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7 Types of Long-Term Survival Foods You Can Stock Now
When it comes to emergency preparedness, having a reliable long-term food supply is crucial for peace of mind and for surviving in any scenario. Stocking up on the right kinds of long-term survival food can make all the difference, whether you're preparing for natural disasters, economic instability, or simply want to ensure you're covered for any unforeseen events. We'll explore the best tasting survival food, highlighting their benefits, and shelf life, helping you build your best emergency food supply.
At a Glance
Building a long-term survival food supply is a crucial part of being prepared for any emergency, offering both peace of mind and the security of knowing your family will be well-fed. There are several great options to consider, including freeze-dried, canned, and dehydrated foods, MREs, dry pantry staples, energy bars, and survival food kits. Each type has its own advantages, from long shelf life to easy preparation and balanced nutrition, making them suitable for a variety of situations. For those who prefer control over their meals, investing in a home freeze dryer like the ones from Harvest Right can be a smart choice. To ensure your food lasts as long as possible, proper storage is key—keeping it in a cool, dry place, using airtight containers, and rotating your stock regularly. By combining these strategies, you can build a reliable, long-lasting food supply that will keep your family safe and nourished in any emergency.
1. Freeze-Dried Food
Freeze-dried food is one of the most popular choices for emergency food supplies due to its impressive shelf life and ease of preparation. Harvest Right's freeze dryers are some of the most accessible on the market, meaning you can easily create your own freeze-dried meals. Freeze drying food allows you to prepare delicious and nutritious foods at home with much more variety and flavor than a shelf full of canned crackers—perfect for emergencies. Freeze-dried foods are known to last up to 25–30 years if stored properly, making them an excellent investment.
Best For: Families, emergency preparedness, campers, and preppers who want variety and convenience in their survival food kit.
Shelf Life: 25–30 years
Preparation: Just add water to rehydrate.
Benefits: Lightweight, maintains nutritional value, and can include everything from entrees to breakfast to desserts.
2. Canned Foods
Canned foods are a classic staple in any emergency food supply. Canned vegetables, meats, beans, and even pre-packed meals can be stored for years and provide essential nutrition when fresh food is unavailable. Most canned goods can last 2–5 years, and some can last even longer if stored in a cool, dry place.
Best For: Urban preppers, everyday use, and those who want a readily available and affordable option.
Shelf Life: 2–5 years (sometimes longer)
Preparation: Ready to eat straight from the can or heated up.
Benefits: Widely available, inexpensive, and contains tasting survival food options.
3. Dehydrated Foods
Dehydrated foods are similar to freeze-dried foods but involve removing moisture through heat rather than freezing. Dehydrated food has a slightly shorter shelf life compared to freeze-dried food but can still last 15–20 years. Dehydrating food at home with a food dehydrator is also a good option for preparing your own emergency food supply.
Best For: DIY preppers, hikers, and those looking for a cheaper alternative to freeze-dried.
Shelf Life: 15–20 years
Preparation: Rehydrate with water before eating.
Benefits: Affordable, lightweight, and easy to prepare in bulk.
4. MREs (Meals Ready to Eat)
MREs, often used by the military, are complete emergency meals packed in compact pouches that are ready to eat without cooking. These survival meals are designed to be calorie-dense, providing essential nutrition during crises. MREs are great for situations where cooking is impossible and can last up to 5 years.
Best For: Emergency grab-and-go kits, hikers, campers, and emergency preparedness.
Shelf Life: 3–5 years
Preparation: No preparation needed—eat straight from the pouch.
Benefits: Packed with calories, convenient, and ready to eat.
5. Dry Pantry Staples
Storing dry pantry staples like rice, beans, pasta, oats, and flour is a great way to ensure you have a long-term emergency food supply. These basics can be used to make hearty meals with minimal effort. When stored properly, such staples can last 10–20 years, making them ideal for bulk storage.
Best For: Budget-conscious preppers, large families, and those who enjoy cooking.
Shelf Life: 10–20 years
Preparation: Needs cooking or boiling.
Benefits: Cheapest survival food, easy to store, and can be bought in bulk.
6. Energy & Protein Bars
Energy and protein bars are excellent emergency foods because they are portable, lightweight, and packed with calories and nutrients. These are great for short-term emergencies or bug-out bags. They typically last about 1–2 years but can be a vital source of nutrition when you need a quick meal.
Best For: Bug-out bags, travel, hiking, and short-term emergencies.
Shelf Life: 1–2 years
Preparation: None—ready to eat.
Benefits: Portable, convenient, and high in energy.
