale because it is definitely the best!

• Chickpeas
• Black Beans
• Tomatoes
• Sun Dried Tomatoes
• Pasta Sauce

Baking Essentials

If you bake a lot then you need to have these basics on hand. I also like to have different types of flours and sugars. it really depends on you baking needs.

• All Purpose Flour
• Whole Wheat Flour
• Granulated Sugar
• Baking Soda
• Baking Powder

Other

There are a few other items that are great to have on hand. vegetable bouille cubes means you always have a vegetable stock on hand and it takes up way less space than cans or boxes of vegetable broth. If you are cooking vegan meals, you definitely need to have nutritional yeast on hand as this is a super common ingredient in veggie recipes.

• Dried fruit
• Vegetable bouille cubes
• Nutritional Yeast

These are just the basics of what you can have in your pantry. With these panty essentials you should be able to make quick and healthy meals any day of the week.

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