A well-stocked pantry is key to putting dinner on the table in a pinch. Minimize last-minute trips to the grocery store with these basic must-have items.

With so many interesting ingredients available in grocery stores today, it can be hard to know which ones are really essential to keep on hand. That’s why we’ve created a few simple lists of pantry basics. These are the ingredients that you’ll find yourself using over and over again—real standbys that you’ll reach for every day. We know that different cooks have different needs, so we’ve divided our list below into 3 sections—Starting Out, Comfortable in the Kitchen, and Seasoned Chef. Pick your cooking skill level, and get that pantry stocked for success!

Starting Out

Whether you are just venturing into the kitchen for the first time, or you are starting out on your own in a new home, these ingredients will help you get set up to make amazing meals.

  • To get the most flavour out of herbs and spices, store them, tightly sealed, in the coolest, darkest part of the pantry. And hold on to them for just 6 to 8 months—they lose their punch if kept longer than that.
  • Without a doubt, pepper is the world’s most popular spice. Pre-ground pepper loses much of its strength over months of storage, so the best flavour always comes when you grind peppercorns yourself. Tellicherry peppercorns are the highest quality but you’ll get good results with any variety of peppercorn.

Dried Herbs and Sices

  • Basil
  • Oregano
  • Cayenne
  • Kosher Salt
  • Ground black pepper
  • Bay leaves
  • Red pepper flakes
  • Vinegars
  • Extra virgin olive oil
  • Nonstick cooking spray
  • White wine vinegar
  • Cinnamon
  • Garlic powder
  • Chili powder
  • Paprika Thyme
  • Whole black peppercorns
  • Cumin
  • Dry mustard
  • Vegetable oil
  • White vinegar
  • Red wine vinegar
  • Apple cider vinegar

Staples & Dry Goods

  • Campbell’s® beef broth
  • Campbell’s® vegetable broth
  • Sugar
  • Honey
  • Baking powder
  • Brown rice
  • Cornstarch
  • Chocolate chips
  • Confectioner’s sugar
  • Unsweetened cocoa powder
  • Whole tomatoes
  • Prego® Italian sauces
  • Pace® Picanté Sauce
  • Pace® Salsa
  • Pure vanilla extract
  • Worcestershire sauce
  • Tomato paste Soy sauce
  • Campbell’s® chicken broth
  • All-purpose flour
  • Rice
  • Various pastas
  • Baking soda
  • Cornmeal
  • Dried beans
  • Swanson chicken stock
  • Brown sugar
  • Canned & Bottled
  • Tomato sauce
  • Campbell's® canned soups (Cream of Mushroom, Tomato, Cheddar Cheese, etc)
  • Canned beans (Great Northern, black, kidney)
  • Dijon mustard
  • Tabasco sauce