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Food & Wine Guide to Affordable Pantry Organization on Amazon

  //food-wine.news-articles.net/content/2026/01/07 .. to-affordable-pantry-organization-on-amazon.html
  Published in Food and Wine on Wednesday, January 7th 2026 at 4:50 GMT by Food & Wine

Declutter & Delight: A Summary of Food & Wine’s Guide to Affordable Pantry Organization on Amazon

Food & Wine’s recent article, “The Best Pantry Organizers Under $25 on Amazon,” tackles a common kitchen woe – the chaotic, overflowing pantry. The piece isn’t a deep dive into elaborate, custom builds, but rather a practical guide to achieving order with readily available, affordable products from Amazon. It’s aimed at those looking for quick, impactful improvements without breaking the bank, recognizing that a well-organized pantry not only looks better, but also saves time, money (by reducing food waste), and stress.

The article highlights a range of organizers, categorized by function, emphasizing accessibility and maximizing space. It moves beyond simply listing items, offering a rationale for why each product is effective and suggests how to best utilize it. The core message is that organization isn’t about aesthetics alone, but about creating a system that suits individual needs and pantry layouts.

Key Categories and Recommended Products:

The guide breaks down pantry organization needs into several core areas.

• Bins & Baskets: These are foundational for containing loose items and creating visual order. The article particularly recommends the mDesign Plastic Food Storage Pantry Bins (around $14-25 depending on size) for their clear plastic construction, allowing for easy visibility of contents. They suggest grouping similar items – breakfast foods together, snacks in another, etc. - within the bins. Beyond mDesign, they point to the usefulness of woven baskets for a more visually appealing (though less transparent) option, particularly for things like potatoes, onions, or baking supplies. This ties into the broader concept of "zoning" the pantry – dedicating specific areas to specific categories.

• Can Organizers: A major pain point for many is the disorganized jumble of canned goods. The SimpleHouseware Kitchen Wrap and Can Organizer Rack (around $20) is highlighted as a space-saving solution. These tiered racks allow you to see at a glance what you have and prevent cans from getting lost at the back. The article notes that a key benefit is the 'first in, first out' system it encourages – using older cans before newer ones, combating expiry dates.

• Spice Racks & Organizers: Spice organization is notoriously difficult. The article features several options, including tiered shelf organizers (like the SimpleHouseware Tiered Spice Rack Organizer) and under-shelf spice racks. The under-shelf variety, which clips onto existing shelves, is praised for maximizing vertical space and being particularly useful in smaller pantries. They also point to magnetic spice tins, which can be adhered to the side of a refrigerator or metal backsplash, offering another alternative to traditional racks. (A linked article on Food & Wine, "The Best Spice Racks to Organize Your Seasonings," further expands on these options.)

• Lazy Susans: The Lazy Susan 360° Rotating Organizer (around $15-20) is presented as a game-changer, particularly for corner cabinets or deep shelves. It allows for easy access to items that would otherwise be hidden. The article suggests using it for condiments, oils, vinegars, or baking ingredients. This combats the tendency to accumulate duplicates of items simply because you forget what you already have.

• Shelf Dividers: These are a simple but effective way to keep stacks of plates, baking sheets, or cutting boards neatly separated. The Lynxidea Adjustable Cabinet Shelf Dividers (around $15) are recommended, as they’re adjustable to fit different shelf depths. This also reduces the risk of items toppling over.

• Food Storage Containers: While not strictly an "organizer" in the same way as a rack, the article stresses the importance of airtight food storage containers. Using clear, stackable containers (like those from Rubbermaid Brilliance) to decant dry goods like pasta, flour, and cereal not only keeps food fresher but also creates a uniform, visually appealing look. This contributes to the overall sense of order.

Beyond the Products: Tips for Success

The article doesn’t just list products; it offers valuable tips for effective pantry organization. These include:

• Declutter First: Before buying anything, it urges readers to purge expired items and donate unwanted food. This is crucial for creating space and a realistic picture of what needs organizing.
• Assess Your Space: Understanding your pantry’s layout and dimensions is essential for choosing the right organizers. They emphasize measuring shelves and considering vertical space.
• Group Like Items: The principle of “zoning” is repeatedly stressed – keep similar items together for easy access.
• Utilize Vertical Space: Tiered shelves, under-shelf racks, and stackable containers are all highlighted as ways to maximize space.
• Label Everything: Clear labeling is key for maintaining order and ensuring everyone in the household knows where things go.

Overall, the Food & Wine article provides a practical and accessible guide to pantry organization, demonstrating that a functional and aesthetically pleasing pantry is achievable for anyone on a budget. The focus on affordability, combined with clear explanations of how to best utilize each product, makes it a valuable resource for those looking to tackle this common kitchen challenge. It's a reminder that organization isn't about perfection, but about creating a system that works for you and simplifies your life.