Apples 
Apples 
Baking Soda & Powder 
Baking soda (indefinitely) 
Basic Spices 
Bread 
Butter 
Cabbage 
Canned baked beans and canned spaghetti Legumes: lentils and peas (4-5 years) 
Canned Fruit 
Canned Meat 
Canned Soups and Stews 
Canned vegetables 
Cereal 
Cheese 
Citrus fruits 
Coffee 
Crackers 
Cream Cheese 
Dehydrated carrots 
Dehydrated fruit slices 
Dried beans 
Dried corn (10+years) 
Eggs 
Flour 
Garlic 
Granola & Granola Bars
Honey (too long 100 years+) 
Instant coffee, 
Instant cocoa powder, 
Instant tea (10+ years) 


Juice 
Macaroni & Cheese 
Milk 
MREs (Meals Ready To Eat) 
Oats and Oatmeal 
Onions 
Oranges 
OvaEasy Powdered whole eggs (hard to believe it exists – these last for up to 7 years) 
Pasta products 
Pasta sauces 
Pemmican 
Pomegranates 
Powdered milk (20+ years. Should use a moisture absorber in their storage packs) . 
Rice 
Rolled oats 
Salt/Sugar (indefinite) 
Stock/bouillon (10+years) 
Tea 
Twinkies 
White rice
20 Foods With Amazingly Long Shelf Lives for Storage Having those long-term foods for a rainy day makes a great prepper stockpile.
When it comes to prepping, there isn’t anything much more important than having a good supply of the basics that keep us alive. Those prepper basics are of course food, water, security, and shelter. But the biggest struggle for many is actually finding the foods that last a long time. In this post, we take a look at the 20 best prepping foods for long-term storage and how to extend the shelf life of your foods.

Since I started writing The Prepping Guide, one of the most popular questions I have received is what foods last the longest? It was also one of the primary challenges I had when I started prepping. And it’s not only preppers that ask about the foods with the longest shelf life, it’s homesteaders, emergency workers, military, and many other communities. So I decided to make a list of the longest lasting foods.

For water storage, whether you are storing your own water or buying bottled water, it’s pretty straightforward. And for security and shelter, there are many different ways to set up your home security and use your own shelter or a bug out location. But for food, it’s important to know the range of choices we have and the foods that have the longest shelf life so that we don’t have to rotate our stock so much. This lets us have those foods sitting in the cupboard and know that should we need them, they will still be good to eat in 5 or 10 years.

Choices in food matter. For myself, I wouldn’t want to be living off beans for a whole year if I knew there were other options I could easily purchase at my local supermarket that would last for more than five or 10 years, and I know you are the same. While these foods might seem plain and simple, they are great to add with your canned foods that you might have canned yourself, or your emergency food.

So let’s take a look at what can we eat that has the longest shelf life and the foods that last a long time.

The 20 best foods that last the longest


1. Dried beans
Just like with rice, if you properly package dried beans they can last for up to 30 years. To get the longest shelf life out of dried beans they have to be stored in air-tight containers with moisture prevention to prevent the spoilage that happens in kept foods.

OPinto Beans ne of the best bulk options we tried were Augason Farms Pinto Beans, which are contained in a 6-gallon watertight pail that included 432 servings.

Sure, I mentioned above that dried beans every day might get a bit boring, but if you add these in with rice and a few different spices you can make a lot of interesting mixtures to have some contrast to your food stockpiles and the types of recipes you could create out of your doomsday stockpile.

For storing dried beans, it is recommended you stick with airtight sealable food storage containers and mylar bags which stop oxygen absorption for long-term foods. The bags help considerably to extend the shelf-life of almost all foods that you are looking to store. There are also a number of other ways that you might want to look at to extend the shelf-life of your foods as well.

2. Rolled oats
Oats are amazing and a very filling food source that can be easily used in all sorts of Rolled Oats for Preppingmeals and snacks. Sure, they are not as easy to cook as most other food types but can last upwards of 30 years if kept in the same manner as beans. And, did we mention how cheap they are.

There are endless possibilities to how you prepare them including boiling oats, toasting oats, grinding them into flour, baking them into your favorite muffin, even sprouting them or making them into oat milk.

The health benefits of rolled oats, like the one’s we tested from Honeyville, are rich in antioxidants, contain a powerful soluble fiber called Beta-Glucan, and can lower cholesterol levels and protect LDL cholesterol from damage.

3. Pasta products
Pasta is a great shelf food as it is another carbohydrate item to mix with anything else to make a cold or hot pasta depending on what you are after. For most commercially-packaged freeze dried pasta they sit around the 8-30 year shelf lifespan.

Take a look at the packs in the supermarket as some Italian pasta varies quite widely in their expiry dates.

4. Dehydrated fruit slices
Dried fruits, or dehydrated fruits, are fruits that have been dried out such as raisins, Gourmeia Food Dehydratorapricots, apple and of course dates, but the possibilities don’t stop there. You can really dehydrate any fruit and many vegetables.

Most dehydrated fruits in bulk are costly and I have found the ones I have done myself with the Gourmeia Food Dehydrator are more delicious and affordable. But slicing and drying fruits and veggies can be time intensive so do what’s best for you.

Most dehydrated fruits will keep well up to five years, but dates and raisins may keep a bit longer if stored in the same preserved way as beans but in a cooler temperature.

5. Cheese
There are various ways to store cheese, such as cheese in wax, canned cheese from Bega, Kraft, and freeze-dried cheese, and can last for an incredibly long time for a dairy product.

6. White rice
Rice is one of the must-have foods for stockpiles just because it is cheap, easy to get and easy to store for a great long shelf life.

Rice can easily last for up to 30 years but again, should be stored in food-grade containers and food storage bags.

7. Dehydrated carrots
Dehydrated carrots last for up to 25 years.

8. Dried corn (10+years)
Canned corn and dried corn is cheap, tasty and has an easy 10-year shelf life.

9. Legumes: lentils and peas (4-5 years)
If you are stocking lentils, which most preppers already do, consider getting whole lentils and not split ones, as the whole lentils last much longer. These are also a great source of fiber and are very easy to cook on their own or to add to other dishes.

The shelf life for these is generally 4-5 years but if you add them into mylar oxygen absorber bags they can last up to 20 years.

10. Canned baked beans and canned spaghetti
I grew up on canned beans as a kid and absolutely love them. I keep small tins of these in my bug out bag and take them outdoors as they are super tasty and easy to eat hot or cold.


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11. OvaEasy Powdered whole eggs (hard to believe it exists – these last for up to 7 years)
I would never usually eat these, and perhaps if you had a good source of chickens these would not be necessary, but as an additive, canned powdered eggs are a perfect shelf item as they can last up to seven years.

12. Pemmican
Pemmican is a survival treat invented by the Native Americans which was made from lean meat of local wild animals. The meat is dried over a fire, mixed with fat and flavoring berries and pressed into biscuit-sized snacks.

Bear Valley makes a range of pemmican products for outdoors regulars who are looking for a source of protein with a good taste and long shelf life.

13. MREs (Meals Ready To Eat)
Initially made for soldiers to have high-energy sources of foods that last a long time, MREs are essentially the basics of long-lasting foods that are made to be compact but carry 24 or 72-hours worth of nutrients.

These are great to throw in the bug out bag or any 72-hour survival kit as they always come with a lot of different meals in one pack which can be mixed or eaten on their own.

MREs are also great to use in short-term scenarios such as in disasters where you need to rely on an emergency food source for a short amount of time. This is why most 72-hour survival kits will have an MRE or freeze-dried meal to go.

14. Twinkies
Even though they are sugar and fat-packed, if you’re after a little bit of sweetness to add to the prepper’s pantry, Twinkies are the one dessert that have been proven to outlast a nuclear fallout.

In 2012, a science teacher finished an experiment to see how long they would last. He ate a pack of Twinkies that were 30 years old and aside from the bread tasting a little stale, they were completely fine.

Longest-lasting condiments to add as prepper foods

15. Salt/Sugar (indefinite)
While you can use honey as a type of sugar, which also lasts indefinitely, sugar and salts are great to add to foods and are basic ingredients in many recipes.

16. Baking soda (indefinitely)
Baking soda and baking powder last indefinitely, but again you need to think about if you actually want to be cooking breads or doughy items when the world is at an end. Some people avoid stocking too many items that require a lot of cooking.

17. Honey (too long 100 years+)
Honey, as mentioned above, is a great natural sugar and lasts forever.

18. Stock/bouillon (10+years)
This not only works for soups, but also potato or rice to add an extra flavoring to a dish.

19. Instant coffee, cocoa powder, tea (10+ years)
Depending on your water reserves, you might not want to be drinking too much coffee if you need to be relying on your prepper’s stockpile of food.

