Certain foods have remarkable longevity, such as rice, hard biscuits, salt, sugar, pepper, dried lentils, beans, peas, and various canned goods. These items can be safely stored for a considerable duration, usually ranging from 10 to 20 years, provided they are stored in cool, dark conditions.
Regular checks are crucial to ensure the continued edibility of these foods. Engage your senses: assess their aroma, firmness, shape, and presence of mold or insects. An excellent choice for long-lasting survival sustenance is freeze-dried food, also referred to as MREs (Meal, Ready-to-Eat), offering diverse flavors and extended shelf life.
Preserving water necessitates storing it in glass or food-safe containers within a cool and shaded environment. Avoid storing water in plastic bottles, as plasticizers can gradually seep into the water, compromising its quality.
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Survival Foods With Long Shelf Life
Both the Red Cross and FEMA advise maintaining a minimum 2-week stockpile of food and water in your household. Their recommendations emphasize non-perishable items characterized by extended shelf lives.
To help you begin your preparedness journey, here is a compilation of foods with extended shelf lives that can usually be acquired from your nearby supermarket.
1. Canned Meat
These foods serve as essential survival provisions suitable for various emergency scenarios. Their shelf lives generally span between 2 to 5 years, contingent upon the meat type and proper storage conditions.
Canned meat serves as a vital source of essential nutrients and energy during survival situations. We recommend acquiring a variety of canned meat options, such as spaghetti with jumbo meatballs, canned fish, spam, smoked ham, Vienna sausages, chicken breast, cured ham, potted meat, roast beef hash, luncheon meat, and any other suitable choices.
Keep in mind that once opened, canned meat remains safe to consume for about three to four days. Hence, selecting the appropriate can size is prudent to minimize waste. Smaller cans are particularly convenient, allowing you to consume a single portion without leftovers. If you want to keep your avocados fresh for a longer time then check out my recent article Should Avocado Be Refrigerated? ( How To Store Them ).
2. Sugar, Honey, and Other Sweeteners
Archaeologists have discovered honey in Egyptian pyramids that dates back 3,000 years and is still edible. Similarly, refined sugar can have an indefinite shelf life. While it might become solid and lumpy over time, it remains safe for consumption.
Here’s an overview of the expected shelf life for different types of sugars:
- Maple syrup: Approximately two years when stored in an unopened glass jar.
- Corn syrup: Indefinite shelf life, although the color might change over time.
- Molasses: Can last up to 10 years when stored in a sealed, unopened jar in the pantry. Once opened, it will remain viable for 1 to 5 years in the pantry.
- Powdered sugar: Indefinite shelf life.
- Stevia: Around 4 years of shelf life.
These estimates can vary depending on storage conditions and packaging. It’s recommended to regularly check the appearance, smell, and taste of these sugars to ensure their quality.
3. Beans
There are approximately 15 varieties of beans that are high in calories and have a long shelf life for storage. These include adzuki, mung, pinto, kidney, cannellini, pigeon, cranberry, garbanzo, pink, lima, navy, black, black-eyed, black turtle, and freeze-dried split pea beans, which can last for up to 30 years in storage. Dehydrated soybeans, on the other hand, have a shelf life of 10 to 15 years.
For instance, a cup of boiled adzuki beans provides around 294 calories and over 15g of protein. Similarly, dehydrated soybeans offer approximately 298 calories and more than 20g of protein. Therefore, beans serve as an excellent protein source with the added benefit of long-lasting storage capability.
It’s recommended to purchase 4 to 5 pounds of dried beans each time you visit the store and store them in a dark and cool location. This practice will help you build up a supply of beans for long-term storage. If you want to know the shelf life of Avocado oil then check out my recent article Shelf Life Of Avocado Oil ( Is It Rancid? ).
4. Freeze Dried Foods
Freeze drying is a process that involves removing moisture from food while retaining its nutrient content. This results in crisp and flavorful foods that can be consumed as they are or rehydrated by soaking in water.
A wide variety of foods can undergo freeze drying, including meat, cheese, dairy products, fruits, vegetables, and complete meals.
Many of the emergency food products available are freeze-dried. When packaged correctly, with airtight containers and oxygen absorbers, freeze-dried foods can have a shelf life of 25 years or more.
5. Lentils
Lentils are considered a versatile and nutritious food due to their impressive dietary composition. They offer excellent nutritional value and are also known for their delicious taste.
