Quick – brainstorm 9 items you use every week from your pantry. Those essentials with a long shelf life can help you stay on track with your budget. AND they can keep you healthy and full, too if you’re smart about. Which items should you stock up on this winter? I’m here to help, friends!
1. Oats
I can’t say enough good things about this superfood. Oatmeal makes not only a nutritious and filling breakfast, it comes in at less than $0.25 per serving even with special toppings like brown sugar or fruit. Oats provide the basis for snacks like cookies, homemade granola, and protein bites. They also come in handy when you’re making meatloaf instead of cracker crumbs. I buy ours routinely at ALDI where the price is typically $2.39.
2. Coffee
Some of us can’t survive without a cup of joe. If you’re purchasing a latte or even drip brew every day, you’re spending an astronomical amount compared to brewing at home. Again, I’m hitting the aisles of ALDI to pick up this pantry staple. I love the Fair Trade Dark Roast or Donut Shop Coffee. Both are only $3.99/package which lasts our household well over a week for two (sometimes three) to drink it.
3. Peanut Butter
Peanut Butter (or an alternative if you have allergies) provides options for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. It’s an easy and affordable protein. Add it to oatmeal or eat it on toast. Pair it with fruit like apples or with a veggie like carrots. Make a sandwich or just have a spoonful. I like the Natural Peanut Butter from ALDI which comes in at $1.19.
4. Rice
Rice is perhaps the most versatile side dish, fitting with a wide array of cuisines. I love that it keeps for so long. And I love making rice in the oven over the stovetop because it doesn’t stick as much and requires less of my attention during dinner prep. The Jasmine Rice at ALDI comes in a 5 lb bag and ranges around the $5 price point. A bag like this lasts our family for months.
5. Pasta
Along a similar vein, pasta is a quick fix food with a long shelf life. It’s smart to always have a box or two of your favorites on hand. You can feed an army for a couple of bucks. Pair with your favorite sauce or add to a soup. Or simply serve with a bit of butter and cheese.
6. Spaghetti Sauce
It’s also smart to purchase a jar or two of spaghetti sauce to have on hand. You can heat it with or without a protein source in the crockpot all day long. And then quickly boil pasta to serve with it at dinner time. Coming in at less than $2 for many brand choices, it’s a frugal option.
7. Broth
During the winter months, soup is a go to for our family. I try to keep a box of low sodium chicken broth on hand to use for chili, tomato basil, and salsa soups.
8. Black Beans
Black Beans are a fantastic source of nutrients. They can easily be served on their own or incorporated into other dishes. I use them most frequently in soups like Turkey Black Bean Chili or Salsa Soup. But I’ve also mashed them to make meatloaf and meatballs. Be sure to drain and rinse the beans fully before cooking. They are $0.59/can at ALDI.
9. Applesauce
A jar of applesauce provides a quick and easy fruit for your busy family. When sealed, it can last for years. After opening, you can keep it refrigerated for 1 to 2 weeks before needing to chuck it. A large jar is only $1.89 and has X servings. Try to pick up a variety with no sugar added.
10. Popcorn Kernels
Close to a decade ago, our microwave died. I decided to see if we could live without it. It was at this point, I got really good at popping popcorn on the stovetop. I’ll never go back to the microwave stuff again. One small bag lasts for months on end and provides a delicious snack with little prep.
Your list may vary a little from mine, but if you spend a few minutes thinking about what your family uses on the regular and stock up, you’ll save time, money, and maybe have to go to the grocery store a little less this winter, too.
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