We've all been there. Your cousin stays the night unexpectedly. Or you suddenly need to whip up food for your kid’s barkada. In those moments, a fully stocked pantry isn’t just convenient, it’s a lifesaver. It means you can offer snacks without scrambling and feel calm (even a little proud) when you can whip up a delicious meal even when you're put on the spot.
But here’s the deal: that kind of pantry doesn’t just happen by accident; it’s built intentionally. And one of the best places to get your essentials is Landers. With this superstore club’s wide selection of groceries, from everyday basics to imported goodies, you can stock up on everything you need in one go.
Even better? Shopping with your Landers Cashback Everywhere Credit Card from Maya, the country’s #1 digital bank, allows you to enjoy up to 5% cashback at Landers, 2% on dining spends, and 1% on all other qualified transactions.. When you shop at Landers, you’ll start with a base cashback rate of 3% if your total credit card spending is below PHP 20,000. This rate increases to 4% when you spend a minimum of PHP 20,000, wherever you use your card, and then it increases further to 5% when you accumulate a total qualified credit card spending of at least PHP 50,000 during the month. Each point you earn is equivalent to PHP 1, which you can use as a discount on your next Landers purchase after accumulating them. That means every thoughtful grocery trip turns into a smart financial move.
With that said, here’s a rundown of seven essential categories to help you build a pantry during your next grocery run.
1. Load Up on Fresh Produce
We usually think of “pantry staples” as shelf-stable stuff, but fresh produce deserves a top spot on your list. For instance, veggies like onions, tomatoes, garlic, and carrots are used in almost every Filipino dish. Meanwhile, leafy greens like pechay or kangkong add nutrients and flavor to everything from stir-fries to soups.
2. Add in the Proteins
Protein is a must for every meal since it keeps you full and satisfied. Of course, you’ll want your usuals like chicken, pork, or fish. But it’s also smart to keep some canned goods handy. Tuna, sardines, and corned beef are especially great options when you’re short on time (or energy).
Eggs are a pantry MVP, too. They’re affordable, last a while, and are ridiculously versatile. Got some leftover rice and adobo? Boom—fried rice! And don’t forget beans. Canned or dried, they’re great for quick, protein-packed meals that won’t break the bank.
3. Stock Up on Grains and Noodles
Filipinos and rice? It’s a love story as old as time. So, you’ll definitely want to keep a good supply at home. Pasta’s another must-have. Whether it’s for classic spaghetti, creamy carbonara, or sopas on a rainy day, it pays to have a few packs on standby. Don’t skip the local noodles either. Bihon, lomi, sotanghon, and canton are essentials for pancit and mami nights. They’re affordable, easy to cook, and comforting.
Pro tip: Buy these in bulk and pay with your Landers credit card. You’ll save time and earn a lot of points while stocking up on the staples.
4. Grab Some Dairy (or Dairy Alternatives)
Milk for your coffee, cheese for sandwiches, and butter for baking or leveling up a quick sauté are dairy staples that always come in handy. Yogurt’s also a great addition to your snack lineup, and it doubles as a base for smoothies and sauces as well. However, if you’re leaning more plant-based, Landers has plenty of non-dairy options like almond, oat, or soy milk. Whatever you prefer, having a variety on hand keeps things flexible.
5. Keep Canned and Frozen Goods Close
Canned and frozen items are like the secret weapons of any pantry. A can of tuna? That’s a pasta dish waiting to happen. Ready-to-eat ulam? That’s dinner without the stress. Tomato sauce, coconut milk, and soup stock are also great to have around. You can easily turn any mix of ingredients into something delicious with these on hand. So go ahead and fill your cart with these pantry heroes.
6. Don’t Forget Your Condiments, Herbs, and Spices
Cooking oil, salt, sugar, flour, cornstarch—these pantry basics are the silent heroes in your kitchen. You don’t notice them until you run out, and then it’s a mini emergency!. But, then again, Filipino cooking isn’t complete without soy sauce, vinegar, or patis, either. And don’t even think about skipping the banana ketchup, sweet-and-sour sauce, or lechon sauce. Whether it’s sawsawan for fried fish or flavoring for your adobo, these are non-negotiables.
Once you’ve got the basics, you can spice things up—literally. Dried herbs like bay leaves, rosemary, and thyme bring depth to your stews, as do spices like black pepper, chili flakes, star anise, and garlic and onion powders.
7. Treat Yourself with Snacks and Beverages
Snacks make life better, so make sure to keep a stash of chocolate, chips, cookies, dried fruit, or nuts for whatever mood you’re in. Peanut butter, jam, and cheese spreads are also great for quick merienda or breakfast sandwiches.
Next, let’s talk drinks. Coffee and tea? Essential. Juice, soft drinks, and bottled water are also always good to have. Plus, when you’ve got guests over, having a bottle of wine on hand adds that special touch to the conversations.
Stock Smart, Earn More
A fully stocked pantry isn’t just about what’s in your cabinets. It’s about being ready for a spontaneous dinner, a rainy day, or a hungry friend. And you’re not just stocking up when you use Maya, the #1 digital bank, to shop at Landers. You’re also earning rewards, building better money habits, and making your funds go further. So, the next time you do a pantry reset or a big grocery haul, bring your list, your appetite, and your Landers cashback credit card. Because shopping smart means spending smarter, too.
*Transactions that don’t qualify include: cash in, cash advance, quasi cash purchases, casinos and gambling, fuel, supermarket, pharmaceuticals, utilities, telco, and government.
