20 Dry Goods for a Kitchen

A well-stocked kitchen is the foundation of delicious home-cooked meals. While perishable items like fruits, vegetables, and meats are essential, it’s equally important to have a variety of dry goods on hand. Dry goods have a long shelf life and add flavor, texture, and versatility to your culinary creations. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a beginner in the kitchen, here are 20 essential dry goods for a kitchen that every home needs. My favorite Biscuit Cutter

In a perfect world, every kitchen would have a kitchen pantry nearby. Kitchen cabinets quickly fill up with pots, pans, dishes, utensils, and other items needed to run an efficient meal preparation center. A pantry adds to that storage capacity by having things on shelves where they are more easily viewed and accessed.

I’ve had several kitchens over the years as Mark and I moved for various reasons. To make the most of our space, we’ve tried pot racks hanging over the breakfast bar, put more shelving in the pantry and kitchen cabinets, and stored small kitchen appliances under sinks and elsewhere. I love my new kitchen because we installed large, deep kitchen drawers under our countertops instead of cabinets with doors. I can pull out those drawers and see everything stored inside. It makes it easier to see and gain access to what I need. I’d recommend this approach to anyone doing a new kitchen builtout or remodel. I highly recommend the Dicorain Mason Jar Food Sealer (Ray told me about it).

1. Flour

Flour is a staple in baking and cooking. All-purpose flour serves many purposes, from making bread to thickening sauces. For those who prefer gluten-free options, there are various alternatives like almond flour or gluten-free baking mixes. 7 Important Reasons to Stock White Flour

Many of my readers have chosen to start making homemade bread. If you haven’t already, you should check out my bread recipes in my post, How To Make Bread. For years, I used all-purpose flour for my bread creations, but more recently, I’ve found that bread flour works great for not only bread but also other recipes calling for flour.

2. Sugar

Sugar is a sweetener used in countless recipes, from desserts to marinades. Stock both granulated and brown sugar for different flavor profiles. Natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup are great alternatives for health-conscious individuals. How to Stock Sugar & 8 Sensible Reasons Why You Should

It also helps if you have room for powdered sugar, mainly if you make dessert toppings calling for this unique sweetener.

3. Salt

Salt is a must-have ingredient that enhances the flavors of dishes. Keep regular table and kosher salt in your pantry for different cooking needs. How to Store Salt Long-Term & 9 Rational Reasons You Should

I’ve grown to like Himalayan salt as a cooking ingredient. It is said to have 80 minerals and elements like iron, calcium, and potassium. There are other health benefits you should research and feel comfortable with.

4. Pepper

Freshly ground black pepper adds a burst of flavor to any dish. Invest in a good-quality pepper grinder or mill for the best results. Mark tends to add more pepper to our dishes than he does salt.

5. Rice

Rice is affordable and can be used as a side dish or main course. Stock up on long-grain white rice, brown rice, basmati rice, or jasmine rice. Understanding Rice Hoarding

Rice has a long shelf life, mainly varieties of white rice. Brown rice, as a whole grain, is more nutrient-rich than white rice since it isn’t milled or refined. Be aware that brown rice has more oil and fat content, so you must check it more often since it can go rancid quickly.

I made rice as the base for a meal last week. I was reminded about how rice grows in size as it absorbs water during the cooking process. It makes the rice go farther for budget-minded cooks, and also makes us feel more full.

6. Pasta

Pasta is one of the true pantry staples you’ll want. It is a quick and easy meal option that can be dressed up with various sauces and ingredients. Have a selection of pasta shapes like spaghetti, penne, and fusilli to suit different recipes. Types of Pasta to Stockpile For Emergencies

Like rice, pasta goes a long way, isn’t expensive, and fills those hungry appetites, especially growing teens.

7. Oats

Oats are a nutritious and filling meal option, particularly for breakfast. They can be used to make oatmeal and granola bars or add texture to baked goods. What to Do with Steel Cut Oats Besides Oatmeal

Who doesn’t love oatmeal cookies for snacks? You can add many tasty ingredients like nuts, raisins, and chocolate chips for unique flavors and textures.

8. Beans

Beans are an excellent source of protein and fiber. Stock up on canned beans like black beans, chickpeas, or kidney beans for quick and easy meal additions. Why And How We All Need To Store Lots Of Beans

For years, we stocked bags of beans as we fed our growing girls. Mark and I do have some five gallon food-grade plastic containers with gamma lids we’ve filled with bulk beans. More often than not, we use our canned beans since there are just the two of us and it’s easier to prepare meals from the can than having to cook the beans. We know we’ll be glad we have the dry beans if the grocery stores are closed for an extended period during an emergency.

