A well-stocked pantry is a key element that can help turn boring weeknight meals into something special. 

Stocking your pantry is something that is achieved over time; I built up my pantry over months, adding something to my shopping list every couple of weeks to get started and then just topping up empty items as and when they are needed. The list of items below is what I make sure I always have in the house, or items that I would recommend for your pantry as well as my go-to items to spice things up. 

Oils, Vinegars and Condiments 

• Extra-virgin olive oil this is generally used for cooking and salad dressings 
• Sunflower oil this is commonly used for cooking and baking 
• Sesame oil this is usually used for stir-frying 
• Coconut oil this is generally used for baking and eating 
• Avocado oil this is typically used for cooking and salad dressings 
• Balsamic vinegar 
• Apple cider vinegar raw if you can get it 
• Coconut aminos 
• Fish sauce 
• Dijon mustard 
• Worcestershire sauce

Flavourings 

• Salt, whichever you want, sea salt, coarse salt, fine salt 
• Black peppercorns 
• Onions 
• Fresh garlic 
• Fresh ginger 
• Anchovies for flavouring sauces and salad dressings 
• Lemons 
• Limes 
• Oranges 
• Dried herbs: 
• Bay leaves, 
• Dill, 
• Dried sage, 
• Dried thyme leaves, 
• Oregano, 
• Tarragon, 

Spices 

• Allspice (whole berries or ground) 
• Caraway seeds 
• Chilli powder 
• Ground cinnamon sticks 
• Ground cinnamon 
• Coriander seeds 
• Ground cumin seeds 
• Ground cumin 
• Curry powder 
• Ground ginger 
• Dry mustard 
• Nutmeg 
• Paprika 
• Cayenne pepper 
• Crushed red pepper 
• Turmeric 

Canned Goods and Bottled Items 

• Canned tomatoes, 
• Tomato paste 
• Chicken stock 
• Beef stock 
• Coconut cream 
• Red kidney beans 
• Tuna in spring water 

Baking Goods 

• Coconut flour 
• Chickpea flour 
• Tapioca flour 
• Baking soda 
• Rolled oats 
• Coconut sugar 
• Honey 
• Pure maple syrup 
• Cacao powder 

Nuts, Seeds and Fruits 

• Walnuts 
• Pecans 
• Almonds 
• Hazelnuts 
• Pine nuts 
• Sesame seeds 
• Natural nut or seed butter 
• Tahini 
• Dried fruits
• Apricots
• Prunes
• Cherries
• Cranberries
• Dates
• Figs
• Raisins 

Refrigerator Basics 

• Milk 
• Plain yogurt 
• Good-quality Parmesan cheese 
• Cheddar cheese 
• Eggs 
• Butter, unsalted and salted 
• Coconut water 

Freezer Basics 

• Frozen vegetables: 
  • Peas 
  • Spinach 
  • Broccoli 
  • Peppers 
  • Corn 
  • Chopped onions 
  • Cooked sweet potatoes 
• Frozen berries 
• Frozen bananas