As you’ve heard the whispers about an impending apocalypse, it’s natural to feel a sense of unease and uncertainty.
But rather than ruminating on what may or may not happen, being proactive is vital. Stocking up on survival foods will ensure that if (or when SHTF, you are well-equipped.
The best survival foods you should stockpile for when SHTF include grains, beans, nuts, seeds, and dried fruits.
These items have relatively long shelf lives, meaning they won’t spoil and will provide you with sustenance even if civilization as we know it ceases to exist.
This article will explain the different kinds of foods you should stockpile and their shelf life, as well as ways to store them so they last longer. So if you’re serious about prepping for the apocalypse, read on!
Canned And Packaged Foods
Canned Foods
Canned foods are a great way to stock your pantry with nutritious and delicious items.
Canned food will last years if the can is unopened and in good condition.
The average shelf life of canned foods is about 2-5 years, depending on the item.
Store them in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to ensure they last as long as possible.
Make sure to check the expiration dates before consuming, and always discard any cans that are bulging, rusted, or leaking.
Crackers/Chips
Crackers and chips are two of the most popular snacks around. Both have a relatively long shelf life if stored properly.
Don’t open the packages until you are ready to eat them to maximize their shelf life. Once open, store them in an airtight container and keep them away from heat, light, and moisture.
It is also important to check expiration dates when purchasing these items. Generally speaking, crackers and chips will last for up to 6-9 months when stored correctly.
Soup Mixes
Soup mixes are a great way to add flavor and nutrition to your meals.
They come in various flavors and can be used in soups, casseroles, and more.
Most dry soup mixes have a shelf life of 18-24 months, but if stored properly, they can last much longer.
Related: 5 Instant Dry Soup Mixes Every Prepper Should Have In Their Food Storage
To extend the shelf life of your soup mix, store it in an airtight container in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Keeping the container sealed will help keep out moisture and prevent spoilage.
Additionally, it is best to use a clean spoon or measuring cup when scooping out the mix so that you don’t contaminate it with bacteria from other ingredients.
Salt And Spices
Salt and spices are essential ingredients in any kitchen. Salt is a mineral, while spices are derived from plants. Both can add flavor and texture to dishes, making them more enjoyable.
Store your salt and spices in airtight containers away from direct sunlight and heat sources to keep them fresh for longer. Keep them away from moisture, which can cause clumping or mold growth.
Grains, Seeds, And Legumes
Rice
Rice is a pantry staple for many households, and for a good reason. Not only is it versatile and delicious, but it also has a long shelf life. Rice can last 10 years if stored below 70°F with moisture absorbers.
Related: How to Dry Can Beans and Rice for 20+ Years Shelf Life
To ensure your rice stays fresh for as long as possible, store it in an airtight container in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
If you store it in a warm and humid environment or leave it exposed to air and sunlight, the quality will degrade more quickly.
Beans
Beans are a great source of protein, fiber, iron, and vitamins, offering many nutritional benefits. They can be cooked in many ways, such as boiled, fried, or roasted.
To ensure beans last longer and maintain their nutritional value, it is essential to store them properly. Beans should be stored in an airtight container like a mason jar in a cool and dry place.
The shelf life of beans depends on the type of bean, but generally, they can last up to 3 years if stored correctly.
Flour
Flour is an essential ingredient in many recipes but has a limited shelf life. All-purpose flour can last up to 8 months at room temperature and 2 years if stored in the freezer.
Whole wheat and gluten-free flour can usually be stored 6 months before expiration.
To ensure your flour lasts as long as possible, store it in an airtight container such as a glass jar, plastic container, or airtight plastic bag. For a shelf life of at least 5 years, you should also consider canning flour.
Also, storing flour in the refrigerator or freezer will extend its shelf life further.
Instant Oatmeal
Instant oatmeal is a convenient and delicious breakfast option. It’s quick to make, contains nutrients, and has a long shelf life.
