Preparing your pantry now is a good idea because tariffs are raising the prices of many imported foods. When you buy in bulk, it can help you save money plus avoid having to rush to the store when prices go up.
Want to know more about what foods to store? We’ve rounded up nine foods you can use for healthy meals. Having these on hand is a good idea since they last a long time, and it’s better to be prepared once prices go up.
1. Rice
Rice is easy to store, doesn’t cost much, and stays good for a long time. It can be used in various dishes like salads, stir-fries, soups, and more. Rice makes you feel full and goes well with meat and vegetables. Always have both white and brown rice on hand if you want to eat meals that are good for you and taste good. Buying a lot of rice can save you money, especially before tariffs raise prices, so now is a good time to buy a lot of food so you can have it cheap, even when the prices go up.
2. Canned beans
One of the best ways to get fiber and protein from a plant-based diet is to eat beans. It’s easy to store dried beans, and they stay good for a long time. Either for lunch or dinner, you can eat them with chili, salads, soups, or even just by themselves. To make healthy meals, it’s always better to try to find things that have less salt. Also, this is the time when you can get a lot of beans for a low price, since tariffs will cause prices to rise, but, hey, you will save money in the long run.
3. Pasta
Another one of those pantry staples that keeps well and is easy to make is pasta. It goes great with a wide variety of condiments and toppings, and even if you’re low on fresh food, you can whip together this dinner in no time. Having a wide variety of gluten-free and whole wheat options on hand makes sure that your family can discover something they love. Pasta is a cheap and flexible ingredient that works wonderfully in dishes because of its long shelf life. So, before the taxes drive up the price, be sure to get a large amount of it.
4. Oils
Every kitchen should have a few basic cooking oils like canola, olive, and vegetable oil. These oils are very useful because you can use them for frying, baking, and making salad dressings. Many cooking oils are imported, so their costs can go up a lot. Getting more bottles these days will save you money in the long run, just make sure to keep them in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight to keep their taste and freshness. Choose cooking oils that go well with the way you usually cook for the best taste and results.
5. Frozen veggies
Using frozen vegetables is a simple and smart approach to staying healthy. Flash-freezing veggies keeps most of their vitamins and minerals, so they are just as healthy as fresh ones. It’s a smart idea to stock up on frozen foods like peas, spinach, and mixed vegetables because tariffs can make fresh fruits and vegetables pricier. You can keep frozen vegetables for months, so you just use what you need, also to cut down on food waste. Frozen vegetables are a quick, cheap, and healthful option for dinner every day.
6. Canned tomatoes
Canned tomatoes are a kitchen must-have because you can’t make tacos, soups, or stews without them. They add excellent flavor and make meals healthier, plus they last a long time in your pantry. Since many canned tomatoes come from other countries, tariffs might cause their prices to increase soon. You can get a better deal later on if you buy more cans early. Their versatility makes them handy in stews, chilis, and casseroles. Making daily meals easier and cheaper is made possible by having canned tomatoes on hand.
7. Flour
You need flour for cooking and baking. It makes pancakes, bread, and sauces thicker and better tasting. Store flour in a cool, dry place where it won’t get wet to keep it fresh. Since the prices of imported flour and wheat products are sure to go up from the new tariff rates, it’s best to buy extra today so you can save money and avoid the stress later. If you have a lot of flour at home, you can always bake or cook without worrying about running out. It’s a simple and sensible way to stay prepared in the kitchen.
8. Sugar
Sugar is another one of those long-lasting cupboard staples. You may use it to make drinks, bake pastries, and even preserve fruits. New tariffs could drive up the price of sugar, so it’s wise to stock up now. Sugar keeps best when stored in an airtight container to prevent clumping and insects. Whether you’re making sauces, drinks, or sweets like cookies, sugar is an essential ingredient in many homemade recipes. If you have sugar in your pantry, you can cook or bake whenever the mood strikes you, without worrying about running out.
9. Coffee and tea
Many individuals start their day with tea or coffee. Prices might rise soon for these items because they are from countries that are affected by tariffs. You should stock up on your favorite teas and coffees now to save money and never go without a cup in the morning. Coffee and tea will keep their flavor and aroma for months if stored in an airtight container, out of direct sunlight and moisture. This way, you’re confident that your favorite drink will never run out or be too pricey to enjoy.