Food is a necessity for human beings.
It is the fuel that allows us to go about our day-to-day lives.
The problem is that not all food is created equal.
Some foods are more nutritious than others, and some foods are better suited for stockpiling than others.
In this blog post, we will discuss the 12 best types of foods to stockpile for emergencies!
What Are The Best Foods For long term Storage?
Here are 12 foods to stockpile in case SHTF.
1. Dried and Canned Beans
With a long shelf life, beans are a great option for stocking up.
They’re also high in protein and fiber, making them a filling and satisfying food.
Canned beans can be stored at room temperature, so they don’t require a lot of space.
Beans are a great source of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
Dried beans can be stored for up to two years, making them a great option for long-term stockpiling.
Canned beans have a shorter shelf life of about one year.
However, both dried and canned beans are nutritious and affordable options for stocking your pantry.
Be sure to check the expiration date on canned beans before you buy them, and rotate them so that you’re using the oldest cans first.
2. Canned Vegetables
Vegetables are an important part of any diet, and canned varieties can be a great way to make sure you always have healthy options on hand.
Look for low-sodium varieties, and be sure to check the expiration date before you buy.
Canned vegetables can last for up to two years.
3. Canned fruits
Fruits are a great source of vitamins, minerals, and fiber.
Like canned vegetables, canned fruits can last for up to two years.
The good thing about canned fruits is that they’re often already sweetened, so you don’t have to add any sugar.
Be sure to check the expiration date before you buy, and choose fruits that are canned in water or their juices to limit the amount of sugar you’re consuming.
4. Grains
Whole grains like oats, barley, and quinoa should be staples in your stockpile. They’re versatile, filling, and nutritious.
They have a shelf life of several months to a year, so they won’t go bad anytime soon.
Grains can be added to salads, soups, stews, and more.
Additionally, eating whole grains reduces the risks of heart disease and diabetes.
On top of that, they can help with weight loss and management.
For instance, one study found that eating three servings of whole grains per day (the equivalent of 168 grams) was linked with a 22% lower risk of developing abdominal obesity over 12 years.
5. Bottled water
You can never have too much water stored away and it has an indefinite shelf life as long as it’s unopened.
Water is everyone’s priority when stocking up for a disaster.
It can be used for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.
Additionally, bottled water can be used to cool you down if necessary and to help with hygiene.
6. Canned Soups
Dried and canned soups are a perfect choice when you want a hot, filling meal but don’t have time to cook. They’re also easy to store and have a long shelf life.
Most canned soups can last up to five years when stored.
Choose soups that are made with healthy ingredients such as beans and vegetables and that are low in sodium.
Consuming too much salt can lead to health problems such as high blood pressure.
7. Nuts and Seeds
They are portable, nutrient-dense, and have a long shelf life making them perfect for stockpiling.
Nuts and seeds are good sources of protein, healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals.
They can be eaten on their own, added to salads or yogurt, or used in baking.
Pistachios, cashews, almonds, hazelnuts, walnuts, pecans, macadamia nuts, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, sesame seeds, and flaxseeds are great options.
Chia seeds are a versatile pantry staple and can be used in sweet or savory dishes.
They are high in fiber, protein, and omega-three fatty acids.
They can be added to oatmeal, and smoothies, or used as a topping for salads or yogurt.
8. Canned Poultry and Fish
Fresh poultry and fish are packed with nutrients but are highly perishable.
The canned varieties are a great option for stockpiling as they have a much longer shelf-life.
Poultry and fish are also versatile ingredients that can be used in a variety of dishes.
Fish and poultry can last up to two years if properly canned.
Seafood such as tuna, mackerel, sardines, and herring are especially high in omega-three fatty acids which have a host of health benefits.
Canned chicken can be used to make soups, stews, casseroles, and salads.
Use canned tuna in sandwiches, wraps, and pasta dishes.
Finally, canned salmon can be used in salads, soups, and chowders.
Sardines and herrings are often served as appetizers or side dishes.
Poultry and fish are great sources of protein and essential nutrients.
They are also low in calories and fat.
Poultry and fish are a good choice for those on a weight loss or maintenance diet.
9. Jerky
Jerky is meat that has been trimmed of fat, cut into strips, and then dried to prevent spoilage.
It can be made from almost any kind of meat including beef, pork, venison, and turkey.
What’s more, it has a long shelf life and is very nutritious.
Serve as a snack or as an entrée.
Or east it alone or with other foods.
Jerky goes well with crackers, cheese, and fruit.
The healthiest jerky is one that does not contain any preservatives or additives.
10. Protein bars
Protein bars are a great snack to have on hand because they’re filling and can help give you sustained energy throughout the day.
Look for bars with at least 12 grams of protein and no more than 22 grams of sugar.
Protein bars have a shelf life of about one year.
11. Freeze-dried meals
Freeze drying is the process of removing all the water content from food while still maintaining its original shape, texture, and flavor.
Freeze-dried meals have a much longer shelf life than their fresh or frozen counterparts and can be easily reconstituted with water.
They are also lightweight and compact, making them ideal for the stockpile.
Some instances of foods that can be freeze-dried are fruits, vegetables, meats, and dairy products.
12. Powdered milk
One-year shelf life and high nutritional value make powdered milk a great choice for your stockpile.
Use in baking, as a creamer for coffee, or reconstituted for drinking.
Powdered milk might not taste like fresh milk but it is a good substitute in many recipes.
It is high in protein, calcium, and Vitamins A and D.
Fin al Words
Overall, these are the 12 different kinds of foods you should have in your stockpile.
They provide a good mix of shelf life, nutritional value, and versatility.
And, most importantly, they’ll help you survive in a long-term emergency.
So, make sure to include these items in your next emergency food stockpile.
Thanks for reading!
Originally posted 2022-06-06 22:28:46.
