Buying bulk groceries was not something we were always able to do. But once we could, it helped a lot during the times we were living day by day.
Over time, I’ve learned that keeping a few versatile basics on hand makes dinner planning so much easier. Once you have your list of essentials, you can easily add other staples like coffee, family favourite sauces, or a few treats like chocolate spread and snacks.
Starting with what is most important and then adding the extras until you reach your budget amount helps ensure you always have the basics covered.
I try to stock up on ingredients my family enjoys most, like pasta, as well as ingredients that can mix, match and stretch into multiple family dinners throughout the month. It also makes meal planning easier when you already have the basics at home and only need to pop into the shops for a few fresh ingredients.
A good grocery foundation can:
✨ Save time
✨ Reduce waste
✨ Help stretch the budget
✨ Make last-minute dinners less stressful
From freezer-friendly proteins and long-lasting veggies to pantry staples and simple spices, these are the basics that help me create easy family meals all month long 🍲🥘
- Proteins / Meat
Choose versatile cuts that can be used in multiple meals.
- Whole chicken
- Chicken fillets
- Chicken drums & thighs
- Mince
- Preggo steaks
- Pork chops
- Beef stew meat
- Chicken livers
- Russians/sausages
- Bacon pieces
- Frozen fish portions
With these cuts you can make:
Curries, pasta, stir fry, stews, soups, braais, pies, wraps, rice bowls, burgers, casseroles.
- Long-Lasting Vegetables
Focus on veggies that store well and work in many meals.
- Potatoes
- Onions
- Carrots
- Cabbage
- Pumpkin
- Butternut
- Sweet potatoes
- Gem squash
- Frozen mixed vegetables
- Green beans
- Beetroot
- Peppers
- Tomatoes
- Garlic
Tip: Frozen vegetables are amazing for quick dinners.
- Pantry Staples
These stretch meals and make dinner planning easier.
- Pasta
- Rice
- Maize meal
- Flour
- Yeast
- Sugar
- Stock cubes
- Tomato puree
- Tinned tomatoes
- Baked beans
- Chickpeas or beans
- Oil
- Soy sauce
- Peanut butter
- Oats
- Basic Spices & Flavour Boosters
A few good spices can completely change the same ingredients.
- Salt
- Pepper
- Paprika
- Mixed herbs
- Garlic flakes
- Curry powder
- Cinnamon
- Meat spice
- Chilli flakes
- Onion powder
- Freezer & Time-Saving Tips
- Portion meat before freezing
- Marinate meat before freezing
- Chop onions in bulk
- Grate cheese and freeze
- Make double batches of meals
- Keep 2–3 “lazy dinners” on hand
- Rotate ingredients into different meals
