Flat lay of essential grocery items like canned goods, rice, oats, spices, and frozen veggies with centered text promoting smart shopping in May.

๐Ÿ›’ Must-Have Grocery Staples to Stock Up on This May

As prices continue to fluctuate, smart grocery shopping has never been more important.
This May, focus on stocking up on everyday staples that offer value, versatility, and long shelf life โ€” without blowing your budget.

Below are 10 essential grocery items to add to your cart this month, whether you're meal-prepping, budgeting, or just trying to avoid midweek store runs.


๐Ÿ›’ Top Grocery Staples Worth Buying in Bulk

1. Canned Tomatoes & Beans

High in nutrients and perfect for soups, stews, and sauces. Bonus: They last for months in the pantry.

2. Rice & Pasta

Shelf-stable, filling, and cost-effective โ€” stock up on brown rice, jasmine rice, and your favorite pasta cuts.

Shop Grocery Essentials at Atlas

3. Nut Butters

Great for quick breakfasts, snacks, or protein boosts. Look for multi-packs or store brands to save even more.

4. Coffee & Tea

Prices tend to dip in May โ€” making it a smart time to stock up for the month ahead (and beyond).

5. Baking Essentials

Flour, sugar, baking powder, and chocolate chips often go on sale in early summer โ€” perfect for weekend bakers.

6. Frozen Fruits & Veggies

A smart way to keep nutrition in your diet even if fresh produce spoils too quickly. Look for mix-and-match bundles.

7. Oats & Breakfast Bars

Quick, portable, and budget-friendly โ€” ideal for busy weekday mornings or prepping overnight oats.

8. Cooking Oils

Whether itโ€™s olive, canola, or avocado oil, larger bottles offer better value and are shelf-stable for months.

9. Spices & Seasoning Packs

Skip the takeout and spice up home-cooked meals. Stock up on basics like garlic powder, paprika, and taco seasoning.

10. Shelf-Stable Plant Milks

Almond, oat, and soy milk are great for smoothies or cereal โ€” and can be stored without refrigeration until opened.


โœ… Tip: Focus on multipurpose items that can stretch across meals.
Buying smart now = less waste and fewer trips to the store later.

๐Ÿ‘‰ Explore the full Grocery Collection on Atlas and start building a smarter pantry today

Back to blog