The Ultimate Guide to Unbeatable Long Term Food Storage for Survivalists

The Importance of Best Long Term Food Storage

When it comes to survival during a natural disaster, power outage, or any emergency situation, having enough food to last for an extended period of time is crucial. According to Practical Preppers, FEMA recommends a 3-day food supply, while the CDC recommends at least a 14-day supply. However, in some cases, such as natural disasters, the power can be out for much longer than two weeks. This is where long term food storage comes in.

Having a stockpile of food that can last for weeks, months, or even years can provide peace of mind and ensure that you and your family have enough to eat during an emergency. However, not all foods are created equal when it comes to long term storage. In this article, we'll explore the best foods for long term storage, the best containers to store them in, and the best companies to buy them from.

Best Foods for Long Term Storage

When it comes to long term food storage, there are certain foods that are better suited for the task than others. Some foods can last for years when stored properly, while others will go bad within a matter of months. Here is a list of the best foods for long term storage, as recommended by EZ Prepping:

1. Grains – Grains such as wheat, rice, oats, and corn are excellent choices for long term storage. They can last up to 30 years when stored in airtight containers that are kept in a cool, dry place.

2. Canned and Dried Meats – Canned meats such as tuna, chicken, and beef can last up to five years when stored properly. Dried meats such as beef jerky and biltong can last up to two years.

3. Fats and Oils – Fats and oils such as olive oil, coconut oil, and vegetable shortening can last up to two years when stored in a cool, dry place.

4. Beans and Legumes – Beans and legumes such as lentils, black beans, and kidney beans can last up to 30 years when stored properly.

5. Milk and Dairy – Powdered milk and dehydrated cheese can last up to 20 years when stored properly.

6. Sugars – Granulated sugar, brown sugar, and honey can all last indefinitely when stored in airtight containers that are kept in a cool, dry place.

7. Fruits and Vegetables – Freeze-dried fruits and vegetables can last up to 25 years when stored properly. Canned fruits and vegetables can last up to five years.

When storing these foods, it's important to keep them in airtight containers that are kept in a cool, dry place. This will help to prevent spoilage and keep the food fresh for as long as possible. Additionally, it's important to rotate your food supply regularly to ensure that you're always using the oldest food first.

Best Long Term Food Storage Containers

Equally important as choosing the right foods to store for long term is choosing the right containers to store them in. Stocking My Pantry provides a detailed list of the best long term food storage containers for preppers. Here are some of the best options:

1. Pantry Containers – Airtight containers with gasket seals are perfect for storing grains, beans, and other dry goods. Mason jars are also a popular choice for this purpose.

2. 5-Gallon Buckets – These large plastic buckets are great for storing bulk items such as grains, beans, and sugar. They can be stacked easily and are airtight when fitted with a lid.

3. Mylar Bags – Mylar bags are made of a durable material that helps to keep food fresh for a long time. They are a popular choice for storing freeze-dried foods and can be used with oxygen absorbers to extend shelf life.

4. Under the Bed Storage Bins – These large plastic bins are perfect for storing large amounts of food in a small space. They are airtight and can be stacked easily.

5. Water Storage Containers – In addition to storing food, it's important to have a supply of fresh water on hand in case of an emergency. Water storage containers are available in a variety of sizes and can be used to store water for long periods of time.

When choosing a container to store your food in, it's important to consider the type of food you'll be storing, the amount of space you have available, and the length of time you'll be storing the food. Additionally, it's important to keep your food organized and to label all of your containers to make it easy to find what you need when you need it.

Companies That Sell Long Term Food Storage

There are several companies that specialize in selling long term food storage for emergency situations. Down to Earth Homesteaders provides a detailed comparison of eight of the best survival food companies, including their pros and cons. Here are some of the best companies to consider:

1. Mountain House – Mountain House is a popular brand of freeze-dried foods that are designed for long term storage. They offer a wide variety of meals, including breakfast, lunch, and dinner options.

