Homestead Survival Site

  • HOME
  • CONTACT
  • ANIMALS
    • Birds
    • Livestock
    • Other
  • DIY
    • Power
    • Projects
    • Structures
    • Upcycling
  • FOOD
    • Cooking
    • Food Storage
    • Recipes
    • Water
  • FREE STUFF
  • GARDENING
    • Fruits
    • Herbs
    • Projects
    • Tips
    • Vegetables
  • MISC
    • Beginners
    • Holidays
    • Natural Living
    • Weather
  • SKILLS
    • First Aid
    • Frugality
    • Homesteading
    • Off Grid Skills
  • SUPPLIES
    • Lists
    • Medical
    • Tools
    • Weapons
You are here: Home / Food / 27 Survival Foods That Last For Decades

Want to Start a Homestead but Not Sure How?

Sign Up and Get Your FREE Book, "How To Homestead No Matter Where You Live."

I will never give away, trade or sell your email address. You can unsubscribe at any time.

27 Survival Foods That Last For Decades

By Heidi 16 Comments ✓ This post may contain affiliate links*

51k
SHARES
PinShareTweetPrint

Estimated reading time: 14 minutes

27 Survival Foods That Last For Decades

If you’re stockpiling emergency foods, hopefully, you have a system for rotating that food. My husband and I have a room with metal shelving units sticking out from the wall, so it’s easy to pull old cans and boxes of food from one side while putting foods we just bought on the other side.

There are some foods, however, for which our system is a little more chaotic. We use boxes, totes, and five-gallon buckets for these foods, and although we try to rotate through them, we’re not as concerned because we know these foods would last for decades.

In this article, I’m going to list 27 examples of foods that can last for decades, but first I want to make a little disclaimer. Technically, many of these foods are ingredients (baking soda, bouillon cubes, etc).

And while many of these foods will last forever without any special storage methods (such as honey, salt, and sugar), most of these foods need to be stored properly if they’re going to last more than a few years.

I’m talking about Mylar bags with oxygen absorbers, airtight and moisture-proof containers, stable temperatures of 75 degrees F or below, and dark closets or cupboards.

As long as you store these foods properly, they will last 20, 30, 40 years, or more. To learn more about storing food the right way, check this Beginner’s Guide to Emergency Food Storage. Now on to the list.

Want to save this post for later? Click Here to Pin It on Pinterest!

1. Alcohol

Liquor will last pretty much forever, and of course, wine gets better with time. Note that this does not include beer. Although it might still be safe to drink after a few decades, it would taste awful.

2. Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple Cider Vinegar

Not only is this an important ingredient in many recipes, it has many health benefits.

3. Baking Soda

Baking Soda in a Bowl

This is a kitchen staple, and it also has many other uses for preppers and homesteaders, which is why I recommend buying a couple of big bags.

4. Bouillon Cubes

Bouillon Cubes

It’s so easy to make a delicious meal when you have some bouillon cubes on hand. All you have to do is heat up some water, some meat and/or veggies, and a cube. The reason they last so long is because of the high salt content, but you’ll need to store them in Mylar bags to preserve the taste.

5. Cocoa

Cocoa Beans

Who doesn’t love a cup of hot cocoa on a cold day? Just to be clear, I’m not talking about instant cocoa–which usually has some kind of dairy product in it–but pure unsweetened cocoa powder.

6. Corn Starch

Corn Starch

In addition to being crucial for many recipes, it’s also a great thickener. Just be sure it’s kept unopened in a cool, dry place in airtight containers.

7. Corn Syrup

Corn Syrup

This can be used instead of sugar in almost any recipe. But unlike sugar, it’s important that you keep it in an airtight container.

8. Dried Beans

Dried Beans

To make these last for decades, you’ll need to pull out all the stops: they need to be completely dry in airtight bags inside airtight containers. They also need to stay in a cool, dark location. Otherwise, you could significantly shorten the shelf life.

9. Dried Corn

Dried Corn on the Cob

The same goes for dried corn. It can last a very long time, but only if you store it properly.

10. Ghee

Ghee in a Spoon

Butter wouldn’t normally last very long, but this type is processed so that all the milk solids are removed, meaning it can last indefinitely. It’s also a good option for people with a slight sensitivity to dairy. Here’s how to make it.

11. Hardtack

Hardtack on a Pan

Soldiers used to carry this food with them in the days before canned food and MRE’s. Since it’s so hard, it can be difficult to eat, but it’s great when dipped in coffee, cocoa, or crumbled into soup. Here’s our hardtack recipe.

12. Honey

Honey in a Spoon

Supposedly, archaeologists found 3000-year-old honey in the Egyptian pyramids and it was still good to eat. The only thing is, it will harden over time, so you’ll have to heat it up before eating it.

13 Instant Coffee

Instant Coffee

As long as you don’t open it, instant coffee should last a very long time, and indefinitely if you keep it in the freezer. It’s not as good as regular coffee, but hey, it still has caffeine in it.

14. Maple Syrup

Maple Syrup Bottle

The high sugar content is what makes this last so long. We have a lot of it because it’s not just good on pancakes, but also on toast, waffles, oatmeal, bacon, potatoes, vegetables, and even ice cream (yes, I have a major sweet tooth).