20. Powdered milk (20+ years. Should use a moisture absorber in their storage packs)
Powdered milk and even powdered protein supplements are a must-have for the pantry as the powdered milk can be cooked with or used in drinks and the protein powder provides a lot of nutrients you might usually not get.

Freeze-dried foods ready to go in an emergency

Every prepper’s pantry should also have emergency food supplies that can be grabbed in a bug out situation, such as if your place was to be overrun with people desperate for supplies, or you need to leave because of a disaster or other threat.


For a more in-depth coverage on the best freeze-dried foods and emergency foods to add to your stockpile, I wrote a post on the seven best freeze-dried and emergency foods that might help you find suitable options for your bug out bag, stockpile, or to keep around the house for when you are headed outdoors.

How to store food to make it last longer


When storing any prepper foods, there are certain tips to extend the shelf life of your foods. Following some simple common-sense practices can mean the difference between your foods lasting months or even years longer than they usually would. For any prepper that stores their own food, this should be part of their repertoire.

Over at our post on how to extend the the shelf life of foods, we have 20 tips that you might want to follow.

One great way to ensure that your food is sealed and that it won’t develop mould over time is to use mylar storage bags and oxygen absorbers. The mylar bags are great as they are crucial to long-term food storage by limiting the factors that affect foods such as heat, light, moisture, oxygen, and of course those pesky mice and rats (if you have them around).

You will no doubt find that most preppers will use mylar bags in their food storage containers, which just reinforces the protection of your food. Using oxygen absorbers (the amount depends on the amount of food you have in the bag) will stop oxygen, dampness and any eventual bacteria and mould from growing in your food. This is the number one spoiler for long-term storage foods and the one thing we hate the most as preppers when it comes to food storage. I recommend picking up these discount mylar bags as they also come with oxygen absorbers.

Once you have loaded your food in the bag and you have thrown in your oxygen absorbers, you can either heat seal it closed, or if you have bought mylar bags with a ziplock seal, you can use that instead.

How to start your own emergency food supply

When you first come into the world of prepping, there is a lot run through and it is easy to get lost. Thankfully, it’s not all that hard to start prepping and it shouldn’t be either, it’s actually quite a fun activity once you really start getting into it. We have a guide on how you can start prepping which helps you build an adequate food supply for yourself and your loved ones.

If you know of any other foods that have a long shelf-life, please share it with me and the rest of the prepping community in the comments section below. https://thepreppingguide.com/foods-with-longest-shelf-life/ 25 Budget Foods to Stockpile Putting your stockpile together can easily drain your grocery budget if you’re not careful. Luckily, some of the best foods for stockpiling are extremely cheap to buy. No matter what your reason for stocking up, whether it be emergency preparation, a good sale or just to have extras on hand, these 25 budget foods to stockpile are all fantastic to add to your shopping lists.

The biggest thing to remember about food storage is that you may have to include items you wouldn’t normally eat. The idea behind having a stockpile at all is that it is there when you need it. This means that you may want to consider adding a few items that you wouldn’t otherwise use to your pantry just in case of an event like job loss or a weather emergency. Things like jarred sauces and canned vegetables will be there when you need them versus fresh foods that will spoil without preparation. To make sure that you’ve got what you need to properly store your food stockpile, be sure that you pick up a few food grade buckets and lids. You can generally find them at home improvement stores pretty cheap. Make absolutely certain that your buckets are food grade. Otherwise you could be leaching nasty things into your food and not even know it.

1.Rice. It’s super cheap and very shelf stable. This means you can stock up without too many worries about it going bad or spending a bunch of extra cash. To be sure that no critters get into your storage, keep it in buckets or a canister for longer term storage.

2. Flour. White flour may not be the best for your health, but if you’re relying on your food storage to feed your family, that shouldn’t be your main concern. Buy it in bulk sized bags to save the most then break down into smaller ones if you need to. Freeze each bag to kill off anything that may have gotten in during shipment and store bagged either in your freezer or in large food grade buckets with a lid. 3. Sugar. Sugar is another fantastic budget item with one caveat. The price seems to fluctuate a lot on it so it isn’t good to stock up on all year round. The best time is around a major holiday where people do a lot of baking. Just like with flour, buy in bulk and store bagged in buckets with lids.

4. Pasta. Pasta is and will most likely always be cheap. Stock up on your favorite kinds for less than a dollar a pound. Pasta will keep just about forever if it’s stored correctly too. Remove it from its packaging and store it in air tight containers for long lasting storage.

5. Pasta sauces. Just like with pasta, jarred sauces are great to have on hand and are usually fairly cheap to buy. Grab a few jars of your favorite brand. Store them in the pantry like you normally would.

6. Canned vegetables. At a cost of under a dollar most places, picking up a few extra cans is very affordable. If you’re worried about salt content, give them a good rinse before you use them.

7. Canned Fruit. Along the same lines as canned veggies, canned fruit is another budget food to stockpile.

8. Basic Spices. Basic spices like pepper, garlic and so on are affordable and they will last for quite a while if kept in air tight containers or the freezer.

9. Butter. Butter can be frozen and will last almost a year in the freezer. Stock up around the holidays when it’s cheaper and save it for when the cost jumps.

10. Cream Cheese. Another one that can be bought cheap and frozen, cream cheese is a great budget food to stockpile. The only catch is that once it’s frozen, it’s best for baking and cooking and not quite so tasty on a bagel.

11. Eggs. I know it sounds crazy, but eggs are a fantastic item to stockpile. Pick them up when they’re cheap and preserve them for later. Once they’re preserved, they are shelf stable for 6-9 months.

12. Bread. Bread is another item that is truly budget friendly and can be frozen for storage. I buy loaves when they are on sale and freeze them. Then just defrost as you need them.

13. Cereal. The next time your store has a sale on cereal, grab a bunch and store it. It will last 3-6 months (or more) in its original bag.

14. Baking Soda & Powder. There aren’t too many dishes that can be baked without at least one of these two ingredients. Buy them when you have a bit of extra grocery money and store in airtight containers. I keep multiple boxes of baking soda on hand because I use it in cleaning, too. 15. Popcorn. While not a necessity, popcorn makes a fantastic snack food for the kids. Typically it’s just around a dollar per pound and can be stored in its original packaging.

16. Granola & Granola Bars. Granola will last almost a year if stored right. Seal it in individual bags for loose granola and leave pre-packed bars in their original packaging.

17. Crackers. Saltines are another awesome budget food to stockpile, but any type of cracker works well. For long term storage (meaning more than 3 months), keep them in the freezer so that they maintain their freshness.

18. Oats and Oatmeal. A couple of times per year oats and oatmeal goes on sale. Stored in an airtight container, they will last for quite a while.

19. Canned Meat. Canned tuna and chicken are very affordable and can be used to make a very wide variety of meals since they are often interchangeable. Both will last 2-5 years on the shelf as long as their cans are not dented.

20. Canned Soups and Stews. They’re not the healthiest option, but canned soups and stews are filling and warm when you need it. Be sure to stock a few just in case. If you’re worried about sodium content, add a bit more water than is called for in the directions. It won’t cut the taste too much.

21. Macaroni & Cheese (aka Kraft Dinner). The blue box may not be the healthiest box, but it’s a quick fix when you need something in a pinch. The best part is that it can be fixed with powdered milk or no milk at all so it is a great food to stockpile for any sort of emergency.

22. Milk. If your grocery store has milk on sale, grab it and freeze it. Milk prices fluctuate pretty heavily so grabbing it while it’s cheap is just a smart move for your grocery budget. Just be sure to pour a bit off of the top before you freeze to allow for expansion.

23. Tea. Tea will last well over a year, especially if you buy tea bags. Store in an airtight container to help extend the shelf life.

24. Juice. Most juices, apple juice especially, are very affordable during back to school months. Buy them then and keep in your stockpile for use during the year. They will last on the shelf at least a year, but sometimes longer depending on the type of juice.

25. Coffee. Coffee, while not exactly cheap most places, stores extremely well and goes on sale often. Use those sales to your advantages and stock up when you can for less. Leave them in their original vacuum sealed package for shelf life. https://www.simplystacie.net/2015/07/25-budget-foods-to-stockpile/ How to Store Water for Drinking or Cooking
Storing water for an emergency is simple, especially when the water is not contaminated. Here are some guidelines for storing water. How much water should I store?
Standard emergency guidelines suggest that you store one gallon of water per day for each person in your household for a three-day to two-week period. Generally, a normally active person needs to drink at least two quarts (½ gallon) of water each day.

Keep in mind that you must consider your family members' needs and habits. You will have to decide the actual amount of water you store for an emergency. Your storage space and individual situation may be such that you should store less or more than the guidelines recommend. Remember, you might adjust your normal habits to get through the emergency period.

