In this blog post I’m going to share with you what food items are worth stockpiling in order to make sure that your family always has something to eat no matter what happens next.
It’s no secret that the world is a scary place. Every day, there are new reports of natural disasters, and economic turmoil.
It can be hard to know how much worse things could get.
But one thing is certain-if you don’t prepare for emergencies now, you will regret it later!
An emergency can happen at any time, and it is important to be prepared.
This article will give you advice on the best types of food to stockpile for an emergency situation.
I’ll talk about what foods are good for storage purposes, how much food you should have in your stockpile, and more!
Another thing to consider is that if you plan on stockpiling food, it’s a good idea to get creative with the types of foods that you stockpile.
For example bread is often cheap, but it can go bad quickly after being opened.
Instead of buying these items in bulk like most people do, try purchasing some canned vegetables instead- such as green beans or corn.
Foods to Stockpile for an Emergency
The Pantry
Storing non-perishable food products with extended expiration dates allows you to keep them for long periods of time.
This ensures that you will have something to eat even after the shelf life has expired.
It is suggested to keep a minimum of three months’ worth of food in your home at all times just in case.
The following list contains some examples of non-perishable foods:
· Dried pasta
Dried pasta is simple to store, and can go a long way during an emergency.
It’s easy to prepare, doesn’t require refrigeration, and it tastes great!
There are many different types of pasta that you can purchase- what you should look for is “enriched pasta” which means the noodle itself has been fortified with certain vitamins.
· Oats
Oats are yet another simple to store, and easy to prepare food product.
Oatmeal is a very common breakfast meal, and it is also nutritious.
A good source of carbohydrates, as well as fiber and protein. Oats can be used to make porridge, cookies, and even bread!
· Rice
Rice is another simple to store, and cheap food product that you should consider stockpiling in your emergency pantry.
There are many different types of rice that you can purchase, and it is a staple in many different cuisines.
You can keep rice for a very long time without it spoiling, making it an excellent food to stockpile.
You can prepare rice by boiling it, or even frying it.
· Powdered milk
Powdered milk is a great way to make sure that your family stays hydrated, especially during an emergency situation.
It can also be used to make baked goods such as cakes and cookies, or even to prepare a simple breakfast by pouring it over your favorite cereal.
· Peanut butter
Peanut butter is an excellent source of protein, fiber, and healthy omegas.
It makes for a great sandwich spread when combined with jelly or honey.
You can also use it to make salad dressings if you are trying to stockpile things that are versatile in their uses.
· Canned tuna and sardines
Canned seafood is a must have in any emergency food pantry.
Canned tuna and sardines are affordable, tasty sources of protein.
They can be added to salads or sandwiches for a quick meal that is nutritious and delicious!
· Legumes
Legumes are rich in protein, fiber, and complex carbohydrates.
It is suggested that you stockpile legumes such as beans, peas, lentils, and chickpeas.
They are all easy to prepare, and they can be made into soups or salads for a nutritious meal that is simple to make.
· Canned vegetables
Canned vegetables are essential because they can be stored for long periods of time and they are rich in vitamins.
Canned vegetables make it easy to prepare a quick meal by simply heating them up, or you could choose not to heat them at all- this allows you to keep more food fresh!
· Canned soups and chili
Canned soups and chili make a great meal when combined together, or they can be eaten on their own.
Soups are especially tasty because they heat up quickly in an emergency situation- which means you won’t have to waste time cooking!
· Canned fruits
Canned fruits also make a great addition to your emergency food pantry because they can be stored for long periods of time.
They are rich in vitamins and minerals, and they can be eaten on their own or used to prepare dishes such as pies.
· Dried fruits
Dried fruits such as apricots, raisins and cranberries are also a great addition to your emergency food pantry because they contain lots of nutrients.
They can be eaten on their own, or used in recipes that require fruit.
You can even reconstitute them by soaking them with water so you have access to both the dried and fresh version!
· Jams/Jellies
Jams and jellies are great to stockpile because they can be used in so many different ways.
They make for delicious condiments on sandwiches, or you could use them as ingredients in recipes such as cookies!
· Oils
Oils provide necessary fats that you need every day, but most people do not get enough of them because oils tend to spoil quickly when opened.
Stockpiling oil ensures that there is an ample supply of it for cooking and baking.
· Snacks
You should also consider stockpiling some nonperishable snacks.
Snacks such as crackers, granola bars and dried fruit, pretzels, beef jerky and cereals are great for keeping hunger at bay.
· Bottled water
It is also very important to stockpile bottled water in your emergency pantry.
You can purchase large jugs of water that will last a long time before they expire.
Having a good supply of water is extremely important.
· Condiments
There are some condiments that you should consider stockpiling in your emergency pantry.
This includes items like mustard, ketchup and vinegar.
These items don’t go bad very quickly so they are excellent choices for your stockpile.
