Survival Long Term Food Essentials

Preparing for emergency situations often means prioritizing short-term necessities over long-term planning.

However, thoughtfully stocking survival foods with adequate nutrition, shelf life, and ease of preparation can provide critical food security when you need it most.

In this post, we'll explore the staples for well-rounded long term food storage and how to build reserves to nourish your family in an extended crisis.

Introduction to Survival Long Term Food Essentials

Having a well-stocked pantry with long-lasting foods is a cornerstone of emergency preparedness. When disaster strikes, you may lose access to fresh food, water, and power for an extended period. Maintaining your own long-term food storage ensures you and your family will have nutritious options to rely on when stores are empty or supply chains are disrupted.

Understanding the Importance of Long-Term Food Storage

Building up a reserve of non-perishable food items for your survival pantry is one of the most fundamental aspects of prepping. Having food on hand eliminates panic and desperation when catastrophes occur. It also provides independence and self-reliance instead of dependence on external aid. Some key reasons long-term food storage matters include:

Continued nutrition - Long-lasting foods supply vital macros, vitamins and minerals to maintain health.
Surviving shortages - Food reserves mean you won't go hungry if stores close or shelves empty.
Financial savings - Stocking up on sales saves money compared to purchasing smaller quantities at regular prices over time.
Adaptability - A variety of food types allows for flexible meal planning as needs change.
Peace of mind - Knowing your family won't starve brings comfort in unstable times.

The Role of Nutritional Balance in Emergency Food Supplies

When building your survival pantry, it's important to think about nutritional balance across the various food groups. Well-rounded nourishment encompasses:

Protein - Canned meats, beans, nuts and seeds.
Fruits and vegetables - Canned, freeze-dried or dehydrated options.
Grains - Rice, pasta, oats, flour.
Dairy - Powdered milk, shelf-stable UHT milk.
Fats and oils - Coconut oil, olive oil, nuts and seeds.

In an emergency situation, nutrition impacts immunity, energy levels, alertness and overall health - not just survival. Having variety avoids malnutrition over extended reliance on a limited range of foods.

Assessing Shelf Life and Ease of Preparation

When selecting which survival foods to stockpile, shelf life and ease of preparation are other key factors alongside nutritional content.

5-25 year shelf lives - Freeze dried, MREs and certain canned goods have exceptional longevity unopened.
Simple preparation - Look for foods requiring minimal cooking fuel, water, ingredients or skills.
Portability - Lightweight, compact foods are preferable for bug out bags.

Prioritizing longer-lasting and simpler to fix items means depending less on ingredients that could run out or require functioning kitchen appliances. This maximizes sustainability in an emergency situation.

What is the longest lasting food for survival?

When it comes to stocking your survival pantry with long-lasting foods, grains are one of the best options for ensuring you have nutritious ingredients that can last for years or even decades.

Soft Grains

Soft grains like oats, rye, and quinoa are quite stable when properly stored. On average, these grains can last around 8 years before quality starts to diminish. However, in ideal storage conditions with low humidity and cool temperatures, their shelf life can be extended to 20 years or more.

Some examples of soft grains well-suited for long term storage include:

Oats
Rye flakes
Quinoa
Amaranth
Buckwheat groats

Hard Grains

Hard grains have an even longer shelf life compared to their soft counterparts. Corn, wheat, sorghum, millet, and other hardy grains can easily last between 12-30 years when kept in airtight containers in cool, dark spaces. With the right storage methods, some hard grains can remain viable for 30+ years.

Great hard grain choices include:

Whole kernel corn
Hard red winter wheat
Pearl millet
Buckwheat
Flax seeds

No matter which grains you choose, proper storage is key to maximizing shelf life. Keeping grains in food-grade plastic buckets with oxygen absorbers is ideal. Rotate your stock and check older items periodically for signs of spoilage. With the right grains and storage methods, you can keep your survival pantry well-stocked with nutritious ingredients for years to come.

What foods should I stockpile for survival?