Water Storage Guidelines
1 gallon per person per day

3-day supply x 1 person = 3 gallons

14 days (2-week supply) x 1 person = 14 gallons

(number of days of water needed) x (number of persons in your home) = gallons to store

How can I store drinking water?
Select the option that best suits your family.

Method A
If your water comes from a public water supplier or is disinfected, you can store it in clean soda bottles or milk jugs with screw-on tops. Follow the directions below.

Thoroughly wash plastic soda bottles or milk jugs with warm, soapy water. Use containers with screw-on tops. Sanitize the container by putting one teaspoon of household liquid bleach (5.25 percent sodium hypochlorite) in one gallon of water. Pour this solution in the container and leave it there for two minutes. Pour the sanitizing solution from the container. Rinse the container with potable (suitable for drinking) water.
Fill bottles or jugs directly from the faucet. Cap tightly and label each container with the words "Drinking Water" and the date stored.
Store sealed containers in a dark, dry, and cool place.
If after six months you have not used the stored water, empty it from the containers and repeat steps 1 through 3 above.
Method B
If your current water source is contaminated or you do not wish to prepare your own water for storage, purchase bottled water from a store. Bottled water is available in local discount stores or grocery stores. Purchase gallon-size (or larger) containers of bottled water. Consult the Bottled Water publication to learn more about how to select a good quality bottled water. Follow step #3 and #4 above once you have purchased the bottled water.

For Contaminated Water Only:
Water from a contaminated source must be disinfected or purified before use. Two methods of purifying water are discussed below. If the contaminated water contains visible particles, let the particles settle to the bottom first, then strain the water through clean cloths or layers of paper towels before disinfecting. The water cannot be disinfected unless particles are removed by filtration first.

BOILING METHOD
Boiling is a good way to purify water. Bring the water to a rolling boil for 1 to 3 minutes. After the water has cooled, fill clean containers as outlined in Method A. (Boiled water will taste better if you put oxygen back in it before drinking. To restore the oxygen, pour the water back and forth between two clean containers several times.)

LIQUID BLEACH METHOD
Regular household liquid bleach contains a compound (5.25 percent sodium hypochlorite) that will disinfect water. Do not use bleaches that are scented, colorsafe, or have added cleaners.

Use regular liquid bleach containing 5.25 percent hypochlorite. Add 16 drops (about ¼ teaspoon) per gallon of water.

The treated water should be mixed thoroughly and allowed to stand for 30 minutes before use. The water should have a slight bleach odor. If it does not, repeat the dosage and let the water stand for an additional 15 minutes before use. Fill clean containers and store as described in Method A.

The guidelines listed in this publication are the simplest options available in most communities.

The following references were used to prepare this publication:

Food and Water in an Emergency (Federal Emergency Management Agency)
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency - FAQ
Clorox Disaster Preparedness and Purifying Water https://extension.psu.edu/how-to-store-water-for-drinking-or-cooking Fruits and vegetables that last the longest We probably don't need to be the ones to remind you that nothing lasts forever. Nowhere does this become more apparent in our everyday lives, as in the kitchen. You'd be hard-pressed to find anything beyond your cans that's going to last longer than just a short while, and food going bad can be frustrating. That doesn't necessarily have to be the case, though, and some things — even among perhaps the most perishable type of food (outside dairy) — can, with a little TLC, last much longer than you'd expect. Store them right and treat them well and these fruits and vegetables can last weeks, months or even more.



Read More: https://www.mashed.com/78656/fruits-vegetables-last-longest/?utm_campaign=clip Apples You might have noticed that apples don't tend to go bad too quickly. Even if you leave them out, fresh apples can last up to four weeks in the pantry. If you keep them in the fridge, however, they'll last a whole lot longer — refrigerated apples can last up to two months. Either way, if the skin appears wrinkled and the insides are soft, your apple has gone bad. Chuck it.

Read More: https://www.mashed.com/78656/fruits-vegetables-last-longest/?utm_campaign=clip Cabbage is one of the more helpful vegetables out there, in that it's not only versatile but also tends to have a significant shelf-life. There are a few golden rules to follow to ensure your cabbage is stored correctly: Don't wash it until you're ready to use it, handle it with care — bruising is going to seriously shorten the life of the cabbage — and try to keep it in a hydrator drawer if you can.

Read More: https://www.mashed.com/78656/fruits-vegetables-last-longest/?utm_campaign=clip Follow those rules and the cabbage can last anywhere up to two months. If you keep it (or any other root vegetables on this list) in a root cellar in optimum conditions, it's going to last much, much longer, although that might be a little too much effort if you're not a seasoned grower and gardener.

Read More: https://www.mashed.com/78656/fruits-vegetables-last-longest/?utm_campaign=clip Citrus fruits Your smaller citrus fruits, such as lemons and limes, tend to last a fair amount of time (usually a couple of weeks) on the counter. Once again, if you keep them in the fridge, that's bound to go up to a couple of months. Make sure to keep them in the fridge drawer, and don't keep them in plastic bags or containers, since they'll end up going moldy quicker that way.

Read More: https://www.mashed.com/78656/fruits-vegetables-last-longest/?utm_campaign=clip Just make sure to use them up once you've cut into them — in the fridge, they'll have spoiled in a few days, and unrefrigerated they're not likely to last to the end of the day. You'll be able to tell if a lemon or lime has gone bad if they're soft or discolored. Once you spot actual mold, the game's up.

Read More: https://www.mashed.com/78656/fruits-vegetables-last-longest/?utm_campaign=clip Helpfully, garlic is one of the longest-lasting vegetables out there. If you leave a bulb uncut, it'll probably last up to half a year before starting to go bad, and even the separated cloves will last a month or two. Once you chop it, you've probably got a week before it spoils. If you're looking to keep your garlic good, store it in a dark, dry space where it can get some air. Keeping it in a paper bag out in your kitchen should do just fine. If it's chopped, keep it in a container in the fridge.

Read More: https://www.mashed.com/78656/fruits-vegetables-last-longest/?utm_campaign=clip Once you can see brown spots appearing on the cloves, or if they're turning yellow, then your garlic is going bad. If new sprouts are appearing on the garlic bulb (they're green and will appear in the center of the bulb), however, you can still get some use out of them by planting and growing some of your own.

Read More: https://www.mashed.com/78656/fruits-vegetables-last-longest/?utm_campaign=clip Pomegranates The shelf-life of pomegranates depends entirely on whether you've got the whole fruit or just the seeds in your kitchen. The latter is only likely to last about a week — unless you freeze them, which can be done without spoiling them if you keep them in a container — while the former will keep for up to three weeks in the fridge. To keep pomegranate seeds edible outside the freezer, stick them in the fridge in an airtight container, though avoid plastic — they're more than capable of soaking up the chemicals that are found in most plastics.

Read More: https://www.mashed.com/78656/fruits-vegetables-last-longest/?utm_campaign=clip If your pomegranate is browning, or if it's soft or brittle to the touch, then it's gone bad. With the seeds, you'll be able to tell they've gone bad if they're beginning to turn brown. If they look like you shouldn't eat them, you probably shouldn't.

Read More: https://www.mashed.com/78656/fruits-vegetables-last-longest/?utm_campaign=clip Fruits and vegetables that last the longest


Shutterstock



BY CHRIS HEASMAN



We probably don't need to be the ones to remind you that nothing lasts forever. Nowhere does this become more apparent in our everyday lives, as in the kitchen. You'd be hard-pressed to find anything beyond your cans that's going to last longer than just a short while, and food going bad can be frustrating. That doesn't necessarily have to be the case, though, and some things — even among perhaps the most perishable type of food (outside dairy) — can, with a little TLC, last much longer than you'd expect. Store them right and treat them well and these fruits and vegetables can last weeks, months or even more.


Apples
Shutterstock
You might have noticed that apples don't tend to go bad too quickly. Even if you leave them out, fresh apples can last up to four weeks in the pantry. If you keep them in the fridge, however, they'll last a whole lot longer — refrigerated apples can last up to two months. Either way, if the skin appears wrinkled and the insides are soft, your apple has gone bad. Chuck it.


Cabbage
Shutterstock
Cabbage is one of the more helpful vegetables out there, in that it's not only versatile but also tends to have a significant shelf-life. There are a few golden rules to follow to ensure your cabbage is stored correctly: Don't wash it until you're ready to use it, handle it with care — bruising is going to seriously shorten the life of the cabbage — and try to keep it in a hydrator drawer if you can.


Follow those rules and the cabbage can last anywhere up to two months. If you keep it (or any other root vegetables on this list) in a root cellar in optimum conditions, it's going to last much, much longer, although that might be a little too much effort if you're not a seasoned grower and gardener.

