Ever find an old can of beans in your pantry and realize it’s still good to eat? These survival staples are perfect for both everyday meals and those “just-in-case” moments.
From that time a power outage caught me off guard to skipping grocery runs on busy weeks, I’ve learned to appreciate foods that can sit on the shelf for years. Whether you’re prepping for emergencies or just want to simplify your life, these items are reliable when you need them.
We’ve selected foods that not only last a long time but also provide solid nutrition when it counts. Instead of sticking to the obvious choices, this list highlights the best options to help you stay prepared in any situation.
1. Honey
Honey is a must-have for long-term food storage. It is incredibly shelf-stable and can last indefinitely when stored properly. This makes it ideal for survival situations.
Honey is more than just a sweetener. It has natural antibacterial properties, which make it valuable not just for food but also for medicinal uses. While it doesn’t offer significant nutritional benefits beyond its carbohydrate content, its longevity and versatility are unmatched.
Keeping honey in a cool, dry place in a tightly sealed container ensures it retains its beneficial properties for years.
2. White Rice
White rice is a survival pantry staple known for its long shelf life. When stored in airtight containers and kept in cool, dry conditions, white rice can last up to 30 years. This makes it one of the most reliable long-term food options.
Its versatility in meals is unmatched, allowing you to create a variety of dishes. This simple grain is also a great source of carbohydrates, providing essential energy during emergencies.
Given its durability and nutritional value, white rice is a must-have for any prepper or homesteader aiming to be prepared for any situation.
3. Dried Beans
Dried beans are a cornerstone of long-term food storage. They are packed with protein, fiber, and essential nutrients, making them a nutritious addition to any survival pantry. When stored in airtight containers and kept in a cool, dark place, dried beans can last for 10-15 years.
Proper storage involves keeping moisture, light, and pests away to ensure the beans remain edible. Use Mylar bags with oxygen absorbers for the best results.
4. Rolled Oats
Rolled oats are a staple for any survivalist. They can last about 1-2 years in their original packaging when stored correctly. While they may remain safe to eat beyond this period, their flavor and texture can degrade. The 30-year lifespan is more applicable to commercially processed survival foods.
Store rolled oats in an airtight container with oxygen absorbers to maximize their lifespan. Mylar bags work great for this purpose. Please keep them in a cool, dry place.
Rolled oats are not just durable. They are also highly nutritious. They provide fiber, vitamins, and protein, making them an excellent choice for long-term food storage.
5. Pasta
Pasta, when stored correctly, can be a reliable survival food for 10-30 years. Store it in Mylar bags inside food-grade buckets with lids to maximize its shelf life. Ensure the storage area is cool, dry, and away from walls to prevent pest access.
Regularly check your stored pasta for any signs of damage. When done right, your pasta will be ready whenever you need it.
6. Dried Lentils
Dried lentils are a reliable survival food. When stored properly, they can last for decades. Keep them in a cool, dry place, away from light and moisture.
Use airtight containers like Mylar bags or plastic containers to extend their shelf life. Oxygen absorbers can also help maintain freshness by reducing oxidation.
Dried lentils are rich in protein and fiber, making them nutritious for long-term storage.
7. Dried Chickpeas
Dried chickpeas are a staple for any survival food stash. They can last for decades when stored properly in airtight containers and kept in a cool, dry place.
Besides their long shelf life, chickpeas are incredibly versatile. You can use them in soups and salads or even grind them into flour.
To rehydrate dried chickpeas, soak them in water overnight, then cook until tender. This makes them an excellent source of protein in emergencies.
8. Cracked Wheat
Cracked wheat is a reliable staple for long-term food storage. When stored correctly in airtight containers, it can last up to 8-12 years, making it a fantastic choice for preppers.
Cracked wheat is also highly nutritious. It provides essential nutrients like protein, fiber, and iron. You can use it in various soups, salads, and casseroles, making it versatile for meal prep.
Store cracked wheat in a cool, dry place to maximize its shelf life. Oxygen absorbers can also help extend its longevity, ensuring you have a nutritious food option ready for emergencies.
9. Powdered Milk
Powdered milk is a versatile and long-lasting addition to your emergency food supply. When stored correctly, it can remain safe and nutritious for up to 1-2 years past its expiration date.
Keep powdered milk in a cool, dry location, sealed tightly in airtight containers. This prevents moisture and contaminants from spoiling it.
Powdered milk can be quickly reconstituted with water, making it a convenient source of essential nutrients like calcium and protein.
10. Pemmican
Pemmican is a traditional survival food made from dried meat, fat, and sometimes berries. Native Americans and early explorers relied on pemmican for its long shelf life and high energy content.
Start by drying lean meat and grinding it into a fine powder. Render animal fat by melting it slowly and straining any impurities. Mix the meat powder with the melted fat.
Optionally, add dried, powdered berries for extra nutrients and flavor. Shape the mixture into bars or balls and let it cool. Properly made and stored, pemmican can last 1-2 years, though its longevity can be extended under ideal conditions.
