sta•ple  noun

a : a commodity for which the demand is constant b : something having widespread and constant use or appeal c : the sustaining or principal element

Kitchen staples are items you are likely to have in kitchen and use consistently like salt, pepper, milk, oils, vinegar, flour, etc.  In The Organized Cook, a staples reminder list is located on each Grocery Shopping List so subscribers can do a quick check of their pantry and refrigerator before heading off to the grocery store.

The Organized Cook Weekly Meal Plan System

Staples In Bulk

So which staples are best bought in bulk?  Buying in bulk can no doubt save money but there are a few things to first consider.  You want to make sure that items have a long enough shelf life and that you use them often enough.

Items like olive oil purchased in bulk can be a lot less money than purchasing the individual size.  But if you’ve ever tried cooking with a 3-liter bottle, it’s not always easy.  Lifting and pouring from a heavy container into a saute pan is no fun.

So here’s how to make cooking with staples simple while keeping your kitchen organized and saving money by purchasing in bulk.  Purchase smaller containers to fill and refill with bulk items.

Organization Can Look So Good

Keep organization looking good by labeling your individual containers.  I came across these functional- and aesthetically pleasing- labels from a new line by Avery found only at, get this, Staples.  With these preformatted labels, you can have your kitchen staples looking good in no time.  Instead of lugging out my big jar of flour in order to sprinkle one tablespoon in my saute pan, I have my small container close by.

Fancy or Functional

It doesn’t matter where you purchase your containers, it only matters that the container feels right for you.  For oils, you can go with decorative glass bottles with free-flow pourers like these I found at my local Fresh & Easy.  Or, you can make it simple and functional with some plastic squirt bottles.

Before Avery Labels

I found these small multi-purpose jars at Bed Bath & Beyond store that are a perfect fit for my Avery labels and the perfect size for staples like minced garlic, sea salt and crushed red pepper- all items I like to purchase in bulk.

Multi-purpose storage jars from Bed Bath & Beyond

Avery Labels From Staples.com

Avery Label 22806

select image to download and print your labels onto Avery 22806 from Staples.com

The The Organized Cook, Avery and Staples helping your kitchen staples look good!  For a short video:

Before Avery Labels

Saving Time. Saving Money. Making Dinner.

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