Citrus fruits
Shutterstock
Your smaller citrus fruits, such as lemons and limes, tend to last a fair amount of time (usually a couple of weeks) on the counter. Once again, if you keep them in the fridge, that's bound to go up to a couple of months. Make sure to keep them in the fridge drawer, and don't keep them in plastic bags or containers, since they'll end up going moldy quicker that way.


Just make sure to use them up once you've cut into them — in the fridge, they'll have spoiled in a few days, and unrefrigerated they're not likely to last to the end of the day. You'll be able to tell if a lemon or lime has gone bad if they're soft or discolored. Once you spot actual mold, the game's up.

Garlic
Shutterstock
Helpfully, garlic is one of the longest-lasting vegetables out there. If you leave a bulb uncut, it'll probably last up to half a year before starting to go bad, and even the separated cloves will last a month or two. Once you chop it, you've probably got a week before it spoils. If you're looking to keep your garlic good, store it in a dark, dry space where it can get some air. Keeping it in a paper bag out in your kitchen should do just fine. If it's chopped, keep it in a container in the fridge.


Once you can see brown spots appearing on the cloves, or if they're turning yellow, then your garlic is going bad. If new sprouts are appearing on the garlic bulb (they're green and will appear in the center of the bulb), however, you can still get some use out of them by planting and growing some of your own.

Pomegranates
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The shelf-life of pomegranates depends entirely on whether you've got the whole fruit or just the seeds in your kitchen. The latter is only likely to last about a week — unless you freeze them, which can be done without spoiling them if you keep them in a container — while the former will keep for up to three weeks in the fridge. To keep pomegranate seeds edible outside the freezer, stick them in the fridge in an airtight container, though avoid plastic — they're more than capable of soaking up the chemicals that are found in most plastics.


If your pomegranate is browning, or if it's soft or brittle to the touch, then it's gone bad. With the seeds, you'll be able to tell they've gone bad if they're beginning to turn brown. If they look like you shouldn't eat them, you probably shouldn't.

Onions

Read More: https://www.mashed.com/78656/fruits-vegetables-last-longest/?utm_campaign=clip Like many root vegetables, onions have a fairly hefty shelf-life. On the counter, they'll last over a month, and up to six weeks in the right conditions: in a dark, dry place with good air circulation. Once again, in a paper or mesh bag out on the counter will keep them good. If you keep them in the fridge, however, they should have another couple of weeks added on to their lives, and they'll last for up to eight months in the freezer.

Read More: https://www.mashed.com/78656/fruits-vegetables-last-longest/?utm_campaign=clip Once they're removed from their skins, they'll spoil much more quickly, so keep the peeled ones in a container in the fridge. In that case, they'll probably last a week or so. Bad onions tend to be brown, or black if they've been left out for a particularly long time. Once they go soft, too, they're done.

Read More: https://www.mashed.com/78656/fruits-vegetables-last-longest/?utm_campaign=clip Fruits and vegetables that last the longest
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BY CHRIS HEASMAN
We probably don't need to be the ones to remind you that nothing lasts forever. Nowhere does this become more apparent in our everyday lives, as in the kitchen. You'd be hard-pressed to find anything beyond your cans that's going to last longer than just a short while, and food going bad can be frustrating. That doesn't necessarily have to be the case, though, and some things — even among perhaps the most perishable type of food (outside dairy) — can, with a little TLC, last much longer than you'd expect. Store them right and treat them well and these fruits and vegetables can last weeks, months or even more.


Apples
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You might have noticed that apples don't tend to go bad too quickly. Even if you leave them out, fresh apples can last up to four weeks in the pantry. If you keep them in the fridge, however, they'll last a whole lot longer — refrigerated apples can last up to two months. Either way, if the skin appears wrinkled and the insides are soft, your apple has gone bad. Chuck it.


Cabbage
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Cabbage is one of the more helpful vegetables out there, in that it's not only versatile but also tends to have a significant shelf-life. There are a few golden rules to follow to ensure your cabbage is stored correctly: Don't wash it until you're ready to use it, handle it with care — bruising is going to seriously shorten the life of the cabbage — and try to keep it in a hydrator drawer if you can.


Follow those rules and the cabbage can last anywhere up to two months. If you keep it (or any other root vegetables on this list) in a root cellar in optimum conditions, it's going to last much, much longer, although that might be a little too much effort if you're not a seasoned grower and gardener.

Citrus fruits
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Your smaller citrus fruits, such as lemons and limes, tend to last a fair amount of time (usually a couple of weeks) on the counter. Once again, if you keep them in the fridge, that's bound to go up to a couple of months. Make sure to keep them in the fridge drawer, and don't keep them in plastic bags or containers, since they'll end up going moldy quicker that way.


Just make sure to use them up once you've cut into them — in the fridge, they'll have spoiled in a few days, and unrefrigerated they're not likely to last to the end of the day. You'll be able to tell if a lemon or lime has gone bad if they're soft or discolored. Once you spot actual mold, the game's up.

Garlic
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Helpfully, garlic is one of the longest-lasting vegetables out there. If you leave a bulb uncut, it'll probably last up to half a year before starting to go bad, and even the separated cloves will last a month or two. Once you chop it, you've probably got a week before it spoils. If you're looking to keep your garlic good, store it in a dark, dry space where it can get some air. Keeping it in a paper bag out in your kitchen should do just fine. If it's chopped, keep it in a container in the fridge.


Once you can see brown spots appearing on the cloves, or if they're turning yellow, then your garlic is going bad. If new sprouts are appearing on the garlic bulb (they're green and will appear in the center of the bulb), however, you can still get some use out of them by planting and growing some of your own.

Pomegranates
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The shelf-life of pomegranates depends entirely on whether you've got the whole fruit or just the seeds in your kitchen. The latter is only likely to last about a week — unless you freeze them, which can be done without spoiling them if you keep them in a container — while the former will keep for up to three weeks in the fridge. To keep pomegranate seeds edible outside the freezer, stick them in the fridge in an airtight container, though avoid plastic — they're more than capable of soaking up the chemicals that are found in most plastics.


If your pomegranate is browning, or if it's soft or brittle to the touch, then it's gone bad. With the seeds, you'll be able to tell they've gone bad if they're beginning to turn brown. If they look like you shouldn't eat them, you probably shouldn't.

Onions
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Like many root vegetables, onions have a fairly hefty shelf-life. On the counter, they'll last over a month, and up to six weeks in the right conditions: in a dark, dry place with good air circulation. Once again, in a paper or mesh bag out on the counter will keep them good. If you keep them in the fridge, however, they should have another couple of weeks added on to their lives, and they'll last for up to eight months in the freezer.


Once they're removed from their skins, they'll spoil much more quickly, so keep the peeled ones in a container in the fridge. In that case, they'll probably last a week or so. Bad onions tend to be brown, or black if they've been left out for a particularly long time. Once they go soft, too, they're done.

Oranges

Read More: https://www.mashed.com/78656/fruits-vegetables-last-longest/?utm_campaign=clip Oranges Oranges tend to last around the same amount of time as their smaller cousins, such as lemons or limes. Fresh oranges will keep for two or three weeks out in the kitchen. Keep them in the fridge, however — preferably in the fruit drawer — and they'll stay good for up to two months.

Read More: https://www.mashed.com/78656/fruits-vegetables-last-longest/?utm_campaign=clip If you've cut into it, the orange will only last a day or so without spoiling, or a couple of days at most in the fridge. Keep an eye out for moist spots, white mold and discoloration in your oranges, since that's how you'll know they need to be trashed. As with any other fruit or vegetable, simply use your best judgement and try not to eat anything you wouldn't give somebody else.

Read More: https://www.mashed.com/78656/fruits-vegetables-last-longest/?utm_campaign=clip Potatoes All we'll say is this — we're thankful for root vegetables. Like the others, potatoes have an admirable lifespan, though just how far they'll go depends slightly on what sort of potato you're looking at. Generally, though, you can expect potatoes to last anywhere from two to five weeks in the pantry, or anywhere up to four months in the fridge. If you're storing them in the pantry, make sure to keep them away from warmer temperatures. If they've been prepared, keep them in a container or they'll go bad fast.

Read More: https://www.mashed.com/78656/fruits-vegetables-last-longest/?utm_campaign=clip You can freeze certain types of potato, too, including french fries, cooked or baked potatoes and mashed potatoes. In that case, they'll probably last anywhere up to eight months. After that, you're on your own. We won't ask why you're keeping your potatoes for over half a year.

Read More: https://www.mashed.com/78656/fruits-vegetables-last-longest/?utm_campaign=clip Carrots The length of a carrot's life depends largely on what state it's in. Whole, fresh carrots tend to last around four or five weeks, while the baby versions won't make it any longer than four. Once a carrot is cooked, however, it's unlikely to last beyond the end of the week. It's possible to freeze carrots too, but make sure to blanch them before you do.

