The best snack in the world? Beef Jerky. The best snack for the end of the world? Beef Jerky.
All jokes aside though, there are many different reasons why millions of people around the world take prepping very seriously. Whether their cause for concern may be fear of natural disasters, power going out for long periods of time, economic crises, or societal uproar, it’s always a good idea to be prepared.
While searching for where to begin when it comes to a prepper's food list, it can often feel overwhelming. Not only is there a lot of contradicting information out there, but there is also a lot of conspiracies and political nonsense.
So, we decided to put together your one stop emergency food storage and survival handbook. No bias, no junk– just grains, beans, oil, produce, and water.
First of all, what is a prepper pantry? Essentially, it is a specific pantry dedicated to storing basic supplies for long periods of time in case of an emergency.
There are two basic prepper pantries you can put together. The first option is the easiest and least expensive: the working pantry. This is an average-sized pantry that you would fill with around a three-month supply of items. A long-term emergency pantry is what most people think of when beginning their prepping; however, it can be quite expensive to start. These can be larger storage rooms located in your basement or elsewhere, filled with enough food for a year's supply or more. Despite which pantry you decide on, we recommend starting with a small stockpile and adding a little bit to it each time you go grocery shopping. There is no need to spend hundreds of dollars on supplies right away unless you are certain a major emergency is on the horizon.
While curating your survival food list, there are many things you want to keep in mind: food preparation, food fatigue, shelf-stability, nutrition, storage, and any dietary restrictions you may have.
To build a proper pantry, it’s essential to start with the following items:
1. Grains
Grains will be the anchor of your pantry. They are high in fiber, versatile, and store well. Plus, they’re delicious.
- Rice
- Pasta
- Oats
- Dried corn
- Whole wheat flour
- Quinoa
- Grits
- Instant potatoes
- Oatmeal
- Granola bars
- Dry cereal
2. Beans
Not only are beans versatile and store well, but they are also high in fiber and protein.
- Pinto beans
- Black beans
- Kidney beans
- Garbanzo beans
- Lima beans
- Lentils
3. Cooking oils / fats
Most fats last around 1-2 years on the shelf. They are also essential for keeping you full and helping you maintain a healthy diet.
- Olive oil
- Vegetable oil
- Coconut oil
- Lard
- Peanut butter
4. Protein
Protein is a critical part of any diet. It fuels your energy and carries oxygen throughout your body. These packaged meats can also last up to several years on the shelves.
- Canned chicken
- Canned salmon
- Canned tuna
- Freeze dried meat
- Sardines
- Spam
- Soups
- Chili
- Vegetables
- Beef jerky
5. Toppings
- Salt
- Sugar
- Honey
- Syrup
- Apple cider vinegar
- Spaghetti sauce
- Herbs
- Spices
6. Water!
It is essential to keep a hefty supply of bottled water for many different reasons. Besides drinking the necessary daily amount, any excess water can be used to heat up any freeze-dried meals you have prepared as well.
Once you’ve got an idea of what you want to store in your pantry, remember that organization plays a key role here. You want to be able to fit as much as you can in the space you have been given. You also want to make sure you have an idea of which items have been stored the longest and need to be used first. This will help prevent waste. Do so by making sure that the most perishable items are the most accessible on the shelves.
Keep in mind, these pantries are meant to hold all essential items in case of an emergency. This should also include non-food items like toilet paper and first aid.
Bottom Line
Although there are many important items you want to make sure you keep in your prepper pantry, there is no tastier one than beef jerky. Not only is it delicious, but it stores easily, comes in all varieties, and has a long shelf life as well. If you find yourself worrying about possible future emergencies, remember beef jerky will always be there to help you through it. Especially our One-Of-Everything Jerky Sampler Box. Not only a flavor for every mood, but for every crisis too.
