Power of the Pantry

In a tough economy marked by high inflation, shelf-stable pantry products can provide value to consumers when purchased as core or side ingredients in the preparation of quick, inexpensive at-home meals.

Read ahead for a showcase of seven mainly shelf-stable products including pepper pastes, sauces, flatbreads, organic vinegar, premium spice blends and more, which are all instrumental in helping deliver at-home meals.

MegaMex Foods’ Tres Cocinas is a line of pepper pastes that come in Chipotle with Adobo, Guajillo and Ancho & Pasilla flavors. The gluten-free and kosher line is intended to reimagine Mexican flavors in foodservice or as a ready-to-use, one-step flavor enhancer in any prepared food application.

Daiya launched the first-ever plant-based and allergen-friendly flatbread. Inspired by an Italian trattoria experience, the innovation line features two flavors that are ideal for lunch or as a shared appetizer. Flatbreads (SRP $8.99) feature the brand’s Cutting Board Cheeze Shreds on top of a thin gluten-free crust. Mushroom, Caramelized Onion & Fig offers rich mushrooms and caramelized onions plus sweet fig and kale, while Meatless Italian Sausage Flavored Crumbles, Roasted Pepper & Kale offers sweet and smoky roasted yellow peppers, leafy green kale and parmesan and feta-flavored cheeses.

AgriForce Growing Systems Ltd. launched un(Think) Awakened Flour, which is based on a 100% natural patent-pending process to create flour that is considered more nutritious, easier to digest and better tasting than traditional alternatives, the supplier says. A patent-pending process allows for a precise way to germinate wheat by utilizing carefully monitored humidity and temperature to activate the product’s enzymes. This occurs at the ideal time to maximize the nutritional elements of sprouted grains, the supplier says. 

Carandini released its Organic Silver Leaf Balsamic Vinegar of Modena nationwide. The premium, medium-density vinegar contains 31% organic grape must and organic wine vinegar, offering a well-rounded flavor and acidity. It exudes a mahogany color and rich perfume, as the versatile ingredient is ideal for salads, vegetables, meat, fish, vinaigrettes and more. The product carries the prestigious Protected Geographical Indication (PGI).

Casa M Spice introduces a line of premium blends intended to spice up chicken, pork, beef, lamb, fish and vegetables. The Casa M collection includes Chain Reaction, Cattle Drive (for beef) Free Range (chicken), Good Shepherd (lamb), Hooked (fish and seafood), Jerked Chain (jerk seasoning), Pecking Order (poultry) and Whole Hog (pork). All blends are low in sodium, keto-friendly and free of dairy, nut and soy. They contain no fillers, MSG, gluten or animal products.

Made with 100% stone-ground, dry-roasted sesame seeds, SoCo Tahini sesame butter can be applied as a dip, dressing, spread or binding ingredient. The three varieties include Artisanal Tahini; Tahini and Pesto; and Tahini and Dates. All SoCo tahini is vegan, kosher, non-GMO, keto, paleo, gluten-free and sustainably grown with no added sugar. The variety is also fat-free, sugar-free and allergen-friendly.

Pastene rolled out Pastene Autentico, a collection of sauces crafted from fresh, simple ingredients that blend perfectly to offer an authentic taste of Italy. Laboring two years to craft the gourmet sauces, each is a flavorful blend of fresh, natural ingredients. The three varieties include San Marzano D.O.P. Sauce (uses 100% D.O.P.-certified San Marzano tomatoes, basil and extra-virgin olive oil); Harvest Vegetable Sauce (rich in nutrients from seven vegetables); and Vodka Sauce (combining vine-ripened sweet tomatoes, fresh garlic, pure olive oil and more).