Read More: https://www.mashed.com/78656/fruits-vegetables-last-longest/?utm_campaign=clip As with most vegetables, be sure to store them in the fridge, un-peeled, in either a plastic bag or the veg drawer. If you're able to spot white dots on your carrots, don't fret — they're just drying out and should be alright to eat as long as you don't wait too long. Once they're soft and mushy (or worse) they're done. Get rid of them, ASAP.

Read More: https://www.mashed.com/78656/fruits-vegetables-last-longest/?utm_campaign=clip Squash Squash, being another root vegetable, naturally tends to have quite a formidable shelf-life. If it's fresh and whole, squash (be it winter, spaghetti or butternut) will last anywhere from a month up to three months, regardless of whether you refrigerate them or not, though doing so might cause your squash to change slightly in taste and texture, so it's probably best to keep it on the counter.

Read More: https://www.mashed.com/78656/fruits-vegetables-last-longest/?utm_campaign=clip If it's cooked, however, don't expect it to stay unspoiled for more than a few days. In the freezer, squash will keep for up to eight months. Try to store them in a cool, dark place and take note if it's starting to get soft or leaking — once that's happened (or if you notice mold) it's time to throw it out.

Read More: https://www.mashed.com/78656/fruits-vegetables-last-longest/?utm_campaign=clip https://www.mashed.com/157351/celebrity-chefs-who-dont-eat-what-they-cook/ 12 Tips for Stocking an Emergency Food Pantry Hurricanes, tornadoes, floods, major earthquakes, extreme blizzards, and other disasters could leave you trapped without electricity for several days. You and your family's safety comes first, but if you're able to stay in your house, you'll need supplies, including food and water.

The food you already in your refrigerator and freezer will keep cold for a day or two, but unless you have your own generator, you'll need some things that don't require electricity for storage or preparation. Plan ahead and keep an emergency food pantry stocked with healthy foods so you can feed your family until the disaster has passed.

Jerky and Dehydrated Meat Beef jerky or beef sticks are good sources of protein that don't need any special storage conditions as long as they're packaged correctly. Other types of meats are available as well, including ham and turkey jerky.

You can find dehydrated meats in grocery stores, convenience stores, and just about everywhere. They're an excellent source of protein and low in fat, but they're also high in sodium. You can find fancier (and maybe healthier) jerky, such as Krave Jerky in health food stores, specialty shops and online.


Canned Fruits and Vegetables Peaches, pears, berries, and applesauce are good sources of vitamin C, potassium, fiber, and other essential vitamins and minerals. You can stock up on canned fruits when they're on sale, or preserve fresh fruits at home.

Vegetables, such as beans, peas, and carrots provide plenty of vitamin A, potassium, fiber, and more. Canned legumes, such as black beans, navy beans, and white beans are also good to have on hand.


Canned Soups, Stews and Meals Canned soups and stews can be quite nutritious, and they're easy to store. Buy soups that are ready to heat as they are and don't require additional milk or water, especially if you don't have access to much clean water.

Canned pasta meals can be stored for a long time. Unfortunately, they're often high in fat and calories. But, you can find better brands (preferably made with whole grains) in the natural foods section of the grocery store or at a health food store, something like Annie's.


Dehydrated Fruits Dried fruits, such as raisins, craisins, and apricots are another good way to get the goodness of fruit into your emergency food pantry. They lose a lot of the vitamin C, but they retain all the other nutrients. And they last for a long time as long as you keep the containers sealed.

You can dehydrate almost any kind of fruit at home if you have a dehydrator. Or you can use the fruit to make fruit leather rollups.

Whole Grain Crackers Packaged whole-grain crackers, pretzels, and snack chips last longer than bread so they're good for an emergency food stash. Look for crackers that are packed in smaller amounts and don't open the packages until you need them. As long as the packaging stays intact, crackers should be good for at least six months.

Canned Fish and Meat Canned tuna and salmon are excellent sources of protein, vitamins, minerals, and omega-3 fatty acids. They're available in cans or foil pouches. Buy some single servings so you don't waste any fish. And stock up on sardines, which are also rich in essential omega-3s.

Fish can get a little boring and there are other options. Canned clams, oysters, and crab meat are all rich in protein and zinc and can be stored for a long time.

Other meats are available in cans, so you can take a break from all the fish. Canned ham, chicken, SPAM, and canned sandwich spreads can be eaten with crackers as a quick meal.

Nuts and Seeds Nuts and seeds should also be included in your emergency food pantry. Almonds, walnuts, cashews, and pecans have protein, fiber, and healthful fats. Nuts and seeds that are still in the shell last the longest. Packaged nuts and seeds are fine, just keep an eye on the expiration dates and keep the containers sealed.

Another option is to store some peanut butter or other nut butter in your emergency stash -- to serve with crackers or dried fruit.

Granola Bars and Cereal Granola bars and breakfast bars make tasty sweet treats, and they're more nutritious than typical candy bars. Prepackaged protein bars are similar, with some extra grams of protein. These bars are usually individually wrapped, which is nice, so they stay fresh after the box is opened.

Dry breakfast cereals are also good to have on hand because they're fortified with extra vitamins and minerals. They can be eaten dry, as a snack, or with milk (if you have shelf-stable milk on hand).

Shelf Stable Milk and Juice Shelf-stable milk has been packaged so it doesn't need to be refrigerated until it's opened. Canned or boxed milk may not have the flavor you're used to, so it may be better to choose plant milk, such as rice, almond or soy milk. Look for containers that are just single servings.

The same thing applies to juice. It's more economical to buy large bottles, and they do last for quite a while, but without refrigeration, you'll have a problem after you open the bottles. Choose small juice bottles, boxes, and pouches instead. Bottles of electrolyte drinks such as Gatorade or Powerade can be added to your emergency food pantry, as well.

Water You can live a few weeks without food, but only a few days without water. You want your water to be clean, safe and free from germs and parasites.

Safe Water Tips
Keep several clean bottles filled with water and sealed tightly, or stock up on bottled water from the grocery store.
If you are unsure if your water source is safe, the American Red Cross suggests treating the water with chlorine.
Consider purchasing a water purifier made for hikers and campers. Make sure you buy a water purifier, not just a water filter.
Multivitamins If your emergency situation only lasts a few days, vitamin and mineral deficiencies aren't going to be much of an issue. But if you're concerned about a longer lasting problem, then daily multivitamins can help supply any missing nutrients until the situation passes.

Can Openers and Kitchen Tools All this emergency food is preserved and sealed and some if it requires a can opener at the very least. You need to have a non-electric can opener or church key opener that stays in your emergency food pantry.

You'll need some containers, too. Keep bags, backpacks or other large containers nearby. In the event you have to get out of your house in a hurry, you don't want to have to hunt for a bag to carry your food.

And don't forget about a stash of utensils. Keep a few knives, forks, and spoons, as well as bowls, plates, and cups. And, if you have a way to heat your foods, you'll need some cookware. A camping stove or small portable grill with small propane tanks can be used in a safe outdoor area to heat foods. Don't forget the matches.

Food Safety When Electricity Goes Out Be ready in the case of weather-related or other emergencies. Here's what to do if your electricity goes out:

Leave the freezer door shut. Your food will remain safe for up to 48 hours. The more frozen food in your freezer, the longer it will stay frozen, or, at least, cold.
Keep your refrigerator door shut too. Food in the fridge will be safe for at least two hours if you don't open and close the doors. After that, it will have to be moved to a cooler with ice.
Store coolers where you can easily find them. Make sure you have two or three, so you have plenty of room for food and ice.
Stash bags of ice cubes in your freezer. If the electricity is out for more than three or four hours, transfer your refrigerated food into the coolers and pack them with lots of ice.
Keep different size plastic containers with tight-fitting lids on hand. You don't want to put your uncooked meats next to your cooked foods or raw produce in the coolers. Keep them separated from individual containers.
Perishable food shouldn't be kept above 40 degrees Fahrenheit for more than two hours. Otherwise, the food may begin to spoil, and bacterial growth will start. Throw out any perishable foods that have gone without refrigeration for too long so you don't risk any food-borne illness.

If weather-related power outages are common where you live, think about investing in a gas-powered generator so you can at least keep the refrigerator and freezer going, as well as other necessary electronic devices.

