17 Underrated Supermarket Finds That Deserve a Spot in Your Pantry

Sometimes, the best treasures in the kitchen aren’t the flashy or trendy items, but the quiet essentials that can make a big difference in everyday cooking. There are hidden gems on supermarket shelves that often go unnoticed, yet they can elevate your meals in ways you wouldn’t expect. Stocking your pantry with these underrated finds means having secret weapons ready to enhance flavors, add nutrition, and save time when you need it most. These pantry staples aren’t just convenient—they’re game-changers that deserve a permanent spot in your kitchen.

Chipotle Peppers in Adobo Sauce

Chipotle peppers in adobo sauce are smoke-dried jalapenos soaked in a flavorful tomato-based sauce. These peppers add a rich, smoky, and slightly spicy flavor to various dishes. You can use them in soups, stews, marinades, or as a condiment. They’re perfect for tacos, enchiladas, and other Mexican dishes. A little goes a long way, and they keep well in the fridge after opening. These peppers elevate even simple dishes with their complex flavor profile.

Dried Chiles

Dried chiles, like ancho or guajillo, are a pantry must-have for lovers of bold, complex flavors. They provide a deep, smoky, and slightly sweet flavor, essential for authentic Mexican and Southwestern cooking. Rehydrating these chiles unlocks their full potential, which can then be blended into sauces, soups, or marinades. They are also used in mole sauces, bringing depth and richness. Their versatility and long shelf life make them a great addition to any pantry. Adding them to a dish transforms its taste profile entirely.

Sardines

Sardines are an affordable and nutritious option that often goes overlooked. Rich in omega-3 fatty acids, these small fish are packed with protein, calcium, and healthy fats. Sardines can be enjoyed straight from the can, in salads, or on toast with a drizzle of olive oil and lemon. They are versatile and work well in pasta dishes or added to a simple tomato sauce. Sardines are also a sustainable seafood choice, which is an added benefit for environmentally conscious consumers. Their strong flavor pairs well with bold ingredients like garlic and herbs.

Tamarind Paste

Tamarind paste is an underrated gem in the pantry, offering a tangy and slightly sweet flavor to dishes. This tropical fruit paste is essential in Indian, Southeast Asian, and Latin American cuisines. It adds a sour punch to curries, chutneys, and soups. Tamarind paste is also used in marinades and barbecue sauces, balancing sweet and savory flavors. Its unique taste profile can enhance even basic dishes. Tamarind paste keeps well in the fridge and is a versatile ingredient for adventurous cooks.

Canned Whole Peeled Tomatoes

Whole peeled tomatoes are a staple that can be transformed into countless dishes. These tomatoes retain more flavor and texture compared to their pre-chopped counterparts, making them ideal for sauces, soups, and stews. They break down during cooking, releasing their juices and enriching the base of any recipe. Whether you’re making pasta sauce, chili, or braised dishes, canned tomatoes offer a robust flavor. Their versatility and long shelf life make them an essential pantry item. They can also be used in pizza sauces and casseroles.

Vienna Sausages

Though often overlooked, Vienna sausages are a budget-friendly, convenient protein option. They are perfect for snacking or adding to stews, casseroles, and pasta dishes. Vienna sausages are fully cooked, making them easy to incorporate into quick meals or lunches. They’re also handy during emergencies as they have a long shelf life. Despite their simplicity, they offer a nostalgic taste and a satisfying, savory flavor. They work well in hearty dishes like jambalaya or simple breakfast hashes.

Smoked Herring

Smoked herring is a flavorful, protein-packed fish that lasts a long time in the pantry. Its bold, smoky taste makes it ideal for adding depth to dishes like pasta, stews, and spreads. Smoked herring is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, providing heart-healthy benefits. It’s also an excellent source of protein and can be enjoyed on its own with crackers or mixed into salads. Its intense flavor pairs well with acidic and pungent ingredients like lemon juice or mustard. This is a pantry item that can elevate simple dishes with ease.

Brown Anchovies

Anchovies are tiny fish that pack a punch with their strong, umami-rich flavor. They dissolve into sauces and dressings, imparting a deep savory note without overpowering the dish. Anchovies are essential in Caesar dressing, tapenade, and many Mediterranean recipes. They’re also great in pasta dishes, bringing out the natural sweetness in tomatoes and enhancing the flavor of the sauce. Their long shelf life and small size make them a convenient addition to the pantry. Even those who dislike the taste of fish may find that anchovies add the perfect background note to dishes.