The shelf life of instant oatmeal varies depending on the type; flavored instant oatmeal typically lasts 6 months, while plain instant oatmeal can last up to 2 years.
Storing oatmeal in an airtight container or resealable bag in a cool, dry place is essential to maximize shelf life. This will help keep out moisture and other contaminants that can cause spoilage.
Dairy And Dairy Alternatives
Powdered Milk
Powdered or dry milk is a manufactured dairy product that evaporates milk to dryness.
It’s a great way to store and preserve milk for extended periods. Powdered milk has an indefinite shelf life when stored in an airtight container in cool, dry conditions.
Unopened powdered milk will still be usable for 2-10 years after its expiration date.
To ensure the most extended shelf life possible, it’s best to keep powdered milk away from heat sources and out of direct sunlight
Eggs (Powdered Or Freeze-Dried)
Eggs are versatile and nutritious food used in many different recipes. Powdered or freeze-dried eggs are a great way to store them longer.
The shelf life of powdered or freeze-dried eggs can last 5-10 years, depending on the environment. Store them in an airtight container in a cool, dry place to ensure maximum shelf life.
⇒ Learn How To Keep Eggs Fresh For At Least A Decade
Keeping them away from heat sources and direct sunlight can also help extend their shelf life. Powdered or freeze-dried eggs need not be refrigerated, making them an excellent option for long-term storage.
Dried and Freeze-Dried Foods
Dried Fruit
Dried fruit is a great way to get your daily dose of vitamins and minerals without worrying about the fruit spoiling. Dried fruit has a longer shelf life than fresh fruit, usually lasting up to 12 months.
To ensure that your dried fruit stays fresh for as long as possible, store it at 60°F or lower in airtight containers.
Keeping dried fruit away from direct sunlight and heat sources will help extend its shelf life even further.
Freeze-Dried Fruits And Vegetables
Freeze-dried fruits and vegetables are a great way to keep your favorite produce fresh for longer. Freeze-drying removes moisture from the food, which preserves it for up to 25 years.
This process also helps retain the natural flavor and nutrients of the food, making it an ideal choice for long-term storage.
Store your freeze-dried fruits and vegetables in airtight containers such as Mylar bags or glass jars to ensure that your freeze-dried fruits and vegetables last as long as possible.
Dehydrated Meat
Dehydrated meat is an excellent source of protein and can last up to 2 weeks without refrigeration. Dehydrating is a great way to preserve meat and make it last longer.
The shelf life of dehydrated meat can vary depending on the type and how you store it.
⇒ How To Build A Food Stockpile That Never Spoils
To maximize shelf life, vacuum seal the meat in airtight bags and store it in a cool, dry place away from direct light.
Sweeteners and Snacks
Honey & Sugar
Honey and sugar are two of the most popular sweeteners in the world. Both have long shelf lives when stored properly.
To extend the shelf life of honey, it should be stored in an airtight container away from direct sunlight and in a cool location. Raw honey should also be kept in the dark between 64-75°F (18-24°C)
Sugar can last forever if stored in an airtight container away from heat and moisture. It’s essential to keep honey and sugar sealed tightly to prevent them from absorbing odors or moisture from other foods.
Protein Bars
Protein bars are a great source of energy when SHTF. They contain protein, carbohydrates, and fats, providing long-lasting power for your body.
The shelf life of protein bars depends on the type and how you store them. To maximize their shelf life, store them in a cool and dry place.
Refrigeration is not recommended as it can cause moisture to seep into the bar, ruining its texture and taste.
Chocolate/Candy
Chocolate and candy are two of the most beloved treats around the world. Storing them properly is essential to ensure that they stay fresh and delicious.
Chocolate should be kept in a cool, dry place below 70°F (21°C) and low humidity. Hard candies can last up to 12 months if stored tightly covered in a cool, dry place at room temperature.