15. Pasta

Dried Pasta Spilling Out Of Bowl

Spaghetti, macaroni, fettuccine, lasagna… all this stuff will last for decades if stored properly. I recommend everyone store lots of pasta. It is very filling and can be used for all kinds of delicious meals.

16. Pemmican

Pemmican on a Plate

This tasty food was made by Native Americans long before they had refrigerators. There are reports of it lasting up to 50 years when kept in airtight containers in a cool, dry, dark location. Check out this recipe for pemmican.

17. Potato Flakes

Potato Flakes

I love having instant potatoes on hand. Sometimes we’ll cook some meat and veggies for dinner, and mashed potatoes just pull the meal together.

18. Ramen Noodles

Ramen Noodles in a Bowl

These aren’t very healthy, but if you like them, then it’s worth buying a few variety packs and shoving them in the back of the closet because they’ll still be safe to eat after a few decades, although they won’t taste as good.

19. Rolled Oats

Oats in a Bowl

Oatmeal is a healthy, filling, and delicious breakfast (especially with some maple syrup on it). But like many of the items on this list, you’ll want to store it in airtight containers in a cool, dry, dark location (sick of hearing that, yet?).

20. Salt

Salt Shaker

This isn’t so much a food as it is a mineral, so you can rest assured it will last forever.

21. Soy Sauce

Soy Sauce and Sushi

This stuff is so delicious on rice and/or vegetables. The reason it lasts so long is because of the high sodium content. The sodium is so high, in fact, that a teen went into a coma after chugging a bottle on a dare.

22. Sugar

Sugar and Spoon

This is the most important, or least important, ingredient you can store, depending on your priorities.

23. Tea

Tea Bags

If coffee isn’t your thing, maybe you prefer a hot cup of tea. As long as you keep it dry, it won’t lose its flavor or potency at all.

24. Vanilla Extract

Vanilla Extract Bottle

The reason this lasts so long is that it’s mostly alcohol. Vanilla extract is a great thing to have on hand for making cookies, pancakes, ice cream, and other treats.

25. White Rice

White Rice

Rice is a staple of diets all over the world. It’s cheap and very filling. Just make sure you store it properly, and also make sure it’s white rice and not brown rice, which only lasts about 6 months.

26. White Vinegar

White Vinegar in a Dish

I don’t use vinegar in cooking very often, but I keep several jugs on hand anyway because I use it for dozens of other things, many of which involving keeping my kitchen nice and clean.

27. Whole Wheat Grains

Whole Wheat Grains

Typically, you’ll have to get whole wheat grains through a company that specializes in emergency food. Make sure you have a grain mill so you can turn it into flour.

Bonus Food: Powdered Milk

Powdered Milk

I had already made an image for this article that says “27 foods” when I thought of a 28th, so this one is a bonus. Powdered milk that comes in regular packages will only last a couple of years, but if you put it in a Mylar bag with oxygen absorbers it will last 10 years. I know, that’s only one decade, and I said decades. But if you can find some powdered milk in nitrogen-packed cans, it should last a couple of decades.

Food Storage Tips

Keep in mind that just because the foods we have listed here are capable of lasting for decades, that doesn’t mean that you can store them any way you want to. These foods are still susceptible to bacteria, which can cause food poisoning with potentially devastating results in a disaster scenario.

With that in mind, here are some special tips to follow:

  • Always store your food at normal room temperature and in a dark area (70 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit). There should be no natural sunlight, and nor should there be any moisture as both are direct invitations to bacteria. Good places include the basement (assuming there’s little moisture), pantry, closets, or spare bedrooms. 
  • Avoid storing your food in garages, sheds, the outdoors, attics, or in bathrooms. These places are much more vulnerable to bacteria.
  • Store as much of your food as you can in Mylar bags which will keep moisture, oxygen, and pests out. Label the type of food stored and the specific date you stored it. You can buy different sizes of Mylar bags as well. Include at least one oxygen absorber packet in each bag as well. Proceed to place each Mylar bag in a food grade storage bucket and seal it off against the outside by shutting the lid firmly. 
  • Consider adding bay leaves into your food buckets. They help to keep pests such as insects and rodents away.  
  • Always store your food out of sight, and do not discuss it with anyone you do not trust. 
  • When it comes to flour, always store it in the freezer for two to three days before you store it at normal room temperatures. The freezer temperature will kill off any bacteria that may already be present. 
  • Consider rotating your food out every six months to a year. Yes, this will be more expensive, but it may be wise to stay on the safe side. At the very least, you need to thoroughly inspect your food preps at regular intervals. Remember the old adage, “when in doubt, throw it out.” If you have any reason to suspect that your food has gone bad, don’t eat it and replace it as soon as possible. 

Well, there you have it, over two dozen foods that will last for decades (when stored the right way, of course). If you’re new to emergency preparedness, these foods are a great place to start.

Like this post? Don’t forget to Pin It on Pinterest!

