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.

Healthy Food List for a Well-Stocked Pantry & Freezer