Stocking your pantry is a foundational practice for success in the kitchen as a Bakin’ Biker. A pantry setup is more important than many realize, as it is the key to wellness, health and nutrition for yourself and the entire family. A well-stocked and functional pantry brings many benefits, some you may have never thought of, including:

Less time spent at the grocery store and/or fewer trips made
Saves money by bulking up on the items you use most often
Encourages at home eating and cooking; builds confidence in the kitchen
Reduces stress around baking and cooking
Contributes to a wholesome diet, focused on real foods

In this post, I share 6 of my favorite pantry essentials and brands. By having these items on hand, making your own homemade cycling snacks, meals and other recipes will be much easier and more enjoyable.

Let’s get your pantry set up!

Get the Full Bakin Biker’s Pantry Essentials Checklist

Before we get into 6 of my pantry favorites, download the full list of Bakin Biker’s Pantry Essentials in this checklist. Here you’ll find ALL the essentials I use to stock my pantry and help me whip up homemade cycling snacks to fuel my rides.

Preview of the Bakin' Biker's Pantry Essentials Checklist — The Bakin’ Biker’s Pantry Essential Checklist

Get my full list of favorite pantry essentials to stock your pantry and find success in the kitchen.

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1. A Variety of Flours

You can’t be a Bakin’ Biker without flour in your pantry! Having a variety of flours on hand allows you to experiment and be creative with your Biked Goods. Using different flours provides different tastes, textures, and nutrients depending on the recipe. You’ll find oat, almond, brown rice, buckwheat, millet, gluten-free blends and all-purpose flour stocked in my pantry. I often bake gluten-free goods for my wife who has a gluten intolerance, but when I get the opportunity, I’ll sneak in gluten-filled flours to bake a special treat just for myself (just don’t let her know I do this)

Favorite Brands: Pamela’s Pancake and Baking Mix, Bob’s Red Mill

2. Muesli

Muesli is a mixture of raw oats, nuts, dried fruits, and sometimes other grains or spices. One of the best things about muesli is its versatility. You can eat it cold, hot, or soaked overnight. Muesli can also be included in recipes for cookies, bars, pancakes, energy bars and other baked goods. I always have a giant mason jar of homemade muesli sitting on my counter, so when I get the bakin’ or hunger itch I’m already ahead of the game. Muesli is high in fiber and filled with whole grains to help your digestive system and keep you full. Raw nuts incorporate a source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids. Dried fruits are rich in antioxidants, potassium, fiber, and vitamins E, C, and B12. In my mind, this makes muesli one of the most complete foods you can eat as a cyclist or endurance athlete.

Favorite Brand: Seven Sundays OR make your own homemade brand

Apple and Current Muesli Cookies with Maple Icing

3. Calrose Rice

As endurance athletes, we burn a lot of calories during our rides and training. Because of this, we need energy, especially carbohydrate energy, stored as glycogen in our muscles and liver. Calrose or other medium to short-grain rice is easy to cook and has a high glycemic index, which makes it good for a simple pre-race meal, during a ride snack, or post-ride recovery meal. I most often use rice for making rice cakes, smoothies or eggs dishes with veggies and greens. I believe rice is one of the most simple and effective ingredients you can have in your pantry to help fuel your performance.

Favorite Brand: Nishiki Premium Sushi Rice

Rice Pudding with a Cinnamon Sugar Syrup

4. Medjool Dates

I call dates nature’s candy. Their sweet, soft and caramel-like texture make them good for so many reasons. Dates are easily digestible and an exceptional source of carbohydrates, minerals, and nutrients. I use dates as the base for homemade energy bars and bites along with incorporating them into muffins and cookies for an easy, portable cycling snack. Although, my favorite way to enjoy dates is in their whole form or dressed up with a little nut butter, nuts and/or melted chocolate. However you'd like to try them, you won’t be disappointed when you get your hands on a sweet, juicy box of dates.

Favorite Brand: Rancho Meladuco Date Farm

5. Sweet Potato

My sweet, sweet, sweet potato. What more need I say about this lovely, resourceful ingredient? I use them in everything from cakes and smoothies to breads, muffins, spreads and so much more. This is one item I always double-check to make sure I have in my pantry. Each time I make a grocery run, I always pick up at least one extra sweet potato, regardless of how many I have in the house. Sweet potatoes are low on the glycemic index, a great source of carbs and contain natural minerals and vitamins. When baking with sweet potatoes, I opt for the orange variety. (You’ll often see these labeled as Jewel or Red Garnet.) These contain more of the enzyme amylase, which breaks down starches into sugars and gives sweet potatoes their sweet taste and moist, creamy texture.

Favorite Kinds: Beauregard, Jewel, and Red Garnet

6. Coconut Sugar

Coconut sugar is made from the sap or nectar of the palm tree flower. It’s my go-to sweetener for any sort of baked good recipe that calls for sugar. It measures lows on the glycemic index, is nutrient-rich and has also been named the world's most sustainable sweetener. You can use coconut sugar as a 1:1 alternative to regular sugar in most baked goods. Plus, it tastes great and you get to reap the health benefits when you eat it. Not saying you should eat it daily by the spoonful, but every once in a while is OK :)

Favorite Brand: Madhava Coconut Sugar

The Bakin' Biker's Pantry Essentials: A Guide To Making Your Own Cycling Snacks And Finding Success In The Kitchen

In this edition of the Bakin’ Biker, I list ALL of my pantry essentials and favorite brands along with 10 recipes that incorporate these key staples. You can use these items in more than one recipe and you'll always be able to pull off a recipe, even if your fridge starts to look bare. Let’s get your pantry set up!

6 Of My Favorite Pantry Essentials For Making Homemade Cycling Snacks