Lentils are highly valued for their protein content and often come in convenient one-pound bags. Once cooked, lentils expand in size. Their preparation is straightforward as they don’t require soaking. Simply add them to boiling water, and they’ll be ready in around 25 to 30 minutes.
Lentils boast an impressive shelf life. When stored correctly, they can remain edible for up to 30 years. Throughout history, they were commonly stored in clay pots to be used during times of famine or harsh winters.
You can acquire them pre-packaged in bags or opt for bulk quantities, storing them in airtight containers or jars to maintain their longevity.
6. Dehydrated Fruits and Vegetables
Dehydrating is a preservation method that involves applying heat to eliminate around 75-95% of moisture from foods. By removing moisture, the rate of spoilage is significantly reduced. Dehydrated fruits have remarkable longevity due to the natural preservation effect of their sugars.
When stored without specialized packaging, like using Tupperware, dehydrated fruits or vegetables typically retain quality for about 6 months to 1 year. If you go the extra mile and use Mylar bags along with oxygen absorbers, dehydrated foods can endure for 5-15 years. This packaging approach is commonly employed by emergency food brands to ensure the extended shelf life of their dehydrated products. If you want to know the shelf life of Grapeseed oil then check out my recent article Grapeseed Oil Shelf Life ( Long Term Storage ).
7. Rice
It might be unexpected, but rice is unquestionably one of the most suitable foods to include in your stockpile for survival scenarios.
Rice, a fundamental component of effective emergency food storage, can be prepared through various cooking methods. Steaming, for instance, is a widely used technique that can be executed on various types of stoves.
When kept in suitable conditions, uncooked rice has an extensive shelf life. White rice can endure for up to 2 years when adequately sealed and stored. In contrast, brown rice has a shorter shelf life of approximately 6 months.
Moreover, rice serves as a highly versatile option to accompany a variety of beans.
8. Jerky
Jerky is another product that can be created using a dehydrator. However, when preparing jerky at home, there is a greater challenge as the temperature must be elevated sufficiently to eliminate any bacteria.
Commercially bought jerky typically maintains its quality for 1-2 years when unopened and stored in your pantry.
In contrast, homemade jerky has a notably shorter shelf life, ranging from 1 week to 4 months. This variability in shelf life is influenced by factors such as the fat content in the meat, storage conditions, and the level of moisture retained within the jerky.
9. Flour
Having a stock of flour for survival purposes is highly advantageous. Flour serves as a versatile ingredient that can be employed in a wide array of culinary creations. With just a handful of additional components, you can swiftly concoct a variety of dishes, including banana bread, vegan naan, pancakes, and scalloped potatoes, to name a few.
Various types of flour exhibit varying shelf lives based on their composition and properties. All-purpose flour, white cake flour, white bread flour, and self-rising flour can endure for up to 12 months when stored at room temperature. Conversely, whole-wheat, whole-grain, and oat flour possess a slightly shorter shelf life, typically ranging from 1 to 3 months.
When considering coconut and almond flour, alternative choices to conventional starchy flours, their shelf life remains limited to about 3 months.
Moreover, opting to store wheat offers an additional option. With a reliable wheat grinder at your disposal, you can process the wheat as needed to produce flour, ensuring a flexible and convenient approach to flour availability.
10. Jarred Food
Canned and jarred foods, often preserved through canning or other methods, are essential components of a survival food supply. These foods have extended shelf lives and are typically reliable sources of sustenance during emergencies. While canned foods are often considered to have a longer shelf life compared to jarred foods, both can serve as valuable resources in a survival situation.
Canned foods, sealed in airtight containers, are less prone to issues like seal failures, breakage, or exposure to light. As a result, canned foods tend to have a longer shelf life and can last for several years, often exceeding 5 years, if stored in cool and dark conditions.
It’s important to note that the “Best By” or “Best Before” date on canned or jarred foods is an indicator of quality rather than safety. Even after the indicated date, these foods may still be safe to consume, although the flavor, texture, and nutritional value may gradually decline over time. Regularly inspecting and rotating your survival food stockpile ensures that you are prepared with reliable and nourishing options in times of need.
11. Pasta
Pasta stands out as a top choice for your survival diet due to its lightweight nature. Not only is it delicious, but it also offers a valuable source of carbohydrates, essential for sustaining energy levels in emergency situations.
The majority of pasta is crafted using just two primary ingredients: durum wheat semolina and water. This variety of wheat differs from the type used for making bread, as it possesses greater hardness and a higher protein content.
