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15 Must-Have Foods I Always Buy Before Inflation Hits

June 24, 2025476Views

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Inflation can hit us all hard, particularly when it comes to the food in our pantries. But with a little forward planning, we can ensure that we always have a stock of nutritious and versatile food items on hand, come what may. Here are the 15 must-have foods that I always stock up on before inflation hits.

1. Canned Tomatoes

opened tin can of peeled tomatoes in sauce, fresh vine tomatoes beside can, placed on rustic wooden surface — Image Credit: Shutterstock.

Whether diced, whole, or pureed, canned tomatoes are a pantry essential. They form the base of many dishes, from soups to pasta sauces, and are a great source of vitamins and minerals.

2. Rice

Close-up of assorted grains and seeds in white ceramic bowls, arranged on a white surface, including light brown, black, and reddish varieties, showcasing texture — Image Credit: MART PRODUCTION/Pexels.

Rice is a staple food in many cultures around the world, and for good reason. It’s versatile, filling, and can be stored for long periods without spoiling. It’s also very affordable, even in bulk quantities. Whether you prefer basmati, jasmine, brown or white, stocking up on rice is a smart move to buffer against inflation.

3. Pasta

Brown ceramic bowl filled with spiral pasta and melted cheese, likely mac and cheese or a similar dish. The bowl sits on what appears to be a wooden surface. The image has a blue border — Image Credit: Shutterstock.

Another versatile and long-lasting pantry staple, pasta is a must-have for any pre-inflation shopping spree. It’s cheap, comforting, and can be used in a multitude of dishes. Remember to buy a variety of shapes and types for different meals.

4. Canned Beans

Four open tin cans filled with different types of beans placed on a wooden surface — Image Credit: Shutterstock.

Beans are a powerhouse of nutrition, packed with protein and fiber. Canned beans have a long shelf-life and can be used in a vast array of dishes, making them a great item to stock up on.

5. Peanut Butter

Jar of peanut butter, wooden spoon with peanut butter, whole peanuts scattered, rustic wooden table, red and white checkered cloth in background — Image Credit: Shutterstock.

Rich in protein and healthy fats, peanut butter is a great item to have on hand. It’s inexpensive, has a long shelf life, and can be used in both sweet and savory dishes.

6. Rolled Oats

wooden bowl filled with rolled oats, scattered oats on gray stone surface, small wooden scoop on the side — Image Credit: Shutterstock.

Oats are a cheap and filling breakfast option, packed with fiber and nutrients. They’re also versatile, and can be used in baking or for making granola.

7. Frozen Vegetables

Freezer shelf packed with assorted frozen vegetables, including sealed bags of corn, broccoli, green beans, and bell peppers — Image Credit: Shutterstock.

Frozen vegetables are a great alternative to fresh ones and can save you a lot of money. They’re picked at their peak ripeness and frozen to lock in nutrients, so you’re not compromising on health.

8. Dried Lentils

Pile of red lentils, dry and uncooked, scattered slightly on a white surface, close-up view, showcasing texture and color — Image Credit: Eliška Jindříšková – CC BY-SA 4.0/Wiki Commons.

Lentils are an affordable source of protein and fiber and are extremely versatile in the kitchen. They have a long shelf life, making them another excellent choice for stocking up before inflation hits.

9. Canned Fish

Bowl of canned tuna next to an open tin and fresh parsley on a wooden table — Image Credit: Shutterstock.

Canned fish like tuna or salmon is a fantastic source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids. It’s also non-perishable and can be used in many different dishes.

10. Flour

Bowl of white flour, surrounded by wheat stalks, round bread rolls, and sliced bread, displayed on a rustic wooden surface, representing baking ingredients and products — Image Credit: Shutterstock.

Whether you’re baking bread, thickening sauces, or making pasta, flour is a must-have in the kitchen. It’s inexpensive and lasts a long time, so it’s worth buying in bulk.

11. Sugar

White sugar cubes on a rustic wooden surface, wooden spoon holding a sugar cube, scattered granulated sugar, sweetener concept, traditional sweetening method — Image Credit: Shutterstock.

Sugar is another pantry staple that’s worth stocking up on. It’s used in baking, cooking, and preserving food, and can last almost indefinitely if stored correctly.

12. Salt

Wooden spoon filled with white granulated salt, placed on white surface, scattered salt grains around — Image credit: Tara Winstead / Pexels

Salt is essential for seasoning food and preserving certain items. It’s inexpensive and lasts indefinitely, so stocking up can ensure you’re prepared for any culinary situation.

13. Cooking Oil

Olive oil being poured into a glass bowl with green olives beside it, whisk and garlic press nearby — Image Credit: Pixabay/Pexels.

Whether you prefer olive, canola, or coconut, cooking oil is a must in any kitchen. It’s used in almost all types of cooking and baking, and buying in bulk can save you a lot of money in the long run.

14. Coffee

Person pouring coffee beans from a brown paper bag into a grinder, fresh coffee preparation, caffeine culture, artisanal coffee experience, coffee storage and grinding process — Image Credit: Cristian Rogers /Pexels.

If you’re a coffee drinker, you know how important it is to have a supply on hand. It can be expensive, so buying in bulk before inflation hits is a smart move.

15. Spices

Colorful display of bulk spices and dried herbs in market bins, labeled sections with vibrant textures and natural ingredients — Image Credit: ROMAN ODINTSOV/Pexels.

Spices can transform a dish from ordinary to extraordinary. They can be a bit pricey, but a little goes a long way. Stocking up on your most-used spices can save you a lot of money in the long run.