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Are you looking for long-term food storage options? If so, you’ve come to the right place. We’ve compiled a list of 30 foods that can last up to 30 years! From canned goods to freeze-dried fruits, these foods are sure to make it through even the most extreme circumstances.
Most of us have heard the old adage, “Life is short, so eat dessert first.” But if you’re looking for food items to stock up on in case of an emergency, that phrase doesn’t really apply. In fact, it’s best to invest in food items that will last a long time — perhaps even outlive you!
Here are 30 foods that can last up to 30 years.
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1. Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is a unique food due to its versatility and longevity. It can last up to 30 years with proper storage, giving it the perfect shelf life for any kind of stockpile. And as a bonus, it has many uses.
Those looking to store this food product can do so without fear of wasting it as long as they provide an environment that is cool, dark, and dry.
Related Article: How to Make Apple Cider Vinegar
2. Baking Soda
Baking soda is a valuable food to have stored in your stockpile, as it can last up to 30 years. It is a great natural leavening agent which helps make things like cakes or breads fluffy and light.
Plus, it can be used for many non-food applications, such as for cleaning around the house or conditioner for hair. To ensure that baking soda maximizes its shelf life, it should be stored in an airtight container with a low humidity setting.
Keep it away from other items of a strong odor in order to prevent absorption and contamination from occurring during storage.
Related Article: 101 Homestead Uses for Baking Soda
3. Black Beans
Dried black beans are an incredibly useful staple due to their remarkable longevity. Not only can they be cooked up and enjoyed in a variety of authentic Mexican, Latin American, and some Asian cuisine dishes; these beans can be stored for up to 30 years when sealed in an airtight container or Mason jar.
4. Brown Sugar
Brown sugar is a pantry essential that can last up to 30 years, making it an ideal addition to any food stockpile. Brown sugar acts like a preservative due to its molasses content and naturally can resist both bacteria and fungal growth.
This means that it has a long-lasting shelf life with no degradation of flavor or quality. In order to maintain its longevity, the best way to store brown sugar is in an airtight container like a glass jar.
5. Bouillon Cubes
Bouillon cubes are a staple that should be included in any food stockpile. Not only do they provide amazing flavor to recipes, but they can also last up to 30 years when stored properly.
Their long shelf-life and convenience make them an excellent addition to any pantry. Whether you need a delicious base for soups and stews, or looking for a way to instantly upgrade the flavor of your favorite dishes, bouillon cubes have it all.
On top of that, compared to the price of fresh spices and other seasonings, bouillon cubes are relatively cost-effective and can be used over and over again in multiple recipes.
Related Article: How to Make Bouillon Cubes That Last for Years
6. Cocoa Powder
Raw cocoa powder is an amazing pantry food that can quite literally last you a lifetime. With a shelf life estimated up to 30 years, it makes sense why raw cocoa powder should be included in your stockpile.
Not only does it have a long shelf-life, but it can also offer a variety of uses in both sweet and savory meals. From adding flavor and texture to desserts, smoothies, and baked goods, to adding depth to dishes like chili, curry, and more, there’s no limit to how raw cocoa powder can be used in both sweet and savory recipes.
7. Corn Starch
Corn starch is a great item to have in your food stockpile, as it can last for up to 30 years. For anyone looking to bulk-stock their pantry and prepare for the unexpected, this shelf-stable product makes it easy.
Whether you use it to thicken soups and sauces, make gluten-free baked goods, or for any other culinary task, the long shelf life of cornstarch makes it flexible and dependable. With its versatility in the kitchen and its lasting power, there's no doubt that stockpiling this staple should be a priority.
Related Article: 23 Clever Uses for Cornstarch
8. Corn Syrup
Corn syrup can be a real game changer if you're looking to build up a stockpile of non-perishable items. It has an incredibly long shelf life of 30 years, making it one of the most reliable products to have in your store cupboard.
Not only that, but corn syrup is also versatile – as well as being an excellent source of sweetness for desserts and snacks, it's often used as a stabilizer and thickener in dressings, sauces, and marinades. You can use it to preserve food by changing the acidity and moisture levels, stop texture breakdown, and help maintain nutrients.
9. Dehydrated Hash Browns
Dehydrated hash browns can be an incredibly useful food to have in your stockpile. Not only are they a great source of carbohydrates, but thanks to their dehydration process, they can last up to 30 years without going stale or losing nutritional value!
This makes them a great choice for emergency situations where you may not be able to get fresh food supplies, or for stocking ahead for long-term storage in case of economic strife.
