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Must-have items for your first apartment grocery list – choose from 201 items to build your ultimate grocery list. From kitchen staples to cleaning supplies, learn how to stock your new home efficiently.
I will be honest I have moved three times in five years… So when it comes to a first apartment grocery list I have you covered! Now this list is extended to cover EVERYTHING you would need. BUT Please remove the items you don’t want.
This comprehensive guide covers essential items for your first apartment grocery list, ensuring you have everything you need to eat, clean, and live comfortably in your new home. If you are looking for first apartment kitchen essentials click here to get a 143-item list!
First Apartment Grocery List
Here you will find all the grocery items you would need moving into your first apartment or new home. Trust me I’ve used this list soo many times in my moves. It helps refresh my cabinets and ensures I have all the staples for my family!
Pantry Essentials
Let’s start with the backbone of any well-stocked kitchen: the staples. You know, those items you always seem to need and use in countless recipes.
First up, we’ve got pantry essentials. Rice and pasta are absolute must-haves. They’re versatile, filling, and can be the base for so many meals. Don’t forget to stock up on canned goods too – they’re lifesavers on busy days.
Now, if you’re into baking (or even if you’re not), you’ll want to keep some baking basics on hand. Flour, sugar, and baking powder are the holy trinity of baking. Trust me, you’ll be glad you have them when the sudden urge to whip up some cookies strikes!
Oh, and let’s not forget about spices and seasonings. They’re the secret weapons that can transform a bland dish into a flavour explosion. Start with the basics like salt, pepper, and garlic powder, and build your collection from there.
- Rice
- Pasta
- Quinoa
- Canned tomatoes
- Canned beans (black beans, chickpeas, kidney beans)
- Peanut butter or almond butter
- Flour
- Sugar
- Brown sugar
- Baking powder
- Baking soda
- Vinegar (white, apple cider, balsamic)
- Olive oil
- Vegetable oil
- Soy sauce
- Honey
- Maple syrup
- Hot sauce
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Dried herbs (basil, oregano, thyme)
- Spices (cinnamon, cumin, paprika, chili powder)
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Stock cubes or cartons (chicken, vegetable, beef)
- Instant coffee or coffee beans
- Tea bags
- Boxed broth
- Breadcrumbs
- Crackers
- Popcorn kernels
- Tortillas
- Cereal
- Granola
- Oatmeal
- Nut butter alternatives (sunflower butter, tahini)
- Shelf-stable milk or milk alternatives
- Dried lentils
- Couscous
- Coconut milk
- Tomato paste
- Canned corn
Fresh Produce
Moving on to the fresh stuff! Fruits and vegetables are essential for a balanced diet and can really brighten up your meals.
When it comes to buying produce, try to go for what’s in season. It’s usually cheaper and tastes better. And here’s a pro tip: store your fruits and veggies properly to make them last longer. For instance, keep your potatoes and onions in a cool, dark place, but never store them together – they’ll spoil faster!
- Potatoes
- Sweet potatoes
- Onions
- Garlic
- Carrots
- Celery
- Tomatoes
- Bell peppers
- Zucchini
- Cucumber
- Lettuce or salad greens
- Spinach
- Broccoli
- Cauliflower
- Mushrooms
- Apples
- Bananas
- Oranges
- Lemons
- Limes
- Berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)
- Grapes
- Avocados
- Green beans
- Asparagus
- Fresh herbs (cilantro, parsley, rosemary, basil)
- Seasonal fruits (peaches, pears, watermelon)
- Pineapple
- Radishes
- Cabbage
- Fresh ginger
- Jalapeños or chili peppers
Frozen Items
- Frozen vegetables (peas, corn, mixed vegetables)
- Frozen fruit (berries, mango, pineapple)
- Frozen pizza
- Frozen meals (lasagna, stir-fry)
- Frozen fries or hash browns
- Ice cream or sorbet
- Frozen bread or bagels
- Frozen waffles
- Frozen seafood (shrimp, fish fillets)
- Frozen dumplings
- Frozen spinach
- Frozen garlic cubes
Dairy and Refrigerated Items
- Milk or milk alternatives (almond, oat, soy)
- Eggs
- Butter or margarine
- Cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, Parmesan)
- Yogurt
- Sour cream
- Cream cheese
- Heavy cream
- Deli meats (ham, turkey, salami)
- Tofu or plant-based alternatives
- Cottage cheese
- String cheese
- Pre-packaged salads
Meat, Poultry, and Seafood
Alright, let’s talk protein. If you’re a meat-eater, you’ll want to stock up on some chicken, beef, or pork. Fish and seafood are great options too, especially if you’re looking for leaner protein sources.
