Stocking up on longterm emergency food just makes sense, whether you’re preparing for power outages, natural disasters, or times when the grocery store shelves are looking a bit empty. If you’re new to the world of prepping or just want to beef up your pantry, figuring out what to stash can feel a bit overwhelming. With so many products and claims out there, I’m breaking down the basics of the best longterm emergency food options so you can build an emergency stash that’s practical, delicious, and ready whenever you need it.
Why Long-Term Food Storage Matters
Long-term food storage isn’t just for hardcore survivalists; it’s for anyone who likes feeling prepared. Natural disasters and unexpected events can quickly knock out supply chains. Sometimes there are stretches where grocery stores can’t restock fast enough. Knowing you’ve got enough food on hand to get by for weeks or even months means real peace of mind.
Besides emergencies, having a supply means fewer trips to the store and less stress about weather, shortages, or unexpected guests. I’ve relied on my own food stash more than once when storms or power outages hit; it’s saved me money and hassle over time.
Another benefit is that buying food in bulk, especially shelf-stable basics, often works out cheaper in the long run. You also get to pick your favorite brands and flavors instead of scrambling for whatever’s left on empty store shelves. Plus, a good supply is handy for camping or unexpected gatherings when you want something easy and fast but still filling.
The Best Longterm Emergency Food Types
Not all food holds up for the long stretch. The best longterm emergency food keeps its flavor, nutrients, and texture even after years on a shelf. Here’s a quick breakdown of what I keep an eye out for:
- Freeze-Dried Meals: Super handy and lightweight, freeze-dried meals stay good for 20 to 30 years. All you need is boiling water and a spoon
- Dehydrated Foods: These lose about 90% of their water, cutting down on weight and volume. They’re awesome for soups, casseroles, and side dishes.
- Canned Goods: Think beans, veggies, meats, fruits, and soups. Most canned foods have a shelf life of 2 to 5 years, but some can last even longer if stored cool and dry.
- Grains and Legumes: Rice, oats, lentils, and beans (especially when stored with oxygen absorbers in sealed buckets) can last 20 years or more.
- MREs (Meals, Ready-to-Eat): These are the go to for military and travel kits. They’ll stay good for up to 5 years, and many include a heater, so no stove is required.
- Honey, Sugar, and Salt: These staple ingredients last pretty much forever and pull double duty as both foods and natural preservatives.
It’s smart to balance your selection so you’re not stuck with only one type of food. While freeze-dried or dehydrated meals are lightweight and last longest, canned foods and shelf-stable grains give variety and comfort, helping boost morale during tough times. Dried fruit and nut butters are also super handy for energy, flavor, and crunch when everything else is bland.
Top Brands and Kits Worth Checking Out
If you’re into convenience or don’t have the time to build a stash from scratch, there are some good commercial options. I’ve tried and researched plenty over the years, and here are a few that get top marks for packaging, shelf life, and taste:
- Mountain House: Known for their freeze-dried meals with a shelf life of up to 30 years. Their beef stroganoff and breakfast skillet are actually pretty tasty.
- Augason Farms: This brand offers big #10 cans and buckets of staples like powdered milk, pancake mix, and dehydrated veggies. Their products generally last 10 to 25 years when properly stored.
- Legacy Food Storage: Their meal kits come in heavy duty, stackable buckets and feature non-GMO options. Many have up to 25year shelf lives and include good vegetarian options.
- ReadyWise: Offers a mix of breakfasts, entrees, and snacks with up to 25 year shelf lives. Their packaging is easy to store and they have gluten-free kits, too.
In addition to these brands, it’s a good idea to look for local companies or online specialty stores that focus on shelf-stable foods. Many smaller companies provide spice mixes, unique grains, or region-specific foods you might appreciate for both comfort and nutrition. Doing a little homework here can really pay off when you’re looking to make your stash feel more like real food and less like rations.
Building a WellBalanced Emergency Food Supply
Having lots of calories stored doesn’t always mean you have what you need to stay nourished during a long emergency. I always focus on a balance of protein, carbs, healthy fats, fiber, and essentials like vitamins and minerals. Here’s how I break it down:
- Proteins: Beans, lentils, freeze-dried chicken or beef, canned tuna, and peanut butter will help you keep up your strength.
