Imagine a world where shelves are bare and grocery stores have empty aisles. How would you feed your family then? Storing food for the long term is a smart move. Rice is a staple food for billions. It lasts a long time if you store it right. But knowing *how* to store rice for years can feel tricky. You worry about pests, moisture, and spoilage. These concerns stop many people from preparing.
Choosing the best long-term rice storage method feels overwhelming. Should you use plastic buckets, Mylar bags, or something else? Getting this wrong wastes your hard-earned money and spoils your food supply. You need clear, simple answers to protect your investment.
This post cuts through the confusion. We will show you the exact steps to store white rice so it stays fresh and edible for decades. You will learn about the best containers and simple techniques to keep bugs and moisture away for good. Keep reading to build a reliable, long-lasting food reserve with confidence.
Top Rice Long Term Storage Recommendations
- 231 servings
- 39, 270 calories
- Certified gluten-free
- Perfect for food storage, emergencies, survival, camping, and everyday use!
- Up to a 30 year shelf life!
- YOUR EMERGENCY FOOD FOUNDATION: Beans and rice are essential staples in any long-term food supply. In addition to being hearty and filling foods, they can be combined with just about anything to make a delicious, balanced meal.
- REAL, FLAVORFUL FOODS: This kit includes five different foods, all real and full of flavor. Dig into our Long Grain White Rice, Southwest Rice, Black Beans, Red Beans, and Pinto Beans.
- CONVENIENT COOKING: In an emergency, time is of the essence! These foods are easy to prepare. Just boil water, pour in the contents of each pouch, then cook. Your beans and rice will be ready to eat in under 30 minutes!
- ROBUST PACKAGING: These foods are sealed inside quadruple-wrapped, resealable pouches. The pouches are packed into a rugged, water-resistant bucket with a collapsible handle designed for grab-and-go transport.
- LONG SHELF LIFE: These foods are preserved and packaged to last up to 30 years in storage. They will be ready for you whenever you need them, be that tomorrow or decades away!
- REAL FOOD FOR A BETTER LIFE: For over 40 years we have helped families prepare for the days ahead. Our powerfully nutritious real foods have just one ingredient like wheat, lentils or pinto beans, no additives of any kind.
- GROWN BY FAMILY FARMERS: Our foods are grown by family farmers (most in Utah and Idaho) then cleaned and packaged in our state-of-the-art food plant. We are selective. We don’t rely on a single-family farm. Rather we work with many family farmers to select only the best-of-harvest, chemical-free foods.
- PACKED TO LAST: The food inside our buckets is sealed in Mylar with oxygen absorbers—a method tested by food scientists (who also work with the US military's foods) to provide a 30-year shelf life. Less reliable methods (gamma sealed bucket lids or rubber gaskets alone) tend to degrade over time, allowing air and moisture penetration, food decay and weevil infestation. Our Mylar can be opened then quickly heat-sealed, providing access to your foods over the years without losing freshness.
- NON-GMO & SPROUTABLE: Our products are Non-GMO Project Verified… and as a certified seed dealer we know the varietal genetics on all our seed. So you can plant your wheat berries or beans, harvest them and replenish your storage. Or you can sprout our products for a powerful nutritional boost if fresh vegetables are in short supply.
- CHEMICAL-FREE: Many farmers use chemical herbicides and fungicides to reduce growing costs and increase yields...so we test all our products at an ISO 17025 lab to verify they are pure and free of any chemical residue, desiccant or glyphosate. Wheatland is the only major seller of long term food storage that tests for 210 common agricultural chemicals; providing you the peace of mind knowing your food is pure and chemical free.
- PREMIUM JASMATI RICE: Inspired by Thai Jasmine rice, RiceSelect’s Jasmati white rice is an American-style hybrid of Jasmine and long-grain rice with an intoxicating aroma, texture, and flavor. This Jasmine rice variety pairs perfectly with Asian-focused techniques, flavors, and dishes and can be cooked in only 15 minutes.
- VERSATILE JASMINE RICE: Raise your kitchen game with our long-grain Jasmati white rice, which can be used for any meal. Try it for sweet desserts like rice pudding or for sticky rice, fried rice, cold rice salads, or Asian food–inspired recipes like our Japanese rice omelet (omurice).
- NON-GMO & GLUTEN-FREE: Low in fat, sodium, and cholesterol, this premium rice has no additives or preservatives and is suitable for vegan and vegetarian diets. It’s also Non-GMO Project Verified, Star-K Kosher, and Certified Gluten-Free, so anyone can enjoy it!