For our vegetarian and vegan friends, don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! Beans, lentils, tofu, and tempeh are excellent protein-packed alternatives.
And let’s not forget about eggs and dairy products. They’re not just for breakfast – eggs can be a quick and easy protein source for any meal, and cheese… well, cheese just makes everything better, doesn’t it?
- Chicken breasts or thighs
- Ground beef or turkey
- Steak or pork chops
- Sausages
- Bacon
- Salmon or other fish
- Shrimp
- Canned tuna or salmon
- Meatballs (pre-made or fresh)
- Rotisserie chicken
Condiments and Sauces
- Ketchup
- Mustard
- Mayonnaise
- Barbecue sauce
- Salad dressings (ranch, Italian, vinaigrette)
- Soy sauce
- Sriracha
- Chili paste
- Jam or jelly
- Relish
- Pickles
- Hoisin sauce
- Worcestershire sauce
- Tahini
- Pesto
Snacks and Sweets
- Chips or pretzels
- Granola bars
- Protein bars
- Cookies
- Chocolate (dark, milk)
- Nuts (almonds, cashews, peanuts)
- Dried fruit (raisins, apricots, dates)
- Popcorn (microwave or stovetop)
- Trail mix
- Candy or gum
- Rice cakes
- Cheese crackers
- Fruit snacks
- Energy balls or bites
Baking Supplies
- Yeast
- Cocoa powder
- Cornstarch
- Vanilla extract
- Chocolate chips
- Powdered sugar
- Sweetened condensed milk
- Evaporated milk
- Baking chocolate
- Muffin liners
- Gelatin
Beverages
Water should be your go-to drink, but it’s nice to have some options. Juice can be a tasty treat, and if you’re a soda drinker, go ahead and grab your favourite fizzy drinks.
- Water bottles or reusable water jug
- Juice (orange, apple, cranberry)
- Soda
- Coffee
- Tea
- Wine or beer (if desired)
- Sparkling water
- Sports drinks
- Hot chocolate mix
Cleaning and Kitchen Supplies
Let’s face it, grocery shopping isn’t just about food. You’ve got to keep your kitchen clean too! Make sure you’ve got dish soap, sponges, and all-purpose cleaners on your list.
Oh, and don’t forget the paper towels. Trust me, you don’t want to run out of those at an inconvenient moment!
- Dish soap
- Sponges
- Paper towels
- Trash bags
- Plastic wrap
- Aluminum foil
- Storage containers
- Resealable bags
- Food storage jars
- Kitchen towels
- Dish rack or drying mat
- Disinfectant wipes
- All-purpose cleaner
- Scrubbing brush
- Baking soda (for cleaning)
Miscellaneous Items
- Bread
- Bagels
- English muffins
- Tortilla chips
- Salsa
- Pasta sauce
- Instant noodles
- Canned soup
- Pudding or gelatin mix
- Salad kits or pre-cut vegetables
- Cheese sticks or slices
- Hard-boiled eggs (pre-made or fresh)
- Coffee creamer or half-and-half
- Pizza dough or crust
- Rotisserie chicken (ready-to-eat)
- Breakfast bars
- Frozen smoothie packs
- Oysters or clams (canned or fresh)
- Peanut butter cups
- Crackers with seeds
- Sweet potatoes fries (frozen)
- Whole wheat tortillas
- Bagged coleslaw mix
- Pre-made guacamole
- Hummus
- Sushi rice
- Seaweed snacks
- Pre-packaged charcuterie items
Personal Care Items
While we’re on the subject of non-food items, let’s talk personal care. Toilet paper is an absolute must – you do not want to run out of that! Hand soap and basic toiletries should also be on your list.
Money-Saving Tips for Grocery Shopping
Now, I know grocery shopping can get expensive, so let’s wrap up with some money-saving tips.
First, create a budget. Know how much you can spend and stick to it.
Coupons and apps can be your best friends when it comes to saving money. Take some time to look for deals before you shop.
Lastly, consider buying in bulk when it makes sense. It can save you money in the long run, especially for non-perishable items. Just make sure you have the storage space first!
First Apartment Grocery List Recap
Stocking your first apartment with essential grocery items sets the foundation for a comfortable and well-prepared home. Remember to personalize this list based on your individual needs and preferences, and don’t forget to include any specific items that are important to you. Happy shopping and enjoy your new apartment!
