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Food

The Unexpected Pantry Food Experts Say You Should Buy RIGHT NOW For Coronavirus Preparation

April 16, 2020 by Justine Schwartz
shefinds | Food
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With the stay-at-home orders extended through April, and experts warning against too many trips to the grocery store, most of us are desperate for ways to make our food stores last longer. While store shelves becoming increasingly bare, and COVID-19 threatens to keep us indoors for weeks, if not months, more, the concern about running out food and supplies is very real.

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Women Are Swapping Their Boring Water For This Ice Pop Electrolyte Mix!
Freshly baked artisanal bread loaf on a wooden table.

And while you probably know to snatch up toilet paper, Lysol wipes and hand sanitizer if you see them on the shelves, what are the less obvious items that you should stock up on as well?

Experts argue that these are equally, if not more important, to weathering this storm.

Sliced bread showcasing a soft, fluffy interior.

The answer is flour and yeast!

As personal finance blogger Peter Koch of Dollar Sanity explains, the demand for homemade bread supplies is higher than ever!

Variety of bread types arranged on a rustic cloth.

"Flour and yeast are regularly out of stock in groceries. If you look at Google trends you'll see that the "homemade bread" search term skyrocketed," he explains. The search term is up five times over it's historical, pre-March average. Wow!

Why so popular now? "Flour and yeast are used to make homemade bread, donuts, fritters (both sweet and savory), pretzels, rolls, dinner rolls and of course, pizza dough," he explains.

Golden crust bread with a crispy texture and buttery sheen.

Not only can you get a lot of meals out of these two supplies, but baking has become one of the nation's favorite social distancing pasttimes.

Peter points that not only do we have all the spare time to prepare these foods, but, "We all know that homemade stuff tastes better." So true!

Author:

Editorial Director

Justine Schwartz is a veteran women's lifestyle editor; she's written extensively about style & beauty tips, health advice and wedding planning. Her work has appeared in New York Magazine, Huffington Post and New York Weddings. Justine has been with SheFinds since 2010; you can reach her via email at Justine@shefinds.com.

Healthy seeds displayed, not pastries.
Grocery store aisle with sugar and sweeteners.
Person having a lunch meal.
Sipping spearmint tea in a cozy setting.
Variety of bread types showcased on a table.
Freshly baked goods from Costco bakery display.
Woman holding her head, expressing stress.
Woman experiencing joint pain while sitting.
Aromatic coffee with sugar being added.
Variety of fast food from Dunkin', Chick-fil-A, Starbucks.
Woman adding sugar to a steaming cup of coffee.
Tasty bagels with blueberries and butter on a wooden board.
Comparison of cooking spray and olive oil for healthy cooking.
Brazilian dish featuring rice, beans, and chicken from above.
Close-up of watch as someone eats breakfast.
Display of deli meats, sandwiches, hot dogs, and sausages.
Cooked salmon served with rice, avocado, and greens.
Interior view of a Costco store showcasing various products.
Woman taking magnesium supplement for health benefits.
Selection of s'mores brownies and baked ricotta from Aldi.
Healthy seeds displayed, not pastries.
Grocery store aisle with sugar and sweeteners.
Person having a lunch meal.
Sipping spearmint tea in a cozy setting.
Variety of bread types showcased on a table.
Freshly baked goods from Costco bakery display.
Woman holding her head, expressing stress.
Woman experiencing joint pain while sitting.
Aromatic coffee with sugar being added.
Variety of fast food from Dunkin', Chick-fil-A, Starbucks.
Woman adding sugar to a steaming cup of coffee.
Tasty bagels with blueberries and butter on a wooden board.
Comparison of cooking spray and olive oil for healthy cooking.
Brazilian dish featuring rice, beans, and chicken from above.
Close-up of watch as someone eats breakfast.
Display of deli meats, sandwiches, hot dogs, and sausages.
Cooked salmon served with rice, avocado, and greens.
Interior view of a Costco store showcasing various products.
Woman taking magnesium supplement for health benefits.
Selection of s'mores brownies and baked ricotta from Aldi.