- EARTH-CONSCIOUS PACKAGING: We package all of our premium products—Jasmati gluten-free rice, Texmati rice, Arborio rice, couscous, quinoa, orzo, and more—in our iconic fully recyclable BPA-free jar. Check the back of the rice jar for cooking directions and a soup, side dish, or savory rice pilaf recipe.
- QUALITY FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY: From our exclusive rice varieties and rigid “inspect each grain” quality to our unique, innovative packaging, RiceSelect products are truly one of a kind. Each product we develop provides premium quality, taste, and texture that home cooks and the whole family will love!
- REIMAGINE TRADITIONAL: Craft your favorite recipes in a whole new way with Mahatma Extra-Long-Grain Rice. This long-grain white rice works with any flavor combination and always turns out light and fluffy!
- EASY RICE: Prepare rice according to package directions. On a stovetop, add 1 cup rice to 2 cups boiling water for 20 minutes or until water absorbs. Alternatively, microwave the above measurements on HIGH for 5 minutes, for 15 minutes at 50% power, then let stand for 5 minutes.
- TRUSTED VEGAN FOOD: Our bulk white rice is 100% vegan and vegetarian, but that's not all. It's free from gluten, MSG, and preservatives and verified by the Non-GMO Project. It's even kosher, so you can gather everyone you love around your table!
- REWRITE RECIPES: Start your day with cheesy rice omelets. Try a rice salad, soup, or veggie burrito bowl for lunch. Build dinner with our rice and a protein like chicken. You can even craft dessert—pudding, pie, or a traditional Latin-American arroz con leche!
- HEART & SOUL OF THE FAMILY TABLE: Mahatma rice is for all who give so much of themselves to provide their families with the best life possible. For close to 100 years, we’ve poured our heart and soul into every bag of quality rice and grains—so you can enjoy it with those you love.
- AUTHENTIC FLAVOR: Long and fluffy, naturally aromatic, long grain Basmati rice; Aged for non-sticky texture and sweet flavor
- NATURALLY SOURCED: Sourced from local growers in Himalayan regions renowned for producing the finest crops
- VERSATILE WHITE RICE: Great long grain white rice for Indian food or Mexican food dishes; Add to curry, rice pilaf, stir fries, or enjoy as a side on its own
- NUTRITIOUS ROYAL RICE: Vegan, gluten-free, kosher, halal, non-fat, low sodium, and cholesterol-free
- EASY TO COOK: Ready to eat in 15 minutes; Simply cook on the stove top or in the microwave or electric cooker
- Non-GMO
- Naturally gluten-free
- Grown, milled, and packaged on our family farm
- READY WHEN YOU ARE: At home, out camping, or caught up in the day-to-day rush - when disaster strikes, READYWISE Grab & Go Bucket has you covered with 88 servings of Meat & Rice protein meals ready to support you in any situation.
- PREPARED FOOD STORAGE: Stackable and easy to store in your pantry, car, or emergency kit. With “just add water” convenience, the bucket’s split lid doubles as a handy tray or small table to support your food. Enjoy anytime and anywhere!
- LONG TERM RELIABILITY: With up to a 25 year shelf life, READYWISE Emergency Food Supply keeps you and your family secure during unexpected events, giving you peace of mind and ensuring you're always prepared and protected for the long haul.
- NUTRITIOUS & YUMMY: READYWISE protein packed prepper food bucket delivers bold & satisfying flavor. It includes 40 servings of rice and 48 servings of meat, such as diced chicken, beef & sausage crumbles for quick meals or your emergency food kit.
- EXTREME SITUATIONS (OR NOT): From power outages to packed schedules on busy weekdays, our survival food bucket offers prepared meals you can count on. Nutritious, tasty, and made to save time when you need it most!
Your Essential Guide to Buying Rice for Long-Term Storage
Storing rice correctly means you have food ready for emergencies or just want to save money. This guide helps you choose the best rice for keeping it safe and tasty for years.
1. Key Features to Look For
When buying rice for long storage, some features matter more than others. Focus on the type of rice and how it is processed.
Rice Type Matters Most
- White Rice is King: White rice stores much longer than brown rice. This is because the bran and germ (which hold the oils) are removed. These oils make brown rice go rancid quickly.
- Long Grain vs. Short Grain: Both store well, but long-grain varieties often stay fluffier after cooking, which many people prefer after long storage.
- Glutinous/Sticky Rice: While it stores fine, its stickiness might change slightly over many years.
