Pantry & Fridge: Laying the Foundation to be a Home Cook

Written By Emily McAvoy

Building a Budget-Friendly Pantry: Tips for Smart Shopping

Having a well-stocked pantry sets you up for success with recipes on this site and beyond. To make the most of your grocery budget, here are some practical shopping tips:

1. Shop Bulk to Save Big - Look for stores that offer a bulk section—places like WinCo are great for this. Buying from bulk bins gives you more control over quantity and cost. For example, if you’re not a frequent baker, you likely don’t need a full 2 lb. bag of flour. In the bulk aisle, you can buy only what you need and often pay less per pound.

2. Be Mindful of Storage - The downside to bulk shopping is that items often come in plastic bags, which aren’t ideal for storage. Consider investing in airtight containers for easier organization and longer shelf life. This affordable set from Amazon is a good place to start (or check your local discount store for deals).

3. Check Out Discount Grocery Stores - Local discount grocery stores can be goldmines for pantry staples at lower prices. While they may have limited options for meat and dairy, they’re usually well-stocked on dry goods, canned items, and more.

4. Use Store Apps & Loyalty Programs - Some will love this tip—others, maybe not—but it’s worth considering: download the apps for the stores where you shop. Joining their loyalty programs can unlock exclusive discounts, gas rewards, and access to digital coupons. Browsing the weekly ad takes just 10 minutes and can help guide your meal planning and save you money.

You don’t have to become a “crazy coupon person,” but small steps like these can lead to significant savings over time—especially when you’re working with a limited budget.

Let’s Talk About Your Fridge (and How to Keep It From Becoming a Graveyard of Produce)

We’ve all been there. You open the fridge, excited to cook something fresh… and you’re met with that sad, slimy bell pepper you meant to use. Or that half-eaten bunch of cilantro that’s now mostly brown.

Trust me—I’ve been there, more times than I care to admit. In fact, when I first started my journey toward identifying as a home cook, this was hands-down my biggest challenge: overbuying fresh ingredients with good intentions, then tossing them out days later.

Think about the last time you threw out a fruit or vegetable. How did it make you feel? For me, it was a mess of emotions:

· Guilt, because I wasted food.

· Frustration, because I planned to use it and didn’t.

· Annoyance, because now I had nothing prepped.

· Sadness, because it always goes bad the day I finally plan to use it.

And then what happens? I revert to fast food or delivery. More money spent. More guilt. More waste.

This vicious cycle is exactly why I created this blog in the first place. I wanted someone to tell me what to cook, what to buy, and most importantly—when to buy and cook it. I didn’t want more food going to waste. I wanted meals that worked for real life.

Let’s Break It Down: How Long Produce Really Lasts

One of the easiest ways to cut down on food waste is simply knowing how long your fruits and veggies stay fresh. Some items only last a few days, others a week or more—and when you know which is which, it’s way easier to plan meals without the guilt of tossing slimy spinach or mushy berries.

Here’s a simple system I use: I group produce into three categories:

· Use ASAP (3–5 days)

· Use Soon (5–7 days)

· No Rush (up to 2 weeks or more)

Download the chart below and keep it handy:

· Save it to your phone for grocery runs

· Print it out and stick it to your fridge

· Or, use one of my custom calendars that already has this system built in—so you don’t even have to think about it. I’ll take care of the “what to use when” part for you.

Produce Life Chart

FIFO - First in, First Out — Always!

This principle is used in resturaunts, and it’s important for home cooks, too. When you are restocking your fridge or pantry, make sure you store items by putting the newest in the back and the oldest up front. This will ensure you are pulling items that are closest to expiring.

Why FIFO Works:

  • Cuts Down on Food Waste
    You’re less likely to find wilted lettuce or expired canned goods when you keep older products front and center.

  • Saves You Money
    Throwing away food is like tossing money in the trash. FIFO helps you eat what you buy—before it goes bad.

  • Simplifies Meal Planning
    When you can see what’s on hand (and what’s about to expire), planning your weekly meals becomes easier and more intentional.

  • Keeps Your Pantry and Fridge Organized
    FIFO forces a quick check-in with what you already have, helping you avoid duplicates and clutter.

  • Speeds Up Cooking
    No more digging for ingredients. When older items are up front and labeled, you can grab and go.

Spice Blends with Big Flavor

Let’s be honest—after a long day, no one wants to dig through eight different spice jars just to season a chicken breast. That’s where pre-blended spice mixes come in. With one quick shake, you can transform bland ingredients into something crave-worthy—and still get dinner on the table in under 30 minutes.

These are some of my go-to spice blends that I keep stocked in my pantry at all times. They’re budget-friendly, full of flavor, and super versatile. Whether you’re cooking for one or feeding a family, these blends make weeknight meals easier and way more exciting.

  • Mccormick’s Lemon Pepper - Bright, citrusy, and a little peppery—this blend is perfect for chicken, salmon, roasted broccoli, or even sprinkled over avocado toast. Pro tip: mix it with olive oil and use it as a quick marinade.

  • Grill Mates’ Montreal Steak - Don’t let the name fool you—this bold, garlicky mix is great on more than just steak. Try it on roasted potatoes, burgers, mushrooms, or even sprinkled into scrambled eggs for a savory kick.

  • Old Bay Seasoning - A true classic! While it’s known for seafood (shrimp, crab, fish), it’s also amazing on corn on the cob, roasted chickpeas, or really anything your heart desires!

  • Weber’s Beer Can Chicken - This smoky, slightly sweet blend is a winner for oven-roasted or grilled chicken. It also works great on veggies like zucchini, bell peppers, or even sweet potatoes. Bonus: it smells incredible while it cooks.

  • Badia’s Complete Seasoning - If you’re only buying one blend to start with—this is it. It’s a mild, all-purpose mix with garlic, onion, parsley, and a hint of salt. Use it on rice, beans, eggs, meat, and more. It truly goes with everything.

  • Badia’s Five Spice Asian Blend - Looking to mix things up? This warm, slightly sweet blend adds an instant Asian-inspired flair. It’s great in stir-fries, on roasted carrots, or as a seasoning for tofu or pork. A little goes a long way!

  • Ranch Seasoning - While this one is on the more expensive side, it is such a great addition to many dishes. Creamy, tangy, and herby—ranch seasoning goes way beyond salad dressing.

Cookware - What you absolutely need!

Believe it or not, you really don’t need a full kitchen makeover to become a confident home cook. In fact, having just a few well-chosen tools can take you much farther than a cluttered drawer of gadgets you never use.

Below is a list of essential cookware I personally recommend—items that will support everyday cooking without overwhelming your cabinets or your budget.

I've included links to buy them new, but here’s my real advice: check your local thrift store first. You’d be surprised how often you can find high-quality cookware for a fraction of the cost. A cast iron pan or stainless steel pot that just needs a little TLC can last decades longer than a brand-new budget option. It will take some more time dedication, but you can easily save around $50 that way.

And that’s a wrap!

I hope you picked up a few new tips, tricks, and pantry staples to make your kitchen feel more like home. Whether you’re just starting out or getting back into the groove of cooking, remember—you don’t need to do it all at once. A well-stocked pantry, a few good spice blends, and a plan to reduce food waste can go a long way in building confidence (and saving money) in the kitchen.

Thanks for reading and happy cooking!

Let me know in the comments: what’s your go-to pantry item or spice blend you can’t live without?

 
Emily McAvoy
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