Prepper Recon

Top Ten Foods to Store for the Apocalypse

If you are new to prepping, you may be wondering what to do for long term storable food. There are a few prepper favorites that can kick start your long term food supply. Most folks who are just starting to prepare are also working on a limited budget. I made sure we started with the low budget picks.

#1 Rice

White rice will store for 20 years if you keep it cool and dry. If you go a step further and put it into Mylar bags with oxygen absorbers, it will last even longer. Make sure it is white rice. Brown rice still contains the bran which makes it more healthy, but it also contains fats which will rot. The shelf life of brown rice is only about 6 months to a year unless it is refrigerated. As far as cost, it is hard to get more bang for the buck than rice. You can purchase a 20 lb bag for under $10. That is a lot of calories for the money.

#2 Beans

Like rice, dried beans have a very long shelf life. Depending on the variety, most beans will keep for 10 years. Like the rices, Mylar liners and oxygen absorbers will  make them last even longer. Beans are an excellent source of protein and fiber. Beans can be bought for under $1 a pound if you buy large bags.

#3 Canned Meat

Canned meat is getting a bit pricier than beans and rice, but a few cans of it will make a nice supplement. You can purchase canned ham, chicken and tuna to give you a quick source of protein. The shelf life is shorter than beans and rice. As long as the cans aren’t dented or rusty, the contents will last indefinitely although the flavor will deteriorate after the expiration date.

#4 Canned Soup

A can of tomato soup or cream of celery will flavor up your beans and rice to give you a bit of a different flavor. As with the canned meat, it will last indefinably but lose flavor after the expiration.

#5 Canned Pasta

In a none emergency situation, canned pasta may be the worst thing you could eat. It is loaded with fat and calories. In a survival situation, especially one that requires strenuous activity, fat and calories are your best friend. Canned pasta is a great food to keep in your bug out bag.

#6 Flour

Flour is the ingredient for many great foods: biscuits, pancakes, bread and cookies. Of course you will need to learn to cook for yourself. That is an easy skill to obtain while we still have the internet.

#7 Sugar

You won’t be able to use your flour to make any cake or cookie without the sugar.

#8 Jelly

Jelly if canned and will last indefinitely. It will also go great on a homemade biscuit.

#9 Peanut Butter

Peanut butter store well without refrigeration and is an excellent source of protein and good fats.

#10 Any dry storage food you can buy with coupons

Coupons are the best way to maximize your budget when trying to stock up for the coming storm. Make sure to hit our coupon corner to learn how to get lots of items to fill your pantry for free or almost free.

Happy Prepping!

MDG