Budget-Friendly Pantry Staples You Should Always Have on Hand

Updated on March 25, 2020 by Laura Grande

Stock your pantry with these humble ingredients that pack all the flavour without the additional hefty price tag, so you can have budget-friendly meals you’ll look forward to eating. From rice and soy sauce to peanut butter and non-dairy milk, here's what you should always have on hand.

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Peanut Butter

 The ideal complement to both savoury and sweet dishes, peanut butter is a must-have in your pantry. Whether you throw it into stir-fries, mix it in homemade dough or spread it on toast, one thing is for certain – peanut butter’s possibilities are endless. For more inspiration, check out these <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/kitchens/photos/dreamiest-walk-in-pantries-1937154/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">dreamy walk-in pantries</a>. Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/gluten-free-peanut-butter-chocolate-chunk-cookies/22742/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Gluten-Free Peanut Butter-Chocolate Chunk Cookies</a>
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Dried Legumes and Beans

 Dried or <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/everyday-cooking/photos/best-recipes-with-beans/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">canned beans</a> and legumes – think: kidney beans and chickpeas – are the ultimate thrifty protein. Just one bag can last for many meals at a meager price. When paired with the proper spices, they’ll also taste much more exciting than they sound – we promise! Check out these <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/healthy-eating/photos/high-protein-vegetarian-meals/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">high-protein vegetarian meals</a> for more simple dinner ideas.
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Dried Pasta

 Sure, you can splurge on fresh, high-quality pasta, but sometimes nothing beats a big ol’ bag of the dried stuff. Even if you pair it with an exorbitant amount of pricey Italian cheese or veal meatballs, your cost per meal will be exceedingly low. What’s not to love? For more ideas, try these <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/everyday-cooking/photos/easy-stuffed-pasta-recipes/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">easy stuffed pasta recipes that start with store-bought noodles</a>. Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/pasta-ponza/21870/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Giada De Laurentiis' Pasta Ponza</a>
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Canned Tomatoes

 Whether diced, crushed, whole or seasoned, canned tomatoes lend themselves well to a variety of dishes, such as soups, pastas and other sauces. At around a couple of dollars a pop (if not less), this versatile staple is the perfect way to add flavour to food on a budget. For more inspiration, try your hand at <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/anne-willians-home-canned-tomatoes/10295/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">homemade canned tomatoes</a> or test out this scrumptious <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/shakshouka/15298/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Shakshouka</a> dish.
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Non-Dairy Milk

 Unlike cow's milk, non-dairy varieties like coconut, almond, soy and oat, have a much less immediate due date – unlike these <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/kitchen-basics/photos/10-foods-you-can-eat-after-the-expiry-date/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">foods you can still eat after the expiry date</a>. Purchase them when they’re on sale and keep them in your pantry for future use. Talk about convenience! Find out <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/healthy-eating/blog/how-to-make-oat-milk-5-ways/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">how to make oat milk 5 ways (and why it's the best non-dairy option).</a>
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Rice

 This frugal pantry staple has been relied on for centuries as an economical edible. The ideal carb to pair with any meal, you can also cook it with chicken (or vegetable) stock for an additional boost of flavour. Get the scoop on all the <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/everyday-cooking/photos/easy-tasty-ways-use-leftover-rice/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">easy and tasty ways to use leftover rice</a>. Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/comfort-food/blog/instant-pot-sticky-rice/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Best-Ever Instant Pot Crispy Rice</a>
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Dried Spices

 With the right spice selection on hand, you can pretty much make anything taste great. Instead of purchasing pricey fresh herbs, save some silver with a well-stocked dried spice rack – an absolute must in any home cook’s kitchen! We also cooked with <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/global-eats/blog/trending-international-spices/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">six trending spices to see if they were worth the hype</a>.
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Oats

 You won’t have to count dollars (or calories) if you stock up on healthy oats in bulk. Keep them on hand for big bowls of porridge and wholesome baked goods to satisfy your sweet tooth. Psst, these are <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/baking/photos/oatmeal-cookie-recipes/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">the only oatmeal cookie recipes you need in your life</a>. Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/slow-cooker-irish-oats/22824/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">The Pioneer Woman's Slow-Cooker Irish Oats</a>
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Soy Sauce

 Whether you whip up a stir-fry or marinate ribs, soy sauce is a fabulous flavour-enhancer that can be bought on-the-cheap at any grocery store. For an easy-breezy meal prep, consider these <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/everyday-cooking/photos/dinner-recipes-featuring-5-ingredients-or-less/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">dinner recipes featuring five ingredients or less</a>. Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/marinated-cucumber-salad/17966/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Valerie Bertinelli's Marinated Cucumber Salad</a>
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Olive, Canola and Vegetable Oils

 Yes, olive oil can sometimes be a little pricey, but if you weren't able to stock up on it while it was on sale, canola or vegetable oil are relatively inexpensive substitutes. We love having options, especially when they don't leave a dent in our wallets. Get more meal inspiration with these <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/everyday-cooking/photos/recipes-to-master-while-stuck-indoors/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">recipes to master while stuck indoors</a>.
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