Are you looking for a way to start or complete your food stockpile?
We’ve spent 21 hours and $762 researching the best food to stockpile and the best preservation methods to use.
We’ve compiled everything we discovered into this article for you.
Stockpiling Food Guide
How to Get Started With Food Storage
In the event of a catastrophe, many people begin by stockpiling food and other emergency supplies.
That makes sense, since it’s difficult to survive any disaster without the proper materials.
Of course, this raises the question of what to have on hand.
Related Article: How To Build A Root Cellar
That may appear to be an easy question to answer, but it isn’t. The subject has been addressed in a variety of books, none of which give the same advice.
The most challenging aspect of stockpiling is that there’s no way to know what type of catastrophe will occur; as a consequence, there’s no clear method to figure out what you’ll need.
Because of this, most people make their purchases based on the assumption that nothing would be accessible, so they’d better have it on hand.
That is the only way to do it if you think about it for a second, which makes perfect sense.
This stockpile is based on a scenario in which you stay put and not bug out.
Most people will end up bugging in if a crisis occurs, therefore it’s sensible to have the right food preparation at home.
If you have a secure, private bug-out location, you’ll want to duplicate your home stock there as well.
How Much Food Should You Stockpile Quiz
How long do you want your prepper food storage to last?
A week, a month, three months, or six months? What about a year?
Sure, a year’s worth of stored food may be excessive for most survival scenarios short of an apocalypse (i.e., TEOTWAWKI).
However, it could be that this is what allows you to sleep well at night.
What is the dollar value of having a year’s supply of prepared food on hand? It’s difficult to put a price tag on a good night’s sleep.
What’s truly distressing is that the typical American family only has a single week’s worth of food in their homes.
This is just the way things are in today’s America. The grocery store has taken the place of the pantry in my home, and the underground root cellar.
Most natural disasters will not require survival stockpiling food beyond a few weeks, a month at the outside.
If you’re talking about political upheaval, revolution, or any other Third World incursion into our ordered American society, prepare to store food for up to six months.
By then, things should be back to normal. If you believe society will spiral into chaos, you might want to save for a year or more.
One thing to bear in mind is that an uninterrupted void of Anarchy is unnatural. Human politics hates vacuums.
Somebody, or perhaps a group of people, will take advantage of the situation. It’s possible it won’t be as selfless as our current political class (if you can imagine that).
Humans are pack animals, however, and they will congregate.
The post-apocalyptic period will not be permanent. This implies that if you have a big supply of prepper food, “friendly” people might just take it from you anyhow.
Let’s say you choose to store food in the middle of your alternatives.
A six-month supply of prepper food on hand at all times for your family.
Important note: Whatever kind of food you want to stockpile, do not to stockpile your food in your basement.
Food Storage Made Easy
When it comes time to store your food stockpile, you’ll need some food storage containers.
In order to help you get started we’ve curated some of the best food storage containers on the market.
Extra Large Airtight Food Storage Containers
BPA Free Food Storage Containers
Divided Food Storage Containers
Food Storage Room
Root Cellar Food Storage
If you were to go to Google and ask “What is a root cellar” the first page you’d get is Wikipedia saying that a root cellar is “a structure, usually underground or partially underground, used for storage of vegetables, fruits, nuts, or other foods. “
To build a root cellar, you must first have a clear vision of where you want to end up.
You can’t just dig with a shovel willy-nilly.
Well…yes, but you’ll soon regret it.
Instead, planning will help you meet all of your objectives and obtain what you desire!
Having a set of tried-and-true root cellar blueprints will save you time and effort.
That’s why we recommend you check out The Easy Cellar plan. It’s the easiest backyard root cellar build we’ve come across.
Here’s a short video showing you how to build a root cellar.
Walk In Cooler Food Storage
Another great option to preserve your food stockpile longer would be to have a walk in cooler.
Here’s a DIY Walk In Cooler video to help you build one:
Walk In Cooler Storage Chart
I don’t know about you, but I sure can’t afford to waste food due to inadvisable storage methods when it comes to the most sensitive and valuable things in my kitchen.
Organizing is one of the keys to higher food safety in cold storage.
To avoid cross-contamination, you must organize your cold storage in a manner that prevents contamination.