10. Dried Lentils
Dried lentils are truly a kitchen staple to have on hand. Not only are they nutritious and a great source of plant-based protein, they also have a shelf life that is unparalleled.
Unlike other staples like grains and beans, dried lentils can last up to 30 years. This makes them particularly valuable in times when the supply chain is disrupted or the economy takes an unexpected turn.
With just a few ingredients like onion, garlic, carrots, tomatoes, and spices, you can make an array of delicious recipes, so you never get bored of them either!
11. Ghee
Ghee is not only incredibly nutritious and full of healthy fats, but its shelf-life is incredibly long as well. In fact, it can last for up to 30 years when stored properly – making it ideal for stocking up for long periods of time. This makes it a lifesaver for those times when traditional food supplies are scarce or unavailable.
Plus, since ghee doesn't require refrigeration, it's easy to store in most places. Ghee can be used in a variety of recipes from savory dishes to frostings and candies – giving you an incredibly versatile item that will last forever.
Related Article: How to Make Homemade Ghee
12. Instant Coffee
Instant coffee is increasingly popular for anyone looking to stockpile food for future use, as it can last up to 30 years.
Instant coffee also has the added advantage of being quick and easy to prepare. In addition, instant coffee has become more widely available and comes in an ever-increasing list of flavors.
13. Instant Dry Potato Flakes
Instant dry potato flakes are ideal to have in your home pantry or stockpile. With a shelf life of up to 30 years, they could easily outlast any perishable food in your store.
Furthermore, instant dry potato flakes are extremely easy to prepare – simply add water and microwave for a few minutes, and you have instant mashed potatoes.
14. Jell-O
Jell-O may not be great for your waistline, but it sure is good for your pantry! Just make sure you get the regular kind and not the sugar-free kind; otherwise, it won’t last nearly as long. 0
15. Kidney Beans
Dried kidney beans are a great source of protein and fiber and can easily be stored for up to 30 years without losing flavor or texture. Try adding them to soups or chili for an extra boost of nutrition.
16. Oatmeal
Oatmeal is another pantry staple that has almost eternal shelf life when stored correctly in airtight containers. Plus, it’s packed with vitamins, minerals, protein, antioxidants, and fiber so it makes for a nutritious breakfast option that won't go bad anytime soon.
Related Article: No-Bake Oatmeal Energy Balls
17. Pasta
Dried pasta has an impressive shelf life of up to 30 years if stored correctly. You can enjoy all sorts of shapes, like spaghetti noodles and elbow macaroni, without having to worry about expiration dates.
Related Article: How to Store Pasta So It Lasts for Decades
18. Pinto Beans
Pinto beans are another powerhouse food that will keep indefinitely when stored correctly in airtight containers. Not only do they provide essential nutrients, but they also have a low glycemic index which means they won’t spike your blood sugar levels as other starchy carbohydrates might.
19. Popcorn
Popcorn can definitely keep for up to 30 years if stored correctly. It's an excellent source of fiber and antioxidants and can be used in a variety of recipes. Just make sure to store it in an airtight container or vacuum-sealed bag.
20. Powdered Milk
Powdered milk is another food that has a surprisingly long shelf life if stored properly. In Mylar bags with oxygen absorbers, it will last about 10 years. But if you can get it in nitrogen-packed cans, it should be good for several decades.
It's a great source of protein and can be used in anything from oatmeal to smoothies. For best results, store it in an airtight container, as oxygen exposure can degrade its quality over time.
21. Pure Vanilla Extract
Pure vanilla extract is a must-have for any serious baker, and it just so happens that it also has an incredibly long shelf life.
Imitation vanilla extract won't last nearly as long, so make sure you get the real stuff! It should keep for up to two years when stored correctly in an airtight container away from heat sources like direct sunlight or stove-tops.
22. Raw Honey
Raw honey is known for its sweet taste and healing properties, but did you know that it also has a very long shelf life? As long as it's stored correctly (in an airtight container away from light and heat sources), raw honey can last for upwards of 10 years!
That means you'll always have some on hand for baking or medicinal purposes!
Related Article: 21 Survival Uses for Honey That May Surprise You
23. Raw Maple Syrup
Similarly, raw maple syrup has a surprisingly long shelf life of up to 30 years when kept sealed tightly in a cool place away from light sources.
Related Article: How to Make Maple Syrup Step by Step
24. Rice
Dried rice is one of the most versatile staples around and can last anywhere from four to 30 years, depending on how it's stored. Make sure to keep your rice sealed tightly in an airtight container away from moisture and heat sources like direct sunlight or ovens for optimal longevity.
