Imagine a world where your pantry stays stocked, no matter what happens outside. That dream is closer than you think, especially when you master the art of food dehydration. But with so many things you could dry—from fruits and veggies to meats and herbs—how do you pick the absolute best items for long-term storage? It’s easy to feel overwhelmed. You want food that lasts for years, tastes great when you rehydrate it, and keeps the most nutrients.
Choosing the wrong foods can lead to wasted time and supplies that spoil too quickly. That’s why smart preparation is key to true food security. This guide cuts through the confusion. We will show you exactly which foods offer the best bang for your buck when it comes to shelf life and nutritional value.
Keep reading to unlock the secrets of the most reliable, space-saving, and long-lasting dehydrated foods. Get ready to build a pantry that truly lasts!
Top Foods To Dehydrate For Long Term Storage Recommendations
Bestseller No. 1
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!
Bestseller No. 2
400cc Oxygen Absorbers for Food Storage - 100 Count (20x Packs of 5) - for Long Term Food Storage & Survival, Mylar Bags, Canning, Harvest Right Freeze Dryer, Dehydrated, and Preserved Foods
- NOTE - Bags may NOT shrink like a vacuum bag when the oxygen has been removed. Absorbers do NOT absorb air; they absorb oxygen which is only 20% of the air. About 1/5 of the air volume will be gone, 4/5 remains no matter how many absorbers are used. food grade oxygen absorbers o2 absorbers food grade
- FOOD GRADE & SAFE - Our Oxygen Absorbers packaging is made of food-grade material and passed strict food testing, so it can be safely stored with food without peculiar. Products are strictly tested to ensure the highest level of compliance to safety standards.
- 400CC CAPACITY - Perfect for use in 1-Gallon Mylar bags and other airtight containers to extend the shelf life of dry goods - grains, beans, powders, pastas, and cereal, as well as dehydrated and freeze dried foods.
- Double layer and anti oil film design
- FIVE PACKS OF OXYGEN ABSORBERS - Offered as sets of five, absorbers are packaged and heat sealed closed immediately after production. Never repackaged in order to prevent oxygen exposure and maximize their potency and shelf life.
Bestseller 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.
Bestseller No. 4
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.
Bestseller No. 5
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!
Bestseller No. 6
Emergency Food Storage & Survival Handbook: Everything You Need to Know to Keep Your Family Safe in a Crisis
- Layton, Peggy (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 304 Pages - 10/22/2002 (Publication Date) - Clarkson Potter (Publisher)
Bestseller No. 7
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
Bestseller No. 8
ReadyWise Emergency Food Supply - 360 Servings, 3 Buckets, Freeze Dried & Dehydrated Package of Long Term Meals, Survival Kit for Camping, Prepper Food Storage Supplies, up to 25 Year Shelf Life
- SURVIVAL ESSENTIAL: With 360 servings of gourmet entrées & breakfast meals, READYWISE Buckets are the perfect starting point for anyone serious about preparing for the future. Stay ready for anything, from power outages to outdoor adventures!
- FUTURE-READY: Our buckets offer 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 & bug out bag, making it ideal for long term food storage.
- ULTRA CONVENIENT: Our 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!
- PREPPER MEALS: Our survival kit offers tasty and nutrient rich options, including Cheesy Macaroni, Lasagna, Pasta Alfredo, Brown Sugar & Maple Multi Grain Cereal, 1 bonus pouch of Maple Flavored Syrup, & more to enhance your outdoor meals reliably.
- DISASTER READINESS: Our storable buckets are your new ally for backpacking supplies or easy freeze dried food storage to keep you fueled during unexpected events or extended camping and outdoor trips. Prepper with READYWISE Grab & Go Buckets!
Choosing the Best Foods for Long-Term Storage: A Dehydration Buying Guide
Dehydrating food is a smart way to keep your favorite snacks and ingredients fresh for a very long time. This guide helps you pick the right foods to dry so your pantry stays stocked, no matter what happens.
Key Features to Look For in Storage Foods
When deciding what to dry, think about three main things: shelf life, nutritional value, and how easy it is to use later.
Shelf Life Potential
- Low-Moisture Foods Last Longer: Foods that naturally have less water, like dried beans or herbs, will store better than high-water items like tomatoes, even when dried.
- Fat Content Matters: Foods high in natural fats, like nuts or avocado, can go rancid faster. You might want to avoid these for very long-term storage (over 1 year) unless you vacuum seal them properly.
