Pantry staples list — what every kitchen should have
Everyone has run out of salt halfway through cooking. This list collects the staples every kitchen should have, as a starter set for a first home or a quick cupboard check for everyone else. No sign-up needed.
In short
The staples every kitchen should have are flour, sugar, salt, black pepper, olive and sunflower oil, vinegar, rice, pasta, bulgur, lentils, chickpeas, dried beans, tomato paste, canned tomatoes, baking powder, tea and coffee. Eggs, onions and garlic round out this core cupboard, and with them you can cook a great many everyday meals.
22 items go straight into your new room; delete what you don't need, add what's missing. No account needed.
What's on the list
Pantry staples
- Flour
- Sugar
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Chili flakes
- Olive oil
- Sunflower oil
- Vinegar
- Rice
- Pasta
- Bulgur
- Lentils
- Chickpeas
- Dried beans
- Tomato paste
- Canned tomatoes
- Baking powder
Drinks
- Tea
- Coffee
Dairy & breakfast
- Eggs
Fruit & vegetables
- Onions
- Garlic
Tips
Rather than filling the cupboard in one go, top up a few staples on each weekly shop; it's easier on both budget and shelf space.
Put new purchases at the back and older ones at the front, so whatever is closest to its date gets used first.
Store flour, pulses and spices in airtight jars; it keeps out damp and pests and keeps everything fresh for longer.
Check the cupboard once a month and add whatever has run out straight away, so you don't find out mid-recipe.
How it works
1. Open your room
Tap the button and the items land in a fresh room. No account, no email, nothing to install.
2. Share the code
Send the room code or the link to the group; everyone's on the same list in seconds.
3. Finish it together
Who's buying what shows up instantly; bought items get ticked, so nobody buys the same thing twice.
Frequently asked questions
What should you buy first when setting up a kitchen?
Start with what you use in nearly every meal: salt, black pepper, oil, rice, pasta and tomato paste. Pulses, spices and baking powder can follow over the next weekly shops.
How long do flour and dried pulses keep?
Dried pulses usually last over a year in an airtight jar in a cool, dry place. For flour, follow the date on the packet; wholemeal flour goes off sooner. Throw anything out if you see mould or pests.
How should you store onions and garlic?
Keep both in a cool, dark, airy spot outside the fridge. Don't store onions next to potatoes, as they can speed up each other's spoilage.
Can I change the list?
Of course. The ready-made list is just a starting point: delete, add, move items between categories.
Do I need an account?
No. A room code is all it takes — no email, password or signup.
How long is the list kept?
As long as you use it. A list is only deleted after a month without any activity; even opening the room resets the clock.
Can I install it on my phone?
Yes. With the room open, tap "Save Room" to add it to your home screen and open it with one tap.