Pantry Picks!

I'm thristy!

Peanuts and Cracker Jacks

The pantry, or the counter in many cases, is where most of the magic of the dorm-room lies. The categories of dried and canned goods are a lot more diverse than that of the freezer, and they're much cheaper too! I suppose you could say, your bread is best spent on bread.

Snacks

Dry food is the category with the cheapests (and most) snack for your dollar. Crackers, cookies, snack donuts, chips, and much more are great, cheap, and delicious. It's good to stock up on three to four different ones for variety's sake. Might I reccommend keeping the holy trinity in stock at all times: Sour Cream and Onion Lay's, Oreo Thins, and Cheez-Its .

Canned Goods

Canned goods are a very easy and filling option. All you need is a can, a can opener, and a microwave. Soups, canned meals, and tuna fish are easy options to pick-up, heat, stir, and eat. Soup is the easiest and most diverse option here. Campbell's and Progresso are the cream of the crop for a good mix of cheap, flavorful, and diverse. Campbells have a lot more variety in their sub-brands, via Chunky, Gourmet, Snack Soups, and sipping cups. Though, Progresso's flavors are much better quality.

Just Add Water

This category includes the completely dry meals that require just a bit of water and a microwave! This product has been growing quite a bit; mac n' cheese, rice, mashed potatoes, pancakes, and even cake. You do have to be a little careful, as the convenience of these products make them cost a bit more. It's yet another instance of making sure the calories are worth the pricetag.

Grains

The final lifeblood of the pantry are the grains. Cereal, white bread, and bagels make for a great, shelf stable snack and/or meal. Not to mention it's a good ingredient to have on hand. If you're ever worried about getting close to the expiration, throw it in the freezer and it'll last as long as you'll need it to.