10 Healthy Shelf-Stable Pantry Essentials to Always Have on Hand

10 Healthy Pantry Essentials You Should Always Have on Hand, According to RDs

Expiration dates are so last season.

Updated on July 21, 2022

Whether it's peak summer, mid-winter, or somewhere in between, there are shelf-stable grocery items that chefs and health experts recommend you always have at home to stay healthy and happy in the kitchen. Each one of these pantry products is incredibly versatile, meaning they can be added to everything from breakfast smoothies and scrambled eggs to salads, sheet-pan dinners, soups, stews, or spaghetti sauces. And according to Ashley Koff, RD, these foods are also incredibly nutritious. Here are 10 healthy pantry essentials you should keep stocked all year round.

01 of 10

Seeds

"Seeds pack minerals our bones, hair, skin, and nails need, and help enable better energy," says Koff. For instance, sesame seeds have calcium and hemp seeds have manganese and iron. Keep them in the fridge or freezer to extend their shelf life. You can sprinkle seeds into salads, yogurt parfaits, bake with them, mix them with panko for crispy chicken cutlets, or pulse in the blender for DIY tahini.

02 of 10

Beans

Canned or dried beans are an excellent shelf-stable, plant-based protein that pack plenty of fiber and B vitamins. They're also a superstar multitasker in the kitchen: You can toss them on soups, in or beside rice dishes, in pastas, as dips for vegetables, and use them in stews or lasagnas. If you're buying canned beans, make sure to look for low-sodium options.

03 of 10

Alternative Milks

"Keep a shelf-stable oat milk or almond milk on hand at all times," says Koff. "They can be used in a variety of ways, from cooking and baking to coffee, cereal, smoothies, and more." Be sure to look for shelf-stable milks that are lower in sugar and don't contain gums or stabilizers. (We love Califia Farms Oat Barista Blend.)

04 of 10

Oats

Use them to make overnight oats with your preferred milk and plenty of fresh fruit, or make a savory breakfast bowl with fried eggs, avocado, and pico de gallo. Uncooked oats also pack probiotics, which feed good bacteria in your gut.

05 of 10

Garbanzo Bean (Chickpea) Flour

Garbanzo bean flour, also known as chickpea flour, is popular in Middle Eastern and Indian cooking for dishes like falafel, hummus, and papadums. It's also an excellent ingredient for gluten-free baking. Use it to make crackers, cakes, breads, and pizza crusts from scratch. Chickpea flour is also great for thickening sauces, gravies, and soups. "It's a pantry staple because—unlike all-purpose flour—it's naturally high in protein and fiber," says Koff.

06 of 10

Cacao

Not to be confused with processed chocolate, raw cacao provides magnesium and powerful antioxidants like flavonoids. It's delicious in coffee, cocoa, baked goods, or in mole sauce.

07 of 10

Spices

"My go-to spices include red chili flakes, which help boost your immune health, and turmeric, which contains powerful antioxidants that help promote a healthy anti-inflammatory response," Koff says. Spices add tons of delicious flavor to foods without any extra sugar, saturated fat, or chemicals.

08 of 10

Herbal Teas

There are plenty of flavorful, easily accessible herbal tea options, and these flavors naturally come from herbs. According to Koff, "Chamomile tea is a great choice because it can be used as a sleep aid, and getting enough sleep is one of the best ways to stay healthy."

09 of 10

Quality Olive Oil

"It contains better-for-you fats that are not only delicious, but also help promote a healthy inflammatory response." Cook pasta, fish, and veggies in olive oil, then add an extra drizzle to your finished dish. Just make sure your olive oil bottle is made from dark glass or metal, and keep it away from heat to help it last longer.

10 of 10

Vegetable Stock

This adds rich umami flavor to one-pot meals and soups. If you're making stock from scratch, it is also an excellent way to use up leftover bits of produce, herbs, or parmesan cheese.

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