This walk-in cooler food storage chart can help you figure out the best organizational strategies to protect your clients, increase inventory longevity, and decrease food waste.
#1: Fruits and vegetables
Fruits, vegetables, and herbs should be stored on the top shelf in your walk-in. When compared to meat and dairy, produce contains less harmful germs. As a result , if produce condensation falls on other goods inside the fridge, it is significantly less dangerous.
#2: Precooked items
In an ideal situation, store precooked and previously frozen items on the shelf below fresh produce. Saves have reached an internal temperature of at least 145°F, destroying germs that may harm other foods if dripped to them.
#3: Dairy
The refrigerator is the worst place to keep dairy products such as eggs, milk, and cheese. Dairy has a greater risk of bacterial contamination than vegetables or stored goods. In general, dairy should not be concerned about items stored below it as long as it is kept at temperatures below 40°F.
#4: Raw Meat
Raw meats, such as fish, poultry, pork, and red meat, should be stored in a refrigerator or freezer. Fresh or thawed raw meat includes fish, poultry, pork, and red meat. Meat juices are high in germs and can cause serious health problems if consumed.
#5: Thawing Foods
The lowest shelf of the walk-in should be used to defrost meats. Defrosting meat products has an increased chance of spreading germs because they are full of bacteria and defrosting creates extra liquid and drip dangers.
#6: Monitor Storage Temperatures
To maintain food safety, use remote monitoring technology such as Therma° to monitor food temperature on a regular basis. When the flurry of service doors opening, closing, and propping takes place quickly, there may be significant temperature fluctuations. These averages will go unnoticed unless services have extra time to check temperatures.
Freeze Dried Prepper Food
Freeze-dried, prepackaged meals from a reputable emergency food provider should be purchased by the serious prepper who wants a significant food stockpile (one that will last for several decades with little work).
These emergency meals are intended to meet your family’s basic nutritional needs.
The nicest thing about this choice is how quick and simple it is.
Simply figure out how much you’ll need, order it online, find a good location to keep it in your home, and you’ll be sleeping soundly again.
You may buy a year’s worth at once or in smaller amounts over time, it is your choice.
The Bottom Line: Freeze-dried pre-packed dishes are the simplest, quickest, and most foolproof approach to expand your food supply.
How To Select Which Food To Stockpile
There are a number of factors to consider while selecting food for a survival scenario.
This isn’t buying ten times the food for a week; it’s purchasing food you’ll consume in place of your normal purchases.
It may be difficult to eat things that are different from what your family is used to.
Nonetheless, eating strange meals is preferable than not eating anything at all.
Consider the following as you’re building your emergency stockpile:
- Food should be consumed or frozen within a short period of time, since they are not intended to endure for long-term storage. The exception is canned goods.
- You want meals that are high in nutrition while being light on your stomach.
- Avoid all forms of “snack foods,” as they can’t be kept for long periods of time.
Many food items that you buy in the supermarket are packaged with the goal of being used within a few months.
As a result, most of what you buy will have to be repackaged in order to avoid spoilage.
Not all foods, however, will keep for lengthy periods of time after repackaging. In general, the more a food is refined, the worse it is for long-term storage.
What Food Should You Stockpile
What you really need to store are staple foods.
You can create a fairly healthy diet out of grains, beans, and canned goods.
These items will keep for years if properly stored and will still be as delicious and nutritious when you remove them; they were the day you bought them.
Here’s a list of foods that you should stock up on to ensure your family’s survival in the event of an emergency:
Stockpile Food #1 – Pasta
Pasta is a vegetable that’s high in carbohydrates. It also keeps for an extremely long time and may be cooked in many different ways. Ingredients
Stockpile Food #2 – Freeze-Dried Food
When properly stored, your freeze-dried meal will be ready whenever you need it. They have a shelf life of 25 years.
Stockpile Food #3 – Apple cider vinegar
It’s also worth noting that apple cider vinegar has been shown to help with the healing of wounds. ACV is a necessary component in homemade salad dressings, as well as having a number of health advantages.
Stockpile Food #4 – Leavening agents
Without the inclusion of baking powders and other rising agents required for making bread and other baked goods, no stockpile is complete.