2. Wise Company – Wise Company offers a variety of freeze-dried and dehydrated meals for long term storage. They also offer emergency food kits that are designed to provide all of the food you need for a specific number of days.

3. Augason Farms – Augason Farms offers a wide variety of freeze-dried and dehydrated foods, including meats, fruits, vegetables, and grains. They also offer emergency food kits that are designed to provide all of the food you need for a specific number of days.

4. Legacy Food Storage – Legacy Food Storage offers a variety of freeze-dried and dehydrated meals for long term storage. They also offer emergency food kits that are designed to provide all of the food you need for a specific number of days.

When choosing a company to buy your long term food storage from, it's important to consider the quality of their products, their pricing, and their customer service. Additionally, it's important to choose a company that offers a wide variety of foods to ensure that you have plenty of options to choose from.

DIY Long Term Food Storage

If you're on a tight budget, you may want to consider making your own long term food storage. Practical Preppers provides a detailed guide on how to do this. Here are some of the key points to consider:

Choose the Right Foods

When choosing foods for long term storage, it's important to choose foods that will last for a long time. Rice, soft grains, beans, canned and dry meat, canned vegetables, olive oil or coconut oil, and natural honey are good options for long-term storage.

Choose the Right Preservation Methods

Freeze-drying and canning are great preservation methods for long term food storage. Pressure canning is recommended for low acid foods. Jams, jellies, pickles, and fermented foods are also good options for canning.

Store Your Food Properly

When storing your food, it's important to keep it in a cool, dry place. Airtight containers with gasket seals are recommended for storing grains, beans, and other dry goods. Mason jars are also a popular choice for this purpose.

Rotate Your Food Supply

To ensure that your food stays fresh, it's important to rotate your food supply regularly. This means using the oldest food first and replacing it with fresh food.

Consider Your Water Needs

In addition to storing food, it's important to have a supply of fresh water on hand in case of an emergency. Consider storing water in large containers or investing in a water filtration system.

By following these tips, you can create your own long term food storage on a budget. While it may take some effort to get started, the peace of mind that comes with having a supply of food in case of an emergency is well worth it.

Conclusion

Preparing for an emergency can be a daunting task, but having a supply of long term food storage can provide peace of mind in case of an unexpected situation. By choosing the right foods, proper storage containers, and preservation methods, you can ensure that your food will last for a long time. Additionally, choosing a reputable company or making your own long term food storage can save you money and provide a sense of accomplishment.

Remember to always rotate your food supply regularly and consider your water needs. By following these tips, you can be better prepared for any emergency that may come your way.

Ready to Start Your Long Term Food Storage Journey?

Now that you know the importance of having long term food storage and how to get started, it's time to take action. Whether you choose to buy from a reputable company or make your own, having a supply of food that will last for a long time can provide peace of mind in case of an emergency.

Remember to always rotate your food supply and consider your water needs. By following these tips, you can be better prepared for any emergency that may come your way.

And if you enjoyed this article, be sure to check out our other great content on SurvivalGearExperts.net. We have a wide variety of articles on emergency preparedness, survival skills, and outdoor gear that you won't want to miss.

Questions

Question: Who can benefit from long term food storage?

Answer: Anyone can benefit from long term food storage, especially those in areas prone to natural disasters.

Question: What are the best foods for long term food storage?

Answer: The best foods for long term food storage include rice, beans, canned and dry meat, canned vegetables, and natural honey.

Question: How long can food be stored for in long term food storage?

Answer: Depending on the preservation method and storage conditions, food can be stored for several years or even decades.

Question: What are the best containers for long term food storage?

Answer: The best containers for long term food storage include pantry containers, Mason jars, Mylar bags, and 5-gallon buckets.

Question: How do you properly store long term food storage?

Answer: Long term food storage should be stored in a cool, dry place in airtight containers with gasket seals.

Question: What are some common objections to long term food storage?

Answer: Some common objections to long term food storage include cost, lack of space, and the belief that an emergency will never happen.