10 Pantry Staples to Help You Through Cancer Treatment

Nutritious Staples for Supporting Nutrition During Cancer Treatment:

Going through cancer treatment can take so much out of you. On some days, the thought of putting a meal together can feel like a mountain to climb.

That’s where a well-stocked pantry (or cupboards!) can make all the difference. Having a few long-lasting staples tucked away can be a real lifeline. It means you’ve always got the makings of something quick, simple, and nourishing, especially when shopping or cooking feels like too much.

Here are 10 handy pantry essentials. They don’t need refrigeration, they’ll last well, and they can be mixed and matched into easy meals or snacks whenever you want them. Think of them as little helpers sitting quietly in your cupboard, ready for when you need them.

1. Cereal: 

Cereal isn’t just for breakfast - it can be a really good choice any time of day, and it’s often underrated in terms of what it brings nutritionally. Many cereals are fortified with vitamins and minerals, so they can give you more than just a quick bite to eat.

Enjoy with your milk of choice, hot or cold, and add nuts, seeds, or nut/seed butter for extra protein and nourishing fats. Topping with fruit - whether that’s a handful of berries, some chopped pear, or grated apple - brings fibre, colour, and a natural boost of antioxidants and other plant compounds that support your health.

2. Tinned Fish:

Tinned mackerel, pilchards, sardines, and salmon are rich in protein and omega-3 fatty acids - the types of nourishing fats linked with anti-inflammatory benefits and heart health. Because they’re already cooked and ready to use, tins make it easy to put together a quick, balanced meal without much effort.

Try them on toast with a few salad leaves or baby spinach for extra fibre and nutrients. You could also make a simple pâté by mashing mackerel with a spoon of Greek yoghurt and a squeeze of lemon juice - spread it on oatcakes for a quick snack. Or flake some salmon into a wholegrain wrap with yoghurt, avocado, and lettuce.

3. Eggs:

Eggs are one of the most versatile, nutrient-packed foods you can keep at home. They provide high-quality protein along with a range of vitamins and minerals that support your body during treatment.

You can have a meal on the table in minutes - scrambled eggs on toast, a quick omelette, or simply boiling a couple of eggs to have later. If you’ve got vegetables like mushrooms, peppers, tomatoes, or frozen peas to hand, adding them in is an easy way to bring more colour, fibre, and plant compounds to your plate. Boiled eggs and soldiers also make a simple light meal.

4. Oatcakes: 

Oatcakes are a handy staple to keep in the cupboard - simple, nourishing, and an excellent canvas for different toppings. They work well with savoury choices like hummus, cheese, pâté, or cottage cheese, and they’re just as good with something sweeter, such as nut butter topped with banana or strawberries.

They also make a great partner to a bowl of soup, or you can use them as a quick base for mini pizzas - spread with tomato purée or pesto, add your favourite toppings, and warm in the oven until the cheese melts.

5. Canned Chickpeas:

Chickpeas are a great way to add extra protein, fibre, and helpful plant compounds to your meals. Because they come ready-cooked in a tin, they’re an easy addition to soups, stews, and casseroles - just drain and stir them in.

They also make a quick dip: blend chickpeas with tahini, lemon juice, and olive oil for a simple hummus to enjoy with vegetables, oatcakes, or pitta. And if you fancy something crunchy, you can roast them in the oven with a pinch of spices like cumin or paprika.

6. Baked Beans: 

Baked beans are a store-cupboard classic - rich in fibre and a useful source of protein. They’re quick to heat and can make a meal in minutes.

Try them on wholegrain toast or a jacket potato for an easy option. You could also use them as a topping for sweet potatoes or wrap them in a wholegrain tortilla. For an extra nutrition boost, stir in a handful of vegetables such as tinned sweetcorn, baby spinach, or whatever you have to hand.

7. Tinned Fruit in Natural Juice: 

Tinned fruit is another handy way to keep fruit ready to use at home, alongside fresh or frozen options. Choosing fruit packed in natural juice rather than syrup is the best way to get the benefits without added sugar.

It works well with yoghurt, jelly, rice pudding, porridge, or cereal. You can also blend it into a smoothie for a quick and easy way to add fibre, vitamins, and natural plant compounds to your day.

8. Nut Butter: 

Nut butters are a convenient way to add protein, healthy fats, and plant compounds all in one go. A spoonful can make a simple snack more sustaining, and most types (peanut, almond, cashew) will keep well in the cupboard.

They work well spread on oatcakes, toast, or even roasted sweet potato slices, and you can take them in a sweeter or savoury direction depending on what you fancy. Add fruit like banana, apple, or strawberries for extra fibre and antioxidants, or try pairing nut butter with vegetables such as celery sticks or carrot batons for a quick, balanced snack.

9. Wholegrains and Pulses in Pouches: 

Ready-to-use pouches of grains and pulses can be a real time-saver. You’ll now find a wide variety - from plain rice, quinoa, or lentils to mixes that include beans, barley, or wild rice. They keep well in the cupboard and are ready in minutes, making them an easy way to add fibre, protein, and plant compounds to your meals.

You can heat them and serve alongside vegetables and a protein source, stir them into soups or stews, or enjoy them cold in a salad. They’re also great for building a simple Buddha bowl - just add whatever toppings you like. If you’re microwaving, I usually suggest tipping the pouch into a glass, Pyrex, or ceramic dish before heating.

10.  Pasta: 

Pasta is one of those staples that can make a meal feel easy and satisfying. Wholegrain, spelt, or legume-based options (like red lentil or chickpea pasta) bring extra fibre and protein, but any type of pasta can be a useful base to build on.

Mix it with a simple tomato or pesto sauce and some vegetables, or enjoy it cold as a pasta salad with chopped vegetables and herbs. Adding a protein source such as chicken, prawns, tofu, or edamame beans helps turn it into a balanced meal.

Nutrition Support During Cancer Treatment

Stocking your cupboard with a few simple essentials can take away some of the pressure around mealtimes and give you the building blocks for quick, nourishing meals. Even on days when energy or appetite is low, these staples can help you put something together that supports your body through treatment.

And if you’d like more personalised guidance, whether that’s adapting meals during treatment or finding a routine that feels manageable for recovery, I’d be glad to support you.

Email: info@thecancerdietitian.com

Telephone: 020 8064 2865

Appointments: book here

The content provided in this blog is for informational purposes only and should not be considered personalised nutrition, dietetic, or medical advice. Please consult your healthcare team for personalised advice and guidance regarding your specific medical condition or dietary needs.