Bulk Survival Food Essentials

When building an emergency food supply, most people would agree that having bulk quantities of shelf-stable essentials is crucial for survival preparedness.

By exploring must-have bulk foods and selection criteria, you'll discover how to create a well-rounded 25-year stockpile of survival essentials.

In this post, we'll cover everything from the top 10 survival foods to store and recommended brands, to meal planning and storage considerations for your bulk food supply.

Introduction to Bulk Survival Food

Bulk survival food is essential for emergency preparedness. Having a stockpile of non-perishable food items ensures you have reliable access to nutrition during emergencies when normal food supply chains may be disrupted. Key benefits of bulk survival food include long shelf life, cost savings from buying in quantity, and convenience of having food reserves on hand.

Understanding the Importance of a 25-Year Emergency Food Supply

A 25-year emergency food supply may seem excessive, but it provides peace of mind knowing you have long-term food reserves. Even if not needed for 25 years, bulk foods can last decades when properly stored. Reasons to consider a 25-year supply:

Hedge against inflation and rising food costs
Prepare for long-term disasters like economic collapse or pandemics
Enable self-reliance without relying on unstable food system
Avoid scrambling for food if short-term disaster strikes
Provide inheritance for future generations

Focus on nutritious staples like grains, legumes, milk powder, and freeze-dried meats to cover dietary necessities.

Benefits of Stockpiling Bulk Survival Foods

Key advantages of building a bulk survival food stockpile:

Cost Savings: Buying large quantities saves up to 70% per meal compared to buying small packages
Long Shelf Life: Properly stored, foods like grains, beans and powdered milk can last 30 years or more
Nutrition Security: Ensures access to a balanced diet if facing disrupted food supplies
Peace of Mind: Comfort knowing you have food reserves in any emergency situation
Convenience: Food is on hand and ready for immediate use; no last-minute shopping trips

Prioritize versatile, nutrient-dense foods like rice, beans, pasta, and freeze-dried produce. Augason Farms and Mountain House are quality brands.

What foods should I stockpile for survival?

When building your emergency food supply, focus on nutrient-dense non-perishable foods that will provide long-term sustenance. Here are some must-have categories:

Meats & Beans

Stock up on canned and dried meats like chicken, turkey, tuna, salmon, and beef. Canned beans are another excellent source of plant-based protein. Aim for a variety, including black beans, kidney beans, chickpeas, lentils, and baked beans.

Vegetables

Keep your stockpile full of canned veggies like carrots, peas, corn, green beans, potatoes, and tomatoes, as well as vegetable juices and soups. Go for low-sodium options when possible.

Fruits

In addition to fresh fruits, have canned fruits like peaches, pears, pineapple, mandarin oranges, and apple sauce on hand. Dried fruits are another good option.

Dairy

Powdered milk, shelf-stable milk boxes, and powdered eggs can help meet your dairy needs. Butter and cheese powders also store well.

Grains

Stock up on whole grains like oats, barley, quinoa, brown rice, pasta, and crackers. Look for whole-grain options when possible.

Water

Store at least one gallon of water per person per day. Have enough for at least 72 hours. Consider storing bottled water as well as emergency water pouches.

Rotate and replace food items before their expiration date. Stick to reputable emergency food brands like Augason Farms, ReadyWise, Mountain House, and Wise Foods for quality ingredients and reliable shelf life.

What are the top 10 survival foods?

When building an emergency food supply, focusing on versatile, nutrient-dense foods that store well is key. Here are 10 of the top survival foods to stock up on:

Peanut butter - High in protein, fats, and calories. Stays fresh for months once opened. Get powdered peanut butter for even longer shelf life.
Whole wheat crackers - Provide carbs and fiber. Store bought or homemade crackers keep several months. Pair with peanut butter for protein.
Nuts and trail mixes - Great source of protein, healthy fats, vitamins and minerals. Buy raw and roast yourself for maximum freshness.
Cereal or oatmeal - Choose whole grains for fiber. Add freeze-dried fruits and milk powder. Keeps several months sealed.
Granola and protein bars - Prefabricated for convenience. Vary flavors for morale. Store up to a year.
Dried fruits - Packed with nutrients. Raisins, apricots, apples - rehydrate or eat dry. Last several months stored properly.
Canned fish - Salmon, tuna, chicken and turkey keep 2-5 years sealed. Canned veggies keep 1-2 years. Provides protein, fruits and vegetables.

Focus on staple foods that pack calories, macros, and shelf-stable nutrients. Store bought and homemade options can build a diverse, healthy emergency food supply to last months or years. Pair items (like peanut butter and crackers) to provide complete nutrition.

What is the longest lasting food for survival?