7. Survival Food Kits
Survival food kits are pre-packed with various meals and snacks, specifically designed for long-term food storage. These emergency food kits from survival food companies are often freeze-dried or dehydrated and come in sealed containers to last for decades. Best survival food kits provide balanced nutrition, making them ideal for families and those looking for a simple, all-in-one solution.
Best For: Families, preppers, and anyone looking for an all-inclusive solution.
Shelf Life: 20–30 years
Preparation: Typically requires adding water.
Benefits: Peace of mind, balanced nutrition, and long-lasting.
Making Your Own Freeze-Dried Food
Investing in a home freeze dryer, like the ones offered by Harvest Right, allows you to create your own freeze dried meals tailored to your preferences. Making your own freeze-dried food can be more cost-effective over time and gives you control over ingredients, ensuring the best-tasting, nutritious meals in your emergency food supply.
Best For: Preppers who want complete control over their survival food.
Shelf Life: 25–30 years (if stored properly)
Preparation: Just add water to rehydrate.
Benefits: Customizable, delicious, and cost-effective in the long run.
How to Make Your Emergency Food Supply Last
No matter how durable your long-term survival food is, proper storage is key to maximizing its shelf life and ensuring your emergency food supply remains safe and edible for years to come. Here are some essential tips on how to store your survival food for optimal longevity:
1. Store in a Cool, Dry Location
Most survival food, especially freeze-dried, dehydrated, and canned foods, should be stored in a cool, dry place. Exposure to heat and moisture can degrade both the quality and the shelf life of your food. Ideally, the storage area should remain at a temperature between 50°F and 70°F (10°C to 21°C).
Things to Remember:
- Store food in a pantry, basement, or closet that is well-ventilated.
- Avoid storing food in garages or attics, where temperatures can fluctuate drastically.
2. Use Airtight Containers
Airtight containers are essential to prevent exposure to oxygen, which can spoil food over time. When storing bulk foods such as grains, beans, or pasta, use Mylar bags or food-grade buckets with airtight lids. Consider adding oxygen absorbers to further extend the shelf life.
Things to Remember:
- Use vacuum-sealed bags, Mylar bags with oxygen absorbers, or glass jars with tight seals.
- Make sure all packaging is free from punctures or tears before storage.
3. Keep Away from Light
Light can degrade nutrients in food over time, particularly in items like freeze-dried meals or dehydrated foods. Storing your food in a dark environment helps preserve its nutritional value and flavor.
Things to Remember:
- Use opaque containers or store food in dark-colored bins.
- If storing food on open shelves, cover them with blackout curtains or place them inside dark cabinets.
4. Maintain Humidity Levels
High humidity can lead to mold growth or cause food packaging to break down, especially in freeze-dried and dehydrated foods. Keeping your food storage area dry is crucial to preventing spoilage.
Things to Remember:
- Use moisture absorbers or desiccants in your food storage containers to absorb any excess moisture.
- Ensure the storage area is well-ventilated to keep humidity levels low.
5. Rotate Your Stock
Even though some emergency food kits and freeze-dried foods have long shelf lives, it's essential to rotate your food stock regularly. The "first in, first out" method ensures you're always consuming the oldest items first and replacing them with newer ones.
Things to Remember:
- Label your food with purchase or expiration dates to track its shelf life.
- Set a schedule to periodically review and rotate your emergency food supply.
6. Keep Pests at Bay
Rodents and insects can wreak havoc on your long-term food storage. Ensure that your storage area is clean and free of food scraps or moisture that might attract pests.
Things to Remember:
- Store food in durable, pest-proof containers such as metal or heavy-duty plastic.
- Use traps or repellents to keep pests away from your food storage area.
7. Don’t Store Food Near Chemicals
Chemicals, including household cleaners, paints, and fuels, should never be stored near your food supply. The fumes can seep into packaging and contaminate your food over time.
Things to Remember:
- Store food in a separate, well-sealed area away from any household chemicals.
- Avoid storing food in garages or tool sheds, which may also house harmful substances.
Final Thoughts
Stocking up on long term survival food doesn't have to be overwhelming. With options ranging from freeze dried emergency food to canned goods and survival food kits, you can ensure your family is prepared for any situation. Whether you choose to buy bulk survival food or make your own, having a varied food supply with a long shelf life guarantees peace of mind in emergencies.
By combining different types of long-term food storage, you can cover all your bases and ensure your family stays fed and safe for decades to come. Now is the time to build your emergency food supplies and be ready for whatever comes your way.
Have any questions or would like to place an order? We'd love to help! Chat with our friendly customer service team by calling 1-844-945-3625, chatting in on our website or email us at customersupport@wildoaktrail.com. We look forward to hearing from you!
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