Up Next:

  • 11 Reasons to Dehydrate Food for Long-Term Storage
  • 1 Major Mistake That Could Ruin Your Homestead
  • How to Make Maple Syrup
  • 10 Ways to Preserve Fresh Herbs So They Won’t Go To Waste

Want to Start a Homestead but Not Sure How?

Sign Up and Get Your FREE Book, "How To Homestead No Matter Where You Live."

I will never give away, trade or sell your email address. You can unsubscribe at any time.

51k
SHARES
PinShareTweetPrint

You May Also Like:

Comments

  1. Guy H. says

    May 17, 2018 at 8:06 am

    I’m curious. How would these last if a person sealed these with a vacuum sealer?

    Reply
    • Heidi says

      May 18, 2018 at 8:39 am

      They would last, well, decades or longer. But you still want to keep them away from heat and humidity just to be safe.

      Reply
  2. Lisa Bowling says

    July 7, 2018 at 3:48 pm

    Great article. I was looking for the information on how long tea last. Glad I found out. I was on a set tea kick and stocked up on tea bags. Is it any tea bags such as lipton orange peco?

    Reply
  3. wvweights says

    December 4, 2018 at 12:01 pm

    Good list 🙂 now my questions 🙁 How does…..GMO….effect storage. Corn as a example. Just about it (and soy beans) are gmo. So since it is made to not be killed by all the round up put on it, I wonder how much is retained in the final product? This also goes for all the other GMO products that are out there. Next is salt…..plain or with iodine? And last the apple cider vinegar…..you show processed in your post…..would not the good old one with the mother in in be best. Not picking on you but most of the other posted lists do the same thing. If you are going to store items for when the SHTF would you not want to store the best? I sure would.

    Reply
    • Karl V. says

      June 18, 2019 at 8:31 am

      Salt with iodine has a fairly short shelf life; the iodine compound starts breaking down.

      Your best option is to store canning salt rather than ordinary table salt. (The container must have the words “canning salt” on it.) This is an ultra-pure salt that will be far more valuable than regular salt – – if refrigeration no longer exists, canning will (once again) be extremely important for the preservation of food…. and canning salt will be an absolute necessity. Ordinary table salt is not suitable for canning.

      Reply
      • Paul says

        August 8, 2019 at 3:24 am

        So what exactly is canning salt? We’ve always used ordinary non-iodised salt for preserving.

        Reply
        • Heidi says

          August 8, 2019 at 7:11 am

          It’s just pure salt with no additives, such as iodine, which can affect the quality of the food. And it’s finer than regular salt, which means it dissolves more easily.

          Reply
  4. Winter says

    December 8, 2018 at 2:38 pm

    How long does powdered milk last in an air tight canning jar?

    Reply
    • Heidi says

      December 9, 2018 at 6:40 am

      It depends. Unopened nitrogen-packed cans will last for decades. Other types of unopened cans/packages could last anywhere from 2 to 10 years. If it’s been opened, but you’ve transferred it to an air-tight canning jar, probably a couple years at best.

      Reply
  5. Karolyn Oman says

    September 17, 2019 at 7:04 am

    How long will homemade preserves last that have NEVER been opened? No labels so don’t know what flavor but made (glass jars w/metal lids) within the past 19 years.

    Reply
    • Heidi says

      September 17, 2019 at 11:14 am

      It just depends. If they’ve been kept in a cool house and in the darkness, they could be good for years to come. If not, they could be bad already. There are too many factors for me to say for sure.

      Reply
  6. JoAnne says

    September 21, 2019 at 12:29 pm

    Can you recommend a supplier of bulk (25 to 50 lb) dried lentils and various dried beans.

    Reply
  7. bill lawson says

    October 13, 2019 at 4:11 pm

    I’m not going to be an ass about it, but I would take Ramen off the list. It’s good short term but it’s going to have a very funky smell and taste in less than 10.

    Reply
    • Annie says

      January 28, 2020 at 2:18 pm

      yep!
      I was surprised to see this one on the list.

      Reply
  8. JoEllen says

    January 25, 2020 at 4:36 pm

    An alternative to instant coffee could be regular ground coffee that comes in tea bags. They will each brew a cup. If you are a DIYer you could make your own.

    Reply
  9. Sam A. saumatua says

    March 6, 2020 at 10:58 pm

    Very interesting indeed.

    Useful information. Will include some of the ideas in our disaster food storage

    Thanks

    sam

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Facebook Icon Twitter icon Pinterest icon
Lost Book of Remedies Video
Easy Cellar Video
Lost Ways Video
Water Freedom System
Megadrought USA
Prepper Website

TOP POSTS

60 Things You Should Stop Buying And Start Making
30 Dirt-Cheap Items You Should Stockpile While You Still Can
11 Powerful Medicinal Herbs You Should Be Growing
45 Homestead Tools for Off the Grid Living
35 Emergency Foods To Stock Up On
15 Foods You Can Grow In Buckets Year-Round

© Copyright 2017-2021 Homestead Survival Site · All Rights Reserved

Disclosure · Privacy · Terms of Use

Facebook · Pinterest · Twitter

* Homestead Survival Site is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

Copyright © 2021 · Agency Pro On Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in