How to Refresh Your Kitchen Staples

As the days get longer and the weather warms up, there’s no better time to tackle that long-overdue pantry cleanup. Spring is the perfect season for a fresh start, and that includes what’s hiding behind your cupboard doors.

Let’s jump into it!

1.  Clear It Out

Start by taking everything off your shelves. Check expiration dates, wipe down surfaces, and make a donation pile for unopened, in-date items you know you won’t use (be real with yourself!).

Ask yourself

“When’s the last time I used this?”

“Is this expired or just forgotten?”

“Could this be replaced with a fresher, healthier option?”

2. Restock Smarter

Once you’ve cleared the clutter, it’s time to refill your shelves with reliable go-to ingredients

Consider this Pantry Refresh Checklist:

• Cooking essentials: Olive oil, vegetable oil, salt, pepper, spices, and herbs
• Grains & legumes: Rice, pasta, quinoa, canned beans, lentils
• Canned goods: Tomatoes, soups, broths, tuna, and coconut milk
• Baking basics: Flour, sugar, baking soda/powder, cocoa powder, vanilla extract
• Quick fixes: Peanut butter, crackers, granola bars, cereal, and instant noodles
• Sauces & condiments: Soy sauce, hot sauce, mustard, ketchup, salad dressings
• Drinks: Coffee, tea, shelf-stable milk, and juice boxes for on-the-go

Pro Tip: Keep a notepad, whiteboard on the fridge (or use your phone) to track staples as they run low that way, your pantry stays stocked without overbuying.

3. Organize for the Season Ahead

Now that your pantry is stocked, make it beautiful and functional:

• Use clear containers for grains and baking ingredients so you can easily see what you have
• Add shelf risers or lazy Susans for hard-to-reach corners
• Label containers so everything’s easy to spot
• Group similar items together for a more logical flow

Clean shelves, fresh staples, and fewer last-minute store runs? That’s the magic of a spring pantry reset and Rabba is always here to help!