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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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 CAMPING COOKING ESSENTIALS - Designed for long term storage in your kitchen, camping supplies, or emergency rations kit, this shelf stable food can of soup mix has 36 servings and a 25-year shelf life
- HEARTY AND WARMING - Containing no trans fat and with no washing or peeling required, these emergency supplies are perfect for creating nutritious prepared meals for lunch and dinner
- 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 is stored in a resealable can that is portable, convenient, and perfect for outdoor camping food meals or at-home meal prep
- QUICK PREPARED FOODS - Augason Farms Creamy Potato Soup Mix can be enjoyed as is or prepared with freeze-dried vegetables and meat for personalized flavors
- LONG SHELF LIFE PANTRY STAPLES - Designed for long term storage in your kitchen, camping supplies, or emergency rations kit, this powdered egg blend has 85 servings and a 10-year shelf life
- DRIED EGG POWDER BLEND - Keep our convenient canned egg powder in the house for everyday use and stock up your emergency food supply rations for easy prepared meals ready to eat
- JUST ADD WATER AND COOK - Just add water and heat on a stove to use as an ingredient and prepare ready to eat meals, no advanced cooking equipment or skills needed
- IDEAL FOR TRAVEL AND CAMPING MEALS - This convenient container of shelf stable dry egg mix is portable, easy to store, and the perfect addition to any emergency kit for disaster preparedness
- POWDERED EGG MIX - Augason Farms Pasteurized Dried Whole Egg Powder is made with real eggs and is perfect for a variety of recipes, including omelets, casserole, scrambled eggs, baked goods, and more
- LONG SHELF LIFE CAMPING COOKING ESSENTIALS - Designed for long term storage in your kitchen, camping supplies, or emergency rations kit, this shelf stable food can of dehydrated diced celery has 130 servings and a 25-year shelf life
- VERSATILE COOKING INGREDIENT - Keep our convenient canned chopped onions 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 - No washing, peeling, slicing, or dicing required, just add water to rehydrate the onions for use in cooking, baking, and food preparation
- IDEAL FOR TRAVEL AND CAMPING MEALS - This convenient container of shelf stable survival food is portable, easy to store, and the perfect addition to any emergency kit for disaster preparedness
- QUICK PREPARED FOODS - Augason Farms Dehydrated Chopped Onions are perfect for a variety of recipes, including chili, salsa, soup, stew, casserole, and more
- FEED YOUR FREEDOM: Enjoy Nutrient Survival creamy, non-fat vitamin milk warm or cold. Just add water to the milk powder to get the instant milk ready to use. Nutrient dense powdered milk, a great go-to for both everyday and emergency situations
- SPECIAL OPS GRADE NUTRITION: Our soy & gluten-free non-fat dry milk powder is packed with 21 nutrients in each serving. The powdered milk includes 13 essential vitamins, 7 minerals & 6g protein and is a staple survival food for every prepper’s pantry
- UP TO 25 YEAR SHELF LIFE: Nutrient Survival makes snacks and ready to eat meals that last for years without losing their taste. The freeze-drying process locks in nutrients, preserving the natural taste. No artificial colors, flavors or preservatives
- PRIME YOUR PREP: Our ready to eat meals make great prepper food and emergency food supplies. For natural disasters, military combat and earthquakes, camping supplies, hiking or any challenging situation, we ensure optimal nutrition during times of crisis
- GO-TO NUTRITION WHEN NEEDED: Nutrient Survival foods are American born and made, ensuring the best, healthiest and supremely delicious nutrition. Perfect for times of stress, a quick snack, elevating performance, travel, prepper supplies or living off-the-grid
- 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.
- BAKING QUALITY: our foods are of the highest baking quality. For example, we lab test our wheats to insure they have the dough strength, elasticity and water retention capacity to produce great yeast breads and sourdoughs. We also home test all of our products to insure you’ll get great results.
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.