Imagine a time when grocery stores are suddenly empty. It’s a scary thought, right? We all rely on food every single day, but what happens when that easy access disappears? Life throws curveballs—unexpected storms, power outages, or longer emergencies. Having food stored away gives you peace of mind when the unexpected hits.
Choosing long-term storage foods can feel like a huge puzzle. Should you pick freeze-dried meals, canned goods, or grains? How long will they really last? People worry about wasting money on food that spoils or buying items their family won’t actually eat. The sheer amount of information out there can make your head spin, leaving you unsure of where to even start building your stockpile.
Don’t stress! This guide cuts through the confusion. We will break down the best options available, explain exactly how to store them correctly, and show you how to build a smart food supply that fits your budget and tastes good. Get ready to learn the secrets to long-lasting, reliable food storage so you can feel prepared for anything.
Top Long Term Storage Foods Recommendations
- SHELF STABLE MILK PANTRY ESSENTIALS - Designed for long term storage in your kitchen, camping supplies, or emergency rations kit, this canned nonfat dry milk powder mix has 39 servings and a 20-year shelf life
- FAT FREE MILK POWDER - Fortified with vitamins A and D and made with 100% real dairy nonfat milk, Augason Farms Country Fresh Dry Powder Milk Mix can be used for baking, pouring over cereal, or enjoyed on its own as a refreshing drink
- JUST ADD WATER AND MIX - Just add water, mix, and chill for 4 hours, no advanced cooking equipment or skills needed
- POWDERED MILK FOR CAMPING AND TRAVEL - This convenient canned dry milk fat free powder is portable, easy to store, and the perfect shelf stable addition to any kitchen pantry or camping and emergency food supplies kit
- EASY NON FAT MILK MIX - Certified gluten free and fortified with essential vitamins and minerals, Augason Farms Instant Nonfat Milk Powder for baking and drinking makes approximately 9.75 quarts of real nonfat milk
- 36 total servings
- 5,500 calories
- Easy to prepare, just add water and cook
- Perfect for everyday meals and long-term food storage
- Shelf life up to 25 years
- 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!
- LONG SHELF LIFE PANTRY STAPLES - Designed for long term storage in your kitchen, camping supplies, or emergency rations kit, this powdered butter blend has 510 servings and a 10-year shelf life
- BUTTER POWDER BLEND - Keep our convenient canned butter powder in the house for everyday use and stock up your emergency food supply rations to add instant flavor to prepared meals ready to eat
- JUST ADD WATER OR USE DRY - Just add water and mix to create smooth, spreadable butter or use the dry powder as a convenient substitute for cooking and baking
- IDEAL FOR TRAVEL AND CAMPING MEALS - This convenient container of shelf stable butter mix is portable, easy to store, and the perfect addition to any emergency kit for disaster preparedness
- POWDERED BUTTER MIX - Augason Farms Butter Powder is certified gluten free and made with real cow’s milk, making it an essential addition to any storable food supply or camping gear kits
- 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!
- 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.
- Bursting with Natural Flavor & Versatility: Savor the rich taste of whole blueberries in every bite. Perfect for cereals, yogurt, pancakes, or desserts, these dried fruits bring vibrant flavor with zero prep needed.
- Nutrient-Rich & Gluten-Free Certified: These low-fat dehydrated foods are packed with antioxidants and a high dose of Vitamin C for immune support. GFCO-certified (10 ppm or less), they are a safe and nutritious choice for sensitive diets.
- Long-Lasting Shelf-Stable Essential: Sealed in an airtight, pest-proof No. 10 steel can, these dehydrated fruits stay fresh for up to 30 years unopened. A reliable staple for emergency food storage in homes, apartments, RVs, or condos.
- No-Prep Snack for Any Adventure: These backpacking foods need no peeling or chopping. Enjoy them straight from the can or soak for smoothies, baked goods, and more, ideal for snacks at work, school, camping, or outdoor trips.
- Durable & Reusable Steel Can: After enjoying the canned fruit, you can repurpose the sturdy steel can to grow herbs, store water, protect meds, or secure valuables. This versatile container is a smart addition to emergency prep and daily life.
- LONG SHELF LIFE PANTRY STAPLES - Designed for long term storage in your kitchen, camping supplies, or emergency rations kit, this powdered sugar and honey blend has 227 servings and a 30-year shelf life
- HONEY POWDER SUGAR BLEND - Keep our convenient canned sweeteners and sugar alternatives in the house for everyday use and stock up your emergency food supply rations to add instant sweetness to prepared meals ready to eat
- USE DRY OR ADD WATER - Just add water and cook to create liquid honey for tea and baking or use the dry powder as a sugar substitute in prepared foods
- SWEETENER FOR BAKING MIX - Made with natural honey, sprinkle this powder over breakfast foods like cereal and toast or use the sweetener in baking and dessert recipes
- POWDERED HONEY AND SUGAR - Augason Farms Sugar and Honey Powder Blend is an essential addition to any storable food supply or camping gear kits
Your Essential Guide to Long-Term Storage Foods
Storing food for the long term offers peace of mind. Whether you are preparing for emergencies or simply aiming for better budgeting, choosing the right food is crucial. This guide helps you select the best long-term storage foods.
