Essential items to add to your pantry during quarantine

As the whole world grapples with the recent COVID-19 pandemic, everyone is advised to stay at home. This could be for a period of two weeks or even one month, to help prevent the spread of this contagious disease.

During this time, it’s good to have an ample supply of essentials like food, toiletries and safe drinking water to ensure you and your family survive. It’s important to make a detailed list of the vital things to purchase without sacrificing the nutrition and health of the household.

Here’s a list of essential items that you should have in your pantry during the quarantine period:

Frozen food

Frozen food can include pork or chicken, fish, shrimp and other seafood. These are usually vacuum-packed and can last for weeks with the right temperature. There are also frozen fruits and veggies that you can buy. Just some of the fruits and vegetables that can be bought frozen from the supermarket include organic berries, dark and sweet cherries, edamame, green beans, asparagus, broccoli and brussels sprouts.

Canned goods

Canned goods are a great option because of their long shelf life as they usually last from one to four years, especially when stored in a dry and cool place. There is also an expiry date indicator to remind consumers.

These are just some of the healthy canned goods choices that you can stock up on during a quarantine:

• tuna chunks

• sardines

• vegetable or corn soup

• spinach

• kidney beans, black beans, pinto beans, cut green beans

• pork and beans

• coconut milk

You can still indulge in your favourite recipes even with canned items like coconut milk, which is an important staple for Pacific-Northwest cuisine. Also, as stated at Willamette Transplant, coconut milk can also be made easily in your home from a fresh coconut, desiccated or shredded coconut, coconut butter and canned coconut cream. However, be cautious of canned goods that have too much sodium content and opt for items with at least 300 mg of sodium per serving or lower. Avoid those that have over 3 mg of saturated fat per serving, canned processed meats and those that are sweetened or have a high sugar content.

Water and beverages like milk, tea and coffee

Safe drinking water is essential so make sure you have a substantial supply of mineral or purified water. You may also prefer a water purifier to cut down on plastic usage. Milk in shelf-stable boxes are highly preferred as well as powdered milk and if you’re a regular tea or coffee drinker then it’s advisable to have ample supply of these beverages too.

Grains like pasta and brown rice

If you and the family are pasta lovers, then it’s a good idea to replenish your supply of pasta during the quarantine period. Other healthy options include brown rice, oats and cereals. Whole wheat bread is a healthy choice and this can be kept in the freezer as well.

Baby food and pet food

If you have a baby or toddler at home, be sure to stock up on essentials like baby cereals and if you have pets then be sure that you’re well-stocked with their food as well.

Do not forget the other essentials that you should buy and these include cleaning products, toiletries and medication. Most importantly, in these trying times, please make sure that you don’t hoard items from the supermarket. Be considerate of others and keep in mind that other people also need food supplies just like you.

The editorial unit