When building your long-term food storage, focus on nutrient-dense non-perishable foods with a long shelf life that are easy to prepare. Some essentials to stock up on include:

Canned and Dried Goods

Canned meats like chicken, tuna, salmon that provide protein. Choose low-sodium options.
Canned beans and lentils are excellent sources of fiber and plant-based protein.
Canned fruits packed in juice offer key micronutrients.
Canned vegetables like carrots, peas, green beans. Go for low-sodium.
Dried grains like rice, quinoa, oats, pasta for carbohydrates.
Dried milk and shelf-stable nut milks make preparing meals easier.
Broths and soups add flavor and nutrients.

Preserved and Freeze-Dried Foods

Freeze-dried meats retain nutrients and are lightweight.
Fruits like strawberries and blueberries freeze-dried or dehydrated.
Freeze-dried vegetables like corn and peas rehydrate well.
Nut butters, honey, maple syrup for added calories and nutrients.

Focus on nutritional balance across food groups when stockpiling. Calculate at least 2000 calories per person daily. Prioritize shelf life of 5-10 years. Seek foods requiring only hot water or basic preparation.

Following these guidelines helps ensure you have survival long term food to rely on if the grid goes down.

How can survival food last 25 years?

Survival food designed for long-term storage utilizes special preparation methods like freeze-drying and dehydration to remove moisture. This prevents spoilage and bacterial growth, allowing the food to remain shelf-stable for decades. Here are some of the main reasons these foods can last so long:

Water removal - By removing almost all moisture, the food can't support microbial growth which leads to spoilage. Freeze-drying and dehydration remove 90-95% of the food's water content.
Vacuum sealing - After drying, the food is sealed in air-tight containers or pouches which prevents rehydration and oxygen exposure. This creates an anaerobic environment unable to support aerobic bacteria.
Temperature control - Storing survival food in a cool, dark place further inhibits potential spoilage. Recommended storage is around 60-70°F.
Preservatives - Some products may contain preservatives as an additional measure against oxidation and microbial growth during long-term storage.

With the combination of water removal, vacuum sealing, and proper storage conditions, freeze-dried and dehydrated survival foods can retain their safety, nutrition, taste, and texture for 20-25 years or longer. Following the manufacturer's storage guidelines is important to get the full shelf life. Properly processed and stored survival food is perfectly safe to consume many years after production.

What are the top 10 survival foods?

When building your long-term food storage, focusing on shelf-stable foods that provide nutritional balance, long shelf life, and ease of preparation is essential. Here are 10 of the top foods to include:

Canned and Jarred Foods

Canned or jarred foods like tuna, salmon, chicken, turkey, vegetables, and fruits are survival food staples. Canning locks in nutrients and flavor at a food's peak ripeness and the canning process kills any bacteria, resulting in a long shelf life of 2-5 years typically. Just remember to store cans in a cool, dark place.

Whole Grains

Whole grains like oats, barley, quinoa, brown rice, wheat berries, and pasta provide essential carbs, fiber, and B vitamins. Properly stored in airtight containers, they can last 30 years. Consider sprouting grains as well to boost nutrition.

Dried Beans and Lentils

Providing protein, fiber, and key micronutrients, various dried beans and lentils have a shelf life of up to 30 years when stored in airtight containers. They are versatile, nutrient-dense additions to any pantry.

Honey

With its concentrated sugars and antimicrobial properties, honey stays safe to eat for decades. It's a versatile sweetener for teas, oatmeals, baking, etc. Consider raw honey for added nutrition.

Peanut Butter

With its protein and healthy fats for sustained energy, peanut butter can last up to five years unopened. Natural peanut butter separates, so stir before eating. Other nut and seed butters store well too.

Nuts and Seeds

Rich in protein and healthy fats, various nuts and seeds can last up to five years properly stored in airtight containers. Rotate your stock to maximize freshness.

Vegetable Oil

Refined oils like canola, vegetable, and olive oil store up to a year unopened and up to 6 months opened. They provide essential fats and can be used for cooking, dressings, etc. Store oil in a cool, dark place.

Dried Fruits and Vegetables

Dried produce retains nutrients while removing water that bacteria needs to grow. Raisins, apricots, apples, celery, carrots, potatoes, and more will keep for six months up to five years stored properly in airtight containers.

