Cupboard Essentials

These are items that are typically dry and longer life, here is a list of some helpful food-cupboard items and some top tips:

Dried Pasta – Can be used in pasta dishes such as Spaghetti Bolognese or pasta salads – also comes in a wide variety of shapes to switch things up.

Rice – There’s a variety of types of rice, bagged dried long-grain for when you’ve got some time, or when you’re really in a rush, you can pick up some microwavable rice packets, which come in a variety of flavours.

Noodles – Regularly known as a student essential! You can get instant pots

Sauces – Pre-made sauces, including pasta, curry and stir-fry sauces are always helpful to keep stocked up.

Tins – You can normally pick up a wide range of tinned foods. Baked Beans, Spaghetti Hoops and Tinned Tuna are just example of some versatile foods that can be used regularly and are long lasting.

Tinned Vegetables – Such as tomatoes, sweetcorn, peas or beans. A good selection allows you to vary your meals, incorporating them into meals like pastas and curries, whilst keeping them healthy.

Tinned Chickpeas, Lentil and Beans – These are all great examples of foods that can be added to meals and high in protein and cater to vegan/vegetarian diets.

Soup – When in need of a quick meal or you haven’t done a food shop in a while, having a few tins of soup in the cupboard can be helpful.

Jars – Jars of Nutella, Peanut Butter, Jam, Marmite and Honey can come in handy for toast or sandwiches.

*TOP TIP* - Ensure to look at shop’s own brands, they are typically much cheaper then branded alternatives

Oats and Cereals – For porridge, smoothies, or flapjacks – or simply just for a snack or breakfast!

Tea/Coffee – Surprisingly easy to forget but often a staple at home (and for Students). Lots of variety of teas (including herbal – which is great for winding down in the evenings)

Oils, herbs and seasonings – Can be a staple of any dish, particularly if you like to cook from scratch. Salt, Pepper, Olive/sunflower oil, vinegar and a variety of herbs and spices, which are all customisable to your cooking style and tastes.

Variety of sauces and condiments – From pesto, soy sauce and chilli flakes, that go beyond your basic seasonings, make sure to pick up what you regularly use.

Stock cubes/gravy – Great for adding flavour, a variety depending on what you’re cooking with (meats/vegetables), but typically an Onion Gravy works fine. Gravy is great as soon as you hit those colder months for a warm meal that feels like home 😊

Bread – Toast, sandwiches, toasties – a cupboard essential. Always options for Gluten Free alternatives in shops.

Flour – Handy for thickening dishes, or for baking, if that’s your thing.

Sugar – Can be used for baking, cooking or, simply in your tea/coffee.