Stay Ahead: 20 Must-Have Items for Your Pantry Before Shortages Arrive

You might have seen some scary news lately. Climate change, supply chain issues, and conflicts worldwide are making it tough to deliver food where it’s needed.

The 2024 Global Report on Food Crises says about 282 million people in 59 countries didn’t have enough food. That’s 24 million more than last year! These numbers are worrying, but they also show why it’s important to be ready.

The good news is that we can take action. We can prepare by buying extra food that stays fresh for a long time. This way, if the stores run out, we’ll still have good food at home. It’s like having a plan B for your meals.

In this article, we’re going to talk about 20 foods you should think about buying. These foods last a long time and are good for you too. We’ll tell you why each food is great to have and how long it lasts. 

So, let’s get started and learn how to stock up smart! We also included a video at the end.

Beans (Dry or Canned)

Beans are really great. They have lots of protein and fiber, which makes them very nutritious. Dry beans can last more than 10 years, and canned beans are good for 2-5 years. That’s a lot of meals!

You can put beans in soups, stews, salads, or mash them for a yummy dip. They’re a good substitute for meat if you want to eat less meat or if meat is hard to find.

Beans fill you up and help make other food last longer. They’re also very cheap, making them a good choice for saving money when stocking up.

Rice

Rice is a superstar when it comes to food storage. It’s cheap, it goes with just about everything, and it lasts an incredibly long time. White rice can stay good for up to 30 years if you store it right! That’s longer than some marriages! 

You can use rice in so many ways, as a side dish, in stir-fries, or even in desserts. It’s filling, versatile, and a great base for many meals. Plus, it’s easy to cook and doesn’t require any fancy equipment. 

Just remember to keep it in an airtight container in a cool, dry place to maximize its shelf life.

Pasta

Pasta is another pantry must-have that’s affordable and versatile. You can whip up a quick meal with just about anything you have on hand when you’ve got pasta in your cupboard. 

It stays good for 1-2 years, so you can stock up without worrying about it going bad quickly. Pasta comes in many shapes and sizes, so you can keep things interesting even if you’re eating it often.

It’s also a great source of carbohydrates, which give you energy. Try pairing it with canned vegetables and meats for a complete meal. Just like rice, store it in an airtight container in a cool, dry place.

Canned Vegetables

Don’t believe people who say canned veggies are bad for you. They keep most of their nutrients and can last 1-5 years. When fresh veggies are hard to get, they can really help.

Canned vegetables are already cooked, so you can eat them right from the can if you need to. They’re good for adding to soups, stews, or casseroles. Try to get many different veggies so you get different nutrients.

Always check the expiration dates and use the oldest cans first.

Canned Meat (Chicken, Tuna, Beef)

Protein is important, and canned meats are a good choice. They can last up to 5 years and don’t need to be kept cold. This makes them great for emergencies or when fresh meat is not available.

Canned chicken, tuna, and beef can be used in sandwiches, salads, casseroles, or eaten alone. They’re already cooked, so you can eat them right away if needed.

These canned meats are often very affordable, so you can buy a lot without spending too much money.

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Oats

Oats are a breakfast champion, but they’re great for snacks too. They’re packed with fiber to keep you feeling full and satisfied. If you keep them in a cool, dry place, they’ll last up to 2 years. 

You can enjoy oats in many ways, as traditional oatmeal, in cookies, as a crunchy topping for yogurt, or even in savory dishes. They’re also a good source of vitamins and minerals. 

Oats are easy to prepare and can be cooked with water if milk isn’t available. They’re a nutritious, filling option that’s great to have on hand.

Flour

If you bake (or want to), flour is necessary. It’s the main ingredient for bread, pancakes, and many other foods.

All-purpose flour lasts about a year, but whole wheat flour doesn’t last as long. You can freeze whole wheat flour to make it last longer. With flour, you can make your own bread, tortillas, pasta, and many other basics.

Flour is also used to thicken sauces and gravies. To keep flour fresh, store it in a tight container in a cool, dry place. If it smells bad or has bugs, throw it away.

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Sugar

Sugar lasts a very long time if you keep it dry. It’s not just for making your coffee sweet – it’s important for baking and helps keep other foods fresh. 

You can use sugar to make simple syrups, keep fruits fresh, or add a bit of sweetness to dishes that aren’t sweet. When things are tough, a little sweetness can help make people feel better. 

Sugar gives you quick energy, which is helpful in emergencies. Keep it in a tight container to stop it from clumping and to keep out moisture and pests.

Cooking Oil (Olive, Vegetable, or Coconut Oil)

You can’t cook much without oil. Olive oil is good and lasts 18-24 months. But if you want something that lasts even longer, try coconut oil. It stays good forever if stored correctly.

Oils are important for sautéing, frying, and baking. They also add taste and help your body use certain vitamins. Different oils have different heat limits, so it’s good to have many kinds. 

Store oils in a cool, dark place to stop them going bad. A small amount of oil makes meals more enjoyable and tasty.

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Canned Soup

On those days when you just can’t be bothered to cook, canned soup is there for you. It lasts for years and offers a quick, warm meal when you need it most. 

Soups come in many varieties, so you can stock up on different flavors to keep things interesting. They’re usually quite nutritious, often containing vegetables and protein. 