Dark chocolate can be kept for 2 years if wrapped in foil and stored in a cool, dark, dry place. Refrigerators should be avoided as they can cause condensation, ruining chocolate’s texture, flavor, and appearance.
Granola Bars
Granola bars are a great snack to have on hand for those prepping for survival. Not only are they delicious, but they also have a long shelf life.
Granola bars can last up to 12 months when stored in an airtight container or resealable bag, depending on the ingredients used.
Related: How To Make Survival Ration Bars At Home
Store your granola bars in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and humidity to ensure they last as long as possible. There is no need for refrigeration.
Trail Mixes
Trail mix is a delicious and nutritious snack lasting for months when stored properly. The shelf life of trail mix varies depending on the ingredients. Still, generally, it can last around 3 to 6 months in the refrigerator and up to 12 months in the freezer.
To maximize its shelf life, store your trail mix in Mylar or zip lock bags in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat sources.
Additionally, if you have opened a package of trail mix, reseal it tightly before storing it in the fridge or freezer.
Beverages
Instant Coffee/Tea
Instant coffee and tea are a great way to enjoy your favorite beverage without the hassle of brewing. Instant coffee and tea come in various forms, from single-serve packets to jars or cans.
They have a long shelf life, usually from 2 to 20 years, so you can stock up and enjoy them for a long time.
To ensure that your instant coffee and tea last as long as possible, store them in an airtight container away from heat and light. This will help keep the flavor fresh and prevent moisture from seeping in.
High Energy Drinks
High-energy drinks are a popular way to get an extra energy boost. However, it’s essential to know that these drinks have a shelf life and must be stored properly to last longer.
High-energy drinks can last up to 9 months when stored at room temperature. Store them in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight or heat sources to extend their shelf life.
Additionally, ensure the cans or bottles are tightly sealed and not exposed to air or moisture.
Protein Powders
Protein powders are an excellent way to supplement your diet and increase your protein intake. The shelf life of these products varies depending on the ingredients and packaging. Still, they can usually last up to 19 months if stored properly.
Store them in a cool, dry place under 70°F (21°C) away from direct sunlight to maximize their shelf life. Refrigeration is unnecessary unless the product contains dairy ingredients, which should be stored in the fridge.
So, there you have it. With the right survival food items and proper storage techniques, you can be sure that your apocalypse supplies will last for years.
Now all you need is a bunker in your backyard and some extra blankets – just in case SHTF.
Good luck stocking up on these essential foods so when disaster strikes, you’ll be ready to survive whatever life throws at you.
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commented on another channel about closing down the utilities prior to bugging out >>> Hint Hint – new topic for discussion
Don’t forget to store heirloom seeds for a garden for a food source too.
Off brand canned foods tend to leak due to cheaper materials. Also check on labels for bio-engineered material, GMO or non-GMO. And whether it is made in China.
China, B. Gates and other elites have bought several thousands of farmland. The food produce on China, American farmland goes back to China. Smith-field is China owned meat producer.
I don’t buy Smithfield products for that very reason. I don’t buy anything else made in China if I can avoid it. Don’t support their military/ industrial complex in any way!
Foods you can store more than a year
Wave of Doom coming
invasion like no other
language barriers due to mass immigration
you will have to hide your goods , protect your household, goods, and property
open boarder s with no stops
just anything, everything is coming
all with the expectation of a better life
NOT knowing of The world wide Depression on the horizon
All Due to Love of Self, Love of SIN , Selfish , Self Centered , And one Goal in mind
Self Satisfaction
Better Be Ready
There will be no help
our gov is the enemy , liars, thieves , cheets, only after thier own lust for selfish goals
money , money, money
What is funny, Trump predicted all that would happen if Biden got elected.
The Hunter laptop was hidden from liberal and conservative voters to the crimes committed. Bite Me, go Brandon would not be in office today. Supporting the Chinese takeover of America.
The opposition laughed at the preppers, now egg is on the naysayers faces.
