When natural disasters and global uncertainties increase, emergency preparedness becomes critical. According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), 68% of Americans have some basic preparations in case of emergencies.1
One crucial aspect of preparedness is long-term food storage.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends storing at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food for emergencies.2 However, for those looking to be prepared for extended periods, certain foods can last significantly longer.
Here are 18 foods with exceptional shelf lives, capable of lasting 20 years or more when stored properly.
STOP BUYING GREENS: This Machine Grows $1000s Worth Automatically
✓ Set It & Forget It: Fully Automated Growing
✓ From Seed to Harvest in Days - No Experience Needed
✓ Grow Premium Microgreens Worth $50/lb Year-Round
Note: This is an affiliate link and we may earn a small commission if you purchase at no additional cost. This helps keep our website free to use.
1. White Rice
This versatile grain can last up to 30 years when stored properly in oxygen-free containers. (ref) Its low moisture content and lack of oils make it resistant to spoilage, ensuring a reliable source of carbohydrates for decades.
White rice can be the foundation of countless meals, providing essential energy during long-term emergencies.
Storage tips:
- Use airtight containers with oxygen absorbers
- Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight
- Keep humidity levels low to prevent moisture absorption
- Rotate stock every 5-10 years for optimal freshness
2. Honey
Nature’s sweet miracle, honey, boasts an almost indefinite shelf life. Archaeological discoveries have unearthed edible honey in ancient Egyptian tombs, proving its longevity.
Its low moisture content and high acidity create an environment inhospitable to bacteria and microorganisms. Beyond its culinary uses, honey also offers medicinal properties, making it a valuable addition to any long-term food storage plan.
Storage tips:
- Store in airtight glass jars or food-grade plastic containers
- Keep at room temperature; avoid refrigeration
- If crystallization occurs, gently warm to restore the liquid state
- Avoid metal containers to prevent oxidation
3. Salt
Salt is not just a flavor enhancer; it’s a timeless preservative. This mineral can last indefinitely when stored properly, maintaining its usefulness for generations.
Its ability to inhibit bacterial growth has made it a crucial ingredient in food preservation throughout history. Beyond seasoning, salt plays a vital role in preserving other foods and maintaining electrolyte balance in emergency situations.
Storage tips:
- Use airtight containers to prevent moisture absorption
- Add a few grains of uncooked rice to absorb excess moisture
- Store in a cool, dry place
- Avoid iodized salt for longest shelf life
4. Dried Beans
Dried beans are a powerhouse of nutrition with impressive longevity. When stored in airtight containers, these legumes can remain viable for up to 30 years. (ref) Their low moisture content and hard outer shell contribute to their extended shelf life.
As they age, beans may require longer cooking times but will still provide essential proteins and fiber, making them a valuable resource for creating varied meals in long-term survival situations.
Storage tips:
- Use food-grade buckets or Mylar bags with oxygen absorbers
- Store in a cool, dark place with temperatures below 75°F (24°C)
- Keep humidity levels below 15%
- Rotate stock every 5-10 years for best nutritional value
5. Maple Syrup
Pure maple syrup is more than just a pancake topping; it’s a long-lasting energy source. When stored properly, unopened maple syrup can last indefinitely.
Its high sugar content creates an environment that’s inhospitable to bacteria growth. This natural sweetener provides quick energy and adds variety to long-term food storage menus, making it a valuable addition to any survival pantry.
Storage tips:
- Store in glass bottles or tin containers
- Keep unopened syrup in a cool, dry place
- Refrigerate after opening
- If mold appears on the surface, remove it and boil the syrup before use
6. Soy Sauce
Thanks to its high salt content, unopened bottles of soy sauce can last indefinitely. Even after opening, properly stored soy sauce can remain good for years.
Its umami flavor can transform bland emergency rations into satisfying meals, and its high salt content makes it a potential preservative for other foods in survival situations.
Storage tips:
- Store unopened bottles in a cool, dark place
- Refrigerate after opening for best quality
- Use clean utensils to prevent contamination
- Check for off-odors or mold growth before use
7. Instant Coffee
For many, coffee is a daily necessity, and instant coffee ensures this habit can continue even in long-term emergencies. Properly stored, instant coffee can remain potent for up to 20 years or more.
Its low moisture content contributes to its impressive shelf life. In stressful situations, having access to this familiar comfort can provide a significant morale boost.
Storage tips:
- Keep in airtight containers or original packaging
- Store in a cool, dry place away from heat and moisture
- Use oxygen absorbers for extended storage
- Avoid exposure to strong odors, as coffee can absorb them
8. Dried Corn
Dried corn, when properly stored, can last for several decades. This versatile grain can be ground into cornmeal, used in soups, or rehydrated as a vegetable.
Its low moisture content is key to its longevity. In survival situations, dried corn’s versatility makes it a valuable asset for creating diverse meals.
Storage tips:
- Store in airtight containers with oxygen absorbers
- Keep in a cool, dry place with temperatures below 70°F
- Maintain low humidity levels
- Inspect periodically for signs of pest infestation
9. Powdered Milk
Powdered milk is a long-lasting dairy alternative that can remain viable for up to 25 years when stored properly. Its low moisture content prevents bacterial growth, ensuring its longevity.
This versatile product can be reconstituted for drinking or used in cooking and baking. It provides essential nutrients and serves as a crucial ingredient in many recipes during extended emergencies.
