Spring Cleaning Your Pantry: What to Toss, Keep, and Restock
Spring is all about fresh starts—and your kitchen deserves one too. A clean, well-organized pantry doesn’t just look good; it makes cooking easier, reduces waste, and helps you rediscover ingredients you may have forgotten about. If it’s been a while since you’ve done a pantry refresh, here’s your guide to what to toss, what to keep, and what to restock for the season ahead.
What to Toss
Start by checking expiration dates. Canned goods, spices, grains, and baking ingredients don’t last forever. Toss anything that’s expired, stale, or no longer smells right.
- Old spices: If it’s lost its scent, it’s lost its flavor.
- Rancid oils and nuts: Oils can go bad—check for a bitter or sour smell.
- Open bags of flour, rice, or grains: These can attract pantry pests after a while, even if unopened.
If something’s borderline but still safe, move it to the front of the shelf and plan to use it soon.
What to Keep
Now that you’ve cleared the clutter, take stock of what’s still good. Group items by category: grains, legumes, canned goods, baking essentials, snacks, etc.
Keep:
- Whole grains like quinoa, brown rice, and oats
- Canned beans and tomatoes
- Pasta and noodles
- Healthy snacks like dried fruit, nut butters, and granola bars
Store items in airtight containers or jars to extend their shelf life and keep things neat.
What to Restock
Spring is the perfect time to restock with ingredients that match the season—lighter fare, fresh herbs, and items that make quick, healthy meals a breeze.
Restock:
- Lentils and chickpeas for easy salads and soups
- Seasonal spices like dill, mint, and basil
- Whole wheat pasta or couscous
- Light oils like olive or avocado oil
- Lemon juice and vinegar for zesty dressings and marinades
If you’re trying to eat more plant-based meals this season, consider adding shelf-stable tofu, nutritional yeast, and coconut milk to your list.
Final Thoughts
A clean, organized pantry is more than just aesthetically pleasing—it’s a game-changer for your everyday cooking. By clearing out what you no longer use, taking stock of what you have, and restocking with fresh, seasonal essentials, you’re setting yourself up for simpler, faster, and more enjoyable meal prep.
So pour yourself a cup of coffee, put on your favorite playlist, and tackle your shelves one section at a time. With a refreshed pantry full of nourishing ingredients, you’ll feel inspired to cook meals that are as vibrant and energizing as the season itself. 🌿🥫🌸