Powdered Milk

While fresh milk spoils quickly, powdered milk lasts up to 20 years, is versatile, and provides a good source of protein, calcium, vitamin D and vitamin A. Consider powdered almond and coconut milk too.

Hard Cheeses

Properly wrapped, hard cheese keeps for up to 10 years as the aging process adds flavor. Try cheddar, colby, parmesan, romano, etc. Soft cheese has less shelf life at about one month.

Building Your Survival Long Term Food Pantry

Having a well-stocked pantry is essential for emergency preparedness. When building your long-term food storage, focus on nutrient-dense non-perishables with a long shelf life that your family already eats. Prioritize calories, protein, fruits, vegetables, and comfort foods.

Survival Long Term Food List Essentials

Stock up on these pantry staples with a 10+ year shelf life:

Whole grains: brown rice, oats, quinoa, amaranth, millet
Dried beans and lentils
Canned goods: vegetables, fruits, soup, chili
Nuts and nut butters
Dried fruits and vegetables
Cooking oil: olive, coconut, avocado
Honey, maple syrup
Salt, spices, vinegar, soy sauce
Powdered milk, eggs, butter

Rotate and eat the older food first to maintain freshness. Track expiration dates and watch for signs of spoilage.

25-Year Emergency Food Supply Components

For long-term food security, store easy-to-prepare freeze-dried and dehydrated meals with a 20-30 year shelf life. Popular options include:

Freeze-dried meat, vegetables, fruits, eggs
Dehydrated soup mixes and meal starters
MREs (Meals Ready to Eat)
Food bars, like pemmican and protein bars

Store in air-tight containers in a cool, dark place to maximize shelf life.

Emergency Food Supply for Family of 4 Planning

Experts recommend storing a 3 month supply of food per person, minimum. For a family of 4, that's:

400 lbs of grains
60 lbs beans and lentils
16 gallons oil
900 cans fruit/meat/veg
120 lbs sugar or honey

Track inventory levels and set reminders to restock. Prioritize high-calorie dense foods.

Long-Term Food Storage List PDF Creation

An emergency food inventory is key for organization. Track:

Item names
Purchase dates
Expiration dates
Storage locations
Quantity

Update the PDF every 6 months as you use and replace food items. Print a hard copy as backup.

Focusing on shelf-stable basics that provide balanced nutrition will ensure your family stays healthy in an extended emergency situation.

Nutritional Balance in Your Survival Food Kits

Ensuring your emergency food supply is nutritionally complete is critical to supporting health during an extended crisis. Careful planning of survival food kits can help achieve dietary balance.

Selecting Nutrient-Dense Survival Foods

When building your survival long term food supply, prioritize non-perishable foods that offer a high amount of vitamins, minerals, protein, healthy fats, and complex carbohydrates per serving. Some excellent choices include:

Canned fish like salmon, sardines, or tuna
Whole grains like brown rice, oats, quinoa or amaranth
Nuts, seeds, and nut butters
Dried beans and lentils
Freeze-dried fruits and vegetables
Powdered milk and eggs

Canned meats, fruits, and vegetables can also provide key nutrients. Avoid overly processed items like snack cakes or sugary cereals which lack nutritional value.

Incorporating Dietary Variety

Eating the same limited foods day after day could lead to potential vitamin and mineral deficiencies over an extended emergency. When building survival food kits, incorporate as much variety as possible across the key food groups - fruits, vegetables, protein, dairy, and grains.

For example, have multiple kinds of beans, several different canned fruits and vegetables, a selection of nuts and seeds, powdered milk as well as shelf-stable UHT milk, and an assortment of whole grains. This diversity helps ensure you'll obtain all the nutrients you need.

Supplementing with Vitamins and Minerals

Even with a diverse emergency food supply, a multivitamin can help cover any potential nutritional gaps. Key micronutrients to supplement include:

Vitamin C - Boosts immunity
Vitamin D - Essential for bone health
Iron - Prevents anemia
Calcium - Needed for bone density
Potassium - Regulates heart rhythm

Also consider an omega-3 supplement like fish oil for heart and brain health. Rotate supplements to prevent expiration.

With careful planning for nutritional diversity, supplementation, and shelf life, your survival long term food kits will keep you healthy when you need them most.

