Stock Up Before It's Too Late
Remember a few years ago, when the pandemic drove everyone to clear nearly every shelf at the supermarket? Well, that was panic-buying, and you probably still have items you've left unused from then. But stockpiling essentials requires more thought, and as grocery prices continue to rise, you don't want the stuff you actually need to one day (in the very near future) soar past your budget. If you ever catch these 20 items on sale, it'll do you well to buy them ahead of time.
1. Rice
No matter which kind you prefer, it'll be smart to buy rice in bulk, especially when prices are reasonable! As long as you store it well in an airtight container somewhere cool and dry, you'll be able to reach for it time and time again, without worrying about running out.
2. Dried Beans
A fan of beans but canned varieties are becoming too expensive for your liking? Well, then, dried beans are an excellent alternative! They're also thankfully extremely versatile, which means you can incorporate them into many different meals. Just make sure you have enough storage space and remember that older beans can take longer to cook, even when they're properly stored.
3. Pasta
Even if you love rice, you might get sick of eating it every day. That's where pasta comes in—dried varieties like spaghetti, penne, and macaroni can last a long time unopened, provided they're stored well. Don't wait until you need another box to stock up your pantry!
4. Canned Tomatoes
You can't store pasta without some tomatoes, and since you want something that lasts longer than fresh produce, canned versions it is. But it's not just sauce you should stock up on: whole peeled tomatoes and diced tomatoes are worth keeping on hand as well. Keep in mind, though, that because tomatoes are acidic, their canned shelf life is generally shorter than that of many low-acid canned vegetables.
5. Frozen Vegetables
Speaking of fresh produce, you've probably seen the steep rise in prices for many vegetables. The smart choice, then, is to stock up on frozen varieties, though you'll want to make sure beforehand that they still retain the nutrition they're supposed to offer. You don't want ones with all that extra salt and seasoning!
6. Canned Tuna
Want to keep some affordable protein available? Canned tuna is worth considering whenever prices drop! Protein-rich aside, it also requires little preparation, stores well unopened, and can be used in plenty of dishes. Choose shelf-stable cans or pouches and remember to check their best-by dates regularly.
7. Oats
You probably don't want to stock up on sugary breakfast cereals for your kids, and they can become surprisingly expensive, too. A better choice? Plain rolled oats. Even if you're not a fan of oatmeal, you can use them for overnight oats and homemade granola. Just remember to store them in tightly sealed containers!
8. Flour
Anyone who bakes regularly knows how quickly flour disappears. And though we're not saying you should buy more flour than you can realistically use, it may still be smart to purchase larger quantities during promotions. Flour doesn't last indefinitely, though, and whole-wheat varieties generally have a shorter storage life.
9. Cooking Oil
Cooking oil is another ingredient that you pretty much can't go without. Before you go buying in extreme bulk, however, bear in mind that oils eventually turn rancid, so go for an amount you can use within the recommended storage period.
10. Peanut Butter
Love peanut butter? Who doesn't love its versatility! You'll be pleased to know, too, that unopened jars of peanut butter generally keep well for months. In saying that, natural varieties may require different storage conditions, so always check the label before purchasing.
11. Canned Soup
Here's another canned item you should stock up on: soup. They'll be particularly helpful on the days when you're too busy to prepare dinner from scratch, so make sure to vary your selection! If you have a favorite brand, get them while they're discounted—that way, you won't have to pay full price whenever you're craving a specific flavor.
12. Lentils
Compared with many other protein sources, dried lentils are relatively inexpensive and require little storage space. They're also especially great for families who are vegetarian or don't regularly eat meat, but need a filling source of protein. Win-win!
13. Frozen Chicken
You probably don't need us to tell you that meat prices have fluctuated considerably, so stock up whenever you can! Poultry is an especially great option, given that you can divide it into several portions before freezing them. Ensure proper storage (with labels and all), though—you don't want freezer burn.
14. Powdered Milk
Since fresh milk is off the table, powdered milk is a practical alternative. Unopened packages can also be stored long-term under suitable conditions, though you'll still, of course, want to follow the manufacturer's storage and preparation instructions.
15. Canned Fruit
We know, we know—fresh fruit is always better, but when you're stockpiling, you don't really have a choice. But don't underestimate their canned versions! They make convenient choices for desserts, breakfast bowls, or occasional snacks. If there's one piece of advice we have, it's to purchase varieties packed in water or juice rather than heavy syrup. Acidic fruits generally have a limited shelf life as well.
16. Sugar
If you're already stockpiling flour for homemade baked goods, you've got to have sugar, too! Aside from desserts, sugar is also an essential ingredient in many dishes. And so long as it's protected from moisture and contamination, it can be stored for a pretty long time.
17. Coffee
Drink coffee every morning? You're probably familiar with how expensive your preferred brand has gotten, so whenever you see it on sale, go ahead and buy a couple more bags! It's key to store them properly (and actually consume them), though, as coffee gradually loses freshness.
18. Nuts
Nuts are a great source of healthy fats, and because of that, their natural oils can turn rancid if they're not stored correctly. Keeping that in mind, if they're a regular part of your diet, make sure to store larger quantities in the refrigerator or freezer. Don't leave them in a warm pantry!
19. Frozen Berries
From smoothies to oatmeal and yogurt bowls, berries make a great ingredient in just about everything, though buying fresh is out of the question. You're better off, then, stockpiling frozen versions, and they can be less expensive per serving, too (phew!).
20. Bottled Water
Sure, you could just turn on your tap for water, but that's something you take for granted. What will you do if your tap stops working for a day or two? As one of the most important essentials to keep on hand, it's a good idea to stock up on bottled water just in case. You always want to keep an emergency supply handy!
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