Imagine a sudden power outage that lasts for weeks, or maybe you just want the peace of mind knowing your family is covered no matter what happens. How much food do you actually have stored away that will still be good next year, or even five years from now? Choosing long-term food storage isn’t as simple as stocking up on canned goods. Many people feel overwhelmed trying to balance shelf life, nutritional value, and cost. It’s easy to waste money on items that spoil quickly or don’t provide the energy you need when you need it most.
This guide cuts through the confusion. We will break down exactly what makes food last for the long haul, moving beyond basic pantry items to explore the best options for true preparedness. You will learn the secrets to maximizing your food investment and ensuring your stored meals are safe and nutritious for years to come. Get ready to build a reliable, sustainable food supply that gives you confidence, no matter the future holds.
Top Food For Storage Long Term Recommendations
No. 1
Ready Hour 120 Serving Entree Bucket-Freeze Dried Emergency Food Supply-Survival Meals with Long Shelf Life-Prepper Essentials for Disaster, Camping, Hiking, or Outdoor Use
- TASTES GREAT: Ready Hour freeze-dried food is designed for emergencies but tasty enough for everyday use.
- BE PREPARED: The world is unpredictable. Be ready for anything with our durable and flood-safe container which features a convenient handle for easy transport. Requires no refrigeration.
- LASTS UP TO 25 YEARS: Includes up to 120 total servings. Can be stored anywhere that offers a cool and dry environment.
- USE ONLY WHAT YOU NEED: Made for multiple uses; includes 22 resealable pouches that let you use only what you need and save the rest for later. Re-sealed pouches last up to a year.
- MADE IN THE USA from domestic and imported goods: We proudly manufacture and pack our foods in Salt Lake City, Utah.
No. 2
ReadyWise Emergency Food Supply - 120 Servings Favorites Sample Bucket, Survival Food Kit, Freeze Dried Prepper Food & Dehydrated Meals for Camping Essentials & Backpacking, up to 25 Year Shelf Life
- THE ULTIMATE SURVIVAL ESSENTIAL: With 120 servings of entrées meals, ReadyWise Grab & Go Bucket is the perfect starting point for anyone serious about preparing for the future. Stay ready for anything, from power outages to outdoor adventures!
- STORED FOR THE FUTURE: Our bucket offers up to 25 years of shelf life, ensuring your emergency food supply stays fresh. Plus, its stackable design fits conveniently in your pantry, car, or backpack, making it ideal for long term food storage.
- ULTRA CONVENIENT: The split bucket lid is a game changer! It gives you quick access to your emergency food pouches and doubles as a tray and food holder for your servings. Just add water and enjoy a delicious premade meal! Yes, it's that easy!
- ENJOY NUTRITIOUS MEALS: Our emergency supplies offer convenience and tasty, nutrient rich options, including Cheesy Macaroni, Lasagna, Teriyaki Rice, and Chicken Flavored Noodle Soup! Perfect for travel necessities, as well as home and kitchen use.
- OUTDOOR & HOME EMERGENCY: Our meals are your new ally for backpacking supplies or easy freeze dried food storage to keep you fueled during unexpected events or satisfy your craving for a delicious meal. Prepper with READYWISE!
No. 3
Augason Farms Vegetable Medley Blend Can - Dehydrated Mixed Veggies - Gluten Free Emergency Food Supply with Long Shelf Life for Survival, Disaster Prep & Everyday Meals - 131 Servings
- Wholesome Vegetable Blend: Augason Farms offers a hearty mix of potatoes, carrots, onions, celery, and peppers perfect for soups, stews, and casseroles. No washing, peeling, or chopping needed just quick, nutritious flavor in every scoop.
- Great for Emergency & Everyday Use: Lightweight and compact, this blend is made for long-term storage. Even for crisis prep or everyday cooking, it’s a trusted staple among dehydrated supplies that’s ready to use whenever you need it.
- No Refrigeration, No Problem: Unlike dehydrated vegetables, this dry mix requires no cold storage. Just add hot water and watch it come to life. A dependable choice for campers, hikers and busy kitchens alike it’s a pantry essential.
