The Ultimate Starter Pack for Building Out Your Pantry

This acts as my pantry in my New York City apartment. I love it because it’s clear, so it seamlessly fits into my space and is customizable thanks to The Home Edit’s variety of bins that can fit in the top and bottom. The whole thing wipes clean easily and I use it to store snacks, dry goods, vinegars, and pretty much anything that doesn’t require refrigeration. If you live in an apartment, or your home doesn’t have a designated pantry area, a bar cart is an underrated, yet practical option. ($129.99, The Container Store)

While decanting is an extra step, it’s helpful because it allows you to see everything you have, which will minimize food waste down the line. These bestselling containers from OXO are dishwasher safe, stackable, and have an airtight button seal. You even can add labels to take the organization up a notch. ($31.99/3-pack, Amazon)

For organizing any and all containers. This mini, portable label maker connects to your phone via Bluetooth. From there, you can create your label design through its corresponding app. You can pick from over 30 fonts and 1000 label templates, so you can find a customized option that works for you. ($29.99, Amazon)

These clear, adhesive labels are a pre-curated set consisting of pantry-related words, so you don’t have to think about it. Just peel and stick. We love that their labels are covered in their cofounder’s popular, easy-to-read handwriting. ($9.99/18-pack, The Container Store)

I will die on my Stasher hill. These bags are so good and worth the heftier price tag. I use them anytime I’d reach for a plastic bag — and I love them for anytime I’m bringing cookies to the office to share. They’re great for at-home storage (I love them for cereal or granola), or transporting food on the go. They’re dishwasher safe, easy to clean, and come in a variety of styles and sizes. I’ve had my original set for three years and they’re still going strong. ($45.96/4-pack, Amazon)

You’ve probably seen this aesthetically pleasing set everywhere on social media, and if you haven’t, allow me to enlighten you. I recently came across these jars in real life when visiting a friend’s apartment. This set comes with glass jars, chic wooden lids, corresponding labels, and even a funnel for decanting your spices mess-free. She claimed that it was a relaxing, passive chore she liked to do on Sunday afternoon, plus she loves how organized it makes her feel. ($29.99/24-pack, Amazon)

When I interviewed the founders of NEAT Method, they raved about how multifunctional a shelf riser can be. They suggested them to “arrange canned goods, spices, and condiments for optimal visibility and to prevent losing items at the back of shelves.” Some can even expand to accommodate more storage. While many love a lazy Susan for spice storage, I love a tiered version because I can see everything directly. ($42, NEAT Method)

Because there’s nothing wrong with keeping a vat of salt in your bag at all times. This special batch is harvested in Mexico through a family-run coop. Thanks to its drying process on hand rubbed limestone clay beads, it’s packed with magnesium, potassium, and calcium — all while being plastic-free. This is perfect to keep on hand for adding strong flavor to anything you’re prepping, but we love it for those moments when you’re out to eat and your latest order could use an extra sprinkle (or two). ($10, Spicewell)

He claims that Graza’s cult-favorite olive oil is only popular because of their marketable packaging. I’m here to scream from the rooftops that it’s so much more than that. While the squeeze bottles make it easy to use and the packaging looks great on your counter, their cooking and finishing oils are versatile enough to make delicious dressings, roasted veggies, and a fantastic base for whatever you’re cooking. This is pure, intensely flavored olive oil that doesn’t have any added filler oils, or chemicals (which means it tastes better and is far better for you). Okay, olive oil rant over. ($37/set of two, Graza)

A staple in my pantry. I always keep Banza on hand for lazy nights when I want a comforting bowl of pasta but actually want to feel satiated. Because it’s made of chickpeas, it’s packed with protein and fiber to keep you full. My go-to is some shells and roasted broccoli tossed in Rao’s and parm. Simple and delish. ($29.99/6-pack, Banza)

King Arthur Flour is one of my favorite baking brands simply because they have so many additional resources. Their all-purpose flour can be used for cookies, cakes, breads, pancakes, and so much more. I love it because it's organic and unbleached, making it a hair better for you. ($10.88, Amazon)

I’ve raved about Bob’s Red Mill in the past, especially if you or a loved one struggles with gluten. I love their baking soda and baking powder for their resealable packaging. Plus, the fact that they’re in larger bags means it’s easier to measure out your ingredients mess-free. Plus, I always keep their Old-Fashioned Rolled Oats on hand for making oatmeal or a fresh batch of granola.

Live, love, Maldon. These chunky, pyramid-shaped sea salt flakes are crunchy, delicious, and the perfect topper for toasts, salads, grilled meats, and even cookies. PSA: It’s worth the hype. ($14.54, Amazon)

If decanting your spices into those Amazon containers feels like too much work, get a set from Spicewalla. This 10-pack of spice blends also makes a fantastic gift for a foodie you love (yourself included). This curation of kitchen essentials comes with spices like red pepper flakes, garlic powder, oregano, and so much more. ($59.99, Spicewalla)

This set from Brightland consists of the brand’s Rapture and Parasol blends. Rapture is the brand’s balsamic, which is double-fermented with zinfandel grapes and blackberries. Parasol is the brand’s champagne vinegar, which is double-fermented with chardonnay grapes and oranges. I use both for making salad dressings and flavorful marinades. ($44, Brightland)

Herbal teas are a tried-and-true pantry essential that I cannot live without, especially on WFH days. This seasonally themed set from Leaves of Leisure comes with four full-sized canisters. Flavors include peppermint rosehip, tulsi cinnamon, pomegranate hibiscus, and apple rosemary. The best part? The brand is woman-owned and the packaging is so cute, you can keep them on your counter or in your pantry and feel automatically organized. ($68.40/4-pack, Leaves of Leisure)