Staples for uncertain times
With shoppers actively seeking pantry essentials — from canned goods to non-perishables — now is the time for retailers to stock up. ShelfLife reports
Print28 October 2025
Few could have imagined that governments around the world would one day urge citizens to stock up on essentials – yet during the COVID-19 pandemic, that became our reality. Retailers witnessed this shift firsthand. During and after lockdowns, demand for household paper, over the counter medication and long-shelf-life food staples surged as consumers prioritised convenience, reliability, and preparedness. This change in behaviour presents a unique opportunity for brands.
With rising global tensions and growing fears of war, consumers are becoming more focused on preparedness and self-sufficiency. In times like these, household staples with long shelf lives become more than convenience – they become essentials.
With shoppers actively seeking pantry essentials – from canned goods to non-perishables – now is the time for retailers to position these products as must-haves for busy households and forward planners. Brands that step up to meet this need can drive sales, increase in-store visibility, and build long-term trust with loyal consumers.
Biona sees soaring demand for organic essentials
Biona Organic range
Biona Organic Chopped Peeled Tomatoes 4x400g
Carmen Ferguson, brand manager at Windmill Organics: “At Biona, we are the number one organic food supplier to leading UK retailers, and one of the most innovative brands in grocery. We have a huge portfolio of over 450 products, many of which are considered pantry essentials. The most popular would be our organic canned beans and pulses, our coconut oils and coconut milk, our rye breads, our tomato range (whether it be passatas, purees or tins of chopped tomatoes), along with our organic olive oils. All Biona’s products are naturally grown on organic farms without the use of harmful chemicals and pesticides. They are better for you and the planet – uniquely positioned to address growing demand for health and sustainability.
“In these challenging financial times, traditional store cupboard essentials like canned foods have become even more appealing to consumers as they are cost efficient, have longer shelf lives and limit wastage. This is further evidenced by the fact that sales of our canned beans and pulses were up 45.7% in 2024 compared to the previous year. We attribute this not only to their accessible price point but also to the movement towards plant-based foods that has shifted from ultra processed meat alternatives to more natural options.
“Finally, it’s increasingly recognised by consumers in Ireland that canned food is not limiting and actually provides a variety of exciting flavour options, such as our Black Bean Chilli, our Baked Beans or our Green Curry Coconut Milk, which is the perfect ingredient for Thai curries. Biona’s organic canned range is not only convenient but is also naturally preserved using heat, with no added artificials preservatives and comes with great sustainable benefits too, as it’s one of the most frequently recycled packaging and is BPA free, which is something more and more consumers are looking for.”
Don Carlos launches new Triple Action Extra Virgin Olive Oil Spray
Don Carlos Extra Virgin Olive Oil Spray
Don Carlos has recently unveiled its brand-new Extra Virgin Olive Oil Triple Action Spray, which is about to become the ultimate multi-use kitchen essential.
The new bottle is designed to be multi-functional and versatile as it lets you spray, drizzle, or pour with ease, making it ideal for everything from drizzling on salads to spraying your airfryer meat or vegetables [RF1] or pouring on your pan for frying. Whether you’re hosting, or preparing quick everyday meals for lunch or dinner, this brand-new bottle suits every meal, no matter what you have on the menu.
The Extra Virgin Olive Oil uses the finest quality olives hailing from Andalucía in Spain, with every bottle filled with the best of the country’s finest harvest. For over thirty years, Don Carlos has partnered with the same family-run farm, making sure that each product in the range captures the authentic taste and spirit of Andalucía, where the olive oil is grown, pressed, and bottled, embodying centuries of expertise and passion.
The new spray bottle is the latest addition to the Don Carlos range, which includes a ‘delicious’ selection of premium quality Spanish olives, capers, wine vinegars and sea salts.
Don Carlos Extra Virgin Olive Oil Spray is propellant-free, made with 100% pure olive oil and contains no artificial colours, flavours, or additives. It is also suitable for the airfryer ensuring an even spray on all your favourite foods.
The Don Carlos Extra Virgin Olive Oil Triple Action Spray is available in retailers nationwide in 200ml bottles, RRP €4.95.
Bens Streetfood Noodle range: Ireland’s new pantry essential
Irish households are embracing a new era of convenience and global flavour with the launch of the Bens Streetfood Noodle Range. As pantry essentials become increasingly vital in busy homes, these noodles offer the perfect blend of taste, versatility, and long shelf life—making them a must-have for modern kitchens across Ireland.
The Bens Streetfood Noodle Range brings authentic streetfood-inspired flavours right to your pantry, allowing families and individuals to enjoy quick, satisfying meals without sacrificing quality. Whether it’s a speedy lunch, a comforting dinner, or a creative snack, these noodles are ready in minutes, catering to the fast-paced demands of today’s lifestyles.
With the ongoing shift toward reliable, easy-to-store staples, Bens Streetfood noodles stand out as a smart choice for those who value preparedness and culinary adventure. Its convenient packaging and extended shelf life ensure that delicious options are always on hand, supporting both everyday routines and spontaneous cravings.
