Pantry Loading: Why Aussie pantries suddenly look like 2020 again

Australian shoppers are ditching their daily foray into ‘pantry stores’ as the cost of living crisis forces a major rethink the weekly grocery shop.

Once used as a gentler alternative to “panic buying” during COVID, pre-stocking the pantry has been rebranded as a calculated financial move in 2026.

The price of some groceries in Australia has risen by an estimated 40 percent this year since 2024, according to the ACCC.

Stocking up on non-perishable food items is a proven cost-saving strategy during lean economic times, and one that is being used smartly by consumers across the country.

The phrase “pantry drawers” ​​is not new. In fact, the phrase can be traced back to food campaigns in the 1980s and 1990s that aimed to convince shoppers to take up special offers on canned and dried foods, with the aim of keeping their pantries well stocked.

It’s important to note that pantry loading should not be confused with the panic buying we’ve seen during the pandemic. While panic buying has been driven by fear and scarcity, stocking pantries is a calm, calculated strategy designed to outsmart inflation.

It’s not about taking everything off the shelf; the point is to take advantage of the half price deals today so you don’t pay full price tomorrow.

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A quick search at the nine.com.au office revealed several examples of pantry loading, with the items chosen differing depending on food preferences.

One employee said they “always stock up on canned tuna and microwaveable rice cups.”

“They are long lasting and pre-portioned so I can see at a glance exactly how many meals I can make,” they said.

“In the winter I also stock up on canned soup because it’s the perfect meal to warm you up on cold days, it keeps forever and you can get it as cheap as $2 a can when it’s on sale.”

Another employee makes good use of affordable canned beans and has a healthy supply in the pantry.

“I always have cans of white beans (butter or cannellini) and/or chickpeas on hand. They are so affordable, SO healthy (protein and fiber in one place), and so versatile for a quick dinner.

“Also, tomatoes, pasta and rice (especially arborio rice; risotto is a go-to dinner for me), and while I don’t buy them in bulk, spices/additives like miso paste and chili oil. That makes all the difference when it comes to making an otherwise simple meal a little more exciting and flavorful.”

“I always have tinned tomatoes, chickpeas and coconut milk on hand for an easy curry or stew vibe,” says another Nine.com.au employee.

“I also buy 5kg bags of rice and store them in jars in the pantry. I also always have a frozen pizza from Aldi on hand for the evenings when I really don’t feel like it. It saves me having to spend 40 euros on pizza delivery.”

Many say they take advantage of the special deals they come across by stocking up when prices are lower, “even if I don’t use it right away, I can base future meals on what I have.”

Other pantry items targeted include taco packs, seasoning packs and meal kit mixes like butter chicken “which are always in the weekly rotation.”

“I love stocking up on pasta and rice cups, which is always an easy side for the toddler, or whipping up some quick fried rice when dinner is needed quickly,” said one.

“Passata, canned tomatoes and canned beans are also things I grab when I can to keep on hand because they can be so versatile and can be used in many things to expand meals or add some more nutrients.”

And it’s not just the pantries that are being loaded. Freezers are also filled with affordable basic products such as frozen vegetables.

“I always have a pack of frozen peas with me,” said one. Another said their “frozen favorites” are “chicken snacks, frozen chips or frozen pizza” for when they want a “treat on nights when I don’t feel like cooking but also don’t break the bank.”

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