“In general, the more processed a food, the higher its content of fat, salt, sugar, calories, and/or cholesterol and the lower its content of vitamins, minerals, phytochemicals, and fiber,” says Elizabeth Somer, M.A., RD, and medical advisory board member for Persona Nutrition. “When shopping for healthier shelf-stable foods, try to choose minimally-processed products that contain whole grains, plain fruits and vegetables or frozen/canned versions packaged in their own juice, nuts, legumes, or frozen chicken or fish. Ignore the label claims and go straight to the nutrition information on the back.” We recommend stocking up on these long-lasting staples whenever it’s convenient so they’ll be on hand when you’re ready to get cooking. Curious about the shelf life of more foods in your kitchen? Consult our comprehensive food storage guide. RELATED: 10 Healthy Pantry Essentials You Should Always Have on Hand, According to RDs RELATED: 5 Delicious Recipes That Start With a Can of Beans RELATED: Oats May Be the Most Underrated Ingredient in Your Pantry—Here’s Why