Many soups can be eaten as is, or you can add rice, pasta, or vegetables to make them more filling. They’re also a comforting food, which can be important during stressful times.

Canned Fruit

When you’re craving something sweet, canned fruit can hit the spot. It’s got vitamins and antioxidants, and it lasts 1-2 years. It’s like having a little bit of summer in your pantry all year round. 

Canned fruits can be eaten on their own, added to oatmeal or yogurt, used in baking, or even as a topping for pancakes or waffles. They’re a great way to ensure you’re still getting fruits in your diet when fresh options aren’t available. 

Look for fruits canned in juice rather than syrup for a healthier option.

Peanut Butter

Peanut butter isn’t just for kids’ lunches. It’s packed with protein and healthy fats, and it lasts 1-2 years. Plus, it doesn’t need to be refrigerated. 

You can spread it on bread, add it to smoothies, use it in baking, or just eat it straight out of the jar. Peanut butter is calorie-dense, which can be important if food is scarce.

It’s also quite filling, making it a good snack option. If you’re allergic to peanuts, consider other nut butters like almond or cashew butter, which have similar benefits.

Nuts and Seeds

Almonds, walnuts, sunflower seeds – take your pick! They’re full of healthy fats and protein. They last 6-12 months at room temperature, but you can freeze them to make them last even longer. 

Nuts and seeds make great snacks on their own, or you can add them to salads, baked goods, or trail mix. They’re calorie-dense, which is helpful when food might be scarce. 

Different nuts and seeds offer various nutritional benefits, so try to stock a variety. Keep them in airtight containers to maintain freshness.

Jerky (Beef, Turkey)

For a protein-packed snack that lasts, try jerky. Beef jerky can stay good for up to 2 years if it’s vacuum-sealed. It’s like the energizer bunny of snacks, it keeps going and going! 

Jerky is lightweight, portable, and doesn’t need refrigeration, making it perfect for emergencies. It’s high in protein and can help satisfy hunger when cooking isn’t an option. 

You can eat it as is, add it to soups or stews, or rehydrate it for use in other dishes. Store jerky in a cool, dry place for best results.

Coffee and Tea

Let’s face it, when times are tough, a cup of coffee or tea can make all the difference. Tea lasts pretty much forever, and coffee beans are good for 1-2 years. Your future self will thank you for stocking up. 

Both coffee and tea can provide a sense of normalcy and comfort in stressful situations. They also contain caffeine, which can help you stay alert. Tea offers various health benefits depending on the type. 

Store these items in airtight containers away from light and moisture to preserve their flavor.

Instant Meals (Ramen, Freeze-Dried Meals)

Sometimes, you need a meal fast. Instant noodles and freeze-dried meals just need water and can last a long time. They may not taste fancy, but they’ll fill you up when you need them.

These meals are light, take up little room, and are easy to make. They’re good for times when you can’t cook bigger meals.

They shouldn’t be your main food, but they can be a nice change and give you quick energy. Keep them in a cool, dry spot.

Spices and Herbs

Don’t forget to add some flavor to your food storage! Spices and herbs can last for years and will make your meals much more enjoyable. 

Stock up on basics like black pepper, cinnamon, and dried garlic. Spices and herbs can transform simple ingredients into tasty meals, helping to prevent food fatigue when options are limited. 

They take up little space but make a big impact on your cooking. Many herbs and spices also have health benefits. Store them in airtight containers away from light to preserve their potency.

Salt

Salt is a very important part of cooking. It makes food taste good and helps keep it fresh. Plus, it never spoils. Really, never. Salt is important for our bodies and helps replace what we lose when we sweat.

You can use it to keep meats and vegetables fresh for longer. If needed, salt water can also clean your mouth or help with small cuts. Keep salt in a dry spot, and it will always be ready when you need it.

Dried Lentils

If you’re looking for a plant-based protein powerhouse, look no further than lentils. They’re nutritious, versatile, and last about 2 years. 

Lentils cook quickly and don’t need soaking like other dried beans. You can use them in soups, stews, salads, or as a meat substitute in many dishes. They’re also rich in fiber and various vitamins and minerals. 

Lentils are incredibly affordable, making them a great option for bulking up your food storage. Store them in an airtight container in a cool, dry place.

Powdered Milk

I know, powdered milk doesn’t sound tasty. But listen: it can last up to 20 years if stored right, and it’s good for cooking and baking when you don’t have fresh milk.

You can mix it with water to use like regular milk, add it to smoothies for extra protein, or use it in baked goods. Powdered milk is also full of calcium and vitamin D.

It takes less space than liquid milk and doesn’t need to be kept cold until it’s mixed with water. Store it in a tight container and it will be ready when you need it.

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Smart Prep for Peace of Mind

We’ve talked about 20 important things to have in your pantry today. Don’t rush to buy everything now. Just get one or two extra items each time you go shopping. This helps you build your stock bit by bit.

Keeping your food stored correctly is very important. Keep it cool and dry, and it will last longer. Use the oldest items first and replace them as you go. This keeps everything fresh and ready when you need it.

Being prepared isn’t just about food shortages. These supplies come in handy during power outages or bad weather too. Think of it as a safety net for your kitchen, and your peace of mind.

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AI was used for light editing, formatting, and readability. But a human (me!) wrote and edited this.