You know that moment when the whole family is gathered at your house, you’re putting the final touches on an epic holiday meal…and then you realize you’ve forgotten some essential ingredient? It’s an experience so universal that it’s even been immortalized in a country song*:Send somebody to the Quickpak Store
We need some ice and an extension cord…
Send somebody to the Stop 'N Go
We need some celery and a can of fake snow…
As the song suggests, last-minute shopping trips tend to be a little disjointed. If you’d like to make healthier choices (and spend more of your precious holiday with friends and family), it helps to plan ahead.
Getting Started
A few weeks before the holiday, gather your recipes and make a list of everything you’ll need. You may be tempted to check off certain pantry staples (like baking soda), but — if you really want to avoid last-minute store runs — it’s important to actually eyeball your provisions. Below is a quick list of common holiday ingredients to help you prep the pantry.
Spices
Since spices begin to lose their potency after a year on the shelf, it’s a good idea to replenish your supply of holiday favorites, including sage, thyme, cinnamon and nutmeg.
Keep in mind that our dried herbs and spices are never irradiated or sterilized using ethylene oxide, a common industry practice that is not allowed by our stringent Quality Standards.
We have lots of organic and Fair Trade options, too. In fact, the 365 Everyday Value® and Whole Foods Market™ brands work to source from grower co-ops around the world and frequently partner with Whole Planet Foundation opens in a new tab to provide micro-loans to farmers and help alleviate poverty in key spice-growing regions.
Baking
Open up your canisters to see how you’re fixed for sugar, brown sugar and flour. Make sure you have a fresh box of baking soda and enough baking powder for the recipes you have in mind. Now is a great time to stock up on other shelf-stable baking ingredients, including nuts, chocolate, sweetened condensed milk, and vanilla extract.
Canned Goods
Every family has different traditions, and sometimes there’s just no substitute for the old favorites. Does your clan clamor for canned cranberry sauce? Does grandma’s pie recipe call for canned pumpkin? Stock up on these seasonal items ahead of time. Since our Quality Standards prohibit artificial colors, flavors or sweeteners, you can indulge in comfort food with good conscience! We also have organic options for many traditional favorities like our new 365 Everyday Value® Organic Sweetened Condensed Milk and 365 Everyday Value® Organic Evaporated Milk.
Special Diets
Got vegans on your guest list? Look for 365 Everyday Value® Organic Vegan Stuffing Mix and a box of 365 Everyday Value® Organic Vegetable Broth.
We have loads of other special diet options too, including frozen baked goods from our very own GlutenFree Bakehouse®. Ask one of our friendly team members or browse a list of the gluten-free products opens in a new tab available at your local Whole Foods Market.
Broth
Many holiday dishes rely on broth — including soup, gravy and stuffing. Our 365 Everyday Value® line features organic chicken broth from free range chickens at a great value.
When you’re stocking your pantry, think ahead to all the great things you can do with leftovers and a carton of broth. My favorites are Hearty Turkey Noodle Soup opens in a new tab and Turkey Pot Pie opens in a new tab.
Have I forgotten anything? Share your own holiday shopping pointers in the comments!
*Lyrics from Robert Earl Keen’s “Merry Christmas from the Family.”