China may make a move on Taiwan before the next 2024 presidential election. The USA has exhausted it’s military ammo to Ukraine’s war. Actually Bite Me’s War to hide crimes of money laundering.
So we are left on our own to procure our bug-in & out supplies. No Govt help unless you come across the Southern Border to overwhelm financial welfare programs.
It maybe too late for those just wakening up to the lies being told by the DC Swamp. The economy and the Southern Open Border, everything is great.
Hopefully the rest of us awake can put together some sort of food supply before we go into another major crisis. Like a second depression this country has never seen in decades.
Plant a VICTORY GARDEN, drill for oil, finish the Southern Border Wall, purge the Mexican drug cartels on the Southern Border.
Do Guerrilla Gardening.
Hunter Biden is a private citizen and holds no public office, your obsession with his laptop is ridiculous. Lets look at Boeberts laptop, of MTG lets investigate Kushner and Ivanka, for doing the same thing you claim Hunter Biden did. but they WERE in office.
Chinese are ot taking over, we have a fanastic trade agreements with the chinese, and everything you have wear and all of your technology is made in china due to these agreements. trump even made million while in office with the chinese.
Stop watching fox news, they are known liars.
Have a nice conspiracy theorists day.
Mass immigration, I think that Canadians speak english. Oh and the boarder is not wide open, stop leistening to fox fake news, they are known liars. World depression? Really. Over the holidays company’s made of 5 billion dollars in holiday sales, thats not a depression, thats called a great economy. The government is not the enemy, well republicans are as they chip away at freedoms while crying about freedom. Liars, cheats, thieves, well trump will be going to jail finally after all of these years of being a criminal.
How does the love of ones self trigger you, selfish, self centered, love of sin, really? Your god will not save you, he can’t even save a child from being molested by their pastor.
Enjoy your day.
The website monitor got rid of most of the trolls. Is Lisa next, what a blowhard. Probably listens to cnn, pbs, npr losers for fake news for lib’s.
Hunters laptop is of concern because of what it contains about both his and his father’s connections to China and Ukraine to name 2. I could care less about whether he is sleeping with his brothers wife or a stripper he had a kid with but refuses to acknowledge or have anything to do with. How screwed up is that kid gonna be when he is told the story of how he came about and that his dad wants nothing to do with him? I can prove Biden is a crook with 2 videos of him bragging about getting the Ukrainian govt to stop investigating Hunter or they wouldn’t get a billion bucks from us. THATS CALLED A CRIME BTW. Hunter also violated at least 2 gun laws by ILLEGALLY purchasing a gun because he’s a drug addiction then got his “girlfriend ” to dispose of it in a trash dumpster. Also a federal crime. What other crimes are on the laptop that he and ALL of the Biden crime family have committed? Hunter is not the sharpest knife in the drawer when it comes to admitting things. So yeah Hunters laptop MUST be investigated and the chips fall where they may. Can you show me where MTG or Boebert have even raised an eyebrow in the law enforcement community that would call for a similar investigation? I doubt it. But go ahead and try.
You are sadly suffering from Stockholm syndrome – if you don’t like FOX news, find another unbiased source, and/or just look for the truth from real sources. DON’T google – you will never find 2/3’s of the information on a story.
If you are not a troll, what are you doing on a site that offers preparing advice for those of us who DO believe that the government IS the enemy?? The government is not your friend – regardless of your toe-kissing allegiance – you will be the first to go…
A rude awakening is in store for you one day. Also, you sound very angry. I almost feel sorry for that group of people you belong to, almost. Apparently, you love being lied to all of time.
Why are you here? You obviously don’t buy into anything but Biden’s version of the truth. But he lies so much that even CNN,CBS ABC, NBC and other Main Stream Media call him out. What does anything you wrote have to do with the subject of the article? So you didn’t stop in to learn anything useful. You are just here to stir up controversy.
