What to Eat When the SHTF

3 Types of Food to Stockpile Now

What to Eat When the SHTF: 3 Types of Food to Stockpile Now

It’s no secret that the world is in a precarious state. Economic instability, political unrest, and natural disasters are all becoming more and more common. And while we may not be on the brink of an all-out apocalypse just yet, it’s always better to be safe than sorry. That’s why, if you’re the type of person who likes to be prepared for anything, it’s important to stockpile some food now so that you’ll be ready for whatever comes next.

What kind of food should you buy? Here are 3 types of food that will help you survive when the SHTF – Dried Goods, Canned Goods, and Frozen Food. Most food items are typically found in stores like Walmart, Costco, Sam’s Club, and online stores like Amazon, Augason Farms, Wise Foods, and Valley Food Storage...Continue Reading

1. Dried Goods

Dried goods are defined as food that has been prepared by removing the water content through a process of drying. Dehydration is the most popular method of drying foods, though other methods such as freeze-drying and air-drying can also be used. Drying food is a great way to preserve it for later consumption. When done correctly, dried foods can last for months or even years without going bad.

Why Dry Foods?

Dried foods are convenient and easy to keep for later consumption. This makes them perfect for emergencies where you may not have access to fresh food. Dried foods are also lightweight and easy to transport, making them ideal for camping, hiking, and other outdoor activities.

How to Dry Food?

One of the most popular methods of drying food is dehydrating it. Dehydration removes the water content from food without affecting its nutritional value. To dehydrate foods, you can use a dehydrator, an oven, or even the sun. Air drying is also an effective method of drying food. 

What Foods Can Be Dried? 

Almost any food can be dried, though some are better suited to the process than others. Fruits, vegetables, and herbs can all be dried with ease. Dairy products such as milk and yogurt can also be dried but may not taste as good as their fresh counterparts and some specialized equipment and knowledge for processing (these items are inexpensive and can be purchased easily). 

Advantages of Dried Food

There are many advantages to dried foods. As mentioned earlier, they have a long shelf life, can be stored for months or even years, and are lightweight and easy to transport.

Disadvantages of Dried Food

Dried foods can be more expensive to purchase than their fresh counterparts. They also require a little bit of preparation before they can be eaten, as they need to be rehydrated...Continue Reading

2. Canned Goods

Canned goods are foods that are sealed in airtight containers and can be stored for long periods. This type of food preservation was first developed by the French chemist Nicolas Appert in 1809. Appert’s discovery led to the development of canning factories in the United States and Europe, which began mass-producing canned foods for soldiers and explorers. 

Why Canned? 

Canned goods became a staple of military diets during the 19th century, as they were portable and versatile. During World War II, canned goods were once again in high demand, as fresh food was hard to come by.

In recent years, canned goods have become popular with preppers and survivalists, as they can be stored for long periods without spoiling, which makes them ideal for stockpile purposes. But canned food is also great for taking with you on camping trips, hiking trips, or any other time when refrigeration might not be available. Plus, canned food is usually cheaper than its fresh or frozen counterparts. 

Types of Canned Food 

Canned foods come in all shapes and sizes, and can be used to store both perishable and non-perishable items. Common types of canned foods include fruits, vegetables, soups, meats, fish, and even some desserts. 

Canned fruits and vegetables are typically packed in syrup or water, and can last for months or even years on a pantry shelf. Canned soups and stews are also common, as they can be easily reheated and consumed without any fuss. Meats like chicken, beef and pork can also be found in cans, as well as seafood like tuna, salmon, and sardines. Finally, some desserts like fruit pies and custards can also be bought in cans. 

Advantages of Canned Food 

One of the main advantages of canned foods is that they have a long shelf life. When stored properly, canned foods can last for years without spoiling. This makes them ideal for emergencies like power outages or natural disasters. Canned foods are also easy to transport and don’t require any special equipment to prepare. Simply open the can and enjoy! 

Disadvantages of Canned Food 

Although canned foods have a long shelf life, they cannot be stored indefinitely. Eventually, the cans could rust or break down, causing the contents to spoil. Additionally, canned foods often contain large amounts of sodium or sugar, which can be unhealthy if consumed in excess. Lastly, cans can be heavy to transport in a bug-out situation...Continue Reading

3. Frozen Foods

Frozen foods are foods that have been cooled to very low temperatures to preserve them. This type of food preservation was first developed in the early 20th century and has since become a staple in the modern diet.

Why Frozen?

Frozen foods are convenient and easy to store. They can be kept in a home freezer for months or even years without spoiling, making them ideal for stockpile purposes. Additionally, frozen foods are easy to transport and don’t usually require any special equipment to prepare (except meat/fish, etc…). Simply defrost the food and enjoy!

Types of Frozen Food

Frozen foods come in all shapes and sizes, and can be used to store both perishable and non-perishable items. Common types of frozen foods include fruits, vegetables, meat, fish, and even some desserts.

Frozen fruits and vegetables are typically packed in bags or boxes, and can last for months or even years in a freezer. Frozen meat and fish can also be found in abundance, as they can be thawed and cooked at a later date. Finally, some desserts like ice cream and cake can also be bought frozen.

Advantages of Frozen Food

One of the main advantages of frozen foods is that they have a long shelf life. When stored properly, frozen foods can last for months or even years without spoiling. This makes them ideal for storage.

Disadvantages of Frozen Food

Although frozen foods have a long shelf life, they cannot be stored indefinitely. Eventually, the food will get freezer burned. Additionally, if you lose power they may not keep well (especially meats/fish etc…).

Whether your focus is on dried goods, canned, goods, or frozen foods, remember these things; perishable items need to be eaten first, non-perishable have a longer shelf-life, and focus on stocking up items your family will actually eat and that you can prepare during an emergency. Finally, have a plan for rotating your stockpile so that nothing goes to waste.

With a little bit of planning, you can have a well-stocked pantry that will last you through any emergency...Continue Reading

Buying in Bulk

Bulk foods are large quantities of food that are packaged and sold together. Most food items are typically found in stores like Costco, Sam’s Club, and online stores like Amazon, Augason Farms, Wise Foods, and Valley Food Storage.

Why Bulk? Continue Reading