Key Features to Look For
When buying food meant to last years, certain features matter most. You need products designed for extended shelf life.
1. Shelf Life and Durability
- Maximum Years: Look for foods guaranteed to last 10, 20, or even 30 years. Good packaging makes this possible.
- Storage Conditions: Check if the food requires refrigeration or just a cool, dry place. The best options need minimal special conditions.
2. Nutritional Density
- Calorie Count: Ensure the food provides enough energy. You need high calories packed into a small space.
- Balanced Macros: Good storage food includes a mix of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats. Single-nutrient items are not ideal for long-term survival.
3. Preparation Simplicity
- Water Needs: Some foods require a lot of boiling water to become edible. Choose options that need minimal water or quick heating when possible.
- Cooking Time: Fast preparation is vital during an emergency. Foods that cook in under 15 minutes save precious fuel.
Important Materials and Ingredients
What food is made of directly affects how long it lasts. Certain ingredients naturally endure longer than others.
Best Base Ingredients
- Grains and Legumes: Dried beans, white rice, oats, and wheat berries are staples. They store exceptionally well when sealed properly.
- Freeze-Dried Meats and Vegetables: These remove almost all moisture, stopping spoilage. They keep nutrients better than dehydrated options.
- Honey and Salt: These natural preservatives last almost indefinitely and make excellent additions to any stockpile.
Packaging Materials
- Mylar Bags: These are very strong and block light and oxygen. They are often used inside large buckets.
- Oxygen Absorbers: These packets remove oxygen from the container, which is the number one enemy of long-term food storage. Always check that these are included or purchased separately.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
How the food is processed and stored greatly impacts its quality when you finally open it.
Quality Enhancers
- Freeze-Drying vs. Dehydrating: Freeze-drying removes water without high heat. This process preserves vitamins and texture much better than standard dehydration.
- Airtight Sealing: Professional sealing in high-quality containers prevents pests and moisture from entering.
Quality Reducers
- High Fat Content: Fats go rancid (spoil) over time, even in sealed containers. Foods high in oils, like nuts or butter, have shorter practical shelf lives.
- Exposure to Heat and Light: Storing food in a hot attic or a sunny garage dramatically reduces its lifespan and nutrient quality. Cool, dark places are essential.
User Experience and Use Cases
Think about how you will actually use this food. Storage food is not just for disasters.
Emergency Preparedness
In a true emergency, convenience matters. Ensure you have tools like can openers or fuel ready to prepare your stored meals. Having pre-packaged meal kits makes feeding a family much easier when resources are limited.
Budgeting and Waste Reduction
Buying in bulk saves money over time. Rotate your stock by eating older items first and replacing them with new ones. This practice keeps your food fresh and lowers your grocery bill.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Long Term Storage Foods
Q: How long can properly stored food really last?
A: Many items, like white rice and beans in Mylar bags with oxygen absorbers, can last 25 to 30 years. Other items, like freeze-dried meals, often have a 10 to 25-year guarantee.
Q: What is the difference between dehydrated and freeze-dried food?
A: Dehydrated food has water removed using heat, which can slightly lower nutrient levels. Freeze-dried food has water frozen out, keeping it closer to its original nutritional value and shape.
Q: Do I need to add anything to these foods before eating them?
A: Yes, most storage foods require adding boiling water to rehydrate them. Always follow the package instructions for the best taste and texture.
Q: What is the best temperature for storing long-term food?
A: The best temperature is consistently cool—ideally between 50°F and 70°F (10°C and 21°C). Cooler temperatures always mean longer shelf life.
Q: Why are oxygen absorbers necessary?
A: Oxygen absorbers remove the air inside the storage container. This stops oxidation, which causes food to degrade, and prevents the growth of aerobic bacteria and insects.
Q: Should I store fats or oils for the long term?
A: It is difficult. Most natural oils go rancid within a year or two, even when sealed. It is better to store shelf-stable fats like coconut oil or shortening if you need added calories, but use them within a few years.
Q: What is “food rotation”?
A: Food rotation means you use the oldest items in your stock first. You then replace them with new purchases. This ensures you never rely on food that is nearing its expiration date.
Q: Are canned goods good for long-term storage?
A: Yes, commercially canned goods last a long time (often 3-5 years). However, they take up much more space than freeze-dried options and are heavier due to water content.
Q: How can I tell if my stored food has gone bad?
A: If the seal on the container is broken, or if you notice a sour or “off” smell when you open it, throw it out. If the food looks moldy or discolored, it is unsafe.
Q: Which foods offer the best calorie-to-weight ratio?
A: Dried grains like wheat and white rice offer the best density. They provide many calories while remaining very light, which is good for portability.