More Emergency Food Pantry Tips Buy single-serving sizes whenever possible, because you can't depend on refrigeration after the containers have been opened.
Keep your emergency foods stocked in a cool place.
Check the foods in your emergency food pantry periodically, so that you don't keep foods that have expired.
Rotate foods from your emergency stock to your regular pantry so your emergency foods don't go past their usable dates.
If you live in the northern latitudes, pack a separate emergency food container and keep it in your car during the winter. Choose nuts, crackers, dried beef, dried fruit and a container to melt snow for water.
Keep flashlights, fresh batteries, candles, matches, blankets, first aid kits and any other emergency supplies you may need. A Word From Verywell

Your physical safety is the first priority when disaster strikes, but when you're stuck in your home without electricity, having a well-stocked emergency food pantry will make post-disaster recovery easier for you and your family. https://www.verywellfit.com/why-keep-foods-for-an-emergency-2507684 1. Powdered Milk
Unless you have a milk cow, enjoying milk post-disaster may be a challenge. Thankfully, powdered milk can last 20 years or more, but only if it’s nonfat.

2. Dried Beans
A survival food staple, dried beans can last 30+ years if they are stored properly.

3. Instant Beans
If you prefer your beans not be dried, instant beans have a great shelf life as well, lasting 25+ years.

4. Salt
Making survival foods taste as good as the cuisine we are used to can be a challenge. Thankfully, salt has an indefinite shelf life, and it has many uses.

5. Honey
Honey has an indefinite shelf life, allowing you to enjoy Nature’s sweetener even if the apocalypse lasts a lifetime. It also has several other uses. 6. Freeze-Dried Fruit, Meats, & Vegetables
From fruits and vegetables to chicken and beef, you can make most foods last 25+ years if you keep them freeze dried.

7. Freeze-Dried Cheeses
You’ll get a little less mileage out of freeze-drying cheese, but freeze-dried cheese will still last 20+ years.

8. Oats
If you enjoy a nice bowl of oats for breakfast in the morning, we’ve got good news: rolled and whole oats are able last 30+ years in the right conditions. 9. Dehydrated Fruits and Vegetables
If you own a dehydrator (or can make a simple one yourself) you have the ability to make fruits and vegetables last 25+ years.

10. Pasta
Those who appreciate Italian food will be happy to hear that pasta can last 30+ years. What you find to season it with may be more of a challenge, but the pasta itself has a great shelf life.

11. Wheat
White flour only has a shelf life of 10 years. Wheat, however, has a shelf life of 20 years, allowing you to make your own flour long after your pre-processed flower has gone bad.

12. Cocoa Powder
Enjoying a cup of hot chocolate post-apocalypse will actually be a possibility thanks to the fact that cocoa powder will last 30+ years. Note that we’re talking about cocoa powder and not instant hot chocolate mix, which usually contains dairy. 13. Potato Flakes
You won’t be able to enjoy fresh potatoes long after a disaster unless you grow them yourself, but potato flakes will last 30+ years.

14. Sugar
You won’t ever have any problem sweetening your food and drinks as sugar has an indefinite shelf life.

15. White Rice
A large portion of the world gets by on a diet that is heavily dependent on white rice. After a disaster, the number of people sustaining themselves with white rice may increase even more since white rice has a shelf life of 30+ years. 16. Corn
Whether you eat it as-is, grind it into cornmeal, or store lots of popcorn kernels, corn is a great survival food and it has a shelf life of 30+ years.

17. Maple Syrup
Syrup lasts indefinitely thanks to its high sugar content. Sometimes mold can grow on top, but all you have to do is scrape it off and boil the syrup to kill it all.

18. Baking Soda
Baking soda is another key baking ingredient with an indefinite shelf life. And like salt and honey, it also has many alternative uses.

19. Bouillon Cubes
Bouillon cubes have an indefinite shelf life, allowing you to add chicken and beef flavoring to your food long after the SHTF.

20. Instant Coffee
Stay energized post-disaster by stocking up on instant coffee. Stored properly, instant coffee will last 30+ years.

Making Your Food Last
It’s worth reiterating that all of these foods will only last as long as stated if they are stored correctly. Even foods with an indefinite shelf life can go bad in days given the wrong conditions. But as long as you take the right precautions, these 20 foods will last 20 or more years, allowing you to ride out most any disaster scenario without going hungry. https://urbansurvivalsite.com/survival-foods-can-last-least-20-years/ How to Start a Long-Term Home Food Storage & Prepare for Emergencies Centuries ago, food pantries, or “larders” as they were called then, were an essential space in every household. Weekly trips to the market were impractical or impossible, and families relied on their pantries to get them through the lean winter months.

Today, most people live a short drive away from the grocery store, so organizing a home food pantry might seem unnecessary. However, there are a number of reasons why organizing a pantry for long-term food storage is a smart idea.

The Benefits of a Home Food Pantry
There are many benefits to building a food pantry for long-term food storage.

1. Emergency Preparedness
One of the biggest benefits of a home food pantry is that it enables you to prepare for short- and long-term emergencies. There are many scenarios that could make it difficult or impossible to go to the grocery store, and Ready.gov has an extensive list of possible emergency situations to illustrate the point; these include everything from a biological attack to a major snowstorm to a pandemic. You might find that your stress levels increase once you read the list – mine sure did.

It’s important to realize that food shortages can happen anywhere, at any time, even if your area is not experiencing an emergency. Most grocery stores only have enough food on hand to meet the needs of their community for three days, sometimes even less. If something happens to disrupt the food-supply chain, this means that your local market could run out of food very quickly.

2. Save Money
A home food pantry is also a great way to save money at the grocery store. A large pantry gives you the space you need to buy in bulk, take advantage of weekly sales, and can your own food from the garden. A well-stocked pantry also means you don’t have to run to the grocery store every few days, which saves money on gas. With fewer trips to the store, you’re also less likely to be tempted by impulse buys and other unplanned purchases. You’ll also save a considerable amount of time by shopping less.

3. Food Security
A home pantry provides you and your family with food security. This is especially important if you lose your job, lose a working spouse, become ill, have fluctuating income, or if you only work seasonally. Having plenty of food on hand means you don’t have to worry about feeding your family; this can alleviate a great deal of stress in uncertain times.

How to Organize a Home Food Pantry
Setting up a home food pantry doesn’t have to be a major project. It’s often best to start small and slowly build up your pantry over time.

1. Consider Your Goals
First, think carefully about why you want a home pantry. Your goals will directly affect how much space you need. For example, is your goal simply to have a three-day supply of food for everyone in your family, as Ready.gov recommends, or do you want enough food stored to get you through a longer emergency? Do you want your pantry to serve as a mini market so that you’re able to stock up on bulk or sale items, or do you want extra space for canned produce and farmers’ market goods?

These are just some common goals for a food pantry, and yours might be a combination of all of them. It’s important to think about what you want to use your food pantry for so that you set aside enough space to meet your needs.

2. Think About Location
The best place for long-term food storage is often against an outside wall in the basement because it’s coolest here. However, if your home doesn’t have a basement, any cool, dark corner or closet will work well. If you live in a small house or apartment, devoting an entire closet to long-term food storage might not be an option. Instead, look for other unused spaces you could store extra food in. Under the bed and at the top of your closet are good places to start.

3. Build or Purchase Shelving
If you need to, start shopping for sturdy wire or wood shelves to use in your pantry. Shelving often goes on sale in August during back to school events, and in January. If you have the skills and tools, you’ll save money by building your own shelving.

4. Start Shopping
It can be prohibitively expensive to shop for an extra two weeks’ supply of food all at once, which is why it’s often better to go slowly:

Pick up a few extra cans of food each time you go to the store.
Take advantage of double coupon days.
Stock up at discount grocery stores.
Buy extra of your favorite foods when they go on sale.
Save on produce by purchasing food that’s in season.
Visit you-pick farms to stock up on fresh vegetables. These foods will have to be preserved through pickling or canning, but you can save a lot of money doing it yourself.
What to Store in Your Pantry
When it comes to stocking your pantry, only buy and store foods that you already eat regularly. There’s a good reason for this: If you have to rely on your pantry during an emergency, you and your family will be experiencing higher levels of stress. If you’re forced to eat foods that you don’t like or don’t normally eat, it will make the situation that much more challenging to endure.

