Food plays a massive part in our lives because, to put it quite simply, we cannot survive without it. Many years ago, food was often merely viewed as a necessity to survive and while this, of course, still true, society over the years has experimented with food and we, as humans, can now indulge in the most tantalizing and mouth watering flavours in the world. So, what foods should always be within arms reach? I’ve compiled a list of the six store cupboard kitchen essentials that need to be on your shopping list, and why.
1) Bread
As cliche as it sounds, the phrase, ‘the best thing since sliced bread’ is actually very justifiable when you consider how much of a convenience sliced bread can be. Bread was one of the first foods ever to be created by man. It goes with almost anything and everything. Fancy a quick lunch? Sandwich. Have lots of sauce leftover from dinner? Bread to soak it up. My dad used to ask my mum for a helping of bread and butter with his dinner every evening, regardless of whether he wanted to dunk it into a bowl of stew, use it to mop up an egg yolk or perhaps even make a chip butty.
The great thing about bread is that, even if you don’t eat it often, it will stay fresh for a few days (longer if it’s been processed), and you can also keep it in the fridge to keep it fresh, or store it for even longer in the freezer. If that’s not enough to convince you that bread is a store cupboard kitchen essential, it’s also incredibly cheap to buy!
2) Snacks
Who knows when the need for snacks will arise? If you’re feeling a bit peckish but don’t want to make a meal, if you’re anything like me, you head straight for the snack cupboard. Stock up on nuts, olives, bread sticks, and carrot or celery sticks. Having some unexpected guests over to watch a movie? Why not keep some gourmet popcorn at hand so your guests don’t go hungry?
3) Grapes
Grapes also fall into the snack category, but did you know that you can freeze them? They make for impressive ice cubes to serve with cold drinks or wine. Pop a bunch in the freezer so you’re always ready for those moments when wine is needed, but you haven’t had time to chill it!
4) Frozen ready meals
It’s understandable that some days, you simply don’t want to cook. After a long and hard day, sometimes all you want to do is come home and crash in front of the TV. Keep some frozen ready meals at bay just in case you don’t feel like cooking after arriving home from work. You can also buy healthy frozen meals too, so it doesn’t have to upset your diet either!
5) Spices
Herbs and spices make everything taste better, and they are one of the ultimate store cupboard kitchen essentials. Want to spruce up your coffee? Add cinnamon. Fancy a kick of heat in your curry? Load it up with spices. Herbs are really inexpensive and last forever in the pantry. Stock up on your favourite spices so that your meals are always fun and interesting!
6) Dairy products
Dairy products make cooking so much easier. Even if you don’t consume dairy alone, ingredients like eggs, butter and milk are staple items used in thousands of dishes, some of which you probably eat regularly. Both butter and milk can be frozen, so why not make sure that you’ve got some ready in case of a cooking emergency? Plus, who doesn’t love baking a cake for their guests?
Fill your fridge and pantry with these store cupboard kitchen essentials and you’ll never fall short with your food! Is there anything I’ve missed that would be on your list? Let me know in the comment box below!
I’ve been working really hard at getting my spice cupboard stocked up! i like to keep grapes in the freezer so they’re handy cold snacks or can defrost or use in wine!
I love the grape tip too! Grape ice cubes definitely add a touch of class too.
Wow such an important list! keeping an eye on these essentials will help you not to run out of them.
Glad you found it useful Eva 🙂
Great list! Sliced bread is so versatile and brilliant to have on hand. From savoury to sweet it’s such a lifesaver! The other bits are also such a necessity.
I always have some bread in my freezer. I don’t eat it much but it’s so handy to have in the house.
These are great essentials, I tend to have tinned items in mine such as tinned tomatoes, tinned beans, tuna for days which I need something quick done up.
Tinned tuna is a great one – I always have some of that, too.
I always keep bread in the freezer as it can be so convenient to grab for a quick meal when your in a hurry. It doesn’t take long to thaw it in a toaster and add a few bits to make a sandwich.
Me too. I prefer fresh bread but as I live alone, if I don’t freeze it, it’ll go off.
The only thing out of these i keep in the cupboard is bread, frozen ready meals and snacks
It’s whatever works for you at the end of the day, isn’t it – always good to have at least a few essentials in…
Great list – I love the idea of freezing grapes, I have never done that. Kaz
It looks so cool – great for a dinner party!
I really like frozen grapes, I think they taste amazing in summer cocktails. Also the make great snacks for slightly older kids AND they really helped me get through HG with my pregnancy.
I think they look so impressive too! it’s great that they helped you during your pregnancy, and they certainly make for healthy snacking.