The Best Survival Long Term Food Ideas

Discovering nutritious, tasty foods that can sustain you and your family during an emergency is key to being prepared. Having a well-stocked pantry can provide comfort and security when stores are closed or supply chains are disrupted. Let's explore some of the best options for survival food storage.

Freeze Dried Food: A Versatile Staple

Freeze dried foods are lightweight, compact, and have a shelf life of 25+ years. They are nutritionally balanced, require only water for preparation, and come in a variety of entrées from stroganoff to chili. Maintaining variety is important for morale. Consider an emergency supply with 100+ freeze dried meals.

Home-Preserved Foods for Longevity

Preserving your own garden produce through time-tested methods like dehydrating, canning, and smoking can provide nutritious, homemade foods to last for years. Stock up on cans, jars, and dehydrator sheets. Seek out recipes optimized for long term storage.

Innovative Meal Ideas Using Stored Foods

Get creative with stored ingredients like rice, beans, bouillon, and textured vegetable protein to make soups, fried rice, tacos, and more. Spice blends and freeze dried veggies can provide comfort and familiarity. Rotate and resupply items as you use them.

The key is balance - freeze dried for convenience, home preserved for economy and customization. With some planning, you can build a survival pantry to nourish your household for years to come.

Practical Considerations for Long-Term Food Storage

Storing enough food to sustain yourself and your family in an emergency situation requires careful planning and forethought. Here are some key factors to consider when building your long-term food reserves.

Optimizing Storage Space for Bulk Supplies

When stockpiling a significant quantity of food, space efficiency is paramount. Here are some tips:

Store foods in airtight plastic bins or buckets to protect against pests, light exposure, moisture, etc. Stack them vertically to maximize floor space.
Build sturdy shelving units for canned/bottled goods and boxed items. Prioritize height over width to take advantage of vertical room.
Designate a storage area specifically for long-term food. A basement, garage, or little-used closet works well.
Buy shelf-stable foods in bulk packaging when possible to reduce the storage footprint. Re-pack into smaller containers as needed.

Maintaining Shelf Life Through Proper Preservation

To get the most longevity out of your stockpile, pay close attention to storage conditions:

Keep storage temperatures consistently between 50-70°F to prevent premature spoilage.
Regularly check containers for moisture intrusion or pest infestation. Re-pack compromised food into new containers.
Consider adding oxygen absorbers to sealed containers to reduce oxidation.
Avoid storing food directly on concrete floors, as moisture can penetrate containers over time. Use pallets or shelving.

Protecting Your Food from Pests and Contaminants

One compromised container can contaminate a whole stockpile. Guard against threats like insects, rodents, and mold with these tactics:

Use airtight containers made of plastic, glass, or metal—never cardboard or paper.
Inspect containers periodically for signs of nibbling, gnawing, web nests, etc. Remove and isolate compromised items.
Set glue traps and bait stations around the storage area to capture pests.
Consider adding food-grade diatomaceous earth to containers as an natural deterrent against small insects.
Dehumidify the storage space to prevent mold growth.

With some planning, organization, and vigilance, you can amass a robust, resilient stockpile of survival food that will nourish you for years to come.

Conclusion: Ensuring Food Security with Survival Long Term Food

When building your long term food storage, focus on shelf-stable items that provide nutritional balance across macro- and micro-nutrients. Some key items to include are:

Canned or pouched proteins like tuna, salmon, chicken, and beef
Canned fruits and vegetables, or freeze-dried produce if space allows
Whole grains like rice, quinoa, pasta, and oats
Fats and oils like olive oil, coconut oil, nuts and seeds
Dried beans, lentils, peas for plant-based protein
Honey, maple syrup, or molasses for sweeteners
Herbs, spices, vinegars, and sauces to boost flavor

Shop specifically for items with at least a 5-10 year shelf life. Rotate your stock as you use items, replacing them with newly purchased goods to keep your supply fresh. Properly store items in a cool, dark place to maximize longevity.

Focusing on nutritional balance, appropriate shelf life, and easy preparation sets you up for reliable, healthy eating no matter the circumstances. With some planning ahead, you can ensure your family's food security.