Having food storage isn’t a luxury, but rather a necessity. By keeping your pantry stocked and storing food for extended periods, you can potentially safeguard your life during instances such as natural disasters or emergencies.
Do not feel obligated to acquire everything in one go. Instead, manage your expenses and gradually purchase items according to your budget every week. Allocate the additional $5, $50, or $100 in your budget to acquire the necessary ingredients or tools for building your food storage.
Long term food storage containers:
If you want to ensure that your food remains fresh for a longer period, it is important to store it properly. Here are some excellent suggestions for storing food in the long term.
Bins with gamma lids
If you wish to rotate your food storage, it is crucial to have gamma lids. These lids not only provide an excellent seal, but also allow easy access to your bins whenever necessary for item rotation.
If you frequently rotate items, such as rice, beans, wheat berries, oats, or even flour, these bins are ideal for storing bulk amounts. To maintain freshness, consider using oxygen packets when storing wheat berries or oats.
Mylar Bags with oxygen packets
When considering long term food storage, one alternative is to store items in mylar bags together with oxygen packets. Sealing the bags with a regular clothes iron is also possible. However, it is important to note that certain types of mylar bags may require a sealer, so it’s important to consider this aspect when selecting the bags.
By creating a barrier between food and its surroundings, Mylar bags effectively ensure the long-term safety of stored food.
Supplies
Consider the necessary ingredients to prepare these recipes when considering long-term food storage. In case there is no access to electricity, contemplate alternative cooking methods. Furthermore, devise a plan for situations where cooking fuel is depleted.
In order to be prepared for any emergency situation, it is essential to have a contingency plan for the most extreme circumstances, ensuring that your long term food storage remains accessible.
Cooking Supplies & Utensils Needed:
Water, often overlooked, is crucial for emergency cooking as well. Additionally, consider the amount of water necessary for drinking, as well as cooking and cleaning purposes.
This post provides excellent guidance on incorporating water planning into long-term emergency preparedness strategies.
A solar oven proves to be practical, particularly in the absence of electricity, as it utilizes the sun’s energy to cook food without requiring any fuel or electricity.
Any sharp kitchen knife will suffice and can also be useful for tasks such as navigating ropes.
Any mixing spoons and spatulas, whether made of metal or plastic, will suffice!
For your emergency supply, a low-cost plastic cutting board will suffice.
Metal mixing bowls, regardless of their low cost, are ideal for blending biscuit ingredients or merging all your ingredients.
It would be unfortunate to have a stockpile of canned food without a means to open it. Ensure you keep a can opener handy to access all the canned goods in your food storage.
Cast iron skillets offer versatility as they can be utilized for cooking in a solar oven or over an open flame such as a fire pit.
Don’t risk having all that food without proper eating tools while camping. Invest in affordable camping utensils to fully enjoy the delightful dishes you prepare.
Food
Best food for long term food storage:
Ensure you adhere to the instructions for safely storing these exceptional long-lasting food options to achieve optimal results.
To preserve rice for a longer duration, it is advisable to opt for white rice rather than brown rice, as the latter tends to spoil faster. Store your rice in sealed containers along with oxygen packets for long term storage, enabling it to remain edible for up to 25 years.
To preserve dry beans for an extended period of time, keep them in airtight food storage containers together with oxygen packets. Dry beans have the ability to remain edible for as long as 25 years.
To preserve dry lentils for extended periods, it is advisable to store them in airtight food storage containers along with oxygen packets. This storage method ensures that the lentils remain usable for a maximum of 25 years.
Store honey in a cool, dry place, in an air tight container. Honey is capable of lasting indefinitely. In the event of honey crystallization, it remains safe for consumption. Unless there are ants or any other living being inside it, there is no need to discard honey.
To ensure the longevity of sugar, keep it stored in containers for long-term food storage. The sugar has the potential to remain usable for as long as 25 years.
It is recommended to keep vinegar in a cool dark place. While white vinegar can last indefinitely, other types of vinegar have a shelf life of 5-10 years.
Salt should be kept in food storage containers designed for long-term storage, as it has an indefinite shelf life.
Mylar bags are a great option for storing popcorn kernels, as they can remain fresh for a period of 10 years.
The shelf life of instant dry jello mix is 20 years.
For maximum longevity, it is advised to keep powdered milk stored in an airtight container with a lid. This can ensure its quality for a span of 5-10 years.
