by Ellen Page

Created on: September 13, 2010   Last Updated: February 01, 2012

Certain staple foods are handy to keep in the store cupboard, as they can be used in a wide range of meals. Having a well stocked pantry means delicious healthful meals can be created any time. Buying staple foods will help to ensure one is eating well without constantly spending a fortune on food. Below are some staple foods that are ideal to keep stocked in the pantry that are versatile and are good to keep on hand.

• Bread

Bread is a staple food that can be eaten with any meal of the day that provides starchy carbohydrates. There are many types of bread to choose from, whole meal is preferable, as it is the healthier option.

• Whole grain cereals

Breakfast is the most important meal of the day so it is essential to have nutritious cereal in the pantry. Whole grain cereals provide a healthy breakfast which offers a good source of fiber, which is essential, as it aids in digestion.

• Potatoes

Potatoes are a great versatile food that can be baked, boiled, mashed, roasted or used to prepare healthy chips. They are also ideal for baked potatoes which are a healthy simple meal that can be served with different toppings.

• Dried pasta

Pasta is cheap and very filling, it comes in various shapes and sizes and it stores well. It is a good source of carbohydrates which provides energy. Pasta forms the base to many tasty meals, and it can be served with different sauces, or it can accompany a meal.

• Rice

Rice is a good source of carbohydrates, and another versatile food that can be used in a number of dishes. It is healthy, easy to cook and is affordable.

• Frozen veggies

Frozen veggies are just as nutritional as fresh, and form the perfect nutritious accompaniment to many meals. Stock the freezer with a good selection, and enjoy the variety that's available.

• Canned, dried, or frozen fruits

Canned, dried and frozen fruit are ideal pantry staples as they preserve. They can be used for desserts and they are ideal for healthy energy boosting snacks.

• Canned beans

Canned beans of all varieties are a great source of protein, and they can be used in many different dishes. They are great for bulking dishes out to make meals more filling.

• Eggs

Eggs can be used in many dishes, or as part of a main meal, they are also used as an ingredient for many recipes.

• Olive oil

Olive oil is another versatile staple, as it can be used as a salad dressing, and it can also be used for cooking.

• Flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt

These are essential staples, and they are useful ingredients to keep stocked in the pantry.

• Nuts

Unsalted nuts are nutritious, they can be used in cooking, they provide a healthy snack and they can liven up salads.

• Tomato paste

Tomato paste is a useful ingredient, as it can be used in many meals, as well as for pizza bases and pasta sauces.

These are the basics for any healthy pantry, as these foods preserve, are versatile and are healthy staples. It is a good idea to keep frequently used staples on hand. A well stocked pantry should mean that all the staple ingredients are to hand to prepare and make simple healthy meals.

Learn more about this author, Ellen Page.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.