You don't need a huge grocery run to eat well through the week. Ten staples cover 80% of weeknight meals and lunches, and they store for months. Start with these.
1. Breakfast cereal the whole family agrees on
Cheerios is the safest bet in a family pantry — original for the adults, Honey Nut for the kids, Multi Grain when you want something with more variety. All three keep for weeks once opened if you clip the bag.
2. Ground coffee for slow mornings
A can of Folgers Classic Roast is the pantry workhorse — grounds keep flavor for weeks in a sealed container. Keep a decaf can nearby for the afternoons.
3. Ketchup and mustard, always
Heinz Tomato Ketchup and Yellow Mustard cover every burger, hot dog and grilled-cheese emergency. The easy-squeeze bottle is worth the small upgrade if you have kids.
4. A sauce that saves boring nights
A bottle of Heinz BBQ Sauce or 57 Sauce turns plain chicken, tofu or rice bowls into something worth sitting down for.
5. The classic drink for cookouts
A 12-pack of Coca-Cola Classic (or Zero Sugar) is a low-effort win when friends come over. Store cold cans in the back of the fridge so they're always ready.
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