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Budget-Friendly Tips for a Stocked Pantry

Posted 10:00AM 01/22/13 Savings Experiment |
Savings Experiment: Vitamins

Do you buy multiple pantry items at once?

Did you find our video on pantry items helpful?



A well-stocked pantry is the key to making great meals on the fly. With go-to spices, canned goods and cooking essentials, you'll never run out of dinner ideas, but how can you make sure your pantry is full without wasting money?

First, start stashing. When there are sales on regularly used items, buy two (or more) instead of one. You'll end up making fewer trips to the store, and use less gas overall. Stick with non-perishables to get the best shelf-life, and make sure these 12 essential pantry ingredients are on your shopping list.

Next, stay organized to minimize waste. Place older items in the front of your pantry, and store newer purchases in the back. You can even extend the life of certain products by storing them in the freezer. Flour, nuts and baking products keep well in cool temperatures.

If you have the space, try shopping for non-perishables in bulk at wholesale retailers like Costco. You can cut costs even further by pooling your efforts with a few friends. Buy items in bulk and divide the goods up between you, and you'll save money, gas and, ultimately, pantry space.

pantryReady to ensure you'll always be able to whip up a quick and delicious meal? Follow these easy tips on how to stay organized and stocked, and your pantry will forever stay fresh and well-maintained.

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Melanie

I shop at a couple of stores for all my needs. Dollar General for basics like spices, pickles, relish, steak sause, rice, beans, ete. is the best value, even better than bulk.
I also shop Publix or Winn Dixie for the buy one get one free items and stock up on these non parrishables.

January 31 2013 at 10:25 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
rbmanofnaples

I shop at Publix and have 7-10 items that are often offered at 2 for 1 price...only buy then when 2x1 and stock up...soup, cereal, chopped tomatios, 100% juce, etc...saves big bucks and stocks pantry...

January 29 2013 at 8:31 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
elliajt

Where is the best place to buy an electric can opener?

January 23 2013 at 11:22 PM Report abuse +1 rate up rate down Reply
3 replies to elliajt's comment
Edward

Costco sell the freshest meats and seafood you can find anywhere! At prices much lower than any grocery store. Electronics are also very good buy's. They carry top brands in all dept's as aposed to Walmart which is mosly just trash!

January 23 2013 at 10:42 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Terri

I renew my Costco membership every year just for their chicken pot pie. Best, ever!!!!!

January 23 2013 at 10:39 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Watts Up!

If you still believe buying "wholesale" at COSTCO is saving you money; good luck. For starters-if you are self-employed you will get this quickly-COSTCO does not sell at "wholesale" prices. It never has; it sells at "wholesale" quantities at retail value. So I believe COSTCO is tricking the consumer by playing around with the word "wholesale". We may be able to accuse COSTCO of "False Advertising" but who knows, it's all just a word game. I never buy at COSTCO; I buy "wholesale" with my seller's permit at the real wherehoused where they ask you for an actual seller's permit. This is real "wholesale" prices AND quantities. Enjoy your shopping!

January 23 2013 at 10:00 PM Report abuse -1 rate up rate down Reply
1 reply to Watts Up!'s comment
ga7smi

you pay use tax on those purchases?

January 23 2013 at 11:31 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Ellie

Just joined Costco as I needed hearing aids and saw on the internet it might be a great place to go ... also article in NYT ... got them last Thursday ... awesome .. top of the line ReSound with wireless accessories... $3,000 instead of seven thousand ... great service and knowledgable hearing aid dispenser ... count me one happy customer

January 23 2013 at 9:40 PM Report abuse +2 rate up rate down Reply
ds3inc

99 percenters don't go there, you're buying from the evil corporation.

January 23 2013 at 9:24 PM Report abuse -6 rate up rate down Reply
Brenda

I love shopping at Costco. Some times I get great buys. Their chopmeat is the best. Their prices are good and there are items that I buy that are different from the supermarkets.

January 23 2013 at 8:07 PM Report abuse +1 rate up rate down Reply
merlene475

love costco, the employees have always been very friendly and helpful when needed. Have never had a problem returning anything, either. I will only by my meet at costco. you get such better quality then elsewhere . Oh did, I mention that I am there at least once a week. lol

January 23 2013 at 7:43 PM Report abuse +2 rate up rate down Reply

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