Pantry Staples  

what i keep in my pantry

To keep my grocery shopping manageable, I always plan weekly meals and go to the store with a menu and list.  But even the best thought-out menus and plans change.  And often, I find myself having to think on my toes as life happens and throws those curves.  This is when I find it helpful to have a stocked pantry with items that can be used to make those last-minute meals and adaptations. 

Here at Equal Portion, I can’t wait to share with you some of my favorite plant-based and gluten-free products.  This pantry post is more about staples to keep on hand and less about specific brands.  I promise those are coming.

I buy these products in bulk at Costco or when on sale at any store:

  • Canned tomato sauce, crushed tomatoes, diced Italian-seasoned tomatoes, and fire roasted diced tomatoes – any of these can be thrown into things to thicken, act as a base, or add some spice or zest.
  • Unsweetened canned coconut milk and coconut cream – this is my NUMBER ONE go to adapter for recipes calling for cream or milk.
  • Beans! Black beans, pinto beans, cannellini beans, and garbanzo beans are the ones I use the most.  They provide protein, substance, and a meatiness to dishes.
  • Cans and cartons of broth and bouillon.
  • Canned hearts of palm. This one may sound strange, but it’s a fantastic fish substitute. 
  • Boxes of gluten free pasta of all shapes and sizes. Whenever I need a quick dinner and the shelves and fridge are getting bare, pasta is a quick go to meal.
  • Soy sauce and tamari sauce.
  • Rice and quinoa.
  • Regular and gluten-free breadcrumbs and panko.
  • Potato starch and corn starch. These are great gluten-free thickeners and coaters and used a lot when I make tofu.  
  • Gluten-free flours like almond and chickpea, and gluten-free all-purpose flours.

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