What would you do if food prices skyrocketed and you couldn’t afford to eat? It may sound like a scary question, but it’s something we all need to think about. With natural disasters on the rise, war, social unrest and so much more, it’s important to have a survival pantry checklist ready in case of an emergency. When you start stocking up on essential supplies, you are making sure that you are safe, during times of crisis.
We are here to help you so that you do not run into a situation that you are not ready for. It all comes down to taking the steps now, so you are ready for the future.
The peace of mind that you get when your prepper pantry is ready to go is such a great feeling. My prepper pantry may be different from yours in some ways. There will be many commonalities regardless of how you put together your prepper pantry. If you want to survive you have to make sure you have the essentials first before any extras can be added.
Where You Store Your Survival Pantry Is Essential
If you put it in the wrong place then, all your efforts will be in vain. We do not want that do we!
The first thing I would focus on is where will I be storing the emergency food supplies. I would want my survival pantry in a safe place.
It needs to be in an area that is dark first off. It can not be exposed to a lot of light or the shelf life of your long-term food storage will go out the window. It also needs to be in a cool place where there is no humidity as well. Otherwise, your food supply will spoil very quickly.
What is the most important thing in a survival pantry?
It’s not food. It’s water because without water you will last long. The body can go weeks without food, whereas with water, it’s a matter of days. So water is the first thing you need to think about first.
Water Storage
When it comes to your survival pantry I would focus on different ways in which to store water. It’s as easy as buying gallon water jugs. If you have the space I would invest in buying a water storage container to add to your pantry. One storage container could hold well over a hundred gallons of water, which may take up less space than a hundred-gallon jugs.
There are many different types of water storage containers that you can buy. I have a mix of containers and a few large tanks. If you don’t have a lot of room I would look into water bricks to accommodate the amount of space you have. If you have a little more space I would get a water storage container.
It really will come down to two things.
How many people are in your family? Is it just you? Those are the most important questions to ask. If you have three people in your immediate family then you have to allot for three gallons of water a day. The more people the more water you will need.
If you bought a relatively small water storage container that holds a hundred gallons of water that would get you over a month’s supply of water for three people. Based on one gallon a day per person.
Water Purification
If something happened to your water storage what would you do?
Think about that question and if you have a solution to getting water then that’s a good sign. If you don’t have a solution then now is the time to find one. Things change and you have to be ready for that change. You never know when things will take a turn that was never expected. That is why preparing will lead you to have peace of mind.
Water purification is not your Brita filter. If you only used your Brita filter, to make unsafe water clean to drink, it can still leave dangerous particles within your water. In a survival situation that can mean life and death.
Getting sick when SHTF is a recipe for disaster.
I would focus on buying different purification products such as the Platypus GravityWorks Water Filter System which is great for large amounts of water. Another great one is the Sawyer Squeeze Water System or the Life Straw.
Boiling water works amazingly as well. As long as you have a heat source be that power, fire, or fuel, you are ready to sterilize the water. I would recommend filtering water even through a DIY filter you made before boiling. It’s never enjoyable having particles in your water.
Storage Types
The main types that you need to know are water bottles, gallon jugs, 3-gallon containers, larger water storage containers (100+ gallons), and water tanks (hundreds to thousands of gallons of water).
Why do you need to have both types?
You need a way to purify water and a way to store it. When disaster comes your way it may pass after a few days or weeks. It could be a more long-term situation and you will need a way to ensure you can make more clean water without the need for running to the grocery store. When the tap water runs out, you will be happy you have the tools to rely on when disaster strikes.
Water has become a part of our daily lives that we take for granted. The ease of it all is such a precious thing. The ability to turn on the tap and there it is, clean and refreshing. But if you can’t answer this question you are unprepared and not ready. If you couldn’t get water from a flip of a switch or it was contaminated what would you do? Think of what happens to people during a natural disaster. The shelves go bare and bottled water becomes very limited.
People will do anything to get their hands on some water. In a virus outbreak or social unrest situation, it’s not much different. Panic sets in and people will do whatever it takes to get ahead of the crowd. When you have water stored, you’re one step ahead of the rest and that could mean all the difference in the world.
So don’t wait until it’s too late. Be prepared and have water stored as well as a way to purify it, so you can be ready for anything. When SHTF, water becomes quite precious indeed.
