I'm a food reporter and these are the 8 essential items I always have in my freezer

My staples range from ginger to corn tortillas.Rachel Askinasi/Insider

• Freezer staples can make preparing a meal possible when your pantry and fridge are looking bare.
• My tiny freezer is packed to the brim with leftovers, sauces, and confections, but there are only eight items that I consider to be must-haves.
• From frozen meats to veggies, this list ensures that I can easily create an entire meal using just what's in my freezer.
• Soups, spices, and even ravioli are items you can find in my freezer all year.

I rely a lot on what's in my freezer. I'm a single human with a budget that allows for two big meals out at a restaurant per month. And while I love to cook, I turn to what's in my pantry and freezer when I'm tired and need something quick, or when I'm not up for making a grocery run.

Having a well-stocked freezer is helpful for everyone. It means you're prepared for the time when you're tired, lazy, or you've spent too much on something like, let's say a pair of shoes, and you don't want to spend more on dinner.

While I believe everything on this list can be of use in your kitchen, it's filled with things I personally like. So, take stock of the things you love and start creating a personalized reserve pile in your freezer.