Save money, reduce waste, and make meal planning a breeze
Before you even think about heading to the supermarket or placing another online grocery order, pause for a second. What if the key to saving money on food isn’t in the store—but already in your kitchen?
“Shopping your pantry” simply means checking what you already have before buying more. It’s one of the easiest, smartest habits you can build to save money, reduce food waste, and make cooking more creative (and a little more fun).
Here’s why this habit is such a game-changer—and how you can make it part of your weekly routine.
Why Shopping Your Pantry Works
1. You save money—instantly
We’ve all done it: bought another bag of rice or a second jar of peanut butter, only to discover we already had one buried in the back of the cupboard. By checking what you already have, you avoid unnecessary purchases and trim your grocery list (and your bill).
2. You reduce food waste
Food waste is often about forgetting what’s in your fridge or pantry. A quick inventory helps you use ingredients before they expire or go stale.
3. You become more intentional about cooking
When you start with what you already have, you naturally start thinking in terms of recipes, combinations, and creative substitutions. It turns meal planning into a puzzle instead of a chore.
4. You make room (literally) for better storage
Shopping your pantry helps clear out those forgotten tins, half-used pasta bags, or snack bars that have been lurking since 2022. That means more space for fresh ingredients and better organization overall.
How to Shop Your Pantry Like a Pro
Ready to get started? Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you turn your pantry into a money-saving, meal-making powerhouse.
1. Take a Quick Inventory
Before writing your grocery list, spend a few minutes checking:
- Your pantry/cupboards
Look for grains, canned goods, spices, oils, baking supplies, snacks, and meal kits. - The fridge
Check perishables like dairy, sauces, leftovers, open jars, and condiments. - The freezer
Don’t forget what’s hiding behind the frozen peas. Look for pre-cooked meals, meat, veg, and bread.
Pro tip:
Use your phone’s notes app, a whiteboard on your fridge, or a printed list to track what’s in each area. Or meal plan like a pro with these helpful tips.
2. Identify What Needs to Be Used First
Look for ingredients that are:
- Nearing expiration
- Already opened
- Leftovers that won’t last much longer
- Wilting, softening, or drying out (especially produce)
These are your MVPs—Most Valuable Products—and should be prioritized in your meals this week.
3. Build Your Meals Around What You Have
Now that you know what’s on hand, the fun begins. Ask yourself:
- What meals can I make with these ingredients?
- What am I missing to complete them?
- Can I substitute something instead of buying more?
For example:
- Got half a bag of lentils? Make a lentil soup or curry.
- A few sad carrots and some eggs? Perfect for a fried rice or frittata.
- A lonely jar of pesto? Mix it with pasta or smear it on sandwiches.
Even if you still need a few fresh items, your shopping list will be shorter and more focused.
4. Use a “Reverse Grocery List”
Here’s a super handy hack:
Instead of listing what you want to buy, write down what you already have and build meals from that.
Example:
- Have: quinoa, canned tomatoes, frozen peas, feta, and garlic
- Can make: quinoa salad, tomato stew, baked feta pasta, or shakshuka
Then list only the fresh items or extras you actually need to complete those meals.
5. Get Creative with Substitutions
Ran out of a specific ingredient? Don’t rush to the store just yet—see if you can substitute it with something from your pantry.
Here are a few easy swaps:
- No breadcrumbs? Use crushed crackers, oats, or even cornflakes.
- No fresh herbs? Dried herbs work just fine in most cooked dishes.
- No buttermilk? Mix milk with a little lemon juice or vinegar.
Smart cooking isn’t about perfection—it’s about flexibility.
6. Make It a Weekly Ritual
Like meal planning or batch cooking, this gets easier the more you do it. Try “shopping your pantry” every:
- Sunday evening (to prep for the week)
- Before grocery day
- When you’re trying to cut back spending for the month
Soon, it’ll be second nature.
7. Bonus Tip: Organize as You Go
While you’re doing your inventory, take a few minutes to:
- Group similar items together (grains with grains, sauces with sauces)
- Throw out expired or spoiled food
- Move older items to the front so you use them first
A tidy pantry makes it easier to see what you have—and easier to save money in the long run.
Final Thoughts: Pantry First, Store Second
If you’re trying to eat smarter, save more, and waste less, shopping your pantry first is one of the most effective habits you can build. It’s easy, it’s satisfying, and it adds a little creativity to your kitchen routine.
Next time you’re about to reach for your shopping bag, ask yourself:
“What can I make with what I already have?”
You might be surprised—and inspired—by the answer.