Hay Lisa,I feel very bad for you,you are a very troubled person,pretty much everyone of us on Claudes site are on the same page except you.I would strongly suggest first ,you get your spelling correct in your recent diatribs ,second ,please know the majority of us on this site will not be swayed by your anti American communist ,anti GOD false opinions.Your comments are beyond comical !!! Please send us your ADDRESS so a lot of us can contribute to a fund to send you to China where it sounds like you would be a lot more comfortable.
Hi Lisa
With respect I have a question. Not looking for an argument. It’s been proven by banks releasing SAR’s, suspicious activity reports, that the Biden family has received 8 million dollars from communist china. China didn’t just decide to send them millions for nothing in return. Since the bidens aren’t in the business of selling tangible goods, what do you think the bidens provided for the 8 million dollars? Now realize there is no question they received the money which has been proven by the SAR’s that were released.
most of us either do not have the money to buy mass amounts of these items which have to be rotated out and the single person young or old would not be able to do that. Also to buy long life foods 20+ years is to expensive for most income levels I.E. 1 year supply can cost thousands of dollars and again storage problems for same. These same food providers need to produce items for the single person with same shelf life at lower costs. Most of the long life foods are packaged in large tins and once opened would have to be used I believe within 30 days. If the industry wants customers they must look at the needs of all areas and cash available to small income and single use people
Yeah your right, some of us lost a large portion of our nest eggs. The politicians never lost a dime or their jobs, we did.
Lost part of my nest egg in invested fund, the third party stole many of the people’s money. It was not in digital Bitcoin but normal financial funds. These congress people go in poor, come out millionaires. While we pay their salaries and go broke, BS!
At least as mentioned before get some seeds for your garden at least.
How do you stockpile food to last you for a long time? You do it by buying an extra can of corn, green beans, carrots, a bag of rice and or beans, a bag of powdered milk, etc. every time you go to the grocery store. And when you get home you move the older cans and bags to the front of the shelf and put the new stuff in the back of the shelf just like the grocery stores do when they restock their shelves. This is how you build a stockpile of food. It is all fine and dandy if you have money to go out and buy $1000 worth of food in one outing but almost all of us started a can or two at a time. It just requires consistent effort to get to your goal. A journey starts one step at a time. You don’t get to Disney World from your home in Nebraska by starting your journey at Disney World.
That only works if you actually eat the canned goods you buy for your prep on a regular basis. We only use beans, tomatoes and coconut milk canned. If we bought canned goods for our prep, rotating them would do no good unless we donated to food pantries. Which isn’t a terrible idea but that’s a lot of money to waste.
Maybe for another topic.
What food sources can pet and farm animal owners use for alternative food sources?
We concentrate on human survival food, what about our favorite animal. When the food chain supply may go done for good. What are our options?
When Venezuela went socialist and the economy went south. Some unverified reports mentioned pets were eaten an so were the ZOO animals were eaten too.
Are their companies that also supply survival food for pets? What can we grow at home?
Thank you,
The dogs and cats can eat the processed remains of looters.
Go online and learn how to fix food for your animals in your own kitchen. You will not be able to stockpile enough pet food to keep your dog or cat fed so learn to cook for the two of you. Some things humans eat are fine for dogs and cats. Cats will hunt for their own food if they are given access to the outdoors. If you hunt for wild game then you have a source of food for you and your animals. The parts of the game that you don’t eat are often the preferred treats for your cats and dogs.
If you give your cat access to the outdoors to fend for itself, someone will trap and eat your cat.
most cats nowdays are domesticated and you cant let them loose to fend for themselves, and not dogs either. most will have become “lazy” and lost their hunting/survival instincts. so yes, stock food for them, and learn how to make it at home, lookup what they can eat that you do, but also be attentive to the vitamins and minerals etc for each – they are not the same for both. and there are items we eat that will kill either one of them!! so do your diligence for your animals and pets. they deserve to survive as you do.
