2020 and 2021 were extremely different and difficult years for many of us. There was lockdown, social distancing, and quarantine. Nobody expected it.

But if there’s one thing we’ve learned over the previous year and a half, it is simply that we should always be on alert. With this in mind, storing up non-perishable food is a wise decision that ensures you’ll always be prepared, no matter how rapidly circumstances change.

Foods that are safely kept at room temperature are non-perishable foods. Non-perishable food may not appeal to you if you love the taste of fresh, crisp foods. Nonetheless, these foods are key components of food preparedness.

Grains

Whole grains are a healthier option in general. However, note that you should try to avoid processed grains. Examples include brown rice, oats, barley, wild rice, millet, etc.

Dried and Canned Beans

Dried and canned beans are pantry heroes that can store for months or years. Dried beans can survive up to 10 years if kept in an airtight container, whereas canned beans last two to five years. Furthermore, beans are high in fiber, protein, vitamins, and minerals. You can eat them alone or put them in soups, stews, and rice bowls.

Canned Vegetables

This is another great non-perishable food you can store. It would be best to go for canned veggies that haven’t been salted or have a reduced sodium content. Examples include green chilis, carrot, green beans, etc.

Nuts, Seeds, and Trail Mix

Nuts are rich in fat and protein, making them a nutritious snack or crunchy topping for pasta meals when hunger hits. You can keep nuts and seeds for four to six months at ambient temperature and up to a year in the freezer in vacuum-packed containers.

Dried Fruit

Dried and tinned fruits are excellent substitutes when fresh fruit isn’t available. They’re preserved in syrups. Hence, they are frequently rich in sugar.

Although dried fruits are rich in sugar, they are also high in fiber and may be an excellent substitute for fresh fruit in a hurry. You can eat them plain for a delicious treat or add them to cereals.

Honey

Honey is perhaps the only food that never goes bad. Hence, it should be on your food preparedness lists. Keep a jar in your cabinet to flavor other foods like bread, oats, or crackers.

Flour

Flour is used in handmade bread and baking projects, and it can be stored in sealed jars for up to a year if transferred from its original bag.

Shelf-Stable Milk

Shelf-stable milk is prepared at higher temperatures and packed and sanitized differently than fresh dairy products, allowing it to survive up to 9 months at room temperature. Plant-based and powdered milk have a five-year shelf life.

Canned Soups

Canned soups are a cabinet must-have for the perfect simple, nostalgic meal. A can is usually filled with vegetables and protein. They can last anywhere from 2 to 5 years. Nevertheless, some products are more processed, so look for low-sodium soups with few preservatives.

Unrefined Coconut Oil

Unrefined coconut oil has no expiration date and can be used in various recipes. Additionally, you can heat the oil to a semi-solid and liquid state. Unrefined oil can be used as a cooking oil.