Best Pantry Items and Spices to Stock in an Airbnb

When we first launched our Airbnb, our plan was to stock only cooking spray, salt, and pepper.

But, within the first month, we received a message. “Hey, you’re low on olive oil.”

We didn’t keep olive oil there, and, here we were, receiving a complaint about an item we didn’t even plan to have. Someone else had left it, and now we were on the hook. With more guests, there were more spices that found their way into our pantry.

And we realized that guests do appreciate not having to bring their entire kitchen, especially when they’re staying at an Airbnb where they plan on cooking.

So where do you start? Do you need an entire spice rack? My vote is no, but here’s what I’ve found is the best way to stock pantry items and spices in an Airbnb.

The Best Pantry Items to Stock in an Airbnb

Olive oil, cooking spray, and a vinegar are helpful for guests who make a trip to the grocery store, get all of their meat and produce, then arrive back to the Airbnb only to realize they forgot the basics. We’ve all been there.

Additionally, I usually have flour and baking soda on hand in the pantry, as well as honey.

And, of course, coffee, sugar, and tea are a must. I always keep both sugar and agave nectar as options, as well as multiple types of tea, including caffeinated Earl Gray and herbal varieties, including mint.

You can stock snacks, however, I prefer to gift my guests a local food items. It’s better than a Quaker granola bar and gives you more control over how much they take. Every one of those snacks adds up!

The Best Spices to Stock in an Airbnb

Admittedly, once we went beyond salt and pepper, things got a little out of control when it came to spices in the Airbnb. We’re still not at a full spice rack, but we do have a variety of spices to cook everything from pizza to pasta to chicken to steak to seafood.

Spices We Have in Our Airbnb

• Salt and Pepper

• Garlic Powder

• Onion Powder

• Cinnamon

• Chili Powder

• Cayenne Powder

• Cajun Seasoning

• Basil

• Oregano

• Steak Seasoning

• Old Bay

• Cumin

As they’ve been left, we’ve left them. And, as we’ve cooked more at the house, I’ve stopped putting them away in our owner’s closet. I like to think these are appreciated by guests, saves them a trip to the grocery store, and maybe even inspires them to get a little more creative in the kitchen.

Plus, most of these food items and spices we stock at the Airbnb are non-perishable. As long as we stay on top of what’s there and make sure a guest doesn’t open the pantry to find an empty jar of cinnamon, they’re only a value add.