Pantry Challenges are a brilliant way to clear out your kitchen, save money, and get creative with your cooking. Here’s everything you need to know about running a successful pantry challenge. 

What Is a Pantry Challenge?

A pantry challenge involves using up the food you already have before buying more. The ultimate goal is to avoid grocery shopping altogether for a set period, relying on what’s in your cupboards, fridge, and freezer. This practice not only reduces food waste but also saves money and encourages you to try new recipes.

Interestingly, the term “pantry” is more commonly used in America. In the UK, we might refer to it as a larder or simply a cupboard. Whatever you call it, the principle remains the same—make use of what you already have!

A pantry challenge can last a week, a fortnight, or even a month, depending on the size of your household and your stockpile. If you can’t go without shopping entirely, set a small weekly budget for essentials like fresh produce, milk, and eggs.

The Benefits of a Pantry Challenge

1. Reducing Food Waste

Taking stock of your kitchen often reveals items nearing their expiry dates. A pantry challenge helps you prioritise using these, preventing waste and making space for fresher items in the future.

2. Saving Money

By relying on what you already own, you’ll drastically cut your grocery spending. Set aside the money you save for a specific purpose—be it tackling debt, adding to your savings, or treating yourself to something special.

3. Sparking Creativity

Cooking with what you have forces you to think outside the box. Some of the most delicious meals are born from improvisation! Apps like Supercook can help you find recipes based on your ingredients, while Pinterest is a goldmine of meal ideas.

How to Run a Pantry Challenge

1. Set Your Goals

Begin with a clear objective. Perhaps you want to reduce your grocery bill, prepare for an upcoming holiday, or simply declutter your kitchen. Here are a few examples:

• Spend £25 or less on groceries per week.

• Use up ten items nearing their expiry dates.

• Free up space in the freezer for seasonal produce.

2. Take An Inventory

Dedicate time to thoroughly catalogue everything in your kitchen. This includes checking expiry dates and quantities. List items by location (pantry, fridge, freezer) and keep a running tally. While this process may feel time-consuming at first, it gets quicker with practice.

3. Plan Your Meals

Using your inventory, brainstorm every possible meal you can create. Supercook and similar apps are excellent for finding recipes based on what’s on hand. Don’t hesitate to get creative: substitutes can work wonders. Involve your household in this step to ensure everyone’s on board and excited about the plan.

4. Create a Flexible Meal Plan

Design a plan that suits your schedule. On busy days, opt for simple, quick meals or slow-cooker recipes. For quieter days, tackle more involved dishes that use up random ingredients. Keep your meal plan visible to remind yourself of your options.

5. Identify Your Non-Negotiables

There are some items you might not want to go without—coffee, fresh fruit, or specific snacks, for instance. If these are must-haves, include them in your limited shopping budget.

6. Avoid Replacing Everything

Once the challenge ends, resist the urge to restock all at once. Gradually replenish your pantry with items on sale or those you’ll genuinely use. This prevents overspending and ensures your cupboards remain organised.

Top Tips for Pantry Challenge Success

Embrace Variety: Try recipes you’ve never made before.

Keep It Simple: Stick to meals with five ingredients or fewer on busy days.

Get Everyone Involved: Let household members contribute ideas and preferences.

Use It Up: Prioritise items that are close to expiring or rarely used.

Be Resourceful: Use your favourite search engine to find substitutes for missing ingredients.

Read more: Reduce your food bill

When to Start?

A pantry challenge can be particularly effective:

• Before a holiday to avoid wasting perishable items.
• Before moving house to lighten your load.
• During a no-spend challenge to maximise savings.

Final Thoughts

A pantry challenge isn’t just about using up what you have; it’s a chance to flex your culinary creativity, save money, and build healthier habits around food consumption. Whether you’re preparing for a big life event or simply looking to declutter, this step-by-step guide will help you make the most of your challenge. So grab a pen, take stock, and start planning—you might be surprised at what you can create with what’s already in your kitchen!