When it comes to stocking up on survival food, you'll want items that have a long shelf life and will retain both nutrients and taste for years to come. Some of the longest lasting options include:

Soft Grains (8-20 years)

Oats
Rye
Quinoa

Under ideal storage conditions (cool, dry, and dark), these soft grains can last up to 20 years. On average though, plan for about 8 years of shelf life.

Hard Grains (12-30+ years)

Buckwheat
Corn
Wheat
Other grains

These hardy grains are your best bet for long term bulk storage. With proper storage they can remain viable for over 30 years. Expect a minimum of 12 years from these bulk survival food staples.

When buying survival food, prioritize items with longer shelf lives. Augason Farms and Wise Foods are two popular brands known for quality ingredients and reliable shelf lives of 25+ years. Their emergency food kits are packed with essentials like freeze dried fruits, vegetables, meats and legumes.

With a well-stocked pantry of survival staples like grains, legumes, honey powder and freeze dried produce, you'll be set for emergencies and beyond.

What foods have a 10 year shelf life?

Uncooked rice and grains are some of the best options for building an emergency food supply with a long shelf life. Here are some of the top choices:

White, jasmine, and basmati rice - Properly stored in airtight containers, these rices can last 10 years or more. They provide carbohydrates and calories.
Quinoa - This nutritious whole grain has a shelf life of up to 10 years when stored in a cool, dark place. It's high in protein.
Barley - Like rice, barley can keep for a decade if stored properly. It's filled with fiber.
Grits - Dried grits can also have a shelf life of 10 years when kept in an airtight container in a cool place.

The key is to store these ingredients in food grade plastic buckets or Mylar bags, along with oxygen absorbers. This helps extend shelf life by protecting against moisture, insects, rodents, and oxidation. Be sure to store in a cool, dark place around 40-60 degrees Fahrenheit. With proper storage methods, these staple grains and rice can serve as the basis for nutritious emergency meals with incredible shelf stability.

Essential Bulk Survival Food Categories

This section will provide an overview of the most essential types of bulk survival foods to stockpile, including grains, fats & oils, proteins, fruits & vegetables, and more. These categories form the foundation of a well-rounded emergency food supply that can sustain health and nutrition in times of crisis.

Grains: The Foundation of Emergency Food Rice Storage

Grains like rice, quinoa, oats, and pasta provide essential carbohydrates for energy and calories. As non-perishable staples with long shelf lives, they serve as the base for any bulk survival food rice storage plan. White rice can be stored for up to 30 years with proper containment. Brown rice has a shorter lifespan at only 6 months. Ensure proper storage in sealed mylar bags, oxygen absorbers, storage buckets, and cool, dark environments. Aim for a diverse mix - products like Augason Farms emergency food kits provide an array of whole grains for balanced nutrition.

Fats & Oils: The Role of Augason Farms Butter and Butter Powder

Fats are concentrated sources of calories and nutrients. Oils like vegetable, coconut, and olive oil supply essential fatty acids and vitamin E. Stock powdered fats like Augason Farms Butter and Butter Powder with shelf lives of 20+ years. Integrate small amounts of fats into meals for energy and to aid the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E and K.

Proteins: From Augason Farms Egg Can to Emergency Food Beans

Proteins provide amino acids essential for repairing and building body tissues. Stock non-perishable options like canned seafood, Augason Farms Egg Can, dried Emergency Food Beans and lentils, beef jerky, and protein powders. Rotate through your supply to use products before expiration. Canned meats and seafood last 2-5 years, while items like wheat protein have 20-year lifespans.

Fruits & Vegetables: The Versatility of Wise Dehydrated Food

Fruits and vegetables supply essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber. As they are perishable, stockpile versatile preserved options like freeze-dried produce from Wise Dehydrated Food, canned goods, or survival food with 25-year shelf lives. Fruits add sweetness and micronutrients, while vegetables like potatoes, carrots, onions, and garlic provide fiber, vitamin C, and phytonutrients.

Selection Criteria for Bulk Survival Foods

When building your emergency food supply, it's important to carefully evaluate potential additions based on key criteria. This ensures you end up with a well-rounded, practical stockpile that truly meets your needs if disaster strikes.

Nutritional Content and Organic Emergency Food Options

Prioritizing nutritional balance helps safeguard health. Seek items delivering complete proteins, healthy fats, complex carbs, vitamins/minerals. Include produce like beans, lentils, grains. Consider nutritional needs of family members. Organic options avoid GMOs/pesticides.

Preparation Requirements for MRE Survival Food and ReadyWise Emergency Food Supply

Evaluate required resources like electricity, water, cooking equipment. Ready-to-eat options like MREs or ReadyWise foods are convenient. Compare costs vs nutritional value.

