Not only are quality ingredients important in baking, but the way they are stored greatly impacts their flavor and quality as well. Quality baked goods start with quality ingredients. Storing pantry items properly helps to eliminate food waste by extending the shelf life of your ingredients as well.
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Understanding how to slow oxidation & natural decay of ingredients is helpful to maintain the quality of your ingredients and cooked food products.
One way to do this is by storing your ingredients properly. This ensures your baked goods will be consistently delicious and safe to eat. When food stays fresher longer that saves you money too!
Recommended storage containers for ingredients:
Plastic zipper bags are versatile for storing most foods. However, the zipper can easily become filled with powders, flours, and sugar grit. That’s why I prefer to only use these for short-term storage of bigger items like dried fruits, nuts, opened packages, or as a freezer storage solution when a rigid container isn’t required.
When a rigid container is required for freezer storage, I prefer glass dishes with a sealing lid. Here’s an example of the containers I use (but not the same brand).
Flours should be stored in clear airtight containers to stay fresh and see when it’s running low. I use a mix of Oxo Brand with a pop top and Progressive brand due to their versatility and shape sizes. Progressive brand has specialty containers with a few more additional features I love like this baking soda size and brown sugar keeper with terra cotta stone.
When storing granulated and powdered sugars, they do not need to be in an airtight container unless you live in a humid climate or very dry climate. I use these glass jars for those sugars.
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You can find versions of glass jars with a gasketed top in all sizes if your humidity levels are high or low. Gasketed glass jars are often the most economical choice, but the gaskets will need to be replaced periodically. Here is a small gasketed jar that is perfect for keeping yeast or sourdough starters.
Proper Ingredient Storage Guide
I created a helpful 5-page guide with proper ingredient storage guidelines and what to look for when using or buying a particular baking ingredient. If you store your almond flour or any nut flours in your pantry, then this guide is definitely for you.
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