Imagine a sudden power outage that lasts for weeks, or maybe a time when grocery stores suddenly close their doors. How would your family eat then? Storing food for the long term is a smart move, but it can feel overwhelming. You see so many different products—freeze-dried, canned, grains—and you worry about what truly lasts and what tastes good when you finally need it.
Choosing the wrong supplies means wasting money or, worse, having food that spoils before you need it. Many people feel confused about shelf life, necessary rotation, and building a balanced pantry. We want peace of mind, knowing that our family has reliable, nutritious food ready for any emergency or unexpected event.
This post cuts through the confusion. We will explore the best, most dependable options for long-term food storage. You will learn exactly which foods offer the longest shelf life, how to store them correctly, and simple ways to make sure your stored meals are something your family will actually enjoy eating. Get ready to build a resilient, practical food supply!
Top Food For Long Term Storage Recommendations
- (INSPECTION DATE IS NOT EXPIRATION DATE) VERSATILITY: Perfect for emergency preparedness, outdoor activities, camping trips, and long-term food storage needs. Eat like a soldier, trusted by the US military
- CONVENIENCE: Ready-to-eat meals require no refrigeration, cooking, or additional preparation - just heat and serve. Each case has 12 meals inside
- SHELF LIFE: Extended storage capability makes these meals ideal for emergency situations and disaster preparedness. Inspection 2024, 2025 or later This is NOT THE EXPIRATION DATE. Can be consumed for many years after the pack date (which is always 3 years prior to inspection), as long as kept in a dry and cool environment.
- Genuine military surplus MRE's (Meals Ready to Eat). Made in the USA
- NUTRITION: Complete meals packed with essential proteins, carbohydrates, and nutrients for sustained energy.Each meal is packed with essential nutrients and has 1,250 calories to sustain you during emergencies, camping and hiking trips. Please see below for meals content
- 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!
- 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.
- 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.
- 90 servings
- 17, 100 calories
- All natural
- Perfect for food storage, emergencies, survival, camping, and everyday use
- Up to a 30 year shelf life
- TASTES GREAT: Ready Hour Freeze dried fruits and veggies are made 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.
- 30 YEAR SHELF LIFE: Includes 56 total servings. Can be stored anywhere that offers a cool and dry environment.
- USE ONLY WHAT YOU NEED: Made for multiple uses; includes seven 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.
- LONG SHELF LIFE CAMPING COOKING ESSENTIALS - Designed for long term storage in your kitchen, camping supplies, or earthquake emergency kit, this bucket of dehydrated prepared meals ready to eat has 113 servings and a 25-year shelf life.
- EASY MEALS WITH LOTS OF VARIETY - Spanning 13 meal varieties and providing approximately 22,940 total calories inside a convenient 4 gallon bucket, these emergency supplies for instant meals are great for making quick, healthy lunches and dinners.
- JUST ADD WATER AND COOK - Just add water and heat on a stove to prepare these ready to eat meals, no advanced cooking equipment or skills needed.
- IDEAL FOR TRAVEL AND CAMPING MEALS - This shelf stable dehydrated food survival kit is stored in a durable 4 gallon pail that is portable, convenient, and perfect for outdoor camping food meals or at-home meal prep.
- QUICK MEALS AND PREPARED FOODS - Augason Farms Lunch & Dinner meals ready to eat include lasagna marinara, fettuccine alfredo, creamy rice & vegetables, macaroni and cheese, stroganoff pasta, cheesy broccoli rice, Spanish rice, creamy potato soup, cheesy broccoli soup, vegetable stew, black bean burger mix, instant mashed potatoes, and chocolate pudding.
- 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!
The Ultimate Buying Guide for Long-Term Food Storage
Storing food for emergencies or just planning ahead is smart. But picking the right food storage can feel tricky. This guide helps you choose the best options to keep your family fed for years.
Key Features to Look For
When buying food for long-term storage, certain features matter most. These features ensure your food stays safe and nutritious over time.