Refined Oil: Refined oils have a significantly longer shelf life compared to virgin or extra virgin oils. Ensure proper storage in a cool, dark area, away from direct sunlight, as certain oils can remain usable for up to 5 years.
Shorter term shelf life items to rotate:
It’s always important to follow the FIFO method when rotating food. FIFO is an acronym for first in first out. Prioritize using the items you purchased first (starting with those that have older expiration dates) before using more recent items.
Shelves that implement the FIFO method are available for finding excellent storage solutions for cans.
Make sure to rotate your supply of seasoning packets and only purchase the ones that you will actually utilize as most packets have a shelf life of 1-2 years.
I suggest purchasing canned vegetables that you plan to use in order to ensure rotation of your supply and avoid wastage, as most of them can be stored for up to two years.
Canned meat typically remains edible for a period ranging from 2 to 5 years. Ensure freshness by employing the FIFO method to rotate your stock.
The Complete Survival Food Storage List for 1 Year
Below is the comprehensive list for long term food storage that you can use to assemble your one-year provision.
- Waffle/Pancake Mixes
- Stovetop Meals and Stuffing
- Macaroni and Cheese
- Potatoes Au Gratin
- Canned Spaghetti, Ravioli and similar products (think Chef Boyardee)
- Bulk Pastas and Noodles – spaghetti, macaroni, fettuccine, linguini
- Couscous
- Bulk Instant Potatoes
- Cereals: In particular, think about stuff like shredded wheat (some decent nutritional value)
- Oatmeal
- Instant Rice Mixes
- Canned Beans – You can get these much cheaper in dry bulk, but they will require a lengthy cooking process. We recommend having at least a small supply of canned beans that are ready to open and eat right awayBlack Beans
- Refried Beans
- Pinto Beans
- Garbanzo Beans (also called chickpeas)
- Baked Beans
- White Beans
- Kidney Beans
- Butter Beans
- Peanut Butter and Other Nut Butters.
- Almond Butter
- Cashew Butter
- Sunbutter (from sunflower seeds)
- Dehydrated Peanut Butter (even longer shelf life)
- Protein Bars
- Protein Powder and Shake Mixes
- Canned Beef
- Canned Turkey
- Canned Chicken
- Tuna
- Salmon
- Spam
- Vienna Sausages
- Hot Dogs and Cured Sausages
- Dehydrated eggs
- Boxed Tofu
- Canned Soups
- Dried Soup Mixes
- Make your own Rice and Bean Survival Soups (or “Garbage Soup”)
- Ramen Noodles
- Canned Chili
- Stews
- Chowders
- Dried Fruits and Fruit Leathers
- Apricots
- Raisins
- Cranberries
- Banana Chips
- Mixed Fruit
- Canned Fruits
- Peaches
- Pears
- Applesauce
- Pineapple
- Mixed Fruit
- Jams, Jellies, and PreservesStrawberry
- Blackberry
- Raspberry
- Blueberry
- Orange Marmalade
- Apricot
- Peach
- Cherry
- V8 and similar vegetable juices
- Canned Tomatoes
- Canned Pumpkin
- Carrots
- Green Beans
- Corn
- Beets
- Peas
- Asparagus
- Mixed Vegetables
- Potatoes
- Salad Dressings
- BBQ Sauce
- Ketchup
- Mustard
- Mayonnaise
- Relish
- Soy Sauce
- Tabasco
- Olive Oil
- Coconut Oil
- Lard
- Organic Shortening
- Syrup
- Evaporated Milk or Sweetened Condensed Milk (key difference is that, like the name says, condensed milk is usually sweetened).
- Powdered Milk
- Powdered Whey
- Shelf Stable Butter
- Ghee
- Shelf Stable Cheeses
- Freeze Dried Cheese
- Canned Cheese
- Parmesan
- Granola Bars
- Popcorn
- Beef Jerky
- Pemmican
- Crackers
- Cookies
- Trail mix
- Hard Cheeses Encased in Wax (can keep up to 25 years!)
- Pickles (if you’re able to find varieties in a can, less potential for glass breaking)
- Hard Candy
- Nuts: because of the amount of fat in nuts, they are not shelf stable for extremely long periods of time
- Almonds
- Walnuts
- Peanuts
- Pecans
- Hazelnuts
- Mixed Nuts
- Sunflower Seeds
- Chocolate or Chocolate Chips – If you have the other bases covered, stash away a little something to help the morale (usually only last about a year).
