A well-stocked pantry is the backbone of every great kitchen — and at Gertrude Grocer, we believe that building a gourmet pantry doesn’t mean stocking hundreds of items, but carefully curating a selection of high-quality essentials that make everyday cooking easier, more enjoyable, and infinitely more delicious.
Whether you're a confident home cook or just starting to elevate your meals, here’s our ultimate gourmet pantry checklist, complete with tips on how to use each item and links to the best quality products available online at Gertrude Grocer.
Oils & Vinegars: The Foundation of Flavour
Extra Virgin Olive Oil
A must-have for salad dressings, sautéing, finishing dishes, or baking. Choose a high-quality cold-pressed EVOO for bold, fruity flavour.
Neutral Cooking Oil
Use for frying or baking when you don’t want to overpower other flavours. Grapeseed or sunflower oil are great staples.
Balsamic Vinegar
Essential for dressings, reductions, and drizzling over roast veg or strawberries. Aged balsamic adds richness and depth.
Red & White Wine Vinegars
Brighten dishes like braises, sauces, and pickled vegetables.
Usage Tip: Deglaze a pan with wine vinegar for a simple sauce base.
Spices & Seasonings: Flavour Builders
Spices transform even the most basic ingredients. Stock your pantry with:
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Smoked Paprika – for stews, roast potatoes, or paella
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Cumin – great in curries, rubs and roasted veg
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Turmeric – use in dals, rice or golden lattes
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Cinnamon – ideal for both sweet baking and tagines
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Bay Leaves – perfect for slow-cooked soups and sauces
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Chilli Flakes – add heat to pasta, eggs or pizza
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Sea Salt Flakes – finish dishes with a crunchy touch
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Fresh Peppercorns – grind fresh for maximum flavour
Stock up on our global spice selection in-store or online here.
Sauces, Pastes & Condiments
Tomato Passata & Tinned Tomatoes
The base of countless dishes — soups, pasta sauces, stews, and shakshuka.
Try: Rosso Passata or ItalianVeera peeled tomatoes for rich, authentic flavour.
Pesto, Tapenade & Ajvar
Perfect for spreading on bread, stirring through pasta or topping grilled meats.
Mustards & Horseradish
Adds punch to dressings and sauces.
Soy Sauce, Fish Sauce & Miso
These add umami and are great for Asian-inspired dishes.
Grains, Legumes & Canned Goods
Pasta & Rice
Choose a variety of shapes and types — from Don Antonio spaghetti to risotto rice and polenta.
Couscous, Quinoa & Freekeh
Versatile bases for salads, grain bowls, and side dishes.
Capriccio Chickpeas, Cannellini & Lentils
Keep a few tins handy for quick salads, soups, and stews.
Usage Tip: Add chickpeas to a tray bake with chorizo and capsicum for a hearty one-pan meal.
Breads, Crackers & Baking Basics
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Crispbreads & Crackers – ideal with cheese or dips.
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Flour & Baking Powder – for homemade breads and muffins.
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Sugar, Maple Syrup, & Honey – pantry sweeteners with gourmet edge.
Gourmet Pantry Tips
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Rotate stock regularly so items don’t go to waste.
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Keep items in airtight containers for freshness.
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Add 1–2 new gourmet ingredients a month to keep your pantry exciting.
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Use pantry staples to throw together a fast midweek meal with whatever fresh veg or proteins you have on hand.
Shop Gourmet, Cook Better
Building a gourmet pantry is one of the smartest ways to elevate your cooking and simplify your meal prep. Whether you're whipping up a rustic pasta, an elegant salad, or a hearty stew, you'll have everything you need within arm’s reach.
Browse our full collection of pantry essentials online here or visit us in store at our Kensington or Carlton locations. Let us help you build a pantry that makes every meal feel like a restaurant-quality experience — at home.