Let’s talk about items that don’t belong in your pantry!

There’s no one-size-fits-all way to organize a pantry—every household has unique dietary needs. Pantry sizes and layouts also vary widely. If yours isn’t as expansive as Kim Kardashian’s, you probably don’t have space to stockpile an entire grocery store—and that’s perfectly okay!

Whether you’re working with a few cabinet shelves or a walk-in pantry brimming with dry goods, some items simply don’t belong in this space. Perishable goods are better suited to the refrigerator, but even certain foods you’d assume are shelf-stable might surprise you. And then there are the debatable ones we still recommend keeping far from the pantry.

Decluttering your pantry is a great place to start organizing. It helps you take stock of what you already have, avoid overbuying, and even “shop your kitchen” before heading to the store. With that in mind, here are the items that don’t belong in your pantry: