Recent world events may have been a wake-up call for you. Every household must have at least some food storage. Natural disasters like floods, hurricanes and blizzards are often sudden and unexpected.
Stocking up on nonperishable foods will make it easier to weather any storm (global panic, political unrest) and stress-free. It is up to you to decide what type of food and how much space you have.
Start small
In the long-term, you want to be able to provide enough food for your family for six month. You can start by setting smaller goals such as enough food for one week. Next, you can move on to two weeks and then a month.
This incremental plan won’t break your budget or cause panic buying which can easily lead buyers to remorse and burnout.
Long shelf life
Below is a list containing long life food that won’t spoil quickly. These foods are great to have on hand in case you need them.
1. Beef jerky
Shelf life: 1 – 2 years
The dried meat pieces known as “jerky” can be used to make delicious snacks in your non-perishable food storage. It is lean and dry, but it can also be salted. This combination will help prolong its shelf life if it is kept in an open package.
2. Canned vegetables
Shelf life: 1- to 2 years after the “best before” date
Most canned food is good for between two and five years, depending on when it was packed. A can of beans will last longer than a can tomato sauce, which is a high acid food. Canned food can provide essential nutrients which makes them a great choice for hurricane relief or natural disaster recovery.
Cans of fruit and vegetables will last at least one year, possibly even two years after the “best before” date. Swollen sides and tops of cans should be thrown away as they may contain bacteria.
3. Canned protein
Shelf life: 3-5 years after “best before” date
Canned proteins like salmon, tuna and chicken, turkey, Spam, chicken, corned cattle, turkey, Spam, and even cooked bacon have a very long shelf-life. If they are kept in a cool and dry place, and are not damaged during storage, you can expect them to last three to five years.
Canned meats contain essential protein. The USDA Meat and poultry hotline says that although they have a shorter shelf-life, vacuum-packed pouches can last for at least six months. If you don’t have a can opener, vacuum sealed pouches may be useful.
Pro Tip
Purchase non-perishable products when they’re on sale. Keep one or two items in your stockpile and your immediate needs. You’ll quickly build a formidable stockpile if you make this a routine.
4. Chili and canned soups
Shelf life: 1 – 2 years after the “best before” date
This can also allows soups and chili to be taken straight from the can, while still providing nutrients. Keep a variety of these items in your pantry and search for low-sodium varieties.
5. White rice
Shelf life is indefinite
Nutritionists don’t like white rice. Instead, they prefer brown rice because it is richer in vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and dietary fibre. However, brown rice is also more oily than white rice so it has a shorter shelf-life of only a few months.
White rice has an indestructible shelf-life and is nearly indestructible. It is almost indestructible and has an indefinite shelf life.
Rice should be stored in sealed containers to avoid both of these problems. You can discard rice if there are any bugs.
6. Dried pasta
Shelf life: 1 – 2 years after the “best before” date
Fresh pasta, which is made with eggs, must be refrigerated since it is perishable. Dry pasta made from semolina wheat flour, water and other ingredients has a super long shelf-life as long the packaging is unopened and no moisture seeps in.
7. Dry Beans
Shelf life is indefinite
Legumes and dry beans make a great source for protein and are ideal for long-term storage. Dry beans and legumes can remain fresh for many years if they are not exposed to moisture.
Pro Tip
They become even dryer as dried beans and legumes age in their storage. You will need to soak them for longer periods of time to achieve the tenderness they were capable of retaining. They should not be considered spoiled or unnutritious and should not be thrown out. No! It is just as nutritious as older beans. However, it takes longer to cook and soak.
8. Apples
Shelf life up to 6 Months
Apples can be kept fresh and crisp up to six months if stored in a dark, cool place such as a root cellar or cool basement. Apples will remain fresh and crisp for two to three weeks if kept at room temperatures. They can also last up to a month if kept in a fruit box.
9. Flour
Shelf life: 3 to 6-months in sealed condition; up to 5 year in a freezer
The shelf life of flour, or how long the flour lasts before spoiling, is affected by many factors. Flours can be kept fresh at room temperature for 3-8 months, often well after their expiration date. The exact shelf life will depend on the flour type, its ingredients, and how it is stored.
All-purpose flour can be trusted to last three to six month in its sealed bag. If stored in the refrigerator, it will keep for up to one and a half years.
10. Sugar
Shelf life is indefinite
Sugar is one product that lasts forever. Sugar can harden which can be a problem for cooks. You can expect sugar to last for about two years.
11. Bottled water
Shelf life is indefinite
The goal is to have at least three days supply. This means that you need at least one gallon per day. Normally active people should drink at most half a gallon per day. The rest of the half gallon is used for washing dishes and adding to food. Start small. Buy a few bottles whenever you visit the store. Use your own sterilized containers, which you can fill directly from the tap. Keep them tightly covered.
12. Sports drinks
As printed on the container
Gatorade and Powerade contain electrolytes, carbohydrates and other nutrients that can help you rehydrate or replenish fluid when it is not available. These drinks are subject to expiration dates so make sure you rotate your stock.
13. Powdered milk
Shelf life: 1 – 1.5 years
Most dairy products need refrigeration. Powdered milk and canned evaporated are great stockpile items. These substitutes provide a great source of vitamin D and calcium when fresh milk is not available. The flavor and texture of these substitutes may change over time, especially after 18 months.
14. Seasonings
Shelf life for most is indeterminate
Cooking can be done if you have access a charcoal or propane stove. A basic supply salt, pepper and seasonings will enhance the flavor of your food. It is easy to forget about items when building up a stockpile.
Salt is never bad. Pepper should only be used for 5 years.
Other spices can vary, but most have a shelf life that is at least ten years when unopened.
Bouillon cubes can be stored for up to 2 years.
15. Freeze-dried coffee
Shelf life: 25 to 25 Years
The best way to avoid bacterial contamination is to freeze-dried coffee. Freeze-dried coffee will retain its flavor for as long as 25 years if it is sealed properly.
16. Ghee
Shelf life: up to indefinite in freezer
Ghee, also known as clarified butter, is a milk solids-free product. Ghee does not contain lactose and has a remarkable shelf life. Ghee will last for many months if it is kept unrefrigerated in cool and dark areas. Ghee is best kept in the freezer.
Ghee is an excellent substitute for regular butter. It can be spread on toast, popcorn, and everything in between.
17. Dark chocolate
Shelf life: 2-5 Years
The best option for stockpiling chocolate is to use it. Because dark chocolate contains a high amount of cacao and very little milk, it will last longer than milk chocolate which can be easily spoiled.
High temperatures are dangerous for all types of chocolate. However, the dark varieties will last for about two years at temperatures upto 75 F. They can also be stored between 60-65 F for up to five years.
18. Honey
Shelf life is indefinite
The “best by” date on honey containers you purchase at the supermarket is usually indicated. Honey can become a different color or crystallize over time, which is why manufacturers put this date on honey containers. Honey can be stored for decades, or even generations. Honey is an excellent option to add to your stockpile.
