Stocking a Lunch-Ready Pantry at Home

It might surprise you to learn that sitting down to lunch can contribute to your overall happiness. According to a recent study by Fast Company, 53 percent of surveyed workers said that lunch makes them happy and 48 percent say that it helps reduce burnout!

However, the daily hustle and bustle can leave people feeling pressed for time, causing them to opt for a quick, less healthy option or to skip lunch altogether. But, that doesn’t have to be the case when you have a pantry filled with ingredients that can be turned into wholesome, easy-to-make lunch recipes. Want to learn how to stock a home pantry, so you are always lunch ready for you or your kids? Read on for healthy items you can find at your wholesale food supply store.

Stock a Home Pantry with These Quick Lunch Staples 

Whether you are trying to stick to a health regimen or have limited time to create a satisfying lunch, these bulk-store ingredients are essential to have on hand.

Canned and Jarred Foods

It doesn’t get much easier than opening pre-prepped ingredients and using them to make your favorite fast recipes. Stocking up on canned and jarred products is perfect for effortless freezer meals and casseroles. Try this dump-and-bake chicken dish that only uses one pot, requires zero pre-cooking, and uses canned soup for its creamy base.

Fruits and Vegetables

• Carrots
• Corn
• Green Beans
• Peas
• Tomatoes
• Peaches 
• Pineapple
• Mandarin Oranges

Legumes, Proteins, and Soups

• Baked Beans
• Black-Eyed Peas
• Chickpeas
• Pinto Beans
• Kidney Beans
• Black Beans
• Canned Fish
• Canned Chicken
• Canned Ham
• Beef Stew
• Chili
• Cream of Mushroom Soup
• Vegetable, Chicken, and Beef Soup Base

Snacks and Quick Bites

• Peanut Butter
• Applesauce
• Hazelnut Spread

Dried Pasta and Grains

Dried goods have a long shelf life, making the base for many easy, tasty lunchtime eats. Classics such as quinoa bowls, veggie-filled pasta bakes, and yogurt parfaits all use hearty grains as their main component. Make quick meals that taste like you spent hours over the stove when you stock up on these essential dry grains.

• Angel Hair Pasta
• Fettucini
• Spaghetti
• Elbow Macaroni
• Penne
• Brown Rice
• Basmati Rice
• Wild Rice
• Quinoa
• Farro
• Steel Cut Oats

Herbs, Spices, and Seasoning Mixes

Take your lunch recipes to flavor-town by introducing vibrant spices and seasoning mixes. From taco fillings to salad dressings, spices enhance all your dishes and entice your palate. 

Dried Herbs and Spices 

• Basil
• Bay Leaves
• Cayenne Pepper
• Celery Salt
• Chili Powder
• Cinnamon
• Cumin
• Curry Powder
• Garlic Powder
• Ginger
• Nutmeg
• Onion Powder
• Oregano
• Parsley
• Red Pepper Flakes
• Rubbed Sage
• Rosemary
• Thyme

Seasoning Blends 

• BBQ Blend
• Jerk Seasoning 
• Taco Seasoning
• Salad Dressing and Italian Seasoning Mix

Condiments and Sauces

From sandwich condiments to pre-made sauces packed with homemade flavor, sauces and condiments come in handy for a lunch-ready pantry. You can also use them as marinade components for lunch meals. Combine sambal, honey, and soy sauce for a splendid spicy Indonesian chicken. 

Condiments 

• Ketchup
• Mayonnaise
• Mustard
• Honey 
• Sambal Oelek Chili Sauce

Sauces and Dressings

• Barbecue Sauce
• Spaghetti Sauce
• Steak Sauce
• Teriyaki Sauce
• Worcestershire Sauce
• Soy Sauce

Cooking and Lunch-Prep Essentials 

A well-stocked pantry includes delicious foods and the tools to make your menus shine. When shopping at your local restaurant supply store, make sure to bulk up on these cooking and storage necessities to help you maximize your lunch meals.

• Cutting boards
• Aluminum Foil
• Plastic Baggies and Wrap
• Wax Paper
• Cambro Containers

Fill Your Pantry with Bulk Ingredients and Cooking Supplies from US Foods CHEF’STORE

Cooking wholesome meals while sticking to your grocery budget is possible at CHEF’STORE. Come browse our aisles of incredible ingredients at wallet-friendly prices. You’ll love our premium meats, seafood, fresh produce, dairy, dry goods, and beverages. CHEF’STORE also stocks professional-grade cooking and storage items. 

Visit your local CHEF’STORE today and check out our products to create your lunch-ready meals. We also offer third-party grocery pick-up and delivery services to make purchasing food for your home easy and convenient.