Storage tips:
- Use airtight containers with oxygen absorbers
- Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight
- Keep humidity levels low to prevent clumping
- Rotate stock every 2-5 years for the best flavor
10. Hard Liquor
While not a food per se, hard liquors like vodka, whiskey, and rum can last indefinitely. Their high alcohol content prevents bacterial growth, ensuring they remain safe to consume for decades.
Beyond their recreational use, they can serve medicinal purposes in emergency situations, acting as a disinfectant, pain reliever, or bartering item.
Storage tips:
- Store bottles upright to prevent cork degradation
- Keep away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures
- Avoid opening bottles unnecessarily
- Store in a secure location away from children
11. Dried Pasta
Dried pasta is a staple that can last up to 30 years when stored properly. Its low moisture content makes it resistant to spoilage, ensuring a reliable source of carbohydrates for decades.
This versatile food can form the base of countless meals, providing comfort and sustenance in challenging times.
Storage tips:
- Use airtight containers with oxygen absorbers
- Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight
- Keep humidity levels low to prevent moisture absorption
- Check periodically for signs of pest infestation
12. Baking Soda
Baking soda is a multi-purpose item with an indefinite shelf life. When stored properly, it can remain effective for decades.
Its versatility in cooking, cleaning, and medicinal applications makes it invaluable in survival situations, serving as a cleaning agent, deodorizer, and even a fire extinguisher in emergencies.
Storage tips:
- Store in airtight containers to prevent moisture absorption
- Keep in a cool, dry place
- Test effectiveness periodically by mixing with vinegar
- Replace every 2-3 years for optimal potency in baking
13. Pemmican
Pemmican, a traditional Native American survival food, can last for decades when prepared and stored correctly. This nutrient-dense mixture of dried meat, rendered fat, and sometimes dried berries provides a complete source of protein, fat, and carbohydrates.
Its high energy content and long shelf life make pemmican an ideal food for emergency kits and long-term storage plans.
Storage tips:
- Store in airtight containers or wrap tightly in butcher paper
- Keep in a cool, dry place
- Protect from light exposure to prevent fat oxidation
- Inspect periodically for signs of rancidity or mold
14. Freeze-Dried Fruits & Vegetables
Freeze-dried fruits and vegetables can maintain their nutritional value and flavor for up to 25 years. The freeze-drying process removes moisture while preserving the food’s structure, resulting in lightweight, nutrient-dense products with extended shelf lives.
These foods rehydrate quickly, making them convenient for emergency meals while providing essential vitamins and minerals.
Storage tips:
- Use airtight containers with oxygen absorbers
- Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight
- Keep humidity levels low to prevent moisture absorption
- Rotate stock every 5-10 years for best quality
15. Textured Vegetable Protein (TVP)
Textured Vegetable Protein, or TVP, is a dehydrated soy product that can last up to 20 years when stored properly. This high-protein meat substitute is lightweight, versatile, and easy to prepare.
Its long shelf life makes it an excellent option for vegetarian and vegan preppers, providing a protein-rich alternative to meat in long-term survival situations.
Storage tips:
- Store in airtight containers with oxygen absorbers
- Keep in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight
- Maintain low humidity levels to prevent clumping
- Check periodically for off-odors or signs of rancidity
16. Hardtack
Hardtack, a simple biscuit made from flour, water, and sometimes salt, has been a staple survival food for centuries. When stored properly, hardtack can last for decades.
Its low moisture content and simple ingredients contribute to its impressive longevity, providing a reliable source of carbohydrates that can be softened with water or broth for easier consumption.
Storage tips:
- Store in airtight containers to prevent moisture absorption
- Keep in a cool, dry place away from pests
- Add food-grade desiccants to control moisture
- Inspect periodically for signs of mold or insect infestation
17. Ghee
Ghee, a type of clarified butter, can last up to 20 years when stored properly. The process of making ghee removes water and milk solids, leaving behind pure butterfat that resists spoilage.
Its high smoke point makes it versatile for cooking in various situations, and it serves as a source of essential fatty acids and fat-soluble vitamins in long-term survival scenarios.
Storage tips:
- Store in airtight, opaque containers to protect from light and air
- Keep in a cool place, ideally below 70°F
- Use clean, dry utensils to prevent contamination
- Check periodically for signs of rancidity or off-odors
18. MREs (Meals, Ready-to-Eat)
Military-grade MREs are designed for long-term storage and can last up to 25 years when stored properly. These complete meal kits contain a variety of foods and typically include a heating element, making them ideal for emergency situations where cooking facilities may be limited.
While not gourmet cuisine, MREs provide balanced nutrition and convenience in a compact package.
Storage tips:
- Rotate stock periodically, using older MREs for camping or short-term emergencies
- Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight
- Keep temperatures below 70°F for optimal shelf life
- Avoid extreme temperature fluctuations
Building a robust survival pantry doesn’t have to be a daunting task. With these 18 long-lasting foods, you can create a diverse and nutritious stockpile that will stand the test of time.
By following proper storage techniques and rotating your stock, you can ensure that your emergency food supply remains fresh and ready for when you need it most.
Sources:
Davin is a jack-of-all-trades but has professional training and experience in various home and garden subjects. He leans on other experts when needed and edits and fact-checks all articles.