Packaging and Processing
- Mylar Bags: Look for rice packaged in strong Mylar bags. These bags are excellent barriers against light, moisture, and oxygen.
- Oxygen Absorbers: The best storage kits include oxygen absorbers. These small packets remove the air inside the container, which stops bugs and slows down spoilage significantly.
2. Important Materials for Storage Success
The rice itself is only half the battle. The container you put it in is crucial for keeping it safe.
Container Choices
- Food-Grade Buckets: Heavy-duty, food-grade plastic buckets (usually 5-gallon size) work well. Make sure they have tight-sealing lids.
- Durable Liners: Always use an inner liner, like a Mylar bag, inside the bucket. This prevents the rice from touching the plastic directly and provides the best seal.
- Avoid Original Bags: Do not store rice long-term in the thin plastic or paper bags it comes in from the store. These let moisture and pests in easily.
3. Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Where you keep your stored rice greatly impacts how long it lasts.
Quality Boosters (What Helps)
- Cool Temperatures: Store rice in a cool place. Lower temperatures slow down any natural degradation. A temperature below 70°F (21°C) is ideal.
- Dry Environment: Moisture is the enemy. Keep rice away from damp basements or areas where water pipes might leak. Low humidity keeps the grains hard.
- Darkness: Light breaks down nutrients over time. A dark pantry or closet protects your supply.
Quality Reducers (What Hurts)
- Heat: Storing rice near a stove, water heater, or in a hot attic drastically shortens its lifespan. Heat makes the natural oils in the rice break down faster.
- Pests: Even small cracks in containers invite pantry moths or weevils. A proper seal prevents this completely.
- Air Exposure: If you open the container frequently or don’t seal it well, oxygen enters, causing the rice to eventually taste stale.
4. User Experience and Use Cases
Storing rice is straightforward, but knowing how to use it makes the effort worthwhile.
Ease of Use
Once properly sealed (using Mylar and absorbers), rice requires zero maintenance. You just leave it alone. The main user interaction is the initial setup—making sure the buckets are clean and the seals are tight.
Common Use Cases
- Emergency Preparedness: Rice is a staple carbohydrate. Storing 25-pound bags ensures your family has a reliable food source for weeks or months if normal shopping stops.
- Budget Shopping: Buying large quantities of white rice when it is on sale and storing it properly saves significant money over time.
- Off-Grid Living: For those living without consistent access to stores, bulk-stored rice provides security and stability.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Storing Rice
Q: How long can white rice really last when stored correctly?
A: If you use an airtight container, oxygen absorbers, and keep it cool and dark, white rice can last 25 to 30 years. It might not be perfectly fresh after 30 years, but it will remain safe to eat.
Q: Should I wash my rice before storing it?
A: No, never wash rice before long-term storage. Washing adds moisture, and moisture causes mold and spoilage. You wash it right before you cook it.
Q: What is the difference between storing brown rice versus white rice?
A: White rice lasts decades because the oily germ is removed. Brown rice only lasts about six months to a year, even when refrigerated, because those oils go rancid quickly.
Q: Do I need to freeze rice before storing it?
A: Freezing is not required if you use oxygen absorbers and airtight containers. Freezing is mainly used as an extra step to kill any existing bugs before sealing the rice.
Q: What are oxygen absorbers, and how do they work?
A: Oxygen absorbers are small packets containing iron powder. When exposed to air, the iron rusts quickly, using up all the oxygen in the container. This creates an oxygen-free environment, which stops bug growth and food decay.
Q: How much rice fits in a standard 5-gallon bucket?
A: A 5-gallon bucket holds approximately 30 to 35 pounds of dried white rice, depending on how tightly it packs down.
Q: What happens if I store rice in a metal trash can?
A: Metal trash cans are usually not food-grade and often do not seal tightly enough. They can also rust if moisture gets in, which contaminates the rice. Stick to certified food-grade plastic buckets.
Q: How can I tell if my stored rice has gone bad?
A: Bad rice will usually smell sour, musty, or like old oil (rancid). If it looks dusty, discolored, or you see any signs of insects, throw it out immediately.
Q: Is there a temperature range that is too cold for rice storage?
A: No, extreme cold actually helps preserve rice. As long as the rice stays completely dry, freezing temperatures are safe and beneficial for very long-term keeping.
Q: Can I store rice in glass jars for many years?
A: Glass jars work well for short-term storage (under two years) or if you use them often. However, they break easily, and the lids often lose their airtight seal over many years compared to Mylar bags inside buckets.