- Carbs: Rice, pasta, instant potatoes, oats, and granola bars are all easy to store and provide much needed energy.
- Fats: Nuts, seeds, coconut oil, and powdered cheese give your body essential fats that’ll keep you full longer.
- Veggies and Fruits: Dehydrated or freeze-dried options give you the nutrients you’d otherwise miss by living off just grains and canned meat. Dried fruit is good for easy snacking and boosting morale, too.
- Dairy: Powdered milk, shelf-stable cheeses, and powdered eggs come in handy for recipes or just adding some variety.
Variety is important—don’t forget comfort foods like chocolate, coffee, tea, and spices, which can go a long way toward keeping spirits up. Small extras like bouillon cubes, hot sauce, or powdered drink mixes can also help “upgrade” even the most basic reheated meal and make eating from your stockpile less of a chore during stressful times.
What Foods Last the Longest in Storage?
Some foods just seem to last forever as long as they’re stored right. If you’re looking for true long haul options, here are my top picks:
- White Rice: Up to 30 years if you seal it with oxygen absorbers in a food-grade bucket.
- Dry Beans: Also good for 20-30 years when kept cool and air tight. Cooking takes longer as they age, but they stay edible.
- Honey: Never goes bad. If it crystallizes, just warm it up slowly and it’s good as new.
- Sugar and Salt: Both keep indefinitely if protected from moisture. Useful for cooking, preserving, and even cleaning wounds in a pinch.
- Powdered Milk: The non-fat variety lasts up to 20 years, which is great for both baking and drinking.
- Pasta: Basic dry pasta, especially in air tight containers, keeps well over a decade.
Other long-lasting foods include hard wheat, rolled oats, freeze dried meats, maple syrup, and even some hard cheeses (when waxed and stored correctly). Rotating these foods into your regular meals, then replacing what you use, keeps everything fresh and ensures you’re never left with expired options that end up in the trash.
Things to Consider When Choosing Emergency Food
It’s easy to impulse buy a bucket of food online, but some quick checks can save you money and make your stash actually useful when you need it. Here’s what I always ask myself:
- Taste: Try a few samples before buying a year’s supply. Some options taste great; others can be a struggle even when you’re hungry.
- Preparation: Check if meals need stovetop cooking or just hot water. When there’s no power, simple wins every time.
- Allergens and Dietary Needs: Look out for gluten, dairy, soy, and other common allergens if anyone in your house reacts to them. There are plenty of vegan and gluten-free brands these days.
- Water Needs: Most emergency meals call for water, so make sure your emergency prep plan covers water storage and filtration.
- Calories: A lot of “survival kits” list servings but not the calories per day. Doublecheck so you don’t get shortchanged; 2000 calories per adult each day is a good minimum.
- Storage Conditions: Food lasts longest in a cool, dry, dark space. I keep mine off the floor and away from heat or sunlight.
Also consider the weight and portability of your food if you think you might have to evacuate. Having smaller, easy-to-pack options is smart if you’re putting together a bugout bag. And don’t overlook things like multivitamins and some basic cooking gear so you’re not left struggling to prepare what you’ve stored.
Practical Tips for Rotating and Maintaining Your Supply
Even long-lasting food does best with a little rotation. I set reminders twice a year to check expiration dates and swap out anything that’s starting to look sketchy. Using what you store (“store what you eat, eat what you store”) keeps things fresh. Donating extra cans and restocking means nothing goes to waste.
It can help to label boxes and bins by category or expiration date and to keep a list of what you have (and what needs to be used soon). A little organization here goes a long way when things get hectic, and you really need to find that one can of beans or a packet of instant potatoes.
Bottom Line on Reliable Emergency Food Storage
Building out your long-term emergency food supply doesn’t have to be overwhelming or expensive. With the right mix of freeze-dried meals, canned goods, grains, and staples like honey and salt, you can be ready for just about anything. Careful planning, regular checks, and a focus on both nutrition and taste will make sure your stash is actually useful, not just something that sits on a shelf and gathers dust.
Whatever you choose to add, always make sure it’s something you’d actually want to eat. Comfort foods matter just as much as calories when times get tough, and a little variety can go a long way toward keeping everyone’s spirits up. Check your stash regularly, enjoy some of those tasty meals on a rainy day, and refresh items as needed. Emergency food is one insurance policy you actually get to enjoy!