A well stocked pantry is the secret to cheap dinners. When you have the right pantry staples on hand, you can turn a pound of chicken or a bag of beans into a full meal without an extra trip to the store.
These 30 cheap pantry staples are the ones we use again and again in our budget recipes. You do not need all of them at once. Build your pantry slowly by adding one or two each week.
Grains and starches
- Long grain white rice: cheap, filling and the base of dinners like crockpot chicken and rice.
- Pasta: penne, elbows and spaghetti stretch any sauce into a meal.
- Egg noodles: perfect for soups and casseroles.
- Rolled oats: breakfast for pennies, and a great meatloaf binder.
- Flour: for gravies, biscuits and thickening soups.
- Potatoes: keep in a cool, dark spot and use for mashed, roasted or soup.
- Tortillas: wraps, quesadillas and burrito bowls.
Beans and proteins
- Dried black beans: one bag makes a whole pot of black bean soup.
- Canned beans: kidney, pinto and white beans add protein to chili and soups.
- Lentils: cook fast and need no soaking.
- Canned tuna: quick lunches and pasta dinners.
- Peanut butter: cheap protein for breakfasts and snacks.
Canned and jarred pantry staples
- Diced tomatoes: the base of chili, soups and pasta sauces.
- Tomato sauce and tomato paste: richer sauces for very little money.
- Broth or bouillon base: bouillon paste is often cheaper than cartons.
- Diced green chiles: easy flavor for chicken chili and taco soup.
- Salsa: a two-in-one sauce and seasoning.
- Marinara sauce: a jar turns pasta or soup into dinner.
Spices and flavor
- Garlic powder and onion powder.
- Chili powder and ground cumin, for homemade taco seasoning.
- Paprika or smoked paprika.
- Italian seasoning and dried thyme.
- Salt and black pepper.
- Soy sauce, for stir fries and glazes.
- Honey or brown sugar, for sweet and savory sauces.
Baking and basics
- Cooking oil, such as vegetable or olive oil.
- Cornstarch, for thickening gravies and sauces.
- Baking powder, for biscuits and dumplings.
- Vinegar, for dressings and brightening soups.
Buy pantry staples when they are on sale and stock up on the ones you use every week. A small stockpile means you never pay full price in a pinch.
How to store pantry staples
Keep pantry staples in airtight containers in a cool, dry place, and put new items behind old ones so you use the oldest first. The free FoodKeeper app from FoodSafety.gov lists how long common pantry foods stay at their best.
Budget dinners you can make from pantry staples
- Crockpot Black Bean Soup ($0.87 a serving, $6.93 for 8)
- One Pot Creamy Tomato Spinach Pasta ($1.30 a serving, $5.20 for 4)
- Crockpot Taco Soup ($1.42 a serving, $11.35 for 8)
- Creamy Crockpot Chicken and Rice ($1.60 a serving, $6.40 for 4)
- Easy Crockpot Chili ($1.69 a serving, $13.54 for 8)
For a full week of dinners built on these pantry staples, see our $50 weekly meal plan.
Frequently asked questions about pantry staples
What are the most important pantry staples?
Rice, pasta, canned tomatoes, beans, broth, oil and a few basic spices will cover most budget dinners.
How much should I stock?
Start with one or two of each item you use weekly, then build up slowly as items go on sale.
Are dried beans cheaper than canned?
Yes, dried beans usually cost much less per serving. Canned beans save time, so many families keep both.
How long do pantry staples last?
It varies by item. White rice and dried beans keep a long time, while spices lose flavor after about a year.
