7 Healthy Non-Perishable Food Items

When it comes to stocking up your Prepper's pantry, you'd want to make sure you have food that doesn't expire quickly. Below are some non perishable food items you should stock up on. And take note, they're healthy, too!

Non Perishable Food Items to Keep

As you stock your Prepper’s pantry, you will want to make sure you’re addressing all the major food groups. If/when the day comes that you rely on the pantry, adequate nutrition, and a balanced diet will be more important than ever. You don’t want to eat white rice for every meal, but you also don’t want the items in the pantry to expire every few months and need to be replaced.

Luckily, some of the foods with the longest shelf lives (30+ years) are full of vitamins and nutrients. Short-term solutions can still be safe to eat for 3-5 years while sealed, so don’t get overwhelmed by what to stock up on.

Very few foods are truly non-perishable, and the manner in which you store them can extend their shelf lives. Using food-grade plastic storage bins and storing food at 40-68° with minimal light exposure will ensure your supply lasts as long as possible.

Here are some of our top picks for your Prepper’s pantry.

1. Raw Honey

Raw honey will literally never expire! It is full of antioxidants and nutrients, it can be used to treat a sore throat, and it makes for a delicious sweetener. Just be sure you’re stocking the raw stuff, as plain old honey has been processed and heated, removing many of the benefits.

2. Dried Beans

 

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With an expiration date 10-30 years in the future, dried beans should be a staple in your pantry. Not to mention that dried beans are a great source of fiber and protein! They can easily be added to soups, stews, salads, and rice to beef up the protein content and help to fill you up.

3. Powdered Milk

For those worried about having milk on hand, storing powdered milk will keep you covered for 3-5 years. A plant-based alternative is canned coconut milk, which will also last for 5 years. Just be sure to keep milk options in a cool, dark place.

4. Canned Fish & Poultry

Canned fish and poultry can last for up to 5 years in your pantry, ensuring you have lean protein in the years to come. The smaller packets that are now sold do have shorter shelf lives, so read the expiration dates before purchasing.

5. White Rice

Although not as healthy as its neighbors quinoa and brown rice, white rice have the added benefit of lasting up to 30 years when stored properly. Carbohydrates are essential if you’re working up an appetite each day.

6. Canned Vegetables

Low-acidity canned vegetables have the potential to last for up to 5 years. Examples are potatoes, carrots, beets, and spinach.

7. Canned Soup

You may be able to consume some canned soups for up to 5 years, but again, low-acidity is key. That means avoid tomato-based soups when stocking up. Dried soups do not last nearly as long as canned varieties.

If you fear that a long-term power outage, natural disaster, or other disruptive event is on the immediate horizon, you can also stock up on supplies that will last for about a year and diversify your diet – like dried fruit, jerky, nuts, nut butter, and granola bars. Be organized with your pantry and don’t keep expired items in stock. It’s also recommended that you start a vegetable garden to ensure future supply.

What are the non-perishable food items you stock up on? Share your tips in the comments section!

Up Next:

• Best Foods for Prepping: How to Put Together Your Prepper’s Pantry
• How To Setup Long Term Food Storage At Home For Emergencies
• 10 Foods That Never Expire