A Well Stocked Pantry

One of the things I cannot stress enough to people who want to save on their grocery bill on a weekly basis is to keep your kitchen well stocked. About once every 6 months my husband and I add an extra $50 to the grocery budget. This money is used to stock up.

Here is a list of items I suggest that every frugal household should have on hand.

• A variety of pasta
• A variety of dry beans
• Flour
• Sugar
• Corn meal
• Oatmeal (old fashioned or quick oats in a large canister, not the single serve packets)
• A wide variety of herbs and spices
• Canned and frozen vegetables
• Flavorings for baking such as vanilla and almond extract
• Powdered milk
• Pudding and Jello mixes
• Ramen Noodles and boxed maccaroni and cheese
• Condiments such as mayonaise, mustard, ketchup, barbecue sauce, soy sauce and hot sauce
• Pickles, olives, salsa and relish
• Tomato and pasta sauce
• Dry yeast
• Baking powder and baking soda
• Potatos, garlic and onions

The following items I always stock up on when they are on sale.

• Milk, Cheese, Bread and Meat - whatever I can fit in the freezer
• Frozen vegetables
• Canned goods
• Specialty items
• Goodies for the kids - I don't buy much convenience food but if it is on sale for a very good price I will buy things that the kids really enjoy.

If you keep your pantry well stocked then grocery shopping will be quicker, easier and much less expensive over all.