While some individuals might express concerns about pasta’s dimensions, it’s important to note the vast array of pasta shapes available. With hundreds of options to choose from, you can find pasta that suits your storage needs.
For instance, spaghetti, being one of the thinnest varieties, proves exceptionally space-efficient for storage. Additionally, several other pasta shapes require minimal storage space, including Calamarata, Fusilli, Macaroni, Paccheri, Linguine, Pappardelle, Rotini, Rigatoni, and Riccoli, among others.
Dry pasta stored in an unopened bag can maintain its quality for as long as 2 years. However, once a bag of pasta has been opened, its shelf life is typically around 12 months.
12. Home Canned Food
Canning is a straightforward method for preserving food at home, particularly when using a reliable pressure canner. While homemade canned foods may not have the same extended shelf life as their commercially-canned counterparts, you can generally anticipate them to remain viable for a span of 2 to 5 years.
13. Nuts
When faced with a survival scenario, maintaining high energy levels is crucial. Therefore, it’s strongly advised to have a supply of nuts stored for such situations.
Nuts have held a significant place in culinary history for countless years, offering a combination of versatility, nutritional value, and delightful taste.
Among the assortment of nuts suitable for stockpiling are walnuts, pistachios, pine nuts, peanuts, macadamias, hazelnuts, corn nuts, coconuts, chestnuts, cashews, Brazil nuts, and almonds. Nuts are a fantastic source of dietary fiber, healthy fats, and plant-based protein.
Despite their fat content, nuts provide a range of health advantages. They are abundant in essential minerals like selenium, fluoride, zinc, magnesium, iron, calcium, manganese, and potassium. Furthermore, these nutritional powerhouses are loaded with antioxidants, which contribute to shielding the body against cellular damage.
With proper storage in airtight containers, nuts can maintain their freshness and quality for up to 12 months.
14. Whole Grains
Whole grains are grains that still have their outer shell or hull intact. This natural hull acts as a protective barrier against factors like air and light that can cause degradation. The shelf life of whole grains depends on their hardness, with harder-hulled grains lasting longer than those with softer hulls.
For optimal preservation, it’s recommended to store whole grains in Mylar bags with oxygen absorbers. However, even if stored in a sealed container in your pantry, whole grains can still maintain their quality and last for an extended period.
15. Canned Soup
Canned soup has long been a pantry essential. Its shelf life can vary from 2 to 5 years, depending on the specific type of soup in the can.
Canned soups come in a wide variety of options, from vegan and organic choices to plain chicken, noodle, or tomato soups. It’s a good idea to explore different types of canned soups to find the ones you enjoy. Opt for soups with multiple ingredients for better nutritional value.
One of the advantages of canned soups is their convenience – they are ready to eat straight from the can. In urgent situations where heating isn’t possible, you can simply open a can and enjoy the soup.
Keep in mind that once a canned soup is opened, it should be consumed within 3 to 4 days to prevent spoilage.
16. Seeds
Seeds are a nutritional powerhouse, rich in protein, iron, magnesium, healthy fats, and various vitamins. They offer a long shelf life without requiring much effort on your part.
In a cool and dry pantry, most seeds can last anywhere from 2 to 5 years. It’s important to consider temperature, as seeds contain natural oils that can become rancid in heat. According to the USDA, a decrease in temperature by 5.6 degrees Celsius (10.08 degrees Fahrenheit) doubles the storage life of seeds.
17. Sugar and Salt
While sugar may not be a critical survival necessity, it can certainly enhance the flavor of bland foods in challenging situations. Adding a touch of sugar to your survival meals can improve taste. When stored correctly, white sugar can remain usable for up to 2 years.
Similar to sugar, salt can play a significant role in enhancing the flavor of your survival foods. Beyond its flavor-enhancing properties, salt can also be used as a preservative. Applying salt to meat, for example, can help prolong its freshness. Salt boasts a remarkable shelf life of approximately 5 years.
18. Powdered Milk
Powdered milk is produced through a freeze-drying process and is subsequently sealed in packaging that prevents the passage of air and moisture. When stored in its original packaging, powdered milk boasts an indefinite shelf life. Even once opened, it can likely last anywhere from 2 to 10 years, provided it is safeguarded from high humidity and heat.
19. Protein Bars
Originally marketed towards athletes, protein bars have now gained popularity among a broader audience, including individuals who are focused on weight management and those preparing for emergencies.
Protein bars are typically rich in protein content, providing a significant portion of your protein needs in a survival scenario. These bars offer a convenient source of sustenance, especially when time is limited for food preparation. However, it’s important to be mindful of the nutritional content of protein bars, as some may contain high amounts of sugar or artificial sweeteners.
