- lentils: these carry flavour and are a great meat replacement in a bolognaise or to bulk up a mince dish to save money and make the food go further
- frozen vegetables: frozen veg is picked and frozen at is prime and has no less nutritional value than fresh, they are usually prepped so you can use as much as you want and are ideal for stews, curries or soup
- frozen herbs: freeze from fresh or buy already frozen
- dried spices: having a good selection of dried spices such as curry powder, Turmeric, Paprika, chilli flakes or cumin can add an instant hit of flavour to a dish
- capers and gherkins: these can add a nice kick of salt to dishes, capers are great in pasta or panzanella
- sauces: siracha, soy or Worcestershire sauce will add loads of flavour to all sorts of dishes; from scrambled eggs to cheese on toast
- tinned beans: like lentils they are full of flavour and protein and can be used to bulk out a dish
- dried or vacuum-packed noodles: make a quick snack with noodles, soy sauce and leftover meat and vegetables, try a fridge forage stir fry using whatever is in your fridge
- packet rice: like the noodles, it can be used to make a quick meal; add eggs, vegetables and soy sauce and you have egg fried rice