· Salt
Salt is a simple, cheap food product which can be purchased in bulk quantities quite easily.
In addition to being inexpensive, salt is also very versatile.
You can use it to season your meals, or you can even brush your teeth with it!
Make sure that you purchase iodized salt, as this type of salt has been fortified with iodine which is important for your health.
· Spices
Spices are another thing that you should consider stockpiling in your pantry, as they have a shelf life of up to two years.
Spices are a great way to season your food, and they can also be used as natural remedies during illness.
Spices such as garlic powder, onion flakes, chili powder, oregano, thyme, cinnamon and basil are all great options to keep in your emergency pantry.
· Sugar
Sugar is another food product which can be purchased in bulk quantities quite easily.
It is a great addition to your emergency pantry because it has many different uses.
You can use it to sweeten your food, or even as a natural remedy for cough.
· Coffee
Coffee is another simple, cheap food product which can be purchased in bulk quantities quite easily.
Coffee is a good source of caffeine, and usually has an indefinite shelf life if it is stored properly.
Coffee can be used to treat headaches, or even as a natural remedy for upset stomachs.
· Tea
Tea is another simple, cheap food product which can be purchased in bulk quantities quite easily.
Tea is an excellent beverage to keep on hand because it contains caffeine as well as a number of other vitamins and minerals.
Tea can be used to treat colds, upset stomachs, and even insomnia.
· Pet food
You should consider stockpiling pet foods in case of an emergency situation.
If the supply chain breaks down it might be impossible for you to find this type of product at a regular store.
The Fridge
Start by eating perishable products in your refrigerator first.
Make sure that you rotate your stock so these items don’t go bad before it’s time to use them.
It is also wise to only purchase foods that are on the list of items you know how to cook, so when an emergency situation occurs they can be prepared immediately.
· Eggs
Eggs are a very nutritious and inexpensive food product, so you should consider stockpiling them in your emergency list.
They can be stored in a refrigerator.
· Yogurt
Yogurt is another excellent food product to stockpile in your emergency properness list.
It contains both protein and calcium, which are nutrients that you need every day.
Yogurt also has a long shelf life when it is stored properly in a refrigerator.
· Cured meats
Cured meats are another excellent food product to stockpile because they have long shelf lives.
This type of meat can even last for up to a year if it is properly stored in the fridge.
Cured meats include items like bacon, ham and salami.
· Cheese
Cheese is another excellent food product to stockpile because it doesn’t go bad as quickly as other types of dairy products.
There are a number of different types of cheese that have long shelf lives, including the following: camembert, brie, cheddar, parmesan and edam.
The Freezer
The freezer is another place that you should consider stockpiling food items.
Make sure that the foods stored in your freezer are not going to go bad before it’s time to use them, because these types of products usually have a very long shelf life if they are frozen properly.
· Frozen meat
Fresh meat spoils quickly when not refrigerated, but can be frozen before the spoilage occurs.
This will ensure that the meat has a longer shelf life when you are ready to use it in your stockpile.
Vacuum seal if you can as well.
· Fresh fruits
Fresh fruit can be stored in the freezer as well.
This is a great way to keep your fresh fruit from spoiling so quickly, and you’ll also have it available for use all year round!
· Frozen vegetables
Frozen veggies are another food product which can easily be stockpiled.
These items usually last around six months before they expire, and they can be easily added to recipes.
· Bread
Bread has a very short shelf life, and can quickly become stale or moldy if not kept in the freezer.
By keeping your bread frozen you’ll ensure that it will last for as long as possible.
· Butter
Butter comes with an expiration date usually ranging from one month to two months after its production date.
This makes it a great food to stockpile.
Food Storage Tips
· Open or unsealed food items are not recommended for stockpiling because they will spoil quickly. It is best to only purchase products that have been packaged by the manufacturer, and sealed in an air-tight container.
· Look for foods which can be easily cooked on a stovetop, as you might not always have access to a microwave or oven during an emergency.
· Keep snacks on hand at all times, as you never know when the next time that you will have access to food will be. This is especially important if you are stocking up for your family members who might not share your enthusiasm about stockpiling food!
· Eat the fridge food and frozen food in your stockpile first, as it will spoil if you store it for too long.
· Keep a careful eye on expiration dates of food items in your stockpile so that you don’t end up throwing away good products!
· Vacuum seal if you can or store food in airtight containers. This will ensure that the food stays fresh for longer.
· Rotate foods in and out of your stockpile so that you always have a good supply at home, but don’t forget to keep older items towards the front!
Lastly if something happens and your family finds themselves stuck at home without any power for an extended period of time (a very real possibility given what we’ve seen lately), then start with foods in the fridge and freezer.
Also having access to nonperishable goods will be essential!
I hope this blog post has been helpful – feel free to leave me a comment below if you have any questions about how much food should be stockpiling and where to keep it!
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