Nutritional Retention
- Vitamins Survive Best: Choose foods that keep most of their vitamins during the drying process. Leafy greens and carrots are surprisingly good at holding onto nutrients when dried correctly.
- Sugar Content: Fruits dry well, but remember that the sugar becomes concentrated. This doesn’t hurt storage, but it changes the nutritional profile.
Important Materials and Preparation
The quality of the food you start with greatly affects how well it stores.
Selecting Quality Produce
- Use Freshness: Always start with the freshest, highest-quality food available. Old or bruised food will spoil faster, even after drying.
- Pre-Treatment is Key: Some foods need a quick dip before drying. For example, blanching vegetables (briefly boiling them) stops enzymes that break down color and nutrients. Fruits often need a light soak in lemon juice or a sulfite solution to keep their bright color.
Proper Conditioning and Packaging
- Conditioning: After drying, let the food sit for a week in an open container, shaking it daily. This balances any remaining moisture.
- Airtight is Essential: Use high-quality, oxygen-free packaging. Mylar bags with oxygen absorbers are the gold standard for multi-year storage. Glass jars are good, but they must be stored in a completely dark place.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
How you dry and store the food makes a big difference in how long it lasts and how good it tastes later.
Factors That Improve Quality
- Consistent, Low Heat: Drying at a steady, low temperature (usually between 125°F and 145°F) removes moisture without “cooking” the food too much, which preserves flavor.
- Complete Dryness: The food must be brittle or leathery (depending on the item) with no soft spots. Any remaining moisture invites mold.
Factors That Reduce Quality
- Light and Heat Exposure: Storing dehydrated food in a sunny window or a hot attic will dramatically shorten its life. Light destroys vitamins quickly.
- Improper Sealing: If air gets in, moisture will get in. This is the number one reason stored food fails.
User Experience and Use Cases
Think about how you plan to eat the food later. This guides your drying choices.
Ease of Rehydration
- Soups and Stews: Diced carrots, celery, and ground meats are excellent because they rehydrate quickly when added to boiling liquid.
- Snacking: Sliced apples, bananas, and berries are perfect for immediate, crunchy snacking right out of the jar.
Meal Planning
- Bulk Staples: Drying large batches of grains (like wheat berries) or beans is cost-effective for long-term emergency supplies.
- Flavor Boosters: Drying herbs and peppers allows you to have intense, homegrown flavors year-round without needing freezer space.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Dehydrating Food for Storage
Q: What is the absolute best food to dehydrate for the longest storage time?
A: Grains, dried beans, and white rice store the longest, sometimes decades, when kept completely dry and cool. They are very low in moisture and fat.
Q: Do I need a special dehydrator, or can I use my oven?
A: A dedicated food dehydrator is best. Ovens usually run too hot and unevenly, which can ruin the food quality faster. Dehydrators maintain the low, consistent temperature needed.
Q: How do I know when fruit is dry enough?
A: Fruit should be leathery or pliable, depending on the type. If you cut a piece in half, there should be no visible moisture beads on the inside surface.
Q: Can I dehydrate cooked meat for storage?
A: Yes, you can, but you must cook it first and then dry it until it is completely brittle (like a cracker). Ground meat works better than chunks.
Q: What is the most important step after drying food?
A: Conditioning the food is the most important step after drying. It prevents pockets of moisture from spoiling the whole batch later on.
Q: Will dehydrating destroy all the vitamins in the food?
A: Some vitamins, like Vitamin C, will decrease during drying. However, many minerals and fiber remain intact, making it a great way to preserve most nutrition.
Q: How should I store dehydrated food to keep bugs out?
A: Store food in thick Mylar bags with oxygen absorbers. Seal the bags tightly. This removes the oxygen bugs need to survive.
Q: Is it safe to store dried fruit for more than two years?
A: Yes, dried fruit is generally safe for 3 to 5 years if stored properly. However, its texture and vitamin content will slowly start to decline after the first year.
Q: What is the easiest food for a beginner to dehydrate?
A: Bananas, apples, and herbs are very easy starting points. They require minimal pre-treatment and dry reliably.
Q: Should I dry vegetables with the skin on or off?
A: Always peel vegetables like carrots or potatoes. The skin holds extra moisture and can slow down the drying process, increasing the risk of spoilage.