When choosing protein bars, consider factors such as protein and carbohydrate content, which can help keep you satiated. Avoid bars that are high in fiber to prevent potential digestive discomfort. Protein bars generally have a shelf life of 6 months to 1 year, depending on the type of protein used. To maintain a fresh supply, it’s advisable to rotate your stock annually.
20. Instant Mashed Potatoes
Instant mashed potatoes are a convenient and versatile option for both backpacking and emergency preparations. Packaged in sealed portions containing 2-4 servings, they offer easy rationing and require minimal effort to prepare.
What’s great about instant potatoes is that they can be rehydrated with water alone, eliminating the need for cooking or heating. This makes them a practical choice when circumstances prevent the use of a stove or when convenience is paramount.
When stored in sealed packaging, instant potatoes maintain their quality for 5-15 years, surpassing the indicated “Use by” date. After opening, you can anticipate a shelf life of 6-12 months when stored in a cool and dry environment.
21. Oatmeal
Oatmeal stands as a viable option for extended food storage and boasts impressive nutritional value.
Oatmeal proves to be a valuable source of essential nutrients, such as dietary fiber, protein, niacin, vitamin B6, riboflavin, pantothenic acid, folate, and thiamin. Additionally, oatmeal is abundant in antioxidants and minerals, boasting a balanced fat content of 5% to 9%, which is advantageous for a survival diet.
The consumption of oats presents various health advantages for survivalists, including bolstered immune response, blood pressure regulation, cholesterol reduction, improved bowel function, and decreased cancer risk.
Unopened bags of oatmeal can maintain their quality for up to 2 years in storage. However, the shelf life may diminish to approximately 1 year after a bag has been opened.
22. Cocoa Powder
Unsweetened cocoa powder is known to maintain its quality for as long as 6 years beyond its stated expiration date, albeit with a gradual decline in flavor. However, it’s important to refrain from consuming it if it exhibits a moldy appearance or emits an unpleasant odor.
Cacao, a less-refined form of cocoa, has a slightly shorter shelf life compared to cocoa. When stored in a cool and dry environment, you can anticipate it to remain viable for about 2-3 years.
23. Honey
Honey is indeed a top-notch survival food that offers both delectable flavor and health benefits. Its versatility, serving various purposes from cooking to medicinal uses, makes it an invaluable addition to your survival supplies.
Honey, a natural sweetener enriched with antioxidants and antibacterial qualities, stands as a valuable survival food due to its long-lasting nature and myriad applications. Properly stored, it retains its quality over time, and even if it crystallizes, gentle heating restores its consistency. As a nutritious substitute for sugar, honey is a must-have in your survival provisions.
When assembling your stockpile, acquire small amounts gradually and seek out 100% pure honey from reliable sources such as farmers or organic stores. In times of need, honey becomes a versatile ingredient for cooking, baking, and spreading. Its antifungal and antibacterial properties make it suitable for wound care, and it can alleviate discomforts like coughs and sore throats. With approximately 64 calories per tablespoon, honey also offers a quick energy boost in challenging circumstances.
24. Cooking Oils
Cooking oils have a considerable shelf life, typically lasting a minimum of 2 years, and often even longer, when stored in a cool environment.
High temperatures are the primary adversary of oils. Certain oils, such as coconut and olive oil, are particularly prone to quick spoilage in hot conditions, often emitting an unpleasant odor. When focusing on emergency readiness, it’s advisable to prioritize oils like sunflower, soy, and canola, which tend to be more stable and resilient in varying temperatures.
25. Alcohol
Alcohol might not immediately come to mind when you’re preparing for survival situations, but it’s actually an essential item to include in your emergency supplies.
Alcohol serves various purposes in a survival scenario. It can function as fuel when used with a compact alcohol stove, helping you cook food or boil water. Additionally, alcohol’s disinfectant properties make it valuable for sanitizing tools and treating wounds.
In emergency situations, alcohol can be employed for cooking and food preservation. Fruits can be preserved in alcohol to extend their shelf life. Common types of alcohol suitable for survival stockpiles include vodka, whiskey, and rum.
An unopened bottle of alcohol possesses an indefinite shelf life. However, once opened, its quality may diminish within 1 or 2 years, resulting in flavor and color changes.
