I compiled a number of staples lists to come up with the list below. The list is huge and I’m only posting this for you to look and get ideas about what you might want to have on your own list.
Canned Goods
Beans: black, red, white, etc.
Chilies: green
Chili
Fruit: peaches, pears, pineapple, etc.
Meat/Fish: chicken, tuna, salmon, crab, sardines, anchovies, etc.
Soup
Stock/Broth: chicken, beef, vegetable
Tomatoes: whole, crushed, chopped, puree, paste, pasta sauce
Vegetables: artichoke hearts, green beans, beets, corn, mushrooms, etc.
Baking Supplies
Active yeast
Baking powder
Baking soda
Cornmeal
Cornstarch
Extracts: vanilla, lemon, almond, orange
Flour: All-purpose, whole wheat
Sugar: granulated, confectioner’s, light and dark brown
Grains and Legumes
Beans, dried: red kidney, great northern, lima, lentils, split pea, black, pinto
Bread, bagels, English muffins, tortillas
Breadcrumbs
Biscuit mix, pancake mix
Bulgur wheat
Cereal
Crackers, pretzels, chips
Oatmeal
Pasta, dried: spaghetti, linguini, angel hair, fettuccine, penne, noodles, couscous, etc.
Rice: long-grain, wild, basmati, Arborio, brown
Fresh Items
Avocados
Bananas
Garlic (kept in a cool, dark, dry place)
Onions (kept in a cool, dark, dry place)
Potatoes (kept in a cool, dark, dry place)
Tomatoes
Snacks and Miscellaneous
Chocolate: unsweetened squares, semisweet chips, cocoa powder
Coffee: beans, ground, instant
Cooking spray
Dried fruits: raisins, apricots
Fruit Cups
Fruit preserves, jam, jelly
Gelatin: powdered, unflavored, and flavored
Juice: fruit, vegetable
Milk: powdered, evaporated
Mushrooms: dried
Oils: vegetable, olive oil (see note about oils in the refrigerator section)
Olives: green, black
Pickles: dill, sweet
Pudding cups: ready made or instant
Roasted red peppers
Salsa
Sauces: pesto or other vegetable-based sauces
Sun dried tomatoes
Tea
Wine: Red and White, if you drink it or cook with it.
Big list isn’t it! These things were all on lists that I found for staples — not for one person, but staples. There have been times when I’ve had all of them in the house at once and I don’t need that many choices! Not that there’s anything wrong with it, but for myself, I want to keep it simple!