4 min read · updated September 8, 2026
The 25 pantry staples that unlock 80% of viral recipes
A short list of long-lasting ingredients with which most TikTok recipes become doable without a trip to the store.
Why a base pantry
Half of abandoned recipes are abandoned because one ingredient is missing. With a well-thought-out pantry, all that's left to buy is the fresh stuff.
Dry goods
- Short and long pasta
- Basmati and arborio rice
- Instant noodles
- Red lentils
- Canned chickpeas
- Crushed tomatoes and tomato paste
- Canned tuna
- Coconut milk
- Flour, sugar, baking soda
- Rolled oats
- Peanut butter
- Dark chocolate
Condiments
- Olive oil
- Sesame oil
- Soy sauce
- Sriracha or chili oil
- Tahini
- Mustard, mayonnaise
- Honey
- Rice vinegar
- Cumin, smoked paprika, turmeric, oregano
- Curry paste
Long-lasting fresh
- Eggs
- Butter
- Parmesan
- Garlic, onions, shallots
- Lemons