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A well-stocked pantry provides peace of mind, allowing you can prepare meals for your family without worrying about running out of essentials. Long-lasting staples are great for meal planning, especially when fresh ingredients aren’t available. However, even the most carefully planned stockpile can get monotonous without a variety of flavors. That’s where condiments and seasonings come in—they’re the secret to turning simple ingredients into satisfying, flavorful meals.
Here are 17 essential condiments and seasonings to include in your emergency supply to keep your meals delicious, no matter the circumstances.
Cocoa Powder
Unopened cocoa powder can last indefinitely, making it perfect for baking and beverage-making anytime.
Ketchup
Stocking ketchup in a prepper pantry is a must. Families and kids tend to love it. With a naturally long shelf life thanks to its high acidity and sugar content, it’s easy to store in a cool, dark place for extended periods. Beyond its role as a condiment, ketchup can be used in marinades, sauces, and dressings. In uncertain times, familiar foods like ketchup bring comfort and make meals more enjoyable.
Soy Sauce
Due to its high salt content, soy sauce can last indefinitely in an unopened container.
Bouillon Cubes
Used to add flavor to dishes, these cubes can last indefinitely if kept dry.
Mustard
Commercially bottled mustard can last indefinitely due to its acidity and natural preservatives.
Worcestershire Sauce
Due to its high vinegar content and preservatives, Worcestershire sauce can maintain its quality for years past its best-before date when stored properly.
Apple Cider Vinegar
With its acidic nature, vinegar remains stable and does not lose its potency over time.
Dried Chillies
As long as they are kept in a dry environment, dried chillies can last for years and even improve in flavor as they age.
Baking Soda
Not just for baking, baking soda can also be used for cleaning and deodorizing, and it virtually never expires when stored in a sealed container.
Honey
Pure honey has an incredible shelf-life due to its natural sugars and low moisture content, which effectively inhibit microbial growth.
Coconut Oil
With its high saturated fat content, coconut oil can last for a couple of years or more without spoiling.
Olive Oil
Though not as long-lasting as some other items on this list, unopened olive oil can last up to two years from its bottling date if stored in a cool, dark place.
Salt
Used for centuries as a preservative, salt can last indefinitely, maintaining its flavor and preserving properties.
14 Surprising Uses for Salt That Don’t Involve Cooking
Sugar
Like salt, sugar can last indefinitely due to its inability to support microbial growth and low moisture content.
How to Make Hard Brown Sugar Soft Again
Pure Vanilla Extract
As an alcohol-based product, it maintains its flavor and potency almost indefinitely.
Garlic Powder
Garlic powder is a powerhouse of flavor and a must-have for any prepper pantry. Its long shelf life makes it a reliable seasoning, especially when fresh garlic isn’t an option. It’s perfect for adding bold flavor.
Onion Powder
Onion powder is another pantry essential, delivering big flavor in a small package. With its long shelf life, it’s an excellent alternative when fresh onions aren’t available.
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12 Things to Make at Home Instead of Buying from the Grocery Store
Making more things at home can significantly reduce your grocery list while living more sustainably. Here’s a list of simple items you can easily make yourself instead of purchasing them from the store, helping you take a step toward a more self-reliant lifestyle.
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