- Quick & Versatile for Daily Meals: Save time while boosting flavor. Ideal as dried vegetables for soup, noodles, stews or stir-fry, it rehydrates quickly and adds texture and taste to any meal without extra effort.
- Naturally Gluten-Free & Shelf-Stable: Certified gluten-free and lasts up to 25 years. Whether for daily meals or emergency prep, this dehydrated vegetable blend is a dependable way to add nutrition and flavor anytime you need it.
No. 4
30 Mylar Bags for Food Storage 1 Gallon - Extra Thick 15 Mil - Long Term & Food Grade - Mylar Bags with Oxygen Absorbers 400cc- Zipper, Resealable, Stand-up Gousset - Bolsas Mylar con Abosrbentes
- [SIZE & QUANTITY] . Pack of 30 mylar bags of 1 gallon for long term food storage - With 400cc oxygen absorbers (30) & Stickers (30) - Very thick 14,8 Mil layers made of PET & Mylar foil - Mylar bag of 10"x15" Inch
- [MULTI USAGE] Our Zipper & heat sealable mylar bags are used mainly to store dehydrate food, including grains, beans, oats, dried fruit, candies, coffee beans, tea, etc.
- [FOOD GRADE & AIR TIGHT] Our oxygen absorbers 400 cc (6 Packs of 5 = 30 Pcs) will efficiently remove oxygen after sealing the bag. Our 1 gallon mylar bags for food storage are FDA compliant and BPA Free.
- [EASY TO FILL & SEAL] Our 14 Mil mylar bags for food storage are designed with a 4.3" gusset to stand-up right, So much easier to fill and to organise! It support temp range 0°F-183°F.
- [LONG TERM & DURABLE] Our Mylar ziptop bags are extremely durable for long term food storage. Heat sealing preserves mylar vacuum seal bags for longer time. mylar bags for food storage 1 gallon, mylar bags 7 mil each side
No. 5
Augason Farms Dehydrated Potato Shreds Can - Gluten Free Dehydrated Survival Food with Long Shelf Life - Emergency Food Supply for Camping, Prep & Everyday Meals - 31 Servings
- Ready When You Are: No peeling, chopping or prepping needed. Just add water and enjoy real potatoes in minutes perfect for fast meals, busy mornings or when you need something warm and comforting without the kitchen hassle
- A Must-Have Pantry Staple: Stock up with confidence. These canned potatoes offer long shelf life and easy prep, making them ideal for storm prep, quick dinners, food storage plans or adding convenience to your everyday cooking routine
- Tastes Just Like Homemade: Crafted from real shredded hash browns, these golden potato shreds bring hearty flavor and satisfying texture to casseroles, breakfast skillets, soups and more straight from your pantry with none of the work
- Great for Emergency Storage: Whether you’re camping, prepping or planning ahead, this prepper food solution offers taste and nutrition. Easy to rehydrate and even easier to store just what you need in a pinch or during an emergency
- From a Trusted Name: Augason Farms is a name families trust for quality dehydrated food solutions. Known for freshness, flavor and quality, our shelf-stable ingredients give families peace of mind and meals they can count on
No. 6
100PCS Mylar Bags with 400cc Oxygen Absorbers, 11.8 Mil Thicker Long Term Food Storage Bag, 1 Gallon 10x14 6x9 4x6 Stand-up Zipper Resealable Heat Sealable for Airtight Smell Proof Packaging
- 【VALUE FOR MONEY ALL IN ONE】- Includes: 35 pcs large size 1 gallon mylar bags 10.2x13.8 inches, 45 pcs of medium size quart mylar bags 7.1x10.2 inches, 20 pcs small size 1/2 pint mylar bags 4.3x6.3 inches.Comes with 55pcs individually sealed 400cc oxygen absorbers and 100 labels, for better food storage and differentiation, reducing mishandling and waste
- 【UPGRADED 400cc OXYGEN ABSORBERS】- With the addition of 400cc of oxygen absorber, your oxygen absorber will remove oxygen faster than ever. Each 5 packs of oxygen absorbers (400cc) are individually packaged in a vacuum bags to avoid product exposure and waste
- 【THICKER LAYERS】- 11.8 mil thickness, with a maximum thickness of 4.7 mil on each side. Durability and puncture resistance are enhanced by an additional internal layer of aluminum foil. To ensure longer food storage, prevents light and air permeation
- 【LONG-TERM STORAGE & FOOD-GRADE MATERIALS】- Our mylar bags are made of food-grade material that is safe, eco-friendly, durable, and tasteless. There are three layers to these bags: PET, aluminum foil, and PE. Our mylar bags can protect your food from air, moisture, and pests while retaining its flavor and nutritional value
- 【RESEALABLE ZIPPER MYLAR BAGS】- The zipper design allows for repeated use, which is useful for frequently consumed foods. Long-term food storage requires the use of a hot iron or a heat-sealing machine. The standing type allows for easier cabinet storage
No. 7
120 Packs 500CC Food Grade Oxygen Absorbers (10 Pack in Individual Vacuum Bag ) , Oxygen Absorbers For Long Term Food Storage with Oxygen Indicator , Works in Mylar Bags, Mason Jars, and Vacuum Bags
- ✅ 【Preminum Food Grade Oxygen Absorbers】: Our factory have 18 years experience in oxygen absorber, Also we have ISO9001 Certificate, All our oxygen absorbers are preminum food grade material and tested under strict food regulation, Very safe to be used with foods and pharmaceuticals storage.
