7 Healthy Pantry Essentials That Should Always Be In Your Kitchen
Updated: Sep. 23, 2016
Not all packaged foods are unhealthy.
Must-Have Pantry Staples
You can’t beat the convenience of processed and packaged foods. If you’re a smart consumer and read labels closely, packaged foods can still play a role in your healthy, budget-conscious diet. Here are seven packaged pantry staples you should always have in your kitchen for quick, nutritious meals and snacks.
Low-Sodium Veggie or Chicken broth
Sure, you can make your own, but who’s got time? If you have a carton of broth in the cupboard, all you need is garlic or onion, your favourite veggies and canned beans to throw together a quick and nutritious immunity-boosting soup.
Whole-Grain Pasta
Dried pasta can provide the basis for a multitude of quick meals. Look for 100 percent whole durum wheat semolina, brown rice or other whole-grain alternatives.
Canned Beans
Beans provide a cheap, good-quality source of protein, iron and fibre. Just rinse the canned version well before using.
Canned Tomatoes
The fire-roasted and Italian seasoned varieties add instant zip to pasta sauces and chilis.
Whole Wheat Pitas
Keep a bag in your freezer for pita pizzas, wraps or hummus and veggie lunch pockets.
Natural Jarred Pasta Sauce
You’ll find loads of choices without added sugar in the natural foods area of your grocery store. Use it to whip up a last-minute pizza or pasta dish in a jiffy.
Snack Bars With Whole Ingredients
Read the labels carefully and you can find bars loaded with nuts, dates and oats – and little else. These are as close to homemade as you can get!
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