Shelf Life
This is the most important feature. How long can the food sit on the shelf before it spoils? Look for items labeled with a 10-year, 25-year, or even 30-year shelf life. Shorter shelf lives mean you must rotate your stock more often.
Nutritional Value
Your stored food must provide good energy and vitamins. Check the labels. Good storage foods offer a balance of protein, carbohydrates, and fats. Some cheap options are mostly empty calories.
Calorie Density
How much energy do you get per pound of food? Dense foods take up less space. Grains and dried beans are usually calorie-dense heroes.
Important Materials and Packaging
The container is just as important as the food inside. Poor packaging ruins even the best food.
Packaging Types
- Mylar Bags: These thick, foil-like bags are excellent. They block light, oxygen, and moisture very well. They are often used with oxygen absorbers.
- Cans: Commercially canned goods are reliable. Ensure the cans are not dented or rusted.
- Plastic Buckets (Food Grade): Large plastic buckets are great for bulk items like rice or flour. Make sure the plastic is safe for food contact (food-grade).
The Role of Oxygen Absorbers
Oxygen is the enemy of long-term storage. Oxygen absorbers are small packets placed inside the container with the food. They suck the oxygen out. This process stops spoilage and keeps bugs away.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Where and how you store your food greatly affects its quality.
Quality Boosters
- Cool Temperatures: Heat breaks down food faster. Store your supplies in a cool basement or closet, ideally below 70°F (21°C).
- Darkness: Light degrades vitamins. Always store food in opaque containers or dark spaces.
Quality Reducers
Moisture is a major problem. If water gets into your storage, mold and bacteria grow quickly. Pests, like mice or insects, can also destroy your supply if containers are not sealed tightly.
User Experience and Use Cases
Think about how you will actually use the food when you need it.
Ease of Preparation
Some foods require only hot water (like freeze-dried meals). Others, like dried beans, need long soaking and boiling times. Choose a mix that suits your emergency cooking situation. If you store things that need electricity for cooking, you might face issues during a power outage.
Use Cases
- Short-Term Emergency Kits (72 Hours): Focus on ready-to-eat items like energy bars or canned meats. No cooking required.
- Long-Term Preparedness (Months/Years): Focus on bulk staples like wheat berries, dried pasta, and powdered milk. These require more preparation.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Long-Term Food Storage
Q: How long can freeze-dried food actually last?
A: If sealed properly in Mylar bags with oxygen absorbers, freeze-dried food often lasts 25 years or more.
Q: Do I need to add salt to my stored grains?
A: No. Salt is not needed for preservation if you use oxygen absorbers correctly. Focus on keeping moisture out.
Q: Should I store food in my garage?
A: Usually, no. Garages often get too hot in the summer and too cold or damp in the winter. Extreme temperatures reduce shelf life.
Q: What is better: canned food or bulk dry goods?
A: Canned food is easier to use right away. Bulk dry goods (like beans and rice) are cheaper per calorie and can last longer if packaged well.
Q: How do I know if my stored food has gone bad?
A: If you see any bulging on cans, mold, bad smells, or signs of insects, throw it out immediately. Trust your senses.
Q: Are oxygen absorbers safe to eat?
A: No. Oxygen absorbers are not food. They contain iron powder. If you accidentally ingest them, drink water and seek advice.
Q: What is the best way to store cooking oil long-term?
A: Oils go rancid quickly. Store them in small, dark containers in the freezer for the longest life, or use coconut oil, which is more stable.
Q: What is the simplest food to start storing?
A: White rice and dried beans are simple, cheap, and last a very long time when stored correctly in airtight containers.
Q: Do I need to rotate my food supply?
A: Yes, even long-term food should be checked. Rotate canned goods every few years. For 25-year items, check seals every decade.
Q: Does food storage need protection from pests?
A: Absolutely. Thick Mylar bags inside sealed, hard plastic buckets offer the best protection against rodents and insects.