11. Canned Tuna
Canned tuna is a staple for those who plan for emergencies. It’s rich in protein and omega-3 fatty acids, making it nutritious and beneficial for heart health. You can eat it straight from the can or use it in various meals.
Stored properly, canned tuna can last between 2-5 years. Keeping it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight is vital. This ensures its longevity and preserves its nutritional value.
12. Hardtack
Hardtack is a historical survival food that can last decades when stored properly. This simple cracker, made from flour, water, and salt, has been used by sailors and soldiers for centuries.
The key to Hardtack’s longevity lies in its dry, hard texture. It must be thoroughly baked to remove all moisture. Moisture is the enemy of long shelf life.
Store your Hardtack in an airtight container to keep it dry and safe from pests. This ensures it’s ready whenever you need it.
13. Dried Corn
Dried corn is an essential survival food thanks to its long shelf life and versatility. When stored in a cool, dry place, it lasts 5-10 years.
You can grind dried corn into cornmeal for baking or use it whole in soups and stews. Just make sure to keep it sealed and protected from pests.
Its rich source of carbohydrates makes dried corn a valuable energy supply in emergencies.
14. Sugar
Sugar can last almost indefinitely if stored correctly. Store it in an airtight container to ensure it remains usable for decades. This keeps out moisture, which can make sugar clump or harden.
Choosing a cool, dry place away from sunlight helps, too. Light and heat can affect its quality over time. Ensuring the container is tightly sealed is crucial to maintaining its condition.
Whether you use granulated, powdered, or brown sugar, proper storage ensures it remains a reliable part of your survival stash.
15. Distilled White Vinegar
Distilled white vinegar is a powerful addition to your survival stockpile. It has an indefinite shelf life when stored in a cool, dark place.
You can use it for preserving food, cleaning, and even personal hygiene. Its acidity makes it an effective disinfectant.
Distilled white vinegar is versatile and durable, making it essential for preppers and homesteaders.
16. Dehydrated Carrots
Dehydrated carrots are a reliable and nutritious addition to your survival pantry. When stored properly in airtight containers, they can last up to 1-2 years.
Keep them in a cool, dark place to preserve their quality and nutritional value. Their long shelf life makes dehydrated carrots perfect for emergencies, offering an essential source of vitamins and fiber.
17. Dehydrated Apples
Dehydrated apples are a versatile and nutritious survival food. When properly stored in an airtight container, they can last about 6-12 months.
Store the dehydrated apples in a cool, dry place to ensure longevity. The dehydration removes most moisture, preventing mold and bacterial growth. This makes them an excellent addition to your long-term food storage.
18. Dried Onions
Dried onions are a fantastic addition to your long-term food storage. They can last up to two years if stored properly in a cool, dry place. Their peak quality is usually maintained for about 6 to 12 months.
These onions retain much of their original flavor and nutritional value. They are lightweight and take up less space than fresh onions, making them ideal for your emergency stockpile.
19. Salt
Salt is one of the most reliable survival foods that can last indefinitely. Essential for preserving other foods and enhancing flavor, it never spoils or loses its potency if kept dry and away from contaminants.
In addition to its culinary uses, salt is valuable for treating wounds and making a saline solution for preservation.
A substantial amount of salt in your stockpile ensures you are prepared for various survival scenarios.
20. Maple Syrup
Maple syrup is a valuable addition to your long-term food storage. Unopened, it can last indefinitely if stored in a cool, dark place.
Once opened, keep it in the refrigerator to maintain its quality for about a year. The syrup’s natural sugar content acts as a preservative, preventing spoilage and extending its shelf life.
Using maple syrup as a sweetener offers versatility. It is perfect for various recipes and a key morale booster in survival situations.
25 Winter Foraging Foods to Save Money on Your Grocery Bill
Preparing for a recession is more important than ever in these uncertain times. I understand the challenges and fears you might face, so I’ve compiled these 25 actionable tips to recession-proof your prepping plans.
Each suggestion can help you stay ahead, ensuring that you’re surviving and thriving, even in tough economic times.
14 Essential Canned Goods for Your Emergency Pantry
I firmly believe in keeping a well-stocked emergency pantry. While fresh food is ideal, in a survival situation, we may not be that lucky. So, for my family, even though we grow a lot of our own food, canned goods play a crucial role in emergency preparedness.
They offer a reliable source of nutrition when access to fresh produce may be limited. The goods you stockpile should be affordable, easy to store, and full of nutrition.
38 Things Every Prepper Should Stockpile That Aren’t Water, Food, or Weapons
This list extends beyond the basic survival trio of water, food, and weapons. It’s a given that we need to stock up on water, food, and a way to defend ourselves and what we have. But what other things will you need in a survival situation?
None of us truly knows what TEOTWAWKI will really look like, although most of us have theories we think most likely. But whatever the situation is, there are certain supplies that it just makes sense to have on hand, aside from the obvious trio I mentioned above.