- ✅ 【Extend Shelf Life】: Oxygen absorbers bring about oxidizing enzymes that cause browning and malodor, Oxygen-absorbing packaging reduces the amount of oxygen in food storage containers, With our oxygen absorbers these phenomenon will not happen aslo can extending product freshness and shelf life.
- ✅【 Packaging】: Our oxygen absorbers are 10 pack in an individual vacuum bag to minimise the waste, Come with an oxygen indicator to let you know whether it is good for when you received it, if the color is pink means it is ok to use
- ✅ 【Anti-Oil Film Design】: Our oxygen absorbers are double layer and anti-oil film design that can use for oil food storage oxygen absorb, You can place them with oil and oil-free food storage to extend the shelf life of these foods.
- ✅ 【Widely Use in Daily Life】Oxygen absorbers widely used in daily life food storage, such as homemade jerky, nuts, spices, candy, medicines, pet food, etc, It can help maintains the original taste, flavor, color, and nutritive value of food to keep food fresh for a long time
No. 8
READYWISE - Simple Kitchen, Powdered Eggs, 72 Servings, Emergency Supply, Dehydrated Food, Baking Supplies, Camping Meals, Survival Food, 10 Can Egg Powder, Dehydrated Eggs Powder
- DELICIOUS & CONVENIENT: Elevate your breakfast game with our dehydrated whole egg powder. Just add water, and you're ready to enjoy a scrumptious and protein-packed meal that tastes like it was made from fresh eggs.
- BREAKFAST BLISS: These powdered eggs are perfect for whipping up fluffy scrambled eggs, hearty omelets, or a quick breakfast on busy mornings. Say goodbye to breakfast hassles!
- CAMPING & BACKPACKING: Heading into the wilderness? Don't forget our lightweight and easy-to-pack freeze-dried eggs. They're an absolute must for your camping meals. Quick, nutritious, and oh-so-tasty!
- LONG-TERM STORAGE: Our powdered eggs have an extended shelf life, making them an ideal addition to your emergency food supply. Be prepared for any situation with these reliable and stable storage cans.
- BAKING BONANZA: These powdered egg whites are a secret weapon for bakers. They're perfect for adding a fluffy texture to your cakes, cookies, and other baked goods. Elevate your baking with ease!
The Essential Guide to Buying Food for Long-Term Storage
Preparing for the future means having food that lasts. Long-term food storage gives you peace of mind. It ensures you have meals ready, even when grocery stores are closed. This guide helps you pick the best options for your pantry.
Key Features to Look For
When shopping for food storage, some features matter most. These features determine how long the food stays good and how useful it is when you need it.
Shelf Life is King
- Check the Date: Look for products labeled with 10, 20, or even 30 years. A longer shelf life means less frequent replacing.
- Packaging Matters: Good packaging keeps moisture and air out. This is crucial for long storage times.
Nutritional Value
- Balanced Meals: Good storage food should offer a mix of carbs, proteins, and fats. You need energy when you use it.