By positioning the Bens Streetfood Noodle Range as a pantry essential, retailers and brands can meet the ‘evolving needs’ of Irish consumers, driving both sales and brand loyalty. Discover the new standard in pantry convenience—where global taste meets everyday practicality.
Fused by Fiona: The Asian pantry range customers are seeking
Fused by Fiona Uyema range
Transform everyday meals with Fused by Fiona, the premium range of sauces, spice mixes, and ingredients inspired by Fiona Uyema’s time living in Japan and travelling across Asia. Born from a passion for simple, healthy cooking, Fused products are crafted with high-quality, natural ingredients — free from artificial additives, preservatives, and zero refined sugars — delivering flavour and integrity in every bite.
From quick stir-fry sauces to essential spice mixes and marinades, Fused is the best choice for Asian cuisine, offering delicious, nourishing products that everyone can cook and enjoy effortlessly. Customers are now actively seeking Fused in stores, making it a range that’s sure to drive sales and increase basket spend.
Trusted by home cooks, Fused by Fiona combines convenience with quality. Its honest and creative approach continues to strengthen its reputation as a leader in the “better-for-you” pantry category.
Whether it’s a quick weeknight dinner or elevating everyday cooking, Fused by Fiona brings bold, balanced flavour to every dish — proving that great taste begins with great ingredients.
Your ’Favourit’’ meals fast
Back-to-school means alarm clocks ringing earlier, uniforms laid out, homework battles and that daily dilemma: “What’s for dinner?”
Northern Ireland’s oldest herbs and spices provider, Favourit, which celebrates its 110th anniversary this year, is on a mission to make mealtimes stress-free and full of flavour.
“With tighter schedules and busy routines — from parents on the school run to students starting university and teachers balancing lesson plans — cooking can quickly become overwhelming,” explained Laimis Minelga from Favourit. “We all start the week with the best intentions of a home cooked meal, but sometimes life gets in the way. Favourit can be your secret helper in the kitchen, transforming everyday ingredients into nourishing meals in minutes.”
From speedy breakfasts before the school run, to hearty dinners after a long day, Favourit’s herbs, spices, and air fryer seasonings add instant flavour and variety to any dish.
Olivia Gough, mum of two, former primary school teacher and content creator behind Liv Plus Two (https://www.instagram.com/livplustwo), knows just how hectic September can be.
Olivia said: “As a former teacher, I saw every September how families struggled to juggle school routines and mealtimes. Now, as a mum with a child going into P2 and another starting playgroup, I feel it myself. I also have ADHD, so I really need meals that are quick, simple, and tasty — or the overwhelm creeps in. That’s where Favourit is a game-changer. Their herbs and spices lift even the plainest ingredients so my kids clear their plates, and I can get dinner done without the stress. It’s a win for all of us.”
Trusted for more than a century by home cooks and professional chefs alike, Favourit’s range includes family favourites like Italian Herbs, Crushed Chillies, and air fryer essentials such as Salt & Chilli, Chip, and Chicken seasoning. Available across Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, the collection has been designed to help families eat well without the fuss.
Laimis, concluded: “Back-to-school doesn’t have to mean back to stress. With Favourit, you can keep mealtimes simple, delicious, and full of togetherness.”
Visit www.favouritfood.com for food inspiration and recipes, and follow them at www.instagram.com/favouritfoods/, www.facebook.com/favouritfoods/ and www.tiktok.com/@favouritfood.
Chef sauces remain an Irish classic
Chef has been an Irish favourite since 1921, proudly produced in Cabra, Dublin.
From zingy Tomato Ketchup for burgers, smooth Brown Sauce which makes char-grilled sausages taste great, tangy Barbecue Sauce with Chicken and Beef and Salad Cream which is the ‘perfect’ salad accompaniment at 60% less fat than standard mayonnaise (leaving more room for dessert). Not forgetting pickled onions, vinegar and the Irish salad must-have, Chef Beetroot.
Irish consumers ‘love’ Chef because of the distinctive taste, one which they have grown up with and which is easily recognisable. Taste is the key differentiator that Chef has versus the competition.
Boyne Valley launches new Hot Honey
Boyne Valley Honey, an Irish favourite honey brand for generations, is turning up the heat with its latest launch – Boyne Valley Hot Honey. Delivering a balance of sweet and spicy, this new product is perfect for drizzling, dipping and marinating.
Housed in a convenient squeezy bottle, Boyne Valley Hot Honey can be a new go-to condiment for adding a fiery kick to your favourite foods. Try it on pizza, chicken wings, and cheese boards, or stir it into marinades and even drizzle it over ice cream for a ‘delicious’ sweet-heat combo.
Whether you’re a spice lover or simply looking to elevate your everyday meals, Boyne Valley Hot Honey is the perfect finishing touch – ideal for BBQs, summer snacks, and experimental chefs alike.
Available now in major retailers nationwide, this is one fiery flavour not to miss.
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