Why My Pantry Has a Better ROI Than My 401(k)

Pantry ROI

Why My Pantry Has a Better ROI Than My 401(k)

Because lentils don’t crash with the market—and they actually feed you.

I never thought I’d say it, but powdered milk is outperforming my retirement fund. Flour has outpaced my mutual funds. And cocoa? Let’s just say that sweet, brown powder is behaving like it’s on Wall Street with a triple-shot espresso.

Meanwhile, my 401(k) is politely limping along like a worn-out racehorse in a thunderstorm, posting “growth” that’s slower than a teenager doing dishes. And while experts smile and tell us it’ll all bounce back, I’ve got a shelf full of beans that says otherwise.

Let’s talk about it—because these pantry staples are doing what the stock market apparently cannot: keep up with the cost of living.

Cocoa, Come Through

Cocoa prices nearly doubled between 2023 and early 2025. That’s right:
+97% in just over a year.
Gone from around $5.50/kg to over $10.75/kg.
Meanwhile, my 401(k)? It might’ve squeaked out 5–6%—before inflation laughed in its face.

And listen, I don’t drink coffee… but cocoa is my go-to comfort currency. And right now, it’s practically gold dust in a mug.

Bonus stat for the coffee crowd (or those storing it to barter):
Coffee prices jumped 33% in 2024 alone due to drought and crop issues in Brazil and Vietnam—two of the world’s biggest suppliers. So that little bag of beans? It’s starting to look like financial strategy and potential currency.

Eggs, Flour, and Milk—Oh My

We’re not talking lobster or filet mignon here—we’re talking basic, budget-stretching staples:

• Eggs: +68.5% (from $2.70 to $4.55/dozen, May 2024–2025)

• Flour: +40% over 3 years

• Powdered Milk: +31% in the last year alone

You know what hasn’t increased like that? My salary. Or my IRA. Or that “conservative growth fund” that’s been about as exciting as plain oatmeal.

Real-Life Receipts Don’t Lie

You’ve heard it too: people pulling out their Walmart shopping receipts from a year ago and practically choking on their powdered cheese when they see the difference.

One reader told me:

“I used to buy our family’s weekly groceries for $115. Last week, that same list cost me $228—and I even left off the granola bars.”

Grocery costs have doubled for many families—especially if you’re feeding more than just yourself, shopping gluten-free, or (God forbid) have teenagers.

Let’s be honest—your pantry’s ROI is survival. Your 401(k)’s ROI? Paper gains you can’t eat when the pantry’s empty.

The Car You Didn’t Buy

Yes, we’re hearing about inflation across the board—but not all of us are in the market for a new car. Still, if you were, you’d be shocked:

• New vehicle prices are up 21% since 2020

• Used cars? Up 47% during the same stretch

But that’s a someday purchase. Meanwhile, eating is an everyday requirement. And that’s where food inflation stings the worst—because there’s no “skip a week” option for dinner.

Pantry vs. Portfolio: Who’s Really Winning?

The Shelf That Pays You Back

The Financial Security in Preparedness

Here’s the kicker:
A pantry full of shelf-stable ingredients isn’t just insurance against chaos—it’s literally an inflation-proof investment.

When I bought my dry goods last year, I locked in those prices. Now, while the rest of the world is paying 30–90% more, I’m reaching for dinner like: “Oh sweet lentils, we’re gonna be just fine.”

And when the grocery store shelves go bare (again), or your paycheck is delayed (again), or inflation laughs in your face (again)… your pantry is your portfolio. Your dinner is your dividend.

Want to Maximize That Return?

Let me show you how to cook what you store and turn those ingredients into confidence on a plate. My cookbook, The Magnificent Pantry, is stuffed with recipes built from shelf-stable foods—and a pinch of humor.

You’ll learn how to:

• Turn powdered milk into creamy sauces

• Make shelf-stable meals that don’t taste like cardboard

• Stretch your budget without sacrificing taste

• Turn pantry staples into weeknight wins and emergency comfort food

One Last Thought…

Wall Street doesn’t care if your kids are hungry.
Your pantry does.
So maybe it’s time to give your shelf more credit than your financial advisor.

Because in this economy?
Preparedness isn’t paranoia. It’s just good investing… in food you can eat.