Food Supply
The first thing that comes to mind regarding food that survival food is the shelf life. You want long-term food supplies that will last for a long time. One of those would be rice.
Rice
Rice is such a great survival food because of how easy it is to store. Even if you do not have a way to store it, it can last years by itself. There are not many foods that can do that. Plus you can add it with other food groups to give yourself a more complete all-around meal. I would focus on white rice as it lasts the longest, in comparison to other types of rice
Beans Don’t Need To Be Boring!
Yes, I said it. Rice and beans are a great combination.
Beans, beans, beans! There are so many different types of beans that have different flavors. I would have at least three types of beans, this way there is a variety of beans within your pantry. It is always better to have different food to eat, and it keeps spirits higher.
Beans provide so many essential nutrients that you need for your body to function properly. One of those being protein and essential fats. They are easy to store, either canned beans or dried beans. I have both, as my dried beans I have stored so they will last at least ten years. We will get into food storage later!
Chickpeas
Chickpeas are a great snack but also so healthy for you. They can easily be substituted for beans when you get tired of eating beans and rice all day.
Dried Corn
Another great food that you should have in your survival pantry.
Powdered potatoes
Or instant potatoes, they have been dried and put into a powdered form. Which allows them to last years if stored correctly.
Baking soda
Do I need to say more?
Beef Jerky
You can buy or dry your own. Having beef jerky is great to have in your pantry.
Powdered Milk
Powdered Milk is such a great one, that I had to add it. There are so many things you can make with milk.
Most things that have been turned into a powdered form, typically are a good idea for a survival situation.
Powdered Eggs
In today’s day and age, it has become more important than ever to have a well-stocked pantry and be prepared for any situation. Many items can contribute to a survival pantry, one of the most essential is powdered eggs. Powdered eggs have a long shelf life and will not spoil easily, making them ideal for emergencies. They’re packed with protein and essential nutrients, making them a vital part of any diet. Plus, they’re easy to prepare, simply add water and stir, so you’ll always be able to enjoy a nutritious meal, even in the most challenging situations. So don’t overlook the importance of powdered eggs when stocking your survival pantry.
Flour
I would look into buying some flour as well. It is another shelf-stable food to have in your pantry. You can make cakes, pizza, brownies, cookies, bread, and so much more. I think having flour in your pantry is a great way to prep. You add some water with your flour or some yeast and you can create a lot of great things to eat.
Peanut Butter
Peanut Butter does not have the same shelf life as some of the other food’s on our list but definitely can last a long time. A great addition to any great prepper pantry.
Honey
Honey can make all the difference when things are not going well. It is nature’s sugar/candy. It can treat so many things. If you feeling under the weather or have a sore throat. Or maybe your oatmeal needs a boost of sweetness to it. Honey has to be added as it has a long shelf life and the benefits of having it can not be quantified. The long shelf life of honey means that it will not spoil easily and can be used as a mood-booster when things are getting tough. The sweetness of honey is also great to add to tea or coffee, giving you an energetic and upbeat start to the day. Overall, honey is a great pantry staple to have on hand for its many uses and benefits.
Oatmeal
A great one to add, because it lasts a long time. It is easy to store, packed with essential nutrients, and is filling.
Fats are needed to survive
When it comes to survival, fats are key. They have a long shelf life, so you can stock up on them without worrying about them going bad.
Olive oil is a go-to for many people because it’s easy to store and has a lot of health benefits. It can be added easily to many things and is another important thing you can check off your survival pantry checklist.
That being said, other oils are just as good, if not better, for survival purposes. Coconut oil, for example, has a host of uses. It can be used as cooking oil, a natural skin moisturizer, and even as a fuel source. This will ensure you have a well-balanced diet and get the required essential nutrients your body needs.
Canned Goods
You have to have canned goods ready to go in your pantry. You should have a range of canned goods. Not everything should be canned.
I would have different types of canned vegetables. This will come down to preference, I would focus on the vegetables that you like the most. As you may end up eating a lot of them, in a disaster situation.
- Peas
- Green Beans
- Corn
- Carrots
- Artichoke
Canned Fruits
- Peaches
- Pears
- Pineapple
I would focus on things such as canned tuna and things that are high in protein. Fish has essential fatty oils that you need. You can buy canned meats as well, whatever kind you prefer more.
