Healthy Food List for a Well-Stocked Pantry & Freezer
If you are looking to have more healthy food on hand, starting with a healthy food list for your pantry and freezer is a great place to begin! When you have healthy food on hand at home in your pantry and freezer, it will become a lot easier to make healthy choices.
This list includes everything that I deem essential for my own healthy pantry. The list is not meant to exhaust all options, nor does it adhere to any “diet”. Instead it focuses on mostly whole, real food items and food items that have more nutritious ingredients. I’ve found that by having these items on hand it makes it easier to make healthy food at home for less money!
I also wanted this list to be budget friendly. The worst thing you can do is to pack your pantry full of expensive ingredients that you may not use. I tend to err on the side of less is more and challenge myself to use what I have.
How do I Keep My Pantry Organized?
One of the questions I’ve been getting about my pantry are the baskets I use! I really like the milk-crate style wire baskets. They help to keep my pantry organized and still let me see what I have! I also keep lazy susans in my cabinets so I am able to see and easily access my dry goods
Once you have your pantry organized you can begin to stock up with healthy food. This is the list of everything I have on hand at all times. Between my pantry and my freezer, I should always be able to create at least five healthy dinners. Keep reading for a few meal ideas with your healthy pantry items!
How a Pantry Inventory Can Help You Keep Healthy Items in Your Pantry
Taking inventory and recording what you have on hand will be the first step in stocking your pantry. Record what is on hand for your pantry, freezer, and fridge. If it’s been awhile since you cleaned these areas out, you may find that you have full meals already available!
Download your FREE Pantry Inventory Checklist
Comparing what you have on hand to the pantry items in the list above, you may be surprised at how much you have on hand that is healthy! Sometimes it’s about making simple swaps (i.e. whole grain pasta for white pasta) that will help to improve your nutrition.
One thing I wouldn’t recommend its throwing any food away. Unless it’s junk food and you don’t want it in your house, I would recommend using up what you have on hand! Then, next time you are shopping you can make a few simple swaps to stock your pantry with healthier food.
The Budget Mom is one of my favorite people to follow regarding all things budgeting! She has a great article about a monthly freezer challenge that you might find helpful!
Healthy Pantry Staples to Stock Up with Healthy Food
Oils & Vinegars
- Balsamic Vinegar
- Coconut Oil
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- Grapeseed Oil
- Red Wine Vinegar
Spices & Herbs
- Cumin
- Chili Powder
- Cinnamon
- Garlic Powder
- Italian Seasoning
- Onion Powder
- Pepper
- Sea Salt
Baking
- Almond Flour
- Arrowroot
- Baking Soda
- Baking Powder
- Cocoa Powder
- Kodiak Cakes
- Maple Syrup
- Raw Honey
- Semisweet Chocolate Chips
- Vanilla Extract
Grains & Starches
- Brown Rice
- Lentils
- Oatmeal
- Plant Based Pasta
- Quinoa
- Sweet Potatoes
- Taco Shells or Tortilla Chips (Whole Grain)
- Whole Grain Pasta
Cans/Jars/Cartons/Shelf Items
- Artichokes
- Black Beans
- Bone Broth
- Chicken Broth
- Diced Tomatoes
- Low Sugar Marinara
- Onions
- Salsa
Condiments & Sauces
- Coconut Aminos
- Frank’s Red Hot
- Mustard
Nuts & Nut Butters
- Almonds
- Peanut/Almond Butter
Freezer
- Chicken Breast
- Chicken Sausage
- Dave’s Killer Bread
- Frozen Fruit
- Frozen Veggies
- Ground Turkey or Chicken
- Riced Cauliflower
- Salmon
Download Your Free Healthy Pantry Staples List
5 Meal Ideas from Your Pantry and Freezer
Chicken Sausage, Diced Tomatoes & Plant Based Pasta
This recipe uses my favorite plant-based pasta, Banza! You can add in some chicken sausage, diced tomatoes & some spices and it makes a quick and easy dinner.
Sheet Pan Nachos
Sheet pan nachos are a family favorite because we eat right from the pan! Using tortillas or tortilla chips from the pantry and frozen chicken I can whip these up in no time during the week. I like to add in fresh tomatoes, cheese and some avocado.
Turkey & Veggie Skillet
Simple and straight from the freezer!
Whole30 Mediterranean Chicken
A family favorite that you can use with any canned or frozen veggie you have on hand.
Buffalo Chicken Meatballs
These meatballs are delicious and easily adaptable to be made with marinara sauce.
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Alright friends tell me! What is your biggest struggle when it comes to eating healthy? Tell me about it in the comments!
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