9. Lentils

Lentils are another nutritious legume used in soups, stews, or salads. They come in various colors like green, brown, or red lentils.

10. Nuts

Nuts like almonds, walnuts, pecans, or cashews are a healthy snack option, adding crunch to sweet and savory dishes. Store them in airtight containers to maintain freshness. Foraging Wild Nuts for Survival Purposes

With my Food Saver attachments to remove the air, I can use glass mason jars to store nuts in my pantry for longer periods. It’s convenient since I can see what kind of nut is in each glass jar.

Mark loves cashews and has a handful every day from a bag he keeps in the freezer. He buys his from Costco.

11. Dried Herbs and Spices

Dried herbs and spices add depth and flavor to your cooking. Essential items include oregano, basil, thyme, cumin, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves, and paprika. Experiment with different flavors to suit your taste. Top Herbs That Work Great for Healing

I also have various powders in my spice drawer like garlic powder, chili powder, and curry powder. I use them all the time, especially when I make soups, pizza, and pasta dishes.

It’s essential to use fresh herbs and spices so your recipes taste the way you like them. Check the “use by date” each time a recipe calls for one of these pantry staples.

12. Baking Powder and Baking Soda

Baking powder and baking soda are leavening agents that help cakes, cookies, and bread rise. Check expiration dates regularly to ensure their effectiveness.

13. Yeast

Yeast is essential for baking bread. Keep active dry yeast and instant yeast in your refrigerator or freezer for different recipes. What is Nutritional Yeast, and How Do You Use It?

I’ve found that keeping my open yeast containers in the fridge keeps the yeast fresher for a longer period. When a reader reaches out and asks why their bread didn’t turn out as hoped, I always tell them to check their yeast freshness.

14. Cocoa Powder

Cocoa powder is a must-have for chocolate lovers. You can use it to bake cakes, make hot chocolate, or dust desserts.

15. Vinegar

Although vinegar and the next few items may not be considered “dry goods,” they help make your kitchen inventory more user friendly and efficient. Vinegar is a fantastic ingredient that adds acidity and tang to dishes. Stock white vinegar, apple cider vinegar, and balsamic vinegar for different purposes. Does Vinegar Really Go Bad?

16. Cooking Oil

Having a variety of cooking oils like olive oil, vegetable oil, and coconut oil ensures you have the right oil for different cooking methods and flavor profiles. These oils also need to be checked for freshness each time they’re used so you get the best results possible from each recipe.

17. Canned Tomatoes

Canned tomatoes are a pantry staple for making sauces, stews, and soups. Keep diced tomatoes, crushed tomatoes, and tomato paste on hand. Top Gardening Tips for Growing Tomatoes

18. Stock or Broth

Stock or broth adds depth to soups, sauces, and risottos. Keep both vegetable and chicken stock in your pantry for different recipes. Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe

19. Dried Fruit

Dried fruits like raisins, cranberries, or apricots add sweetness and texture to baked goods and salads. They also make for a nutritious snack. Tips for Storing Fruits and Vegetables

20. Chocolate Chips

Chocolate chips are a must-have ingredient for making cookies, cakes, and other sweet treats. For indulgent desserts, keep a stash of dark, milk, and white chocolate chips. Chocolate chips are one of the best must-have dry goods for a kitchen. Best Chocolate Cake Ever

Should I plan to have some canned meats in my pantry?

Some people may question whether canned goods can be considered dry food products. We think so, and keep canned goods as an important component of our food storage inventory. I have canned beef, turkey, chicken breast, tuna, and shrimp. I also have shelves well stocked with canned fruits and veggies.

The majority of my long-term food storage is made up of freeze-dried food products. We’ve been opening and using more of these lately as we’ve prepared casseroles, gravies, salads, and more. It saves us a trip to the store and helps me stay current with cooking talents and styles, especially as I write these daily posts.

Having some condiments on your pantry shelves is also a good idea. I store peanut butter, ketchup, mustard, mayonnaise, Miracle Whip, various pickle varieties, and other items my family likes.

More Tips

• How To Stock A Pantry
• 10 Pantry Items You Don’t Need
• 11 Things Every Pantry Needs To Cook From Scratch

Final Word

With these essential dry goods in your kitchen, you’ll be well-prepared to create delicious meals and treats. Stock up on these ingredients so you’re prepared for anything that may come your way, emergency-wise! May God Bless this World, Linda

Copyright Images: Preparing Dough for Baking Depositphotos_432050554_S by Inna_Dodor, Buttermilk Biscuits Depositphotos_238423076_S by StephanieFrey