When it comes to eating better, your pantry plays a big role. What you have on hand makes a difference in what you end up eating. So, if your pantry is packed with chips, cookies, and candy but otherwise looks pretty bare, it might be time for a healthy pantry makeover. By making a few tweaks to what you store in your pantry, you can build a healthy pantry that helps you make better choices every day.
Here are tips for a healthy pantry makeover, starting with cleaning out your shelves and restocking with healthy pantry staples and snacks. You can choose to completely overhaul your pantry all at once or gradually replace products you have with foods that help you stick to a healthier eating plan. We’ve also included some delicious healthy recipes that use items you’ll find in your newly stocked pantry.
Before you begin to add new foods to your pantry, take a few minutes to go through what you already have. Toss anything that’s expired or stale. Identify foods that are high in added sugar, sodium, or unhealthy fats. These are the ones to replace with healthier options. If you don’t want to waste food, consider donating it to a food pantry or using it up. Once it’s gone, plan to restock with better choices.
Think of pantry staples as the base of many of your meals. They’re the go-to items that help you throw something together quickly without needing to plan ahead or make a last-minute grocery run. Here are some healthy pantry staples to keep on hand:
These healthy pantry staples make it easier to build balanced meals without relying on processed foods.
We all get snacky sometimes, and the key to avoiding a snack attack is having healthy pantry snacks ready, so you’re not reaching for chips or candy. Here are some ideas for snacks to keep in the pantry that are tasty and good for you:
These healthy snacks for your pantry can keep hunger in check without messing with your health goals.
Once your shelves are restocked, try to keep them organized to make it easy to find what you need. Group similar foods together, like putting all grains, snacks, or canned goods together, so you can see what you have and use things up before they expire. Clear bins or baskets can make it easier to keep similar items together and are especially helpful when kids are looking for a snack.
A healthy pantry makes meal planning a breeze and also makes it easier to eat well without overthinking it. When you have the basics on hand to make a good meal, you’re less likely to reach for something quick but not-so-healthy or to order takeout. Instead, you’ll be able to pair pantry staples with fresh or frozen produce, lean meats, or dairy that you have in the refrigerator or freezer to create simple, balanced meals at a moment’s notice.
Looking for some inspiration for quick meals or snacks you can pull together from the healthy ingredients in your newly outfitted pantry? Give one of these easy pantry staple recipes a try!
Whole grain pasta, canned beans, and jarred olives come together in this quick Mediterranean-inspired meal using pantry basics.
This light and creamy salad turns canned tuna and chickpeas into a satisfying lunch made almost entirely from shelf-stable staples.
Hearty lentils, broth, and seasonings from the pantry combine with fresh veggies and chicken to make this an easy go-to meal when you’re looking for something filling and delicious.
Canned salmon and cannellini beans form the base of these flavorful patties, offering a budget-friendly way to get more protein from your pantry.
When you need a quick but filling meal, pull together this one-pot meal made with canned beans, crushed tomatoes, and spices you likely already have in your pantry.
This smooth, savory soup makes smart use of canned black beans and dried spices for a fiber-rich, no-fuss dinner that relies on pantry staples.
These soft-baked bars are made from pantry staples like rolled oats, puffed cereal, dried cranberries, and chopped almonds, providing a wholesome, grab-and-go breakfast option.
This energizing snack mix uses pantry staples like oats, almonds, dried cranberries, apricots, pretzels, and dark chocolate for a sweet, salty, and heart-smart treat.
Here are more blogs with tips to help makeover your kitchen and pantry:
