10 Everyday Must-Have Food Staples I Keep in My Pantry

Everyone has items in their pantry that they always have stocked!

There’s a couple food items that I always like to keep from running out.

Listed below are the top ten items that I can’t go a week without. They are the basis for a variety of meals and snacks. I could survive off of these items alone and (probably) never tire of them.

1. Frozen Chicken

I like to buy organic chicken in bulk. It's cheaper than the non-frozen alternative and last considerably longer. Also, so many meals use chicken as a protein source as it is easy to flavor in a variety of ways, and it's simple and quick to cook.

2. Nut Butter

Nut butter is an essential item in my pantry. A spoonful is a perfect snack! I use nut butter (Trader Joe's Creamy Almond Butter is my absolute favorite) in smoothies almost every morning. I post about it on my story quite often, but I am a huge fan of #uglysmoothies in the morning! "Ugly Smoothies" are smoothies that aren't pretty, but taste amazing and are nutrient dense. Most people don't have an hour to carefully assemble a smoothie bowl - we have time to throw ingredients in a blender and run out the door!

Which brings me to the next staple food item...

3. Protein Powder

Because I often have smoothies, I go through protein powder extraordinarily fast! My favorite is Sun Warrior Protein Powder. I like the flavor (I usually stick is plain ol' vanilla), it's made from pea protein, it's Low FODMAP, gluten and dairy free and to top to off, it's low carb.

Another brand I'd recommend is Vega Protein Powder. I alternative every few months between Vega and Sun Warrior.

4. Frozen Fruit

I keep frozen fruit on hand primarily because I make so, so, so many smoothies.

5. Frozen Veggies

As I have said previously, I like to keep a variety of frozen items. I maintain a busy schedule and it can be difficult to keep fresh food alive long enough for me to eat it before it goes bad.

There are often a variety of frozen vegetable options that rotate every few months at Trader Joe's. Here's a great list of some of my favorite frozen veggie options at TJ's.

6. Nuts

They are easy snacks. Grab a handful and you'll be full for hours. My absolute favorite nut mix is Trader Joe's Chocolate, Cashew & Almond Trek Mix (not pictured, those are just cashews!). It has the perfect blend of nuts I enjoy best and delicious chocolate chunks.

7. Bars

Rx Bars are my current favorite! Bars are easy snacks that keep you full on the go.

8. Seasonings

Seasonings really can take an "okay" rather bland meal and level it up. Add some of my favorite seasonings like Trader Joe's Taco Seasoning or Everything But the Bagel Seasoning, and your meal will have spunk and flavor!

Seasonings are very underrated and really make a difference.

9. Nut milk

I always keep cashew milk, almond or soy milk in the fridge. Perfect for smoothies, baking or just to enjoy plain. I try to order them in bulk every few weeks from Amazon.

10. Baby Carrots

Just ask any of my roommates or close friends - I am a huge snacker. But, snacking isn't always a healthy habit. Thus, foods like baby carrots give a good solid crunch and are the perfect snack. Dip your carrots in some almond butter and you've got a well -rounded snack that will keep you satisfied and full.

I hope you enjoyed this list! What are your staple food items you can't go a week without?