If you are moving into your first apartment and need to figure out what groceries to buy, then keep reading to see this first apartment grocery list.
Buying groceries for your first apartment is crucial. You need to eat. I knew when I first moved into my first apartment that I had to get a lot of food. I was used to my family’s stock of food and when I moved in, I had ice cubes and a few bags of chips I moved in.
I decided to create my own first apartment grocery list because a lot of the apartment lists online didn’t have any spices…which was interesting. I was thinking, “What about salt, garlic powder, etc.?!”
This blog post will give a first apartment grocery list. Feel free to use this apartment grocery list as a guide. You might not eat or want everything on this list, but it’s a start.
THE ULTIMATE FIRST APARTMENT GROCERY LIST
Kitchen Staples/Must Haves
These are the kitchen essentials you should always have in your apartment’s fridge or pantry. The foods listed are the basics when it comes to cooking or baking.
Flour
Sugar
Bread
Rice
Butter
Beans
Olive Oil/Cooking Oil
Pasta
Pasta Sauce
Broth
Baking Powder
Spices + Sauces:
I have to add that spices are SO EXPENSIVE. I thought buying the store brand/Great Value/Market Pantry spices was going to be cheaper, but it still added up way more than I expected.
Salt
Pepper
Cajun Seasoning
Hot Sauce
Onion Powder
Garlic Powder
Oregano
Paprika
Chili Powder
Cayenne Pepper
Ground Cumin
Lemon Pepper
Ketchup
Soy Sauce
Sriracha
Mayo
Mustard
Syrup
Minced Garlic
Honey
Grains:
Sandwich Bread
Buns
Cereal
Oatmeal
Grits
Tortillas
Diary:
Butter
Milk
Cheese
Yogurt
Sour Cream
Protein/Meat:
Deli Meat
Chicken
Ground Beef/Turkey/Chicken (whatever is your preference)
Eggs
Bacon/Breakfast Sausage
Tofu
Produce/Fruit & Vegetables
Fruits and vegetables are the things I would buy if I’m definitely going to eat within the next few days. They are perishable and expensive if they’re out of season. I also recommend buying frozen fruits and vegetables or canned vegetables, if you don’t mind.
Apples
Bananas
Grapes
Oranges
Potatoes
Onions
Bell Peppers
Garlic
Spinach
Lettuce
Tomatoes
Cucumbers
Lemon
Lime
Corn
Green Beans
Bag of Frozen fruits/vegetables
Snacks:
Again, this is all up to your personal preferences.
Cookies
Chips
Frozen Pizza
Crackers
Popcorn
Dip
Popcorn
Ice Cream
Salsa
Beef Jerky
Drinks:
Water (I recommend buying a Brita Filter Pitcher to save money on water)
Milk
Tea
Coffee
Juice/Soda
Alcohol
Apartment Grocery Supplies:
Brita Filter Pitcher + Filters
Save money on buying water with a Brita Filter Pitcher. I have one for my fridge and have been doing so since I was in my college apartment.
- The slim, BPA-free Metro water pitcher with filter holds 6 cups of water, enough to fill 2 24-ounce reusable water bottles
- WATER FILTER: Three Brita Standard Water Filters that offer great-tasting, healthier drinking water when used in Brita systems, like a filtered water pitcher or dispenser
- CUTS OUT IMPURITIES: Brita replacement water filter cuts the taste and odor of chlorine and also reduces copper, cadmium and mercury impurities without leaving black flecks behind
- SUSTAINABLE: By switching to Brita, you can save money and replace up to 1,800 standard 16.9-oz. single-use plastic water bottles each year
Reusable Grocery Bag
One of the hacks that I learned during this whole first apartment moving process was to use reusable bags to help move things in batches. Also, reusable grocery bags help reduce the amount of grocery bags used.
Ice Tray
Your apartment’s freezer might not have an ice tray. Make sure to have one like this. It’ll be great to use for other snacks. I like these silicone ones from Amazon:
- ✅ LFGB Certified & Truly BPA-Free Safety: Crafted from premium, food-grade silicone and PP. These ice cube trays for freezer are independently certified to LFGB standards, ensuring no odors or chemicals transfer, for pure ice in family drinks and meals.
- ✅ Effortless One-Push Ice Release System: The flexible silicone ice tray bottom allows cubes to pop out with a gentle press. No more twisting or chasing ice across your counter—perfect for quick access to ice for your coffee or beverages.
Chip Bags Clips
This is one of the kitchen essentials that I totally forgot about. I had a few, but I have to stock up after the move. You’ll end up using chip bag clips for anything but a bag of chips.
I use these cute cat ones from World Market, but At Home has them ⬇️
Grocery Cart
If your apartment has an accessible elevator and it’s easy to get your groceries from your parking spot, then I recommend that you have a grocery cart for your apartment. If you have stairs, then it’ll be more of a hassle to get them upstairs. I had one for my college apartment, and it made hauling groceries so easier. (It was honestly a birthday gift from a friend.)
- Space-Saving Design: Weighing only 10 lbs, this compact foldable wagon easily fits into any car when folded (22”*9.8”*7.5”), maximizing space for your journey
- Effortless Maneuvering: 360° rotating front wheels and an ergonomic extendable handle offer smooth control, even when fully loaded
Final FAQ:
How much should you spend on your first apartment groceries?
I placed aside about $200 out of my first apartment budget for food. Luckily, I ate food from a few family members for the first few weeks. But to stock up your pantry with everything, I recommend $300. (Maybe even $400 with inflation these days 😵💫.)
How do I stock my pantry for a new apartment?
Stocking your pantry for a new apartment should be done over time and grow as you go grocery shopping throughout your lease. It’s best to start with the basics and the food that you like in the beginning.
What food should I have in my apartment?
You should have the basics and some pantry and fridge essentials in your apartment. These can be flour, butter, milk, eggs, pasta, pasta sauce, and sugar. There are some more, but it honestly depends on what you like to eat and your dietary needs.
That’s it for this blog post all about a first apartment grocery list.
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