Another benefit of stocking up on familiar foods is that it makes rotating your inventory even easier. Regular rotation ensures that you don’t waste food by letting it expire or go bad. If you’re using your pantry to store sale items, it doesn’t make sense to buy a bunch of food you’ve never tried before. If you don’t like it or the quality is poor, then you’ve wasted your money. So, what should you store in your pantry? Here is a list of foods that work well in long-term storage:

Rice
Dried beans, lentils, or peas
Protein bars, granola bars, or fruit bars
Canned soups, fruit, and vegetables
Peanut butter and jelly
Coffee, tea, and hot chocolate
Powdered drink mixes
Nuts and dried fruits
Beef jerky
Pasta
Instant soup mixes
Flour
Baking essentials (such as baking soda, salt, and yeast)
Sugar
Pickled vegetables
Dried milk
Trail mix
Applesauce
Comfort food (like cookies, candy bars, and chocolate)
Evaporated or condensed milk
Oils (olive oil, vegetable oil, coconut oil)
Crackers
Oats
Pancake mix
Cereal (including hot cereals like Cream of Wheat)
Chicken, beef, and vegetable bouillon cubes
Liquid seasonings (including soy sauce, vinegar, and Sriracha)
Liquid sweeteners (including honey, maple syrup, chocolate syrup, or agave syrup)
Spices (such as salt, onion flakes, cinnamon, and ginger)
Packaged foods (including macaroni and cheese and instant potatoes)
Canned meats (including tuna, sardines, oysters, chicken, turkey, pork, sausage, or Spam)
Formula or baby food (for very young children)
Buying shelf-stable food sometimes means buying processed food, which can be low in essential vitamins and other nutrients. This is why it’s best to supplement shelf-stable foods with healthier canned food, or even fresh fruits and vegetables.

Water is another important consideration, and the amount of water you have on hand will need to align with the goals you’ve already set for your pantry. If you’re stocking up for an emergency, plan on having two gallons of water per person, per day, for at least three days. Two gallons will supply enough water for everyone to stay hydrated, as well as provide water to cook, flush toilets, and do a bit of washing.

FOODS THAT HAVE THE LONGEST SHELF LIFE:
1. SOFT GRAINS
Soft grains, such as barley, quinoa, rye and grits, can last up to 8 years if their package is sealed with oxygen absorbers. If possible, purchase these from a supplier who sells long-term food storage because their packaging and sealing process is designed to preserve whole wheat grains longer than the packages you often find at the store.

2. HARD GRAINS
Hard grains such as, buckwheat, hard red wheat, soft white wheat and millet, can last around 10 to 12 years when stored properly. For a maximum shelf life, the sealed package must have an oxygen absorber. Purchase these in bulk from a supplier who sells long-term food storage, if possible.

3. ROLLED OATS
Oatmeal containers from the store will last up to 24 months, according to the package, if stored at room temperature. So long that there is no moisture or oxygen present, they can last up to 30 years. It might help to store your oats with an oxygen absorber. You can tell if they went bad if they develop a rancid flavor or smell.

4. WHITE RICE
White rice can last up to 20 years if stored in ideal conditions. Brown rice is much healthier than white, but it does not last as long as white, wild, basmati or jasmine rice. Make sure it’s stored with an oxygen absorber and no moisture is present.

5. HARDTACK
Hardtack is otherwise known as the bread that lasts forever. This used to be a food staple for soldiers during the Civil War. Although most soldiers hated it during that time, it was something to keep them going during times when food was a mere commodity. You can’t purchase them at stores anymore but hardtack is easy to make. It only requires two (or three) ingredients: water, flour and if you want, salt. Want to make some at home? Try out this recipe!

6. FLOUR
Unground flour can last up to 25 years. After it’s ground, however, the shelf life decreases dramatically. It’s recommended to grind it as you need it. Always keep flour in a sealed bag with an oxygen absorber for a maximum shelf life.

7. DRY PASTA
Pasta can last up to 30 years when no moisture or oxygen is present. The pasta you find at the store can last up to 2 years past it’s “best by” date in its original packaging. If it’s sealed with oxygen absorbers it can last much longer. I recommend purchasing pasta from a supplier of long-lasting food.

8. RAMEN NOODLES
Ramen is not the healthiest meal to sustain you during difficult times, but it’s easy to prepare and will last a couple years in its original packaging if stored under the right conditions.

9. CANNED SPAGHETTI
Canned spaghetti can easily last up to 2 years and perhaps longer if it’s kept in ideal conditions. Make sure no botulism is present when opening.

10. DRIED BEANS
Dried beans that are sealed with oxygen absorbers can last up to 5 years. I would recommend you don’t store them any longer than that. If you do, they’ll still be safe to eat but they will take too long to cook and become more difficult to chew. [Don’t store pinto beans and split peas for more than 3 years. Overtime they will get very hard and even if you boil them for hours, they won’t be soft enough, making them also harder to digest.]

11. CANNED BEANS
Canned beans can likely stay good for up to 6 years if stored under the best conditions, possibly longer. As always with cans, check for signs of botulism prior to eating since botulism can be deadly.

12. DRIED LENTILS AND LEGUMES
Just like dried beans, the maximum shelf life for lentils and legumes is anywhere between 4 and 5 years. After that, they may take too long to cook and still be too hard to eat.

13. DEHYDRATED FRUIT
The trick with dehydrating food is to make sure all the moisture is removed from it. Once you’re ready to store it, add an oxygen absorber. Properly dehydrated fruit, such as raisins, apricots, and apples, can last up to 30 years. I recommend you make your own at home. The dehydrated fruit from the grocery store will not last nearly as long since the fruit is not completely dehydrated and sometimes moisture is re-absorbed during its packaging process. Check your fruit periodically to make sure there are no signs of spoilage. Another good option is to purchase fruit from long-term storage food companies. Their dehydration process guarantees a shelf life of up to 15 years. Check our store for some of the best options in dehydrated fruit storage!

14. DEHYDRATED VEGGIES
The shelf life of veggies can vary, depending on the moisture content of each vegetable. Just like dehydrated fruits, if you purchase dehydrated vegetables at the grocery store their shelf life might be considerably less than if they’re properly done at home. In my opinion, it’s better to make and package your own if you know how. Carrots for instance can last up to 20 years if dehydrated and stored in ideal conditions. If you want a 15 year shelf life guarantee on your veggies but don’t want to make your own, look no further than our store. We offer several options that are family favorites!

15. DRIED CORN
Freeze-dried corn has a shelf life of up to 15 years so long that it’s free from moisture. Popcorn can last indefinitely if it stays free from moisture.

16. POTATO FLAKES
Potato flakes can last up to 30 years. It may even last longer if kept sealed in a dry container and stored in a cool, dark location. These potato flakes are guaranteed to last you up to 15 years.

17. DRIED MEAT
Meat jerky that you buy at the store can last approximately 2 years unopened. Keep in mind that the leaner the meat is, the longer its shelf life. Fat will make the jerky get rancid quicker. Making your own might be a better choice for those who want to have control over its curing process, the preservatives used (or lack of) and the amount of time given to allow it to dry. It must be kept free from oxygen and away from sunlight. Use oxygen absorbers if you’re making your own. This is a good place to start if you’re planning to give homemade jerky a try!

18. FREEZE-DRIED MEAT
Professionally packaged freeze-dried meats guarantee a shelf life of up to 15 years when stored in ideal locations. Of course the package has to remain unopened. This is a great option for those who want to have several packages on-hand.

19. CANNED MEAT
Spam, canned chicken, corn beef, canned ham, and tuna can last from 2 to 5 years after the can’s printed date, so long that it’s stored in ideal conditions. Always check for signs of botulism in cans prior to eating, as botulism can be deadly. When purchasing canned meat for storage, it’s best to read the labels first and choose the meats whose ingredients are just meat and salt.

20. PEMMICAN
Pemmican is also known as the ultimate survival superfood because it can last fifty or more years if made and stored correctly. Pemmican is a blend of powdered lean meats mixed with berry powder and animal fat. It’s perhaps not the tastiest survival food, but it’s a good dose of protein for emergencies. Want to make your own? Try this recipe!

21. POWDERED WHOLE EGGS
Powdered eggs are an egg-cellent shelf stable option. This is a product you’ll most likely have to buy from a professional long-term food company but it guarantees you a shelf life of up to 15 years. Egg-cited yet? Ok, no more egg jokes! ??

22. PEANUT BUTTER
Powdered peanut butter boasts a 15 year shelf life but if you prefer the kind that comes in a jar, it’ll stay good for up to 2 years if kept in ideal conditions.

23. COCONUT OIL
Unopened extra virgin coconut oil can last from 2 to 5 years so long that the container is stored in a cool, dark place. Opened jars of coconut oil will last a few months after being opened. If there are yellow spots in the oil or it smells rancid, you’ll know it's no longer good to eat.

24. OLIVE OIL
Olive oil can last up to 2 years if the bottle is unopened and stored in ideal conditions. The bottle must remain in a dark place to maintain a longer shelf life. Olive oil will taste rancid once it has gone bad.

25. GHEE
Ghee is clarified butter. When butter is boiled for a long time, all the moisture evaporates and the remaining liquids are fat (ghee) and milk solids. Ghee can last up to 2 years unopened and unrefrigerated if it’s stored in a dark and cool place. If left in the freezer, it will stay fresh indefinitely.

