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Pasta, eggs and golden syrup: your definitive store cupboard essentials

From "stuff I could whip up into a decent meal after being away on holiday for two weeks" to "the basics for a decent variety of meals in the house at all times," we present the definitive Mumsnet store cupboard, fridge and freezer list. You'll never go hungry again.

By Mumsnet HQ | Last updated Sep 22, 2023

store cupboard essentials

Pasta, rice and pulses

  • Dried pasta

  • Rice

  • Couscous

  • Oats

  • Dried noodles

  • Lentils

  • Polenta

 Related: The best slow cooker for easy family meal prep

Tins

  • Baked beans

  • Cannellini beans

  • Chickpeas

  • Tomatoes

  • Sweetcorn

  • Tuna

  • Anchovies

  • Sardines

  • Coconut milk

  • Soup

Fruit and veg

  • Garlic cloves

  • Onions

  • Lemon/lemon juice

  • Fresh chillies

  • Ginger

Related: Discover the best air fryer for veg, chips, meat, and more

Oils, herbs and condiments

  • Selection of dried herbs

  • Olive oil

  • Sea salt

  • Black and white pepper

  • Soya sauce

  • Marmite

  • Tabasco

  • Wasabi paste

  • Vinegar

  • Mustard (both kinds)

  • Fish sauce

Store cupboard stuff

  • Balsamic vinegar

  • Henderson's relish

  • Tomato purée

  • Stock cubes/pots

  • Flour

  • Several types of sugar

  • Jam and honey

  • Baking powder

  • Bicarbonate of soda

  • Breadcrumbs

  • Nuts

  • Jars of olives

  • Dried fruit

  • Instant yeast

  • Golden syrup

  • Mango chutney

  • Peanut butter

  • Tea and coffee

  • Mustard powder

  • Dark chocolate

Related: Make meal prep a breeze with our pick of the best food processors

stocked fridge

Fridge

  • Jar of mayonnaise

  • Eggs

  • Chorizo

  • Crème fraîche

  • Plain yoghurt

  • Cream cheese

  • Selection of cheeses

  • Tomato ketchup

  • Brown sauce

  • Butter/spread

Freezer

  • Frozen vegetables

  • Fish fingers

  • White fish steaks

  • Prawns

  • Frozen berries

  • Pastry

  • Chips

  • Mince

Read next: The best bread maker, according to Mumsnet users