- Salsa
- Sports Drinks and Powdered Drink Mixes
- Coffee
- Teas
- Hot Chocolate
- Ovaltine
- Dry Beans
- Black Beans
- Black Eyed Peas
- Garbanzo Beans
- Kidney Beans
- Lima Beans
- Pinto Beans
- Hard Grains – These grains have a hard protective shell, enabling them to be stored upwards of 25 years.
- Buckwheat
- Dry Corn
- Kamut
- Hard Red Wheat
- Millet
- Spelt
- Flax
- Soft Grains – Like the name would suggest, these grains have a softer shell, and if stored properly, can have a shelf life of 8 years or more.
- Quinoa
- Rolled Oats
- Soft White Wheat
- Rye Berries
- Oat Groats
- Barley
- Legumes
- Split peas
- Red Lentils
- Rice – one important thing to note is that even though brown rice is more nutritious, the shelf last is far less than white, Basmati, or Jasmine rice, making them better for long term storage.
- Freeze dried fruit: Great source of fiber and anti-oxidants. Pick up the bulk fruit bucket, or choose individual fruits, such as:
- Apples
- Strawberries
- Raspberries
- Bananas
- Blueberries
- Blackberries
- Mangos
- Pineapples
- Freeze dried vegetables
- Freeze dried meat
- Flour (preferably Whole Wheat Flour). Storing some actual wheat is also a great idea if you have a grinder (see bulk staples above).
- Cornmeal
- Grits
- Sugar
- Molasses
- Iodized Salt
- Spices and Seasonings
- Pepper
- Garlic
- Chili Powders
- Rosemary
- Oregano
- Mustard
- Ginger
- Cumin
- Dill
- Saffron
- Vanilla Extract
- Apple Cider Vinegar
- Leavening – Remember, this is what brings life to all of your dry storage for baking.
- Baking Powder
- Baking Soda
- Yeast (live culture, difficult to store)
- Bread Mixes
- Coconut Milk or Coconut Milk Powder
- Bullion Cubes
- Vegetable, Beef, or Chicken Stock
- Bread Crumbs
- Cornstarch or Potato Flour – thickening agent, also great for breading fish, vegetables, and other baked and fried items.
- Honey: Local is better if you can find it, but honey makes a great sugar substitute, and has several anti-bacterial and immunity properties.
- Cocoa Powder
Criteria for Choosing Your Emergency Food Supplies
Survival Food Should Be Easy To Prepare
Consider the level of complexity involved. How extensive is the cooking process? How much fuel will be required? How much water will you need for preparation? In case a modern kitchen is unavailable, can you utilize alternative methods such as a wood burning cookstove, solar oven, or campfire to cook and prepare your meals? This is why canned foods are exceptional options – simply open and consume!
It Needs To Have a Long Shelf Life
What is the purpose if your food doesn’t remain useful until you require it?
In order for food to be considered “survival food,” it should have a prolonged shelf life of several years or even decades, in addition to requiring regular rotation.
It Should Be Affordable
The purpose of food storage is not to provide gourmet meals, nor should it be costly. Its main objective is to ensure the survival of you and your family during challenging periods when the risk of starvation is high.
Ensure that the cost is reasonable enough for you to gradually accumulate a sufficient amount without experiencing financial strain. Keep in mind that certain items in the aforementioned list hold greater importance compared to others, such as the section dedicated to “Snacks and Luxuries.” Remain conscious of this when replenishing your supplies.
Long Term Food Storage Should Be As Nutritionally Dense As Possible
Architects frequently discuss the concept of the building’s “function” versus its “form.” Similarly, in the realm of food, nutrition serves as the “function” while taste represents the “form.”
In most cases, finding a balance is common, but in a survival scenario, it is crucial to prioritize nutrition for the food you consume. The main objective is to gather nourishing foods that provide energy and keep you sustained.
Think About The Overall “Storability” of Your Food Storage
Even though it is not prioritized, it is still crucial to consider storability, which relates to the dimensions, weight, and form of specific food items.
Whenever you can, try to steer clear of glass jars (except when canning your own food), as they pose a risk of breaking and causing harm to your food. The shattered glass can be hazardous for both humans and pets. Additionally, glass bottles and jars are more prone to contamination in scenarios like hurricanes and floods compared to metal cans.