26. MAPLE SYRUP
Unopened pure maple syrup stored in a glass jar can be kept indefinitely. If opened, leave it in the fridge or freeze it. Keyword here is “pure” maple syrup. Aunt Jemima Maple Syrup is not only a cheap version but also fake (read the ingredients- maple syrup is not one of them). No surprise there but the point is to never settle for anything less than the real thing!

27. CORN SYRUP
Corn syrup has an indefinite shelf life. It doesn’t matter if the jar’s seal is opened or unopened, just make sure it’s stored in a dark place at room temperature. Also, keep the lid on tight always.

28. SUGAR
White, brown, cane, and powdered sugar can be stored indefinitely if it’s kept hermetically sealed. Adding a moisture absorber to the package and re-sealing it can help maximize its freshness. Make sure that bugs (ants especially!) don’t invade your sugar.

29. RAW HONEY
Raw honey can be kept indefinitely. Water will spoil it so make sure to keep it free from moisture. It’s possible that it will crystalize at some point, but don’t let that scare you! To un-crystalize it, just place the honey jar in a bath of warm water (without allowing the water to get inside the honey) and in time it will get back to its original state. You can also take crystalized honey by the spoonful and dissolve it right into tea or other hot drinks.

30. HARD CANDY
Most hard candies will last between 1 to 2 years but they can last indefinitely if stored in a dark location and dry climate. The drier the atmosphere its stored in, the longer the shelf life.

31. DRY JELLO MIX
An unopened box of dry jello mix, or unflavored gelatin, will last indefinitely in the pantry. Just make sure no moisture is present.

32. CORN STARCH
Unopened corn starch can be kept indefinitely when stored in a cool and dark place. It may lose some of its thickening properties over the years.

33. SOY SAUCE
An unopened jar of soy sauce can last indefinitely. Once opened, it will last between 2 to 3 years.

34. VINEGAR
White and Apple Cider Vinegar will last indefinitely. ACV has many nutritional and cleaning properties, so its uses go way beyond the typical salad condiment. Make sure you keep ACV or white vinegar in your long-term food storage pantry.

35. ALCOHOL
Unopened bottles of hard liquor can be stored indefinitely. Wine will age overtime and can turn into vinegar. To prevent this, keep unopened bottles of wine for a maximum of 2 years, unless you know the exact shelf life of the wine. Each type of wine (merlot, sauvignon, etc) has a different shelf life. Store wine in a dark, cool cellar with the bottle at an angle so that the cork always stays wet. Some high quality wines can keep for hundreds of years so if that’s what you want, make sure to do your research and be ready to pay a lot of money for it.

36. PURE VANILLA EXTRACT
Due to its alcohol content, 100% pure vanilla extract can last indefinitely in a cool and dark place. The key word here is “pure” since the artificial extract will not have nearly the same nutritional properties nor an indefinite shelf life. This is one of those products that it’s worth spending the extra money for the real thing.

37. SALT
Salt will store indefinitely without losing quality. White table salt is highly processed so I recommend you to store pink Himalayan salt or sea salt. Make sure to keep the salt free from moisture.

38. STOCK / BOUILLON
Bouillon, in its powdered form, can be stored for up to 10 years but its shelf life can be significantly increased if the cubes (or loose powder) are sealed in a mylar bag with an oxygen and moisture absorber.

39. DRIED HERBS AND SPICES
Dried herbs can last between 1 to 3 years, depending on how they’re stored. Spices can last up to 4 years if unopened and stored in a cool, dark place.

40. BAKING SODA
Baking soda can be stored indefinitely. It’s important to keep it dry and free from moisture. If you fear that your baking soda has gone bad, don’t throw it out. Instead, use it as a home cleaning product. In fact, these are 50 ways in which you can use baking soda. Don’t be shy to buy it in large quantities!

41. INSTANT / FREEZE-DRIED COFFEE
Instant and freeze-dried coffee can last up to 25 years on the pantry shelf, but will last indefinitely if stored in the freezer.

42. POWDERED MILK
Powdered milk can last up to 25 years if properly stored. Make sure it’s completely sealed and stored in a dry, cool place where no moisture becomes present. Adding a moisture absorber to the package might enhance its shelf life. If the powdered milk becomes yellow or begins to smell rancid, consider that your warning that it has gone bad.

43. RAW CACAO / COCOA POWDER
Raw cacao can last between 2 to 3 years. Pure cocoa powder can last up to 2 years or more. The quality, flavor and nutritional properties may decrease over time, especially if it has been opened for more than two years. Make sure to store it in a cool and dark place.

44. TEA
Tea, whether in a bag or in its loose-leaf form, can last for up to 2 years (as claimed by most tea producing companies). All you risk in consuming tea past its expiration date is quality. You won’t get sick from drinking expired tea. Make sure to watch our for bugs and store it in an airtight container for maximum shelf life.

45. MRE’s (MEALS READY TO EAT)
The shelf life of MRE’s really depends on the manufacturer. One of the leading companies in MRE’s is Mountain House. They guarantee their meals to last up to 30 years. You’ll find other companies, like Backpacker’s Pantry, whose product shelf lives are between 5 to 10 years. Each company offers a different variety of meals so you have a lot of freedom to choose what meals are right for you.

46. CANNED FOOD
The general recommended storage for canned food is between 1 to 3 years. Considering your storage location is ideal, they could probably last up to 6 years or more. Some people claim that cans can last indefinitely, and while they might be right, the nutritional value will deteriorate regardless after the first couple years. No matter how long you store your cans for, always check for signs of botulism. If your can is badly dented, corroded, or has been exposed to extreme temperatures, then they may be unsafe to eat. Always inspect cans for signs of botulism, since botulism can be deadly. Read more about canned food safety here!

HOW DOES FOOD PROCESSING CHANGE THE SHELF LIFE OF FOOD?
There are many different methods to preserve food. Food can be cured, pickled, pasteurized, dehydrated, freeze-dried, and heat processed. Food is processed so it can have a longer shelf life while maintaining its nutritional value over a period of months or years. The packaging that is used to seal the product also has a lot to do with its shelf life. For long-term food storage, packages are often flushed out with nitrogen to remove any oxygen that is present and then an oxygen absorber is also added. Some of these packages are guaranteed to last in cool and dark locations for up to 30 years or more.

WHAT CAUSES FASTER FOOD SPOILAGE?
There are many variables that can alter the shelf life of any given food product. The main factors are oxygen, light, heat, humidity, bacteria (including mold), and insects or rodents.

HOW TO STORE FOOD FOR MAXIMUM SHELF LIFE?
The best advice I have heard for food preservations is to create an environment that is inhospitable to bacteria by removing the presence of oxygen and moisture. There are products that it’s nearly impossible to do this because they’re very water dense. Most likely, the shelf life of those products will be significantly less than a product which contains less moisture.

Some products can have a longer shelf life if they’re stored in the refrigerator or freezer but they risk losing flavor or nutritional value.

The simplest way to extend the life of your food is to keep it away from light, heat, moisture and oxygen. Typically this is in a pantry or basement where temperatures remain stable year-long. It’s recommended that shelf stable food be stored in the home rather than the garage because the garage typically has greater temperature fluctuations.

One more tip is to rotate your food as you eat it. By rotating your food, you can make sure you’re eating what expires first while maintaining a stocked pantry that can last you for several years.

If you want to prepare your own dehydrated fruits, vegetables and other treats, look into purchasing Mylar bags and oxygen absorbers. These two things will increase your food’s shelf life significantly if properly sealed. If you’re in doubt about how many oxygen absorbers to use, remember that it never hurts to add an extra oxygen absorber.

PRINT OUT THE LIST!
I made a check-list of the long-term survival foods I discussed above. You are welcome to print it out and share it with your friends. This checklist can serve as a shopping list, as well as a reminder of how long certain kitchen staples will last and when you should rotate them. I left the last column blank for you to fill in based on what your supplies require, since everyone’s list will be different.

My recommendation is to mark your food on the front with a permanent marker. Write the date (at least the month and year) that the item should be rotated and always use older food first.

Survival Food List
IN CONCLUSION
I hope this blog helps you determine which are the best survival foods for your family to keep for long-term storage. The list above is written with the consideration that the food discussed is in its original packaging and unopened. Of course, anything that has been opened and exposed to fluctuating temperatures will have a much shorter shelf life.

If you’re ever in doubt of food being unsafe to eat, consider your health the priority always and go with your gut feeling. I think most people would agree that it’s better to save yourself a trip to the hospital.

If you have shelf stable food that is still safe to eat but you no longer want it, donate it to your local pantry rather than throwing it away. You can always bless someone in need!

Did I miss anything? Let me know in the comments below! https://crisisequipped.com/long-lasting-survival-foods/ https://crisisequipped.com/long-lasting-survival-foods/