Stockpile Food #5 – Protein powders
Whey, egg whites, and other protein powders are excellent for adding to smoothies and increasing your protein intake when other options are limited.
Stockpile Food #6 – Dried corn
Corn is a nutritious and versatile food that may be ground into cornmeal, popped to make popcorn, or used as a seed to grow fresh corn for eating.
Stockpile Food #7 – Ready to eat dried meals
When you don’t have the ingredients or energy to prepare meals from scratch, pre-cooked dinners provide a nutritious option.
Stockpile Food #8 – Whole grains
Flour, however, does not keep well. Whole grains, on the other hand, do. You can make your own bread, pancakes, cakes, cookies and other baked items if you have a grain mill and whole grains.
Stockpile Food #9 – Rice
Rice is a good source of carbohydrates, which keep for a long time. Choose rice that is made from whole grains instead of quick rice. The shelf life of rapid rice is extremely limited. Rice may be cooked in many different ways, much like pasta.
Stockpile Food #10 – Breakfast cereal
This is a type of comfort food that children particularly enjoy. Avoid purchasing the sweeter kid’s cereals, but go for more basic options like Cheerios instead. This will keep well if properly stored.
Stockpile Food #11 -Beans
Dried beans are a wonderful source of high-quality protein and other nutrients, and they’re one of the few non-meat sources.
Stockpile Food #12 -Canned meat
Canned chicken, tuna, salmon, and other meat items are available for purchase.
Spam may be ridiculed by many individuals, but it is a nutritious red meat.
Meat will be the most difficult sort of food to come by in an emergency, so prepare well.
Stockpile Food #13 – Beef (or turkey) jerky
Dried meat, whether jerky or dehydrated meat, is excellent for long-term storage.
Trim off any fat and salt your own jerky heavily for preservation if you prepare it yourself. You can use the jerky in soups after it has been reconstituted.
The water will soak into the dried meat, as well as
Stockpile Food #14 -Summer sausage
Sausage, like many “cured meat products” (lunchmeat) is manufactured to be kept for a long period of time.
It’s generally vacuum packed as well, making it perfect for long-term storage.
It may be eaten plain or chopped to add flavor to soups and casseroles during survival conditions.
Stockpile Food #15 -Canned vegetables and fruit
Vitamins are included in this drink since it provides them. It is excellent for long-term storage and has a long shelf life.
The packing water should not be thrown away; it contains vitamins as well. Instead, create soup stock from it by using the
Stockpile Food #16 -Powdered milk
When you don’t have any other milk, powdered milk is quite appreciated.
It’s also useful for cooking and provides essential calcium for healthy bone development.
Stockpile Food #17 – Spaghetti sauce
You can always go back and add a little more of any ingredient to make it smoother. You’ve already got the foundation of a dinner with pasta and spaghetti sauce. What else do you want to add?
Stockpile Food #18 -Soups
The wonderful thing about preparing soup in a survival scenario is that you may create almost anything into it. I’m talking about cream of mushroom soup, not chicken noodle soup, here.
Stockpile Food #19 -Sugar
Sugar, like all fruits, has a lot of beneficial nutrients and is a great source of energy. It’s also used to make jams and jellies, as well as fruit preservation. It will also be required for your baking. Sugar will keep for an eternity if stored correctly.
Stockpile Food #20 – Honey
Honey will keep a lot longer than sugar, which may be kept for decades. Honey will definitely keep forever because it is produced by nature. You can’t beat nature’s techniques for producing things that are both useful and nutritious.
Stockpile Food #21 -Salt
Salt is a must-have for human existence. It’s also used in the majority of food canning procedures, especially those involving meat. You may preserve meats, salt fish, and smoke meats with a good supply of salt.
Stockpile Food #22 – Spices
You may have to get used to eating different foods than you are used to. Spices can be used to cover up or add flavor to food that is bland. Make sure you have enough of the spices your family like so you can cook food they’ll enjoy.
Stockpile Food #23 – Peanut butter
Okay, this is pure comfort food. However, it is also quite nutritious.
Stockpile Food #24 – Dried fruit
A fantastic method of keeping fruit on hand. It can keep for many years if properly dried and packed.