Canned Coconut Milk

Canned coconut milk is a versatile pantry item used in a variety of global cuisines, particularly in Thai and Indian cooking. It adds a rich, creamy texture to curries, soups, and desserts without the need for dairy. Coconut milk is high in healthy fats and has a subtle sweetness that complements both savory and sweet dishes. It can also be used in smoothies or as a base for dairy-free ice creams. The long shelf life of canned coconut milk makes it an excellent staple for those experimenting with plant-based cooking. Its versatility means you can use it in everything from coffee to cakes.

Lentils

Lentils are an underrated, budget-friendly source of plant-based protein. They come in various types, including red, green, and brown, each with unique textures and flavors. Lentils cook quickly and can be used in soups, salads, or stews. They are rich in fiber, iron, and folate, making them a nutritious option for vegans and vegetarians. Lentils absorb the flavors of the spices and herbs they are cooked with, making them a versatile ingredient in various cuisines. Their affordability and long shelf life make them a pantry essential.

Barley

Barley is a whole grain that deserves more attention for its versatility and health benefits. It has a chewy texture and slightly nutty flavor, perfect for soups, salads, or as a rice substitute. Barley is rich in fiber and essential nutrients like selenium, copper, and manganese. It helps improve digestion and can lower cholesterol levels. Barley is also excellent in stews and risottos, where it absorbs the flavors of the dish while maintaining its texture. Its long shelf life makes it a great pantry staple.

Bulgur

Bulgur is a quick-cooking whole grain made from cracked wheat, commonly used in Middle Eastern dishes like tabbouleh. It has a mild, nutty flavor and a chewy texture, making it a great base for salads, pilafs, and grain bowls. Bulgur is rich in fiber and low in fat, making it a heart-healthy option. It’s versatile and can be easily flavored with herbs, spices, and vegetables. Since it’s pre-cooked, bulgur can be prepared in just a few minutes by soaking it in boiling water. Its long shelf life and ease of preparation make it a practical pantry item.

Unsweetened Cocoa Powder

Unsweetened cocoa powder is an underrated pantry item that can be used in both sweet and savory dishes. It’s rich in antioxidants and provides a deep, chocolatey flavor without added sugar. This makes it perfect for baking cakes, cookies, and brownies, as well as for making hot cocoa or chocolate smoothies. In savory applications, it’s often used in Mexican mole sauces or to add depth to chili and stews. Its versatility and long shelf life make it a must-have for home bakers and adventurous cooks alike. It can also be used as a topping for oatmeal or yogurt.

Nutritional Yeast

Nutritional yeast is a vegan-friendly, nutrient-dense ingredient with a cheesy, nutty flavor. It’s often used as a cheese substitute in plant-based cooking, perfect for sprinkling on popcorn, pasta, or roasted vegetables. Nutritional yeast is high in B vitamins, including B12, which is essential for vegans. Its umami-rich taste enhances soups, sauces, and dips. It’s also gluten-free and has a long shelf life, making it a convenient pantry staple for those seeking to add depth to their dishes. This product is especially useful for those looking to reduce dairy intake without sacrificing flavor.

Canned Pumpkin

Canned pumpkin is not just for pies—its smooth texture and natural sweetness make it a versatile ingredient in both sweet and savory dishes. Packed with vitamins A and C, it adds nutritional value to recipes without adding fat or sugar. Use it in soups, muffins, pancakes, or stir it into oatmeal for a fall-inspired breakfast. Canned pumpkin also works well in savory dishes, like pasta sauces and casseroles, providing creaminess and depth. Its long shelf life means it can be stored year-round, ready to be incorporated into a variety of meals.

Ghee

Ghee is clarified butter, widely used in Indian and Middle Eastern cuisine, and deserves a spot in every pantry. It has a high smoke point, making it excellent for sautéing, frying, or roasting at higher temperatures. Ghee imparts a rich, nutty flavor to dishes and is lactose-free, making it suitable for those with dairy sensitivities. It’s shelf-stable and does not require refrigeration, unlike regular butter. Its versatility in both sweet and savory cooking, from curries to baked goods, makes it an invaluable kitchen staple. Additionally, ghee is rich in healthy fats and vitamins A, D, E, and K.

Tahini

Tahini, a paste made from ground sesame seeds, is an essential ingredient in Middle Eastern cuisine and a versatile pantry staple. It’s most commonly used in making hummus, but its nutty flavor also complements dressings, sauces, and baked goods. Tahini is rich in healthy fats, calcium, and protein, making it a nutritious addition to a variety of dishes. It can be drizzled over roasted vegetables, mixed into smoothies, or used in salad dressings for an added depth of flavor. Tahini’s versatility extends to desserts as well, where it can be used in cookies, cakes, or mixed into yogurt.

This article originally appeared on RetailShout.

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