Related: How to Store Rice So It Lasts for Decades
25. Salt
And don't forget about salt! This essential seasoning will last almost indefinitely (as long as it's kept dry).
Related Article: 23 Reasons to Stockpile Salt
26. Soy Sauce
Soy sauce is a lasting pantry hero, with a shelf life well exceeding that of other condiments. It has an incredibly extended storage time thanks to its complex fermentation and brewing process.
Despite standing in your pantry for years without expiration or going bad, soy sauce remains full of flavor – providing an instant boost to any dish! With its unique umami-rich taste profile and its rich consistency, it's a perfect addition to any domestic stockpiled meal that may need some extra seasoning.
27. Sugar
Sugar is an incredibly versatile pantry item and its long shelf life of up to 30 years makes it an invaluable part of your stockpile. You can use it in sweet treats as well as savory dishes, and it adds a nice flavor boost when used in marinades and even sauces.
If you're stocking up for long-term food storage, sugar takes up minimal space but adds plenty of utility – plus, there is no expiration date so you won't have to worry about running out anytime soon.
28. Tea Bags
Tea bags are incredibly useful to have in your stockpile as they can last up to 30 years! Tea bags can be made from a variety of different ingredients, which range from traditional green teas and oolongs, to the more exotic chai latte or masala tea.
Not only are tea bags an enjoyable way to enjoy a hot beverage, they also make excellent flavor enhancers for foods like soup, stew, and chili. They can even be used to make flavorful dressings for salads or marinades!
29. Wheat Berries
A staple food that has been enjoyed around the world for thousands of years, wheat berries have reliable staying power that most other grains can’t compete with – they can last up to 30 years without losing flavor or nutritive value.
This makes them an ideal addition to any stockpile of long-term foods, because you know you’ll be able to rely on them when needed. Wheat berries are also incredibly versatile in the kitchen, as they can be cooked in many delicious and nutritious recipes, from breads and pastas to casseroles and puddings.
Related Article: Why You Should Store Wheat Berries Instead of Flour
30. White Vinegar
White vinegar is an incredibly useful food for the kitchen and beyond, with a shelf-life of up to 30 years. Its acidic nature gives it a range of uses, such as pickling foods and preserving other ingredients, baking delicious cakes, and even making cleaning solutions with the use of its natural disinfectant qualities.
White vinegar can also change the flavor of food and drinks for the better, adding interesting twists to recipes; there's even a Texan BBQ sauce with its secret ingredient being white vinegar.
Related Article: 23 Brilliant Uses for White Vinegar
How to Store These Foods So They'll Last Long Term
To make sure your stockpile lasts years, it’s important to store your food properly. Here are some tips on how to best store your stockpile so you can enjoy all the benefits of long-term storage without any of the downsides.
The key to storing food for long-term use is keeping it cool and dry. That means storing your stockpiled items away from direct sunlight, at temperatures between 50°F and 70°F. This will help prevent spoilage, extended cooking time, or discoloration due to heat damage.
Also, remember that moisture can cause mold growth or insect infestations, so make sure you store everything in airtight containers or bags that prevent moisture from entering. If you live in a humid climate, consider getting an electrical dehumidifier to keep the air in your pantry at optimal levels for long-term storage.
You can make the most out of your space by organizing it like a pro. Make sure all foods are easily visible and accessible by installing shelving units with adjustable wire shelves that allow air circulation around each item.
Label shelves so that you know what’s where (and don’t forget to rotate older items towards the front). It’s also helpful to keep an inventory list so you know when items need replacing or replenishing. Plus, it’ll come in handy if you ever need to find something specific quickly.
Date everything! Label each container with the date purchased or expiration date (if applicable) so that nothing goes bad before its time. This will also help you stay organized while rotating items in and out of your stash regularly.
Invest in quality containers such as mason jars or plastic buckets with lids—they’re great for storing grains, pasta, flour/sugar/etc., nuts/seeds/trail mixes, etc.—and don't skimp on lids (they should seal tightly). Gamma seal lids will ensure that pests like rodents and insects don't get into your food stores either.
If you're looking for ways to expand your food storage options beyond what's available at the grocery store, look no further. All of these foods will last up to 30 years so you'll have them when you need.
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I personally, have drank 30 year old “Lipton (small)tea bags”. I found them in my childhood mess kit. I cup of hot tea and you don’t need coffee, meth, or your bed. LOL
Tea does not “keep” for 30 years……..by that time the tea has long since oxidized, rendering it useless as an antioxidant and affecting the taste.
You might want to change the image for lentils, the picture is of split peas. Great article though.
Oops! Thanks for letting me know.