Popcorn makes for an easy and inexpensive snack, especially if you’re stuck at home watching movies.

Anchovies may be small but they sure pack a flavour punch. Use the forage fish to dial up the flavour in pizza or pasta, or enjoy straight from the tin.

If you can’t get your hands on rice or pasta, polenta makes for a quick and easy standby starch.

While you may prefer fresh to compressed, it doesn’t hurt to have some powdered stock on hand. Beyond the braises, it can also bring rice, polenta and couscous to life.

When the sweet cravings hit, you’ll want to be prepared. Vanilla essence can open up the doors to many countless desserts from pancakes to pannacotta and rice pudding.

Whether you prefer a hot sauce, chilli oil or jar of pickled peppers, a good chilli condiment can pep up even the most mundane of dishes.

An essential ingredient in most Asian dishes, soy sauce also makes for an excellent meat marinade or salt substitute.

Not only will dried beans deliver a lot more volume than the canned variety, but they also have a better flavour and texture, making them well worth the soak the simmer time.

Stock up on whatever dried herb or spice that you use the most in cooking. If in doubt, try thyme, which pairs well with pretty much everything, from vegetables to seafood, poultry and meat.

Onion and garlic form the basis for most meals. If you can’t get your hands on fresh, they also come in powdered.