26. Herbs And Spices
Herbs and spices, typically dehydrated, have minimal moisture content, allowing them to remain viable for 2-5 years under standard storage conditions. Including these in your emergency food supply is advantageous for enhancing the taste of otherwise plain survival meals.
27. Maple Syrup
Maple syrup is renowned for its distinct color, rich flavor, and thick, sugary texture. Interestingly, it contains more calcium than milk does.
For centuries, maple syrup has been used to add natural sweetness to a variety of foods, obtained by extracting it from maple trees. It’s a delightful topping for dishes like wild rice oatmeal and cranberry.
In a single serving of maple syrup, you’ll find essential nutrients such as manganese, zinc, iron, potassium, and calcium. While maple syrup is rich in sugar, it boasts fewer calories compared to brown sugar or honey.
When stored in an unopened bottle, maple syrup can remain shelf-stable for around 12 months. However, once the bottle is opened, its shelf life diminishes, and refrigeration is essential to preserve its quality.
28. Crackers
Numerous types of crackers available in supermarkets can maintain their quality for 6-9 months when stored in the pantry under normal conditions. Certain varieties of crackers are designed to have even longer shelf lives. For instance, Hardtack biscuits, with their durable composition, essentially have an indefinite shelf life. These biscuits have historically served as a staple food for sailors over many centuries. If you’re interested in learning more about storing crackers for the long term, be sure to explore proper storage methods.
29. Coffee And Tea
In times of disaster, having a source of quick energy in the morning is crucial.
Both coffee and tea, rich in caffeine, offer effective ways to elevate energy levels and combat fatigue. Beyond their energy-boosting qualities, they contribute to heart and brain health, potentially promoting longevity.
Properly stored, an unopened bag of instant coffee can maintain its quality for approximately 12 to 18 months. Meanwhile, tea boasts an average shelf life of around 2 years.
30. Jell-O Mix
When left unopened in its original packaging, Jell-O mix has the potential to remain viable indefinitely. However, once the package is opened, it’s advisable to utilize the powder within a span of 3 months.
31. Hardtack
Hardtack is a type of bread with a rich history in North America, and it has gone by various names such as biscuit, ship’s bread, cracker, and pilot’s bread.
Hardtack is a distinctive type of bread crafted from high-quality grains. Laden with calories, it serves as an energy-boosting staple during survival scenarios, offering approximately 75 to 125 calories per piece. While its flavor may be plain, it can be enhanced by adding sweeteners like maple syrup.
Preparing hardtack is simple in survival situations, and its durability allows for extensive storage in a sealed bag for prolonged use.
32. Vinegar
The natural acidity present in vinegar serves as an effective preservative, granting it an essentially indefinite shelf life. Refrigeration is not required to achieve this extended longevity. However, it’s advisable to avoid vinegars containing herbs, as these herbs could potentially spoil over time.
33. Potato Flakes
Instant potato flakes can be easily turned into a satisfying comfort food option in times of survival.
By simply adding boiling water, instant potato flakes can be transformed into various comforting dishes such as potato soup or mashed potatoes. These versatile flakes can also be blended into flour for creating flavorful and hearty potato bread. With approximately 100 calories per ounce, they provide a decent energy boost.
When stored in sealed, airtight bags, instant potato flakes can maintain a shelf life of 10 to 15 years. However, this shelf life typically decreases to about 6 to 12 months once the bag is opened.
34. Yeas, Baking Soda and Powder
Stockpiling flour is only valuable if you have the means to use it effectively. Therefore, it’s essential to include baking soda, baking powder, and yeast in your emergency food supply. These items have long shelf lives even without specialized storage techniques. It’s also advisable to explore recipes for creating solar ovens to bake bread or learn the art of making flatbreads using a skillet.
36. Instant Coffe
While coffee may not qualify as a traditional food item, it holds a special place that numerous individuals would find challenging to envision life without. Fortunately, instant coffee, produced through freeze-drying, boasts an everlasting shelf life, which brings about positive prospects.
Important Considerations Before Building Your Emergency Food Stockpile
These foods possess remarkable longevity, with certain items even boasting indefinite shelf lives. Nevertheless, their resilience under extreme circumstances cannot be taken for granted. Similarly, their potential consumption during a disaster is not guaranteed.
Honey, known for its everlasting nature, loses its value if stored in a fragile glass container that shatters in the midst of a hurricane.
While pasta can endure for over five years, its utility hinges on access to both water and an emergency stove to facilitate cooking.
Dehydrated foods, designed to eliminate the need for cooking, can lose their efficacy if subjected to infestation by rodents or pests.
