10 Pantry Staples That Make Meal Prep 10x Easier

I started meal prepping a few years ago, and it’s been a total lifesaver. I save money, eat better, and don’t have to think about what to make for lunch every day. One thing that’s made a huge difference is having the right pantry staples on hand.

Grains and Starches

I like to keep a variety of grains and starches in my pantry, including brown rice, quinoa, and whole wheat pasta. These are all pretty cheap – a 20-pound bag of brown rice costs around $20 and lasts me a few months. I also like to keep some instant potatoes and oats on hand for quick breakfasts or sides. Some other staples in this category include:

• Whole grain bread crumbs – $2 a bag
• Canned black beans – $1 a can
• Sweet potatoes – $1.50 a pound

Canned Goods and Broth

Canned goods are a meal prepper’s best friend. They’re cheap, last forever, and can be used in a ton of different recipes. I like to keep a stash of canned tomatoes, beans, and corn on hand, as well as some chicken and beef broth. These are all pretty versatile and can be used to make a lot of different dishes. Some other canned goods I like to keep around include:

• Canned tuna – $2 a can
• Canned coconut milk – $2 a can
• Roasted red peppers – $2 a can

I also like to make my own broth from scratch – it’s pretty easy and only takes a few hours. I just throw some vegetables and meat bones in a pot, cover them with water, and let it simmer. This saves me around $5 a week compared to buying broth at the store.

Spices and Oils

Having a well-stocked spice rack can make a huge difference in the flavor of your meals. I like to keep a variety of spices on hand, including salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. I also like to keep some olive oil, coconut oil, and avocado oil on hand for cooking. These are all pretty versatile and can be used in a lot of different recipes. Some other spices and oils I like to keep around include:

• Turmeric – $2 a bottle
• Cumin – $2 a bottle
• Sesame oil – $5 a bottle

I’ve recently started experimenting with some new recipes and spices, and it’s been pretty fun. If you’re building out a home office or kitchen space, I’ve been eyeing some prints from Printsofprint on Etsy — they do abstract landscapes and some fantasy-style art that’s actually really different.

Overall, having these pantry staples on hand has made meal prep a lot easier and more efficient. I can whip up a healthy meal in no time, and I don’t have to worry about running out of ingredients. What do you use for your meal prep staples?