If you’re looking for a comprehensive list of all the basic pantry items you should be spending your hard-earned money on, look no further. From gourmet to basic, here are the best-of-the-best brands to search for that combine health and flavor, what they cost, and where to find them. Without further ado, these are the five most basic pantry ingredients to never waste your time deciding on again.
Bread
Gourmet $$$: Dave’s Killer Bread ($5.29)
This organic and non-GMO bread claims to be the best bread in the universe. Its quirky recipes range from “White Bread Done Right” to “21 Whole Grains and Seeds” totaling seven unique and terrifically nutritious varieties. Find it at Kroger, Walmart, Target, and Whole Foods.
Somewhere in between $$: Nature’s Own 100% Whole Grain ($3)
A high fiber, preservative-free option that will deliver a pillowy soft sandwich despite its many seeds. It is free of the common culprits of an unhealthy bread (empty carbs, excessive sodium, etc.) and will provide you with energy that lasts. It’s regularly on shelves at Kroger, Walmart, Target, and Meijer.
Basic $: Koepplinger’s Healthy Whole Grains (~$2)
This bread is a healthy option for your body and your wallet. It’s flavorful and moist in all the right ways, Kosher, and low fat. What more could you possibly need? There are even two equally-scrumptious whole grain options: Health Whole Grains and Cracked Whole Grain. You can find this brand at just about any major grocery store.
Dried Pasta
Gourmet $$$: Setaro (~$6.50 per pound)
This pasta will give you bang but require many bucks. This recipe is favored by chefs and pasta purists as it consists of only durum wheat semolina and water. And guess what? Those two ingredients do amazing work for your tastebuds. Find this bourgeois option at Walmart or local/specialty markets.
Somewhere in between $$: La Molisana ($4 per pound)
Straight from Italy come these golden rods of al dente goodness. This pasta is sure to please even the pickiest eaters with its authentic flavor and cute packaging. It can be found at Walmart (again), Publix, and online grocery stores like Bella Italia Food Store and Amazon.
Basic $: Barilla ($1.39 per pound)
Maybe a little obvious, but this popular brand really does earn the title of most economical and tasty dried pasta. Some Italian restaurants (like Piada Italian Street Food) even use these noodles in their dishes and the brand claims to be #1 in Italy. This one comes in over a dozen fun shapes including adorable ditalini and gemelli. Look out for the blue box at … everywhere, it’s literally everywhere.
Bonus: Newman’s Own Pasta Sauce ($3)
Need some sauce for that pasta? Newman’s Own has you covered with 20 varieties of flavored reds and alfredos, like their zingy Vodka Sauce or smoky Sockarooni. The company declares that these sauces will “make spaghetti sing” and 100% of the profits are donated to charity. These sauces, their price, and their cause just can’t be beat.
Wine
Note: the following list is just for brands overall and is not based on variety.
Gourmet $$$: Bonterra ($17)
An organic and biodynamically farmed wine that consistently wins the hearts of grocery store patrons, Bonterra is a crowd pleaser in any variety. Whether you prefer whites, reds, or roses, this ethical brand is the way to go for something just a little bit on the luxurious side. Pick up a bottle at Walmart, Target, and online wine stores like Drizly.
Somewhere in between $$: Oliver ($10)
This Indiana-grown treat is an all-around excellent choice. It comes in the basic reds and whites, if that’s what you’re into, but you can also find fun collections that feature unexpectedly delicious flavors like blueberry moscato, peach pie, and cherry cobbler. Sold at Target, Meijer, and Drizly, these are too fun to pass up and won’t feel like a splurge.
Basic $: Barefoot ($5-6)
Again, maybe a little obvious, but these bottles deserve your attention. One of the most popular brands in the world for a reason, Barefoot always delivers and earns its place at the dinner table with classic flavors done well. You can find these at all major grocery stores and even local supermarkets.
Olive Oil
Gourmet $$$: Frankies Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil ($20)
This charming tinned oil is DOP certified and USDA certified organic, an authentic Italian olive oil that holds its own in any dish. Its sharp and peppery flavor makes it a cult favorite among culinarians and EVOO fanatics that probably don’t want you to be let in on their secret. Pick up some Frankies at Walmart or order it on Amazon (where it comes in larger sizes).
Somewhere in between $$: California Olive Ranch Everyday Extra Virgin ($10.36)
If you ask anyone what the best grocery store olive oil is, they’ll very likely tell you this one. It is the organic and insanely popular organic olive oil sweeping the nation with its creamy earthiness and versatility. Look for this one on shelves at Walmart, World Market and Target. If this doesn’t convert you into an EVOO fanatic, nothing will.
Basic $: Whole Foods 365 Organic ($6.99)
This olive oil is as full-bodied as it is affordable. It gives you the flavor you want from a high quality olive oil without the price. It is a beautiful, generic oil for the people. Find it at Whole Foods, obviously.
Peanut Butter
Gourmet $$$: Fix and Fogg ($15)
This New Zealand-based company makes peanut butters as interesting as they come, and boy, do they come interesting. The founders brag that they are “fairly obsessed” with nut butters and they’ve got the products to prove it. In addition to the classics, Fix and Fogg features flavored peanut butters that you won’t be able to stop eating straight out of the jar like an animal, such as Smoke and Fire, Coffee and Maple, Dark Chocolate, and Fruit Toast. You’ll probably have to order the handmade PB concoctions from Amazon, but it’ll be worth the wait.
Somewhere in between $$: MaraNatha Organic No Stir Creamy Peanut Butter ($4.92)
These vegan butters come in varieties such as Banana Peanut Butter, Organic Creamy, No Sugar or Salt Added Creamy, various no stir options, and more. Don’t let the unsnappy names deter you! The company boasts a “special grinding”, small batch process to get those gloriously rich flavors. Walmart, Kroger, Target, and Amazon are the places to visit for these.
Basic $: Crazy Richard’s ($2.66)
Just. Peanuts. This one-ingredient wonder is just about the healthiest option out there and its creamy simplicity will have you coming back for more. It’s all natural flavor comes from the fact that it contains no added sugar, no salt, no GMOs, and nothing but peanuty love. This product is easy to find: visit Walmart, Kroger, Whole Foods, Meijer, and local supermarkets for your jar.