The first homemade Meal in your first Apartment is special. But a first meal is only as good as the ingredients, which, considering you’ve just moved in, you probably don’t have. To give you a hand, we’ve compiled a first apartment grocery list of anything you could possibly need to make that first meal a memorable — and edible — one. 

The Basics

When it comes to making your first grocery run for your new apartment, you might find you have to prioritize the items you’ll get multiple meals out of and those that will keep the longest. These typically include proteins, grains, and other staples you like to keep around the house, such as snacks, nuts, or — arguably the most important — coffee. These items are also likely the ones you’ll buy most frequently. If you pick up nothing but the basics, grab these foods on that first run to the store post-move-in:

• Bread and rice
• Chicken and lunch meat
• Apples
• Frozen veggies — Carrots, onions, or potatoes can also keep for over two weeks when stored properly 
• Filtered water if your apartment doesn’t have any
• Coffee or tea
• Nuts or your favorite prepackaged snacks
• Salt, pepper, and cooking oil

From sandwiches and soups to meat and veggies, these basic groceries open up a number of options for that first meal in your new apartment. Pick up some Tupperware to store leftovers for meals as you unpack throughout the week. 

Proteins

You don’t need us to tell you how important protein is to your first apartment grocery list, especially when you’re expending energy moving furniture and settling in. 

Some typical proteins to look for at your new grocery store include:

• Chicken
• Turkey
• White fish
• Salmon
• Beef
• Eggs

Vegan or vegetarian? Don’t forget to load up on these plant-based proteins:

• Tofu
• Tempeh
• Lentils
• Chickpeas
• Beans
• Plant-based “burgers”

If you’re trying to stretch your grocery budget with proteins that will keep longer, check the frozen or canned goods section for your favorite proteins. You can often find canned options like tuna, chicken, and garbanzo beans and frozen selections, including fish filets, tempeh, or even jackfruit if you’re lucky. Tofu can last over a month when left unopened as well. Pair these with a veggie, and you’ve got a meal.

Vegetables and Fruits

It’s easy to get run down while wrapped up in the process of moving. Give your body what it needs with this fruit and veggies grocery list for a new apartment. 

Some great vegetables to grab on that first grocery run include:

• Carrots
• Onions
• Lettuce or kale
• Squash
• Peppers
• Potatoes — If you’re shopping on a dime and need something filling, potatoes are a must-have

For healthy snacks and a well-rounded breakfast, get some fruits like:

• Berries — Check the frozen section! Frozen berries are great with yogurt, on waffles, and in smoothies
• Bananas
• Grapes
• Apples
• Avocados
• Tomatoes

If you’re afraid your fruits and vegetables might spoil before you get to them, don’t forget to browse the canned and frozen sections. Some easy-to-find staples include canned peaches, frozen broccoli, and canned green beans. 

Grains

Between chicken and rice and peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, we all grew up on some sort of grain. If you’re looking for a quick and filling addition to any meal, pick up some basics such as:

• Sandwich bread
• Oats — Mix these with milk, fruit, and honey and refrigerate overnight for a grab-and-go breakfast!
• Rice
• Quinoa
• Cereal

All of these grains tend to have a pretty long shelf life, so once you’ve stocked up, you could be good for a few weeks or even months. This is especially true if you’re making a grocery list for a college apartment and buying in bulk. To keep bread longer, store loaves in the freezer until you need them. From lean bowls to cereal bowls, these ingredients make it easy to whip up a meal amidst the chaos of a new apartment. 

Beverages

Staying hydrated is incredibly important while doing the physical labor associated with settling into a new apartment. You’ll find this especially true when moving in the hotter summer months. At the very least, you’ll likely want to pick up some caffeine. Some basic beverages to have at the ready include:

• Gatorade or vitamin water
• Milk — Dairy, nut, or otherwise
• Tea or coffee
• Juice — Grab orange juice for an extra vitamin C boost

If you won’t get back to the store for a while, store surplus beverages like nut milk, bottled tea, and soda in the pantry. 

Pantry

The pantry sees the majority of the prepackaged snacks as well as those supplemental foods you might not have splurged on before, especially if this is your first apartment. Rounding out the grocery list, some pantry items include:

• Nuts  — Almonds, cashews, and walnuts make a great addition to salads, pancakes, and stir-fries
• Nut butter
• Jam or jelly
• Soups or broth
• Honey or maple syrup 
• Baking goods — Flour, sugar, and baking powder or soda form the basis of most recipes

If your grocery budget is running low, feel free to save these items for later. 

Seasonings

To win the fight against ordering delivery that first night, you’ll definitely want to pick up some seasonings. Some versatile basics include:

• Salt
• Pepper
• Garlic
• Cinnamon
• Oregano
• Chili powder
• Cooking oil — Olive oil, avocado oil, and coconut oil work with just about everything
• Vinegar
• Condiments like ketchup, mustard, or hot sauce
• Salad dressing

If you’re toeing the line between a good first meal in your new apartment and a great one, a choice seasoning makes all the difference. 

Whether you love shopping for food or just want to get this first grocery run out of the way, this list has everything you need in a first apartment grocery list. Even with just the basics, your first meal is sure to be a memorable one. Bon appetite!

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