There’s something wonderfully reassuring about a pantry that can weather anything – from a surprise visit from the neighbours to a rainy-day craving for something warm and comforting. Our grannies mastered this long before “stocking up” became a trend.
Their shelves weren’t overflowing; they were simply filled with clever, long-lasting staples that could become supper in minutes. As the year winds down and the festive season turns our homes into gathering spots for friends and family, it’s worth taking a leaf from Grandma’s book. A well-planned pantry saves money, reduces waste, and makes every day cooking easier.
Read more: My Granny’s Pantry: A Kitchen Memoir
Here are the timeless basics she always kept on hand (and why they still matter):
Dried beans
Dried beans hardly take up space, yet they’re packed with goodness. They’re affordable, hearty, and perfect for soups, stews, salads, dips, and more. They do take a little time to soften, but the depth of flavour is worth it. Lentils are another smart addition – they cook quickly and can rescue a last-minute dinner without fuss.
Oats
Oats are one of the most hardworking ingredients you can keep. Warm bowls for breakfast, homemade muesli, oat biscuits, muffin toppings, and even savoury bowls – all start with a simple scoop of oats. Blitz them into flour for baking, or use them as a gentle binder in meatballs and fishcakes. They’re inexpensive, filling, and endlessly versatile.
All-purpose flour
Flour is the backbone of countless recipes. From pancakes and scones to fresh pasta, quick breads and cake batters, it’s the kind of ingredient that quietly saves the day. Keep it in an airtight jar for freshness and you’ll always have the base of a meal at your fingertips.
Rice
Every granny pantry has rice. Whether you prefer long-grain, brown or short-grain, it’s a dependable favourite that fits with almost anything. Serve it as a simple side, use it to bulk up soups, create creamy risottos, fry it with leftovers, or turn it into a warm bowl of rice pudding for dessert. One ingredient, endless possibilities.
Soy sauce
A splash of soy sauce can completely transform a dish. It adds savoury depth to marinades, stews, stir-fries, dressings and gravies. A single bottle lasts ages and gives meals that extra something when you feel your cooking needs a little lift.
Noodles
There’s a reason noodles feel like comfort in a bowl. They’re quick, reliable and ideal for everything from a simple broth to a full baked pasta dish. Egg noodles, spaghetti, ramen, pastina – pick the kind your household loves and keep a packet or two on standby. When someone’s tired, hungry, or under the weather, noodles come to the rescue.
Evaporated milk
Grannies always had a tin or two tucked away. Evaporated milk adds gentle creaminess to soups, sauces, mashed potatoes and puddings. It’s handy for baking and perfect for creamy drinks when you’re out of fresh milk. It lasts long, tastes rich, and often saves a trip to the shops.
Cornmeal
Cornmeal is far more useful than many realise. It makes the base of warm, homely dishes like cornbread, polenta, and golden coatings for fish or chicken. And for anyone who cooks with masa, it’s the start of fresh tortillas or tamales – proper comfort food at its best.
Canned vegetables
Affordable, long-lasting, and convenient – canned vegetables deserve a place in every pantry. Tomatoes, peas, beans, corn and artichokes turn simple cupboard staples into full meals. They’re especially helpful on busy days or when fresh produce is scarce. And if you’re feeling inspired, you can even try preserving your own vegetables, just like granny used to.
A granny-style pantry isn’t about buying loads of food – it’s about keeping the right ingredients close at hand. These staples help you cook confidently, waste less, and stretch your budget while still making wholesome, flavour-packed meals.
With friends popping in and family filling the house over the holidays, a pantry like this means you’re always ready to whip up something comforting and delicious. And that’s what home should feel like.
ALSO SEE: TIMELESS TIPS THE FOOD&HOME TEAM USES IN THE KITCHEN PASSED DOWN BY GRANNY
Timeless tips the Food&Home team uses in the kitchen passed down by Granny
