Top 10 Store Cupboard Staples for Every Kitchen

A well-stocked store cupboard is one of the best investments you can make for cooking at home. With just a few essential ingredients at hand, you can create meals that are wholesome, flavourful, and satisfying without rushing to the shops. Whether you’re preparing a quick weekday dinner, a hearty stew, or experimenting with baking, these staples act as the building blocks of good food. They also help you save money, reduce food waste, and inspire more ideas in the kitchen.

Here are our top 10 store cupboard essentials, curated with care and available directly from the Artisan Olive Oil Company, each with uncompromising quality and flavour.

1. Extra Virgin Olive Oil

The foundation of Mediterranean cooking, a high-quality olive oil is indispensable. It’s perfect for seasoning, roasting veggies, finishing soups, and creating marinades. Our Frantoio Galioto Extra Virgin Olive Oil from Sicily brings freshness, depth, and a balance of fruitiness and pepper that can transform even the simplest meals. Unlike bottled sauces or heavy dressings, a drizzle of good olive oil can instantly add flavour and vital nutrients.

2. Balsamic Vinegar

Ideal for salad dressings, glazing roasted veggies, or enriching stews, balsamic vinegar adds depth and complexity. Our Due Vittorie Oro Balsamic Vinegar is rich and velvety, produced in Modena with time-honoured methods. A splash can elevate everything from soups to grilled salmon.

3. Pasta

No store cupboard is complete without pasta. From spaghetti to fusilli, pasta is a true lifesaver when you need a satisfying meal in minutes. Our Pasta Zaccagni range is bronze-die extruded, giving it the perfect texture to hold sauces like tinned tomatoes, chickpeas, or even a homemade curry powder spiced sauce. Pasta is the ultimate building block for creating hearty yet simple meals.

4. Tinned Tomatoes

The base of countless sauces, stews, and soups, tinned tomatoes are essential. Our Moulins Mahjoub Organic Sundried Tomatoes are naturally sun-dried in Tunisia, packed with concentrated flavour. Whether combined with kidney beans, butter beans, or black beans, tomatoes are the perfect thickening sauce base for pasta or casseroles.

5. Pulses and Beans

From lentils to canned pulses, beans are versatile, nutritious, and full of protein. Combine with mixed herbs, a little Worcestershire sauce, or even soy sauce for creative twists. Pulses are also brilliant for saving money while maintaining a nutrient-rich diet.

6. Grains

Grains like rice, bulgur wheat, and oats are staples that last and provide endless versatility. Our Moulins Mahjoub Organic M'hamsa Couscous makes a perfect base for Mediterranean-inspired meals, while porridge oats are great not only for breakfast but also for baking. Grains are true pantry building blocks, giving structure to salads, stews, and side dishes.

7. Herbs and Seasonings

No kitchen is complete without spices and seasonings. Our Moulins Mahjoub Organic Baklouti Chili Flakes add gentle, fruity heat to sauces, soups, and marinades. Pair them with dried herbs like rosemary or oregano to season veggies or enrich stews. Unlike pre-mixed bottled sauces, herbs and spices give you control to add flavour naturally and healthily.

8. Sweeteners

Even the simplest kitchen needs a natural sweetener on hand. Instead of processed sugar, keep alternatives like organic jams, dried fruits, or even syrups to enhance baking, marinades, or breakfast dishes. These natural sweeteners pair beautifully with nuts, seeds, and flour in both sweet and savoury cooking.

9. Nuts and Seeds

Packed with healthy fats and nutrients, nuts and seeds are fantastic for snacking, baking, or adding texture to meals. Organic almonds for example, can, provide a satisfying crunch, while seeds are excellent for topping salads, porridge, or even savoury soups. Keep a variety in jars in your fridge or cupboard for everyday inspiration.

10. Stock and Seasoning

A good stock cube or broth is a cornerstone of cooking. Our Moulins Mahjoub Harissa adds depth and heat, transforming stews and sauces with just a spoonful. Pair with stock cubes and self-raising flour to prepare hearty bakes, or combine with beans and veggies for warming winter dishes.

Bringing It All Together

With these 10 essentials, you’ll always have the foundation for wholesome, delicious meals. From baked beans on toast to slow-cooked stews enriched with lentils and olive oil, these staples give you flexibility, creativity, and nourishment. Keep them stocked in your kitchen, and you’ll be prepared for anything — whether that’s a simple weekday supper or an inspired feast.