Back-to-school season means back-to-school routines and maybe back to regular work schedules. Whether it is back to work at your home office or going back to the actual office, you may need some meals and snacks that are within arm's reach for those extra busy days. After all, those back-to-back calls or video sessions may leave you ravenous, so here are some shelf-stable items to help you create a desk-side pantry, perfect for the back-to-school season.
Dried Fruits and Vegetables
Dried fruit is a great desk-side staple. Being shelf-stable, it will keep longer than fresh fruit and can also satisfy any sweet tooth. If you want an additional layer of sweetness, throw in a few dark chocolate bars to pair with a handful of dried cherries or strawberries. On the other hand, if you want to stock up on vegetables, look for brands that offer vegetable chips or crackers. These go great with spreads like hummus, nut butter, or seed spreads. Yum!
Grains
When building a desk-side pantry, start with basic items like whole grains. Think of items like bread, crackers, and flour tortilla wraps. If you are looking for something heartier, stock your desk drawer with heat-and-eat grain packets like quinoa or rice so you can make a grain bowl. You may even stock up on some packets of oatmeal. Breakfast for lunch or dinner is always a good idea.
Protein
Protein is a filling fuel option, so it is definitely something to stash in a desk-side pantry. Some good plant-based protein options include:
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Cans of beans, which pair perfectly with those grains listed above
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Hummus (Depending on the brand, keep refrigerated; if shelf stable, once you open it, keep refrigerated)
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Jars or individual packets of nut or seed butters
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Packets of chicken, salmon, or tuna
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Raw nuts and seeds
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Protein powder to add to oatmeal, smoothies, and yogurt cups
Ready-to-Eat Meals
Some work days can be super busy, which means you may not have the time to put together a Michelin-star meal. On these days, refer to your desk side pantry and keep ready-to-eat meals stocked at your desk. Already prepared burrito bowls or grain bowls, cans of soups, or instant noodles can all get the job done and will take a desk-side pantry up a notch.
Sauces
Sauces may not sound like a must-have item for a desk-side pantry, but if your weekly budget allows, condiments and sauces are always a nice addition to any office meal, like burrito bowls, grain bowls, tacos, and wraps. Whether you elevate a homemade sandwich or a store-bought salad, stock up on a few of your favorites to add an instant boost of flavor to any meal. Some ideas include:
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Avocado-based mayo
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Honey
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Hot sauce
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Mustard
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Salt and pepper
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Sugar-free ketchup
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Sugar-free salad dressings
Snacks
Snacks are another desk-side staple that can help curb hunger cravings before you whip up an office meal. It’s NOLA is a great go-to snack to always have on hand. Plus, the bags stash perfectly in car consoles, gym bags, and purses, so you are never left without some snacks. Some other snack favorites include small bags of popcorn, pretzels, and tortilla chips. Pair pretzels with a nut or seed butter and tortilla chips with a can of black beans and hot sauce for a desk-side fiesta.
The next time you need an office lunch or snack, skip the online orders and create a delicious meal using ingredients from your desk-side pantry.
- Stay Healthy and Happy
Check out @mostlyplantbasedfoods or view our CEO at @itsnolasnacks as she shares recipes via video each month on It’s Nola Reels. Do not worry, even if you are not Vegan, you will still enjoy these dishes.
Tag us @itsnolasnacks so we can see all of your desk-side staples for back-to-school and back-to-work.