We all know that planning menus and preparing food from scratch is the best way to frugally feed a family. Stocking your pantry, refrigerator and freezer allow you to have the things on hand that you need to prepare healthy and delicious meals. These are the basics that every pantry, refrigerator and freezer should have, but customize your list to items that you like and will use.
PANTRY
BAKING
Baking powder
Cornstarch
Flour-Wheat and White
Sugar-granulated, powdered and brown
Chocolate-Cocoa, semi-sweet, chocolate chips
Baking Soda
Baking Powder
Shortening
Corn Syrup
Molasses
CANNED FOODS
Beans-Black, pork and beans, kidney, garbanzo, white
Broth-Beef, chicken
Fruit-Fruit cocktail, peaches, pears
Meat-Beef, chicken, tuna, salmon
Soups-Cream of chicken, Mushroom, Tomato, Vegetable Beef, Chicken Noodle
Tomatoes and Tomato Sauce
Vegetables-Corn, green beans, mushrooms
CONDIMENTS
Gelatin
Maple Syrup
Vinegar-Balsamic, white, apple cider
Honey
Peanut Butter
DRIED FOODS
Dried Beans-black, pinto, red, white
Dried Fruits-raisins, craisins, miscellaneous
GRAINS/PASTA
Spaghetti
Egg Noodles
Oatmeal-Quick Rolled Oats
Rice-White, brown, wild
Whole Grain Cereals-Ready to eat
Split Peas
Lasagna Noodles
HERBS/SPICES/EXTRACTS
Basil leaves
Cilantro
Cumin powder
Dill weed
Onion powder
Pepper
Rosemary
Salt
Chili Powder
Coriander
Curry powder
Garlic Powder
Oregano
Poppy Seeds
Sage
Thyme
Cinnamon
Cloves
Ground Allspice
Ground Ginger
Ground Cardamon
Ground Nutmeg
Almond Extract
Vanilla Extract
OILS
Olive Oil-Food Preparation
Non-stick Vegetable Oil Spray
Safflower or peanut oil-for high temperature cooking
REFRIGERATOR
CONDIMENTS
Ketchup
Mustard-Regular and Dijon
Salad Dressings
Soy Sauce
Worcestershire Sauce
Mayonnaise
Pickles-Dill, sweet, relish
Salsa
Teriyaki Sauce
DAIRY
Cheese-Cottage, cream, mozzarella, cheddar, parmesan
Butter, margarine
Milk
Yogurt
Eggs
Sour Cream
Cream Cheese
FRESH FRUIT
Apples
Lemons
Avocados
Oranges
FRESH VEGETABLES
Lettuce
Carrots
Garlic
Peppers-green, red
Sweet Potatoes
Celery
Onions
Potatoes
Tomatoes
FREEZER
JUICE
Apple
Orange
Grape
FROZEN VEGETABLES
Peas
Beans
Broccoli
Mixed Vegetables
MEAT
Beef-Ground beef, roast, steak
Fish-Cod, Tilapia, Salmon
Poultry-Chicken, Turkey
Pork-Pork Chops, roast, Canadian Bacon
Shellfish-shrimp, scallops, imitation crab
