18 Creative Canned Food Storage Ideas to Maximize Your Cabinet Space

Organized pantry

onurdongel / Getty Images

Are you tired of wasting time rummaging through jam-packed shelves? Take inspiration from these creative canned food storage solutions, maximize space, and create a neat and uniform pantry. These 18 clever canned food storage ideas will show you how to keep cans visible, easily accessible, and neatly stored away while utilizing every nook and cranny of your kitchen or pantry.

  • 01 of 18

    Incorporate Expandable Wood Risers

    Cans on risers in a pantry

    @nycneat_louisa / Instagram

    Expandable wood risers maximize shelf depth, and their tiered design makes it easy to see and reach every can. The adjustable length increases storage space and makes the risers versatile enough to use inside a small kitchen cabinet or on a larger pantry shelf. The wood finish adds a nice textural element and a little farmhouse charm to your food storage area.

  • 02 of 18

    See Everything With Wire Baskets

    Cans in labeled wire baskets

    @nycneat_louisa / Instagram

    Wire baskets are a great storage option for canned food, as they are sturdy, durable, and their open construction allows you to see what's inside. Divide cans by category—such as pie filling, soup, and sauces—then add labels to the baskets so you can quickly find what you're looking for.

  • 03 of 18

    Simplify Things With Tiered Drawers

    Organized pantry with cans in pull-out drawers

    @afreshspace / Instagram

    Are you planning on installing a custom shelving system in your pantry? Consider incorporating drawers with tiered shelves for canned foods. The cans sit diagonally for easy access and visibility, so you don't need to rummage through the drawer to find what you need.

  • 04 of 18

    Put in a Pull-Out Cabinet Organizer

    Pull-out cabinet with can storage

    Design by Emily Henderson / Photo by Kaitlin Green

    A pull-out cabinet organizer is an excellent use of kitchen space and a custom detail well worth the investment. This smart storage solution utilizes the depth of cabinets and keeps canned foods out of sight for visual purposes yet easily accessible when needed.

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  • 05 of 18

    Rotate a Lazy Susan

    Cans on a lazy Susan on a pantry shelf

    @nycneat_louisa / Instagram

    A lazy Susan is a must-have organizational tool for your pantry. It rotates 360 degrees so you can easily reach items, and its round shape maximizes storage space. Lazy Susans are available in single and two-tiered designs and come in plastic, clear acrylic, and wood versions.

  • 06 of 18

    Organize Open Shelving

    Cans on open shelves

    @afreshspace / Instagram

    Store frequently used canned food on open shelves for convenience. Stack cans one on top of the other, in a row to maximize shelf depth, or use organizational tools such as risers, baskets, or can dispensers.

  • 07 of 18

    Choose Clear Storage Bins

    Cans in clear plastic containers on a pantry shelf

    @nycneat_louisa / Instagram

    Confine cans in clear storage bins and label them for quick identification. Sort cans by type of food, meal, or frequency of use and add identical labels for a neat and uniform look. You can see what's inside each bin, and since they're plastic, they can easily be cleaned with warm soapy water as needed.

  • 08 of 18

    Optimize Space With an Over-the-Door Rack

    Over-the-door pantry organizer holding staples

    Casa Watkins Living

    Add extra storage to a small pantry with an over-the-door rack. The tiered metal hanger attaches to the top of the door and consists of multiple sturdy shelves perfect for holding staples such as canned foods.

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  • 09 of 18

    Keep It Simple With a Pantry Shelf

    Cans on a pantry shelf

    @nycneat_louisa / Instagram

    Organize cans directly on pantry shelves and turn their labels to face forward. This way, you always know what you have on hand and what you need to restock. Consider keeping the items with the closest expiration dates up front to remind yourself to use those first.

  • 10 of 18

    Stay Neutral With Wicker Baskets

    Pantry organized with wicker and wire baskets

    @afreshspace / Instagram

    Wicker baskets are a practical storage solution for canned foods and other pantry staples. They are the perfect option if you prefer a neutral look instead of an array of colorful food packaging filling every shelf. This way, the contents of the baskets are hidden, but the open tops allow for easy access.

  • 11 of 18

    Add in Pantry Drawers

    Cans in pull-out drawers in a kitchen

    Tina Ramchandani

    If you're remodeling your kitchen, opt for drawers in addition to shelves in your pantry. They make it easier to reach every item, and unlike with a shelf, you don't need to move multiple cans to get to the back.

  • 12 of 18

    Install a Cabinet Door Organizer

    Cans and other staples stored on interior door shelf

    Design by Emily Henderson / Photo by Sara Tramp

    To maximize kitchen storage space, install a cabinet door organizer to hold canned foods. Despite being small, this custom detail makes a world of difference. They add storage space without using up extra square footage and keep pantry staples neatly tucked away.

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  • 13 of 18

    Look Professional With Plastic Risers

    Cans organized on pantry risers

    NEAT by meg

    Plastic risers are easy to clean, inexpensive, and utilize shelf height and depth to store as many cans as possible. The staggered tiers keep cans in the back visible and give pantry shelves a professional, store-like appearance.

  • 14 of 18

    Consider a Can Dispenser

    Cans stored in a dispenser and on risers in a pantry

    @afreshspace / Instagram

    Store cans horizontally in a can dispenser that typically holds up to 36 cans and automatically moves them forward when you take one out. Refill it as you restock canned goods and keep it low to the ground to avoid any falling can-related accidents.

  • 15 of 18

    Label Plastic Bins

    Cans and other food organized in plastic bins in a pantry

    @afreshspace / Instagram

    Use labeled bins to store canned foods and other essentials. Labels are especialy helpful on opaque bins that don't reveal their contents, and they add a professional look. 

  • 16 of 18

    Hang a Floating Pantry Shelf

    Cans and other staples on pantry shelves

    @afreshspace / Instagram

    Hang floating pantry shelves so you can control the spacing between them. Due to their weight, lace any extra large cans on lower shelves, and sort them into groups such as baking, side dishes, and main meals.

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  • 17 of 18

    Keep Excess in Cabinet Drawers

    Organized pantry with bottom drawers and top open shelves

    Britt Design Studio

    Consider using cabinet drawers if you tend to purchase canned food in bulk. Keep a couple of each item on a shelf or riser and hide the overflow in drawers.

  • 18 of 18

    Add Charm With a Kitchen Hutch

    Cans stored inside kitchen hutch

    Studio Peake

    Add charm with a built-in hutch-style kitchen cabinet and fill it with regularly used pantry items, such as canned foods, tea, coffee, and jellies that you can easily grab and restock regularly.