Decanting

Decanting everything in your pantry and cupboards in order to create Pinterest-worthy perfection can be tempting (and it can also be a tedious task to undertake and maintain). Consider the following when deciding which products to decant in order to keep your pantry chore list simple:

• If a product comes in a large and bulky container, you may prefer to have a smaller container that is easier to grab and store. Decant the product as needed and store the large package in a designated backstock area.

• Decant staples that you always keep on hand. It’s probably worth your time and effort to decant your commonly-used baking ingredients, but not necessarily a new flavour of chips that you will either eat quickly or perhaps decide not to purchase again.

• Don’t let the container control you. It’s not necessary to decant a product simply because you have an extra container on hand and, likewise, it is not necessary to get rid of a container just because you don’t have anything to decant in that moment. Wash and put empty, unneeded containers in a cupboard for the next time you have something to decant.

• Sometimes the manufacturer’s packaging has a useful feature (like a shaker or a non-drip lid), or is especially pretty. Don’t feel obligated to decant something that’s already in a container you like just for the sake of making everything match.

Depending on the type you choose, decanting containers can be a big investment. Of course it is important to choose food-safe and air tight containers in order to keep your food safe and fresh, but also be sure to do some research and choose containers that you love and that will be easy to find and purchase again in the future. 

1. Decide and make a list of which products you want to decant.

2. Select appropriately-sized containers for the contents. Aim for each container to hold multiple servings in order to keep refilling to a minimum. For example, if the container you are considering for lasagne noodles holds the amount of noodles you require for only one lasagne recipe, it might not be worth the effort to decant after all.
   Try to choose a container that will hold the entire manufacturer’s package size (except when purchasing in bulk) so as to avoid the need for unnecessary backstock and refilling. 

3. Purchase new containers only after ensuring you know the quantity and size you require in order to avoid any surprises.
   Prepare for a large batch of decanting by pairing your containers with their future contents, particularly if you have containers of different sizes. This will help you finalize your size choice before you begin filling and ensure you have enough containers for the products.

4. Remove all labels from each container. Like for any product you bring into your home, make it your own by removing the manufacturer’s labels where possible. This will also make it easier to wash and sanitize.

5. Thoroughly wash the containers and lids as you would any dishware items. It can be tempting to skip this step (yes, I see you!), but it’s best to wash away any residual manufacturing chemicals or (visible or invisible) left-overs from other people’s handling.

6. Pour away your troubles. Spice funnels and canning funnels can be of help during this step.

7. Note the expiry date of the product as indicated on the manufacturer’s packaging on the bottom of the container using a removable label or washable marker. If you like to keep nutritional information, or need directions from the package, these can be cut neatly, wiped clean, and taped lightly to the back of your container. 

When refilling containers, only top up with product from the same batch. Avoid at all costs topping fresh product on top of stale or expired contents. Wash empty containers thoroughly, whether you are refilling with a new batch of the same contents or switching to a new product entirely. 

With varying brands and styles of jars available at the store, bulk size containers and bags, and that one spice set you bought thinking it would solve all of your spice problems forever (…just me?), the spice cupboard can become jumbled despite our best intentions. Decanting spices into a uniform set of jars can make for a fantastic pantry transformation. 

You may like to have your oil in a drizzle container, honey in a special honey jar, or condiments in matching squeezable containers. Put some intention into choosing the size and type of container because decanting liquids can become more of a chore than decanting dry goods! Invest in some good bottle brushes and clean these containers thoroughly and often. 

Focus first on labelling food products that are difficult to tell apart (such as spices or baking ingredients like flour, pancake mix, baking powder). It’s likely you could recognize a lasagne noodle or a Cheerio on sight, so a great idea is to use a broad category label like “pasta” or “cereal” instead, particularly if you are using washable labels, so that you could reuse the jar again for a similar item.

You may decide to label all containers as well as pantry bins and baskets so that your family and housemates know where to find certain foods, or you may decide you do not need labels at all.

Practical tip: Be sure to retain any original containers when decanting items like cleaners or vitamins so that you can refer back to any important information contained on the package.

Decanting is for much more than wine! From orange juice to laundry pods, there is an enchanting world of decanting out there (check Instagram or TikTok for all of the inspiration you could ever need). The trick for real life is to spend more time preparing nourishing meals for you and your family in the kitchen than you do tiring yourself out by transferring products from one container to another endlessly.

If you’re craving this look for your pantry but don’t have the time—or just know you can’t get there on your own—we are ready to put our decanting passion (okay, obsession!) to work for you in a way that makes your pantry not only more beautiful but, more importantly, more practical!