Stockpile for immediate future. Learn Ancient ways for after that. Try hoarding carbon paper. Know how to fix an IC engine.
Awesome sight. I have learned a lot from here.
I dehydrate a lot of food and there are tricks to doing it right. Fruit and root vegetables will often discolor and look unappetizing if you don’t soak them in an acid solution to stop the oxidation. I rinse fruit and root vegetables in a bowl of water treated with citric acid or lemon juice before dehydrating that will keep it looking relatively edible. Meat should be as lean as you can get because fat will go rancid over time. So trim off all fat and silver skin then marinate or brine the meat before dehydrating. With fish smoking it is best for dehydrating. Sweet corn is very good for drying. And when you use it, it will re-hydrate and taste as good as fresh. How dry is dry enough? With vegetables hard and brittle is a good bet. With Fruit is will usually have a consistence like leather. The same goes for meat. When ever my freezer stuff is starting to form ice crystals that is when I either thaw it and put it into the dehydrator or reseal it in vacuum tight bags so that there is no oxygen in the bag and put it back in the freezer. Steaks that I vacuum seal before I put them in the freezer come out looking fresh like I just put them in the freezer a day or two ago. If you are going to store a lot of nuts I recommend vacuum sealing them if you are going to use them in the next 6 months or putting the vacuum sealed bags in the freezer for longer storage. Nuts have fats in them and at room temp will become rancid if kept much longer than six months. Walnuts, hickory nuts and Brazil nuts will turn the quickest followed by pecans and filberts. Almonds fare a little better than the others. I’m storing pistachios this year and don’t know how long they will stay good yet, but I’m guessing about the same as pecans. Canned vegetables can be drained and dehydrated when they reach the expiration date on the can thus extending the shelf life.
by my calculation, we may be in the 2nd year of the 4 year John Koyle famine. Research it like your life depends upon it.
John Koyle predicted a 4 year famine, caused by a solar radiation release that burned crops, and would cause an almost total destruction of the harvest globally in the third year(2024).
1. The transition from first year to second year is identified by a very cold winter, with record snowfall throughout much of the US.
2. Year 2: The harvest is a dryland failure, but irrigated crops are ok. A republican becomes president for a brief period (that person has big ears), then there is a stock market crash. Market crash is on a friday, where a us govt holiday is on a Monday (sept 1, oct 6). USD collapse. water, electricity, gas shut off (stuxnet attacks?) immediately after stock crash. USD blows in the streets. Within a couple of months there is NO FOOD at any price.
The year 2- year 3 winter is very mild, with hardly any snow. This could be due to the solar radiation release.
3. year 3: Crop failure almost total. Problem isn’t recognized until harvest??? Growing inside is perhaps the only option for a harvest in year 3. People go crazy. Brother against brother, father against son. Best strategy is lock yourself in your house for 2 years, and DON’T GO OUTSIDE.
4. year 4: all the seed was consumed in year 3. famine continues.
Surface water contamination. Doesn’t say when it will happen. Other prophecies mention this (Cardston Mormon temple does). You must have 2 years food and water from a well in order to survive.
chinese and russian invasion later. china makes it to Sierra Nevadas. Russia makes it to the Missouri river. Both are forced to withdraw.
So, second year (2023) a Republican with big ears becomes President of the U.S.?
We would cease to be a Republic if a Republican became President during the term of a Democrat in that office.
Perhaps you should check to see if your food supplies have become a wee bit fermented?
Not everyone here expects the government to be the cause of or contribute to a SHTF scenario. Not everyone here is American!
The chinese Govt.’s #1 foreign investment is U.S. treasury bonds. If anything causes
our economy to go belly up; their economy will suffer immensely too. Many countries hate us. BUT THEY LOVE The AMER. DOLLAR’S WORLD WIDE ACCEPTANCE.
Why are so many people expecting the world to end anytime soon?