A French kitchen is never truly complete without its beloved essentials. These are the products we reach for instinctively — the ones that make our cooking feel authentic, comforting, and effortlessly delicious.
Whether you’re an expat longing for the flavours of home or someone who simply loves cooking à la française, here’s your checklist of French pantry staples to always keep on hand.
1. Dijon Mustard
Sharp, smooth, and unmistakably French. Use it in dressings, sauces, marinades — or simply on the side of a roast.
Tip: Try it with sausages or in a homemade vinaigrette.
2. Cornichons
Tiny, tangy pickles that pack a punch. Ideal with pâté, raclette, or in sandwiches.
Find our authentic Maille and Amora jars on Mon Panier Latin.
3. Bouillon Cubes
The secret to flavourful soups, sauces, and stews. Keep a mix of beef, chicken and vegetable stock cubes on standby.
4. Crème Fraîche & UHT Cooking Cream
Rich, tangy, and versatile. A staple for creamy sauces, quiches, gratins or even desserts.
Long-life versions available — perfect for keeping in your cupboard.
5. Lentils (Lentilles Vertes du Puy)
Protein-rich and packed with fibre, French green lentils are a pantry powerhouse. Serve them with sausages or in a warm salad with vinaigrette.
6. Tinned Tomatoes & Vegetable Mixes
Ideal for quick ratatouille, tomato sauces or couscous. Try brands like Bonduelle for ready-to-use legumes.
7. French Pasta & Vermicelles
Light, thin pasta for soup or gratin, often used in traditional family dishes. A little detail that makes all the difference.
8. Baking Essentials
Think baking powder, vanilla sugar, Maïzena (cornstarch) — these are the small packets that keep French cakes and pastries just right.
9. Fruit Compotes & Purées
Perfect for snacks, desserts, or as a light breakfast. Try Pom’Potes for the kids or large jars for the whole family.
10. French-Style Juices & Syrups
From grenadine syrup to pure apple juice, French drinks have a flavour of their own. Great for goûter, brunch, or an apéro twist.
Bring France Back Into Your Kitchen
At Mon Panier Latin, we make it easy for you to restock your French pantry, no matter where you live in the UK.
Because staying connected to your roots — or simply cooking well — should never be complicated.