Stockpile Food #25 – Nuts
Another excellent source of protein, as well as fats. Nuts will keep for a long time and are useful in a variety of cuisines, especially baked goods, vegetables, and also meat dishes.
Stockpile Food #26 – Cooking oil
Necessary ingredients for cooking and baking.
Stockpile Food #27 – Coffee and Tea
Comfort food for the adults, once again. Many of us don’t perform well until after our second cup of coffee in the morning.
I understand that this list appears to be rather long, but I’m assuming you’ll have enough food stored for many months, if not a year.
Find Out If You Have Any Gaps In Your Prepping With The Quiz Below
What About Other Prepper Supplies
If I’m preparing food for my family, I’ll have a lot more on my mind than just food.
Aspirin, prepper antibiotics, bandages, prescription drugs, OTC cold/flu medications, survival knives, tools, matches, and ammunition are only a few of the items that come to mind.
Some of these may already be included in your emergency survival kits – also a good idea, by the way.
How To Make Your Own Survival Food
Would you rather make your own survival food at home instead of buying it?
Either way is fine, of course…
But I think there are quite a few benefits to making your own survival food that make it a great choice.
You know all the ingredients that are going in it…
You end up food that you like to eat because you made it yourself…
And you learn valuable survival skills while doing it, just like Americans in the old days.
Oh, and here’s one more thing…
Making your own survival food is easier than you think it is.
In fact, if you follow the recipe in this video your first batch of survival food will be ready by this afternoon!
Food Storage Recipes
Some people enjoy seeing a fully-stocked larder of delicious food that they gathered and preserved. It gives us confidence in what you’re feeding your family, making the winter months less frightening.
Imagine if you found out that every meal for the next several months had already been prepared. Even if money is short, your stomachs will not growl.
Here’s a list of delicious food storage recipes to get you started.
Many of these canning recipes would make wonderful present ideas for friends and family.
Here are over 200 of the best Canning Recipes you will want to try!
Rules For Stockpiling Anything
Rule #1 – Don’t Talk
It’s great that you’re doing the Christian thing if you choose to disregard this basic guideline and share your wealth with strangers outside of your family.
However, keep in mind that you are sacrificing your family’s safety if you do. Be ready to lose everything should things go wrong.
If your heart tells you that assisting others is just as essential as caring for your loved ones, then trust your instincts and let your love light shine. But be prepared to face the consequences.
Your Prepper Food Action Plan
Action Step #1
Decide how much prepper food you want in the case of a crisis.
This is a personal decision that I can’t advise you on.
I’m not sure what form the ultimate catalyst will take, but you have a choice: pick your poison: EMP , global financial meltdown, droughts, government tyranny, you name it…
The bottom line is that there are many potential disasters, and if you add up the chances of one of them happening in your lifetime…well, you’ll be driven to prepare as soon as possible.
Action Step #2
Determine how many calories your family requires each day to subsist. This is a relatively simple calculation with the appropriate tools, which we’ll provide for free below.
Action Step #3
Purchase the right amount of prepper food from a reputable dealer.
I recommend buying from Legacy Food Storage.
When it comes to everything considered, including shipping, quality sealing/containers, and the components themselves, their costs are unbeatable.
When it comes down to it, food may become your family’s greatest investment.
While the stock market’s value may be doubled, it can’t protect you from starvation if society falls apart and grocery stores close overnight.
The only things that can safeguard you from that degree of disaster are prepper food supplies and survival equipment.
Action Step #4
Store this food in a cool, dry place, away from prying eyes, and don’t tell anybody! That’s all there is to it.
Prepper Food IS The Best Investment You’ll Ever Make
In my opinion, stockpiling prepper food is the ideal investment you can make.
Why? Because the alternative (a.k.a., the risk) is too awful to contemplate.
Unlike a traditional dollar investment (where the worst-case scenario is losing all of your money), the downside we’re concerned about when it comes to stockpiling food is that your family would go hungry.
But Max, what if my food stockpile investment never pays off? Okay, life will continue as normal…enjoy! But I’m curious: What if stockpiling food is a smart idea? Thank goodness you took action today.
Don’t put it off any longer; begin immediately since there are no do-overs in survival.
You get to eat what you’ve stockpiled once all of the grocery store food is gone.
“Always Be Ready” Max