Apartment Staples: Must-Haves to Add to Your Grocery List

One of the best perks of living in an apartment is having your very own kitchen. For the first time for as long as you can remember, you’re not living off of Bosco sticks and cafeteria pizza.

While you may be happy to be free of residence hall dining, surely you miss the convenience of these meals. Between class, meetings, work and a social life, grocery shopping is the last thing on your mind as a college student.

When it comes to grocery shopping, a little goes a long way. Consider the items below on your next trip to the store, as they’re both versatile and easy on your wallet.

1. Onions

Want a flavorful meal? Onions will do the trick. If you are not a fan of raw onions, try finely chopping and sautéing them. It keeps a mild flavor and weakens the smell. You can add onions to many different recipes including sauces, as a meat topping, in vegetable medleys.

2. Bananas

There are so many wonderful uses for bananas. Whether they’re served hot in oatmeal, used to make “ice cream” in their frozen form, or take on-the-go and dip in peanut butter, this is absolutely a must-have item.

3. Peanut Butter

Peanut butter is an excellent staple to have. Not only is it high in protein and packed with nutrients, but it is also considered a “healthy fat” because it is loaded with omega-3 fatty acids. Use it as a spread, as a dip and add it to your smoothies. If you have a sweet tooth, indulge in a spoonful after meals to break a dessert habit – no shame!

4. Hummus

You can use this delicious snack as a sandwich spread for chips and veggies. Pull it out when inviting friends over for a study party or movie night.

5.  Avocado

Avocado is also packed with omega-3 fatty acids. Its smooth texture and creamy aftertaste can be used to substitute not-so-healthy staple foods, like mayonnaise and butter. Try mixing pieces of the avocado into salad or even your popcorn as a healthy study snack.

6. Morton Nature’s Seasoning

Morton Nature’s Seasoning is an extra-tasty seasoning salt that can be used on basically everything you cook. One of its unique uses is perfecting grilled cheese sandwiches. Just add a dash or two between the cheese and bread and this classic meal turns into something even more delectable.

7. Noodles

Noodles are a great item to keep in the cupboard. They are fairly cheap and come in many shapes and sizes, not to mention fast and easy to make. Use them to make spaghetti, pasta salads, macaroni and cheese, soup, stir-fry or even plain-old buttered noodles sprinkled with parmesan cheese. To make this staple healthier, substitute regular noodles for whole-grain ones.

8. Frank’s Red Hot

Many college students end up making some of the same three or four meals every week. This can become exhausting and old after a while, which is where Frank’s Red Hot comes in. Add this to stew, soup, sandwiches or even homemade pizza to spice up run-of-the-mill recipes.