Shelf Life: Investing in the Best Emergency Food Supply

The longer the shelf life, the better. Look for 5+ years. Shop bulk emergency food brands known for longevity. Properly store items as recommended.

Storage Considerations for Freeze Dried Food and Emergency Water Pouches

Factor in space limitations, temperature regulation, light exposure risks, pest control methods. Allocate space for food and water. Freeze dried foods and pouched water are less bulky.

Cost Analysis of Survival Food Kits

Compare cost per meal/serving. Evaluate nutritional adequacy. Look for variety/balanced nutrition. Consider making your own custom survival food kit to control cost/content.

Recommended Bulk Survival Food Brands

This section provides specific brand recommendations for bulk survival foods based on selection criteria, including Augason Farms, Mountain House, Thrive Life, and Wise Foods. These brands offer comprehensive solutions for building an emergency food supply.

Augason Farms Emergency Food: A Comprehensive Solution

Augason Farms is a well-known brand offering a wide variety of survival food products including grains, proteins, fruits, vegetables, dairy, and baked goods. They are highly rated for quality and shelf life stability. Some popular products are:

Augason Farms Emergency Food Honey Powder - Versatile sweetener with a 10-year shelf life. Can be used in baking, drinks, cereals, etc.
Butter Powder - Adds butter flavor for cooking and baking needs. Very lightweight and portable.
Emergency Food Beans - High protein dried pinto beans with a 20-year shelf life. Essential for balanced nutrition.

Augason Farms provides a comprehensive solution covering all basic food group needs.

Mountain House: Best Survival Food for Lightweight Needs

Mountain House specializes in freeze-dried ingredients and meals. Their products are extremely lightweight and portable compared to other options, making them some of the best survival food choices for mobile situations.

Some top products include:

Lightweight pouched entrees like Creamy Chicken Rice
Just-add-water meals for fast, easy preparation
Ingredients like freeze-dried vegetables, fruits, and meats

Mountain House offers survival food that travels well for hunting, camping, or emergency evacuation.

Thrive Life: Gluten-Free and Organic Emergency Food Choices

Thrive Life provides gluten-free and non-GMO freeze-dried emergency food products including fruits, vegetables, proteins and prepared meals. Some examples are:

Gluten Free Kit (115 Servings, 1 Tote) - Complete gluten-free meal supply
Freeze-dried organic fruits and veggies
Dairy-free and soy-free proteins

Thrive Life meets specialty dietary needs for food allergies or intolerance.

Wise Foods: Affordable Emergency Food Breakfast Solutions

Wise Foods offers very affordable emergency food kits focused on breakfast solutions like:

Emergency Food Breakfast - Just-add-water cereal and milk kits
Emergency Food Eggs - Freeze-dried scrambled or omelet mix
Buckets with assorted entrees and sides

Wise Foods provides easy, budget-friendly options for stocking your emergency pantry. Their products may not have the best taste but get the job done on a tight budget.

Creating a Balanced Bulk Food Stockpile

Building an emergency food stockpile starts with meal planning. Consider your family's daily nutritional needs and plan quantities around balanced meals that will sustain you through a crisis.

Meal Planning Considerations for Long-Term Nutrition

When building your bulk food storage:

Take inventory of current pantries and estimate typical daily meals
Calculate caloric needs based on family members and activity levels
Plan daily menus covering each food group
Scale up to account for extended emergency timeframes (e.g. 3-6 months)

This ensures you have the staples for nutritious, well-rounded meals over time. Adjust as needed based on dietary restrictions.

Balancing Food Groups with Augason Farms Emergency Food Varieties

An balanced emergency food supply includes:

Grains: rice, pasta, oats, wheat. Provides calories and carbs.
Proteins: beans, lentils, chicken, beef. Key for muscle health.
Fruits/Veggies: canned or freeze-dried for vital nutrients.
Fats/Oils: cooking oil, butter, nut butters. Dense calories and flavor.

Augason Farms offers convenient ingredients across groups like:

Emergency Food rice and pasta varieties
Canned meats and veggie proteins
Dehydrated fruits, veggies, and legumes
Powdered milk, eggs, and butter

Recommended Quantities for a Comprehensive Emergency Food Supply

To start, aim for:

250 lbs grains
100 cans proteins
50 cans fruits/vegetables
10 gallons oils

This covers a family of 4 for about 3 months. Scale up or down as needed. Replenish as items get used.

Having a diverse balance of essential bulk foods gives peace of mind that your family will stay nourished in an extended crisis.

Maintaining Your Bulk Survival Stockpile

Properly storing and maintaining your bulk survival food supply is critical to ensure freshness, maximize shelf life, and avoid spoilage or waste. Here are some key tips for keeping your emergency provisions in optimal condition.

