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Stockpiling for an emergency generally includes food that will sustain you and your family for weeks, months, or even years. If you’re taking the wise “slow and steady” approach to prepping, it’s important to focus on long-lasting food items, as your stockpile will grow over time. That means you need food that is going to last. You don’t want to buy a bunch of food that spoils before you ever get the chance to use it.
While some short-shelf-life foods are unavoidable, you can minimize waste by consistently rotating your stock. Even so, items like crackers won’t last long before going stale. To maximize the longevity of your supplies, prioritize foods that can last at least a decade.
Here are 20 food items that will last at least a decade.
White Rice
When stored in airtight containers with oxygen absorbers, white rice can last 25-30 years. Brown rice, however, has a shorter shelf life due to its higher oil content.
Dried Beans
Beans such as pinto, black, and navy beans can last 10-30 years when stored in a cool, dry place with oxygen absorbers.
Honey
Honey is known for its indefinite shelf life due to its natural antibacterial properties. It will get hard and crystallize, but with a little heat, it returns to liquid.
Sugar
White and brown sugar can last indefinitely as long as they are kept dry and away from moisture. While sugar may harden over time, it can be softened easily by adding a touch of moisture. However, white sugar is prone to attracting weevils if not stored properly. To prevent this, consider sealing it in mylar bags for long-term storage and added protection.
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Salt
Pure salt without additives like iodine has an indefinite shelf life. It’s a valuable item for seasoning, preserving, and even bartering.
Powdered Milk
Properly stored, non-fat powdered milk can last 10-20 years. It can be used in soups, stews and breads along with the obvious.
Rolled Oats
When sealed in mylar bags with oxygen absorbers, rolled oats can remain fresh for 20 to 30 years, making them an excellent choice for long-term storage. It’s worth noting that only rolled oats have this impressive longevity; steel-cut oats, by comparison, have a significantly shorter shelf life.
Dried Pasta
Pasta, if kept in airtight containers and away from moisture, can last 10-30 years.
Freeze-Dried Fruits and Vegetables
Freeze dried fruits and vegtables can last 25-30 years if stored properly. They retain most of their nutrients and can be easily rehydrated.
Canned Meats
Canned meats can last 10-20 years if kept in a cool, dry place. Their long shelf life is largely due to the high salt content, which acts as a natural preservative. However, it’s important that you inspect canned goods for signs of spoilage before use. Avoid opening any cans that are bulging or leaking.
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Bouillon Cubes
Properly stored, bouillon cubes can last 10-15 years and are a great way to add flavor to soups and stews. It is crucial bouillon cubes are kept dry. If you live in a humid area, add O2 absorbers to the container.
Cornstarch
Cornstarch has an indefinite shelf life if kept dry and free from moisture. It’s useful for thickening sauces and soups and even making homemade deodorant.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar can last indefinitely due to its acidic nature. It can be used in cooking, as a preservative, and even for medicinal purposes.
Instant Coffee
Freeze-dried instant coffee can last 20 plus years when stored in airtight containers. It’s a great morale booster and source of caffeine. Regular coffee and beans will get stale.
Wheat Berries
Whole wheat berries can last 30 years or more if stored in sealed containers with oxygen absorbers. They can be ground into flour or cooked whole. They are also great to use as a cereal.
Maple Syrup
Pure maple syrup can last indefinitely if unopened. Once opened, it should be refrigerated, but even then, it can last for years.
Canned Pure Pumpkin
High-acid canned goods can last up to 10-15 years. Canned pumpkin can be used in a number of different ways to jazz up a boring dish.
Baking Soda
Baking soda has an indefinite shelf life if kept dry. It’s useful for baking, cleaning, and even personal hygiene.
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Here’s a list of 15 things you should start stocking up on now, beyond just food and water, to stay prepared and ready for anything.
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19 Survival Items You Should Stockpile from Dollar Tree
Stockpiling can get expensive, but Dollar Tree offers affordable items that can help you stay prepared without overspending. With plenty of useful options, Dollar Tree makes it easier to stay ready for anything. Here’s a list of 15 essential items you can find at Dollar Tree to start building your stockpile today.