Canned Tomatoes/Tomato Sauce and things like these are great to have!
Other Things To Add:
- Protein Bars
- Spam
- Ramen Noodles
- Trail Mix
- Nuts
Pasta
Any type of pasta! It is high in carbohydrates and something every pantry should. Has a long shelf life.
Things To Strengthen Your Pantry
Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar has many uses. You can use it for cooking, to help treat an infection, or to preserve food. It’s also a great deodorizer and can help to soothe a sore throat. And that’s just the beginning! Apple cider vinegar can also help to regulate blood sugar levels, making it a valuable tool for managing diabetes. In addition, it can be used to cleanse the body of toxins, boost the immune system, and even promote weight loss.
So many benefits in one little bottle! Whether you’re looking for a natural remedy for common ailments or simply want to stock your pantry with a versatile ingredient, apple cider vinegar is a must-have.
Spices
- Cinnamon
- Garlic
- Cumin
- Oregano
- Basil
- Thyme
- Paprika
Vitamines
Even if you do not take vitamins I would recommend having some stored. This will ensure that you and your family will get all the vitamins they need in a survival situation. Which could easily boost immune strength and fight off colds.
Dried Fruit
Dried fruit is an excellent item to keep in your pantry for long-term storage. Not only does it have a long shelf life, but it is also very tasty and nutritious. Dehydrated fruit is also easy to make yourself, and you can control the amount of sugar that is added to it. However, dried fruit does have some drawbacks. It can spoil faster if not stored correctly and does not have the same nutritional value, like fresh fruit.
Nevertheless, dried fruit is a delicious and convenient way to enjoy fruit long after it has been picked. And with a little planning, you can ensure that your dried fruit will last for many months to come.
If you plan on buying your dried fruit then it tends to have a lot of sugar, in it. So keep that in mind. If you buy a dehydrator you can preserve fruit yourself and meat(jerky). This will help you preserve the fruit for even longer periods. Plus, it’s so easy to use that you’ll be able to make your own dried fruit in no time at all. Take my word for it, once you’ve tasted how good homemade dried fruit is, you’ll never go back to store-bought again.
Salt
You need salt, to survive. So make sure to have a good amount of salt.
Tea and Coffe Are Staples In My Pantry
We all know the benefits coffee provides in our everyday lives – increased focus, attention, and productivity. Just think of what it could do in a survival scenario where you need to be alert and ready to respond at a moment’s notice. An energy boost to help you function at your peak is an incredible thing to have in the blink of an eye. So, if you’re ever stuck in a situation where coffee is the difference between life and death, make sure to include it in your survival pantry. Because at the end of the day, being able to think clearly and respond quickly, could save your life.
Tea
Few people think about tea when stocking their survival pantry. However, tea is packed with nutrients that can help the body in many ways. For example, tea is a great source of potassium, phosphorous, and magnesium. These minerals are essential for maintaining body function and keeping the mind clear. They all have positive effects on the mind and body. In a survival or critical scenario, we can easily tend to not think clearly and panic. Which will lead to unwise decisions. Tea can help with that by soothing the mind and body. It is packed with antioxidants that can help the body heal itself. This is why I recommend that everyone keeps a good supply of tea in their survival pantry.
Mylar Bags
If you want your nonperishable items to last even longer then buying mylar bags is a must! All of my essentials are put into mylar bags and put into buckets. I know with confidence that my food supplies will last a very long time.
Can Last Decades
You should only store dried food in the bags. In doing so you could have food storage that doesn’t just last years but decades. You want a food supply that is ready to last for the long term.
I have beans, flour, rice, powdered eggs, powdered milk, coffee, pasta and so many other dried things stored in mylar bags. This way I do not have to think about replacing my dried goods every few years. Yes, I do rotate and replace my canned goods so I always have a relatively fresh stockpile of canned food. But when it comes to the essentials and long-term food storage you want to store with mylar bags.
If you have gone through the survival pantry checklist, and found items you don’t currently have then it’s time to change that! If you store your supplies in a cool, dry, and dark place your pantry will do very well. I highly recommend mylar bags for long-term food storage. The stronger your pantry the better your chances of survival. Take things one step at a time and before you know it, you will have a proper survival pantry. I hope this helped, you!