Proper Storage Conditions for Emergency Drinking Water and Dry Goods

When stockpiling survival supplies like food and water, be sure to store them in a cool, dark location with moderate and consistent humidity between 40-60%. This helps prevent degradation over time. Some guidelines:

Store canned goods and boxed items off concrete floors to prevent temperature fluctuations. Plastic pallets or shelving works well.
Rotate stock using "first in, first out" system to use oldest items first (see next section).
Check containers and packaging for signs of spoilage like bulging, rust, or pests. Discard anything compromised.
For drinking water pouches, store in room around 70°F to prevent freezing or overheating.

Following proper storage conditions will keep your emergency food fresh and safe to consume when needed.

First In, First Out: Maximizing Shelf Life of Bulk Survival Food

To maximize shelf life of bulk survival provisions:

Establish an inventory system tracking purchase/expiration dates.
Follow "first in, first out" guidelines, using oldest food items first.
Integrate new stock so oldest provisions get used before expiration.
Label containers with purchase info/dates.
Create a rotation schedule and set calendar reminders to cycle inventory.

Following a first in, first out system helps ensure you get full shelf life out of survival food items, while avoiding waste from expired goods.

Preventing Pests in Your Emergency Food Supply

To keep bulk survival food free of insect/rodent infestations:

Inspect containers and storage areas monthly for signs like chew marks, holes, or droppings.
Discard anything showing signs of pests - do not take chances with contaminated goods!
Use tightly sealed plastic, glass, or metal containers that pests cannot chew through.
Set non-toxic traps and use natural repellents like peppermint oil to deter pests.
Maintain meticulous storage hygiene - no crumbs, spills, clutter etc.

Keeping emergency food supplies pest-free preserves safety and shelf life. Be vigilant with inspections and containment measures.

Following proper maintenance guidelines keeps bulk survival stockpiles fresh and ready for use when disaster strikes. Monitor inventory closely and consistently to get full value from your investment.

Specialty Bulk Survival Food Items

Bulk survival food items cater to a wide range of dietary needs and preferences. For those with specialized needs, niche products offer tailored solutions.

Gluten-Free Options: The Gluten-Free Black Bean Burger

For those with gluten intolerance or celiac disease, stocking up on gluten-free survival food is essential. The Gluten-Free Black Bean Burger 2 lbs 14 oz No. 10 Can provides a hearty, protein-packed meat alternative made with black beans, brown rice, onions, carrots, and spices. With a 10+ year shelf life, this product offers reliable nutrition in an emergency. Key features include:

Certified gluten-free - safe for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity
14 servings per can
10+ year shelf life unopened
High in plant-based protein and fiber

Having gluten-free options like this in your emergency food supply ensures you can maintain your diet regardless of circumstances.

Dairy Alternatives: Butter Powder 2 lbs 4 oz No. 10 Can

For those avoiding dairy, powdered butter like Butter Powder 2 lbs 4 oz No. 10 Can offers a non-perishable alternative for cooking and baking. With a 20-year shelf life, butter powder provides the rich flavor and texture of butter without refrigeration. Key attributes include:

20-year shelf life unopened
Made from real butter (no hydrogenated oils)
Just add water to reconstitute
Versatile for cooking, baking, sauces, etc.

With 68 servings per container, butter powder enables long-term storage of a high-calorie dairy staple.

Comfort Foods: Creamy Chicken Rice Chicken Flavor 2 lbs 12 oz No. 10 Super Can

In an emergency situation, comfort foods can provide a morale boost. Creamy Chicken Rice Chicken Flavor 2 lbs 12 oz No. 10 Super Can offers a warm, soothing meal reminiscent of home cooking. Features include:

Condensed, creamy soup with chicken and rice
12+ year shelf life
62 servings per container
Just add water to prepare

Having familiar, morale-boosting foods like this in your stockpile provides comfort and variety when it's needed most.

Overall, specialty survival food items cater to important dietary needs while also providing comfort and familiarity. Ensuring your emergency pantry has tailored options avoids potential pitfalls and provides security.

Conclusion

When building your emergency food supply, focus on nutritional essentials from reputable brands. Prioritize protein, complex carbohydrates, fruits, vegetables, and healthy fats. Trusted companies like Augason Farms, Mountain House, and Wise Foods offer complete meals and ingredients to meet a variety of dietary needs.

Aim for a balanced quantity that covers your household for 2-4 weeks. This allows you to weather short-term disruptions without overspending. Properly store your survival food as directed, and cycle items to use before expiration dates.

With the right bulk purchases, food rotation, and storage, you can achieve disaster preparedness through self-reliance. Stockpile basics like freeze-dried eggs, meat, beans, rice, pasta, and produce for reliable nutrition when you need it most.