Top Foods to Stockpile People who are interested in storing food for the future are usually quite proactive about doing so, but every so often the question arises regarding which foods are the best to store. There are actually a lot of different characteristics that are involved in making this decision, for instance, some foods stay fresher than others, while certain types of foods have a higher nutritional content. If you’ve ever wondered which foods you should be storing and why, read through our top recommendations.
Rice Rice is the staple food of many cultures already, since it is a great source of much needed complex carbohydrates. It also is a great substitute for foods that are high in saturated fat, like red meat. Both white and brown rice are great options to store, but it should be said that white rice stores a little better while brown rice is better for you, so choose which one best suits your needs.
Water Most people assume that they will have access to water in an emergency, and the truth is that this is often not the case. An earthquake or any other seismically-relevant event can easily break water mains, while a severe storm or flood can contaminate existing water supplies. Ensure that you have around 25 gallons of bottled water on hand at any given time.
Beans Beans are not only a reliable source of protein and fiber, but they also store extremely well. Usually a can of beans is good for a number of years. Not to mention the fact that beans work as a great complement for other foods.
Peanut Butter Jars of peanut butter usually have a shelf life of two years or more, and while it’s not the healthiest food to eat every day, it does have a high number of calories, which is a valuable asset if you need to limit your food intake. It’s also important to recognize that peanut butter requires absolutely no preparation whatsoever, making it one of the best foods to store and use when needed.
Canned Meats and Vegetables Unless you are able to store frozen meats and vegetables in foodsaver bags, canned is the way to go. While not as nutritious as frozen, canning offers long-term access to meats and vegetables which
otherwise would not last long. Make sure to pick canned foods that you are familiar and comfortable with.
Basics After you have ensured that you have all the food items you would need, take the time to stock up on things like sugar, salt, flour, and olive oil. Buying these staples in 5-10 pound packages can make your existing food situation a little bit better. It’s a great idea to store food for a rainy day, but only if the foods you choose store well and are good for you. Pay attention to these suggestions in order to create the perfect food storage.