Life is unpredictable, and being prepared can make all the difference in an emergency. Having a well-stocked pantry ensures you’ll have essential foods on hand, no matter what happens. These 14 pantry staples have a long shelf life, so you can stock up once and have peace of mind. Keeping these items at home means you’ll always be ready for unexpected situations, from power outages to last-minute meal needs.
Note: The content of this article is not medical advice, nor does it reflect the Writer's personal beliefs.
Apple Cider Vinegar
While you may not want to drink apple cider vinegar now, you will love having it on hand in an emergency. Apple cider vinegar can help you maintain gut health and possibly help regular blood sugar levels. It will stay in your pantry for years without spoiling.
Canned Coconut Milk
Canned coconut milk lasts about five years in the pantry. It is great for adding flavor to your entrees (Thai curry with coconut milk is great!) or using it in a latte. You can also pour it over some cereal in a pinch!
Rice
Dry white rice will stay fresh for about two years in the pantry. It is a great food to sock up on since it is high in calories, very easy to make, and quite filling. You can also flavor rice in so many different ways, making it a fantastic food to keep on hand in case of emergency.
Pasta
Just like rice, dry pasta will stay good in the pantry for months and months. Keep the box closed and sealed to make sure the pasta stays fresh. This is another perfect carb to store and have on hand at all times. Everyone loves pasta and it is so easy to make!
Powdered Peanut Butter
While a regular jar of peanut butter will stay fresh in the pantry, unopened, for two years, powdered peanut butter will last up to 15 years. This is why you need a bag of powdered peanut butter in your emergency pantry! It is loaded with protein, healthy fats, and minerals your body needs. Mix some powdered peanut butter with a few drops of water, and you will have an easy, healthy snack.
Canned Beans
Canned beans will be okay in your pantry for up to five years. Beans are a fantastic plant-based protein that you can simply heat and eat. If a major world event prevents you from going grocery shopping, a few cans of beans could save your food issues!
Canned Chicken
Canned chicken may not be something you eat often, especially since fresh chicken is so easy to buy and make! But if the end of the world comes around, the canned chicken will be one of your favorite foods. Canned chicken will last in your pantry for up to 3 years. You can enjoy this quick food anytime with plenty of protein and not too much fat!
Canned Tuna
Canned tuna is another flavorful canned food you must have at all times. A can of tuna can sit in your storage area for up to two years and still taste delicious when you open it up. Grab a bunch of cans of canned tuna and you will feel prepared for anything!
Honey
Honey is one of those foods that never goes bad. It is said to last forever! That is why it is a must-have in any storage pantry. Not only will honey stay fresh for years and years, but it is also pretty tasty. It is a very easy way to add sweet flavor to any dish.
Maple Syrup
While maple syrup only keeps for about 4 years in the pantry, it will stay fresh in the refrigerator indefinitely. Sweeten your tea, coffee, baked goods, or pancakes with maple syrup and you will be eating well! Just make sure to buy syrup in a glass container rather than plastic. The glass is better at preserving the maple syrup.
Instant Coffee
Unopened instant coffee will last about 20 years. This is a ridiculously long shelf life! It is also a food that we must stock up on in case of emergency. You don’t want to be without your daily cup of coffee!
Tea
Tea is another item you should always have in your pantry. Lots of teas not only taste good but have medicinal properties as well. They are fantastic to have on hand, so you can always enjoy a tasty drink. Plus, tea will stay fresh for a long time,e so you don't have to worry about it going bad.
Salt
Non-iodized salt, like natural sea salt, will last forever, a sprinkle of salt can brighten up almost any food, adding some much-needed flavor. In case the world starts to crash, you will be glad you have salt on hand to make your food a little bit tastier.
Water
The number one thing you should have in your pantry is a few cases of water. Clean, fresh water is a necessity and essential for survival. Luckily, water will stay fresh for ages. Grab a case or two or even more to have on hand in case of an emergency.
This article was first published at Spatula Desserts.
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