- Vitamins and Minerals: Even stored food should provide essential nutrients. Check the labels for added vitamins.
Ease of Preparation
- Simple Cooking: The best foods require only hot water and a few minutes to cook. You might not have a full kitchen during an emergency.
- Taste Test Potential: If it tastes good, you are more likely to eat it. Look for variety packs to avoid flavor fatigue.
Important Materials and Packaging
The container holding your food protects it from the world. The material used for packaging significantly impacts how long the food lasts.
Packaging Types
- Mylar Bags: These thick, shiny bags are excellent barriers against light and oxygen. They often require an oxygen absorber inside.
- Metal Cans: Canned goods are a classic choice. Make sure the cans are not dented or rusted before storing them.
- Durable Plastic Buckets: Many bulk items come in sturdy, food-grade plastic buckets. These stack well and protect contents from pests.
What’s Inside Matters
- Dehydrated vs. Freeze-Dried: Freeze-dried foods keep more nutrients and rehydrate faster than simple dehydrated items. They cost more, but often last longer.
- Low Moisture Content: Water is the enemy of long-term storage. Foods with very low moisture content resist spoilage naturally.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
You control much of how long your stored food remains high quality. Proper handling extends its life significantly.
Quality Boosters
- Cool, Dark Place: Heat and light break down food components quickly. Store your supplies in a basement or closet where temperatures stay consistent and cool.
- Oxygen Removal: Using oxygen absorbers in Mylar bags removes the air that causes oxidation and spoilage. This step greatly improves longevity.
Quality Reducers
- Pest Infestation: If packaging is compromised, insects or rodents can ruin everything. Always inspect containers regularly.
- Temperature Swings: Storing food near a water heater or exterior wall exposes it to heat fluctuations, which shortens the shelf life, even if the packaging is sealed.
User Experience and Use Cases
Think about *why* you are storing food. This affects the type and quantity you buy.
Emergency Preparedness
- Short-Term Evacuation: For a few days, you need ready-to-eat items like energy bars or canned soups. Portability is key here.
- Long-Term Shelter: For weeks or months without power, you need bulk staples like rice, beans, wheat, and powdered milk that require simple cooking methods.
Budget and Lifestyle
- Bulk Buying Benefits: Buying large containers of grains or legumes is cheaper per meal. This is great for long-term budgeting.
- Rotation Strategy: Use the “First In, First Out” (FIFO) rule. Eat the oldest items first and replace them with new stock. This ensures nothing expires before you use it.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Long-Term Food Storage
Q: What is the most important factor for long shelf life?
A: The most important factor is keeping moisture and oxygen away from the food. Good sealing techniques are vital.
Q: Are canned goods truly safe after 10 years?
A: Yes, commercially canned goods are often safe well past 10 years if the can remains undamaged. However, the nutritional quality might decrease slightly over time.
Q: Should I store water with my food?
A: Absolutely. Water is more critical than food. Plan for at least one gallon of water per person, per day, for drinking and sanitation.
Q: What is the difference between dehydrated and freeze-dried food?
A: Dehydrated food has most of its water removed using heat, which can affect texture. Freeze-dried food uses a vacuum process that keeps the food lighter and preserves more nutrients and shape.
Q: How often should I check my stored food?
A: Check your inventory once or twice a year. Look for signs of damage, pests, or bulging cans. Rotate older items into your regular weekly meals.
Q: Can I use regular plastic containers for storage?
A: No. Standard plastic containers allow air and moisture exchange over time. Use food-grade buckets or Mylar bags for true long-term storage.
Q: Do I need to add anything to freeze-dried food before storing it?
A: Yes. You must add an oxygen absorber packet to the container before sealing it in the Mylar bag. This removes the air needed for spoilage.
Q: What are the cheapest foods for long-term storage?
A: Dry beans, rice, hard wheat berries, and dried pasta are generally the most budget-friendly staples that last for decades.
Q: Does temperature affect the taste of stored food?
A: Yes. High temperatures speed up chemical reactions that change the flavor. Store food cool (below 70°F) for the best taste retention.
Q: Are pre-packaged survival kits worth the money?
A: They are convenient and great for beginners. However, you might save money by buying bulk staples and assembling your own customized kit.