Introduction
Doomsday preppers have a reputation for stocking their pantries with non-perishable food items, ready for any emergency or worst-case scenario. But what food do they actually choose to fill up their cupboards? We explore the types of food that preppers rely on to make sure their family is taken care of in a disaster.
Doomsday preppers are people who stock supplies and make preparations in the event of a major disaster. Many preppers believe that a catastrophic event is inevitable and believe that it is their responsibility to be prepared for it.
While doomsday preppers come from all walks of life, they share one common goal: to be prepared for the worst.
There are many different ways to prepare for a major disaster, but one of the most important things is to have enough food and water to last for a long period of time. Doomsday preppers typically stock enough food and water for themselves and their families to last for months or even years.
Doomsday preppers typically stock non-perishable food items such as rice, beans, flour, grains, pasta, canned goods, and shelf-stable milk. They also stock plenty of water as well as other beverages such as sports drinks and energy drinks. Other common items include first-aid supplies, batteries, flashlights, and generators.
Prepping for short-term food storage
When stocking up for a short-term emergency, you’ll want to focus on non-perishable items that have a long shelf life. Canned goods, dried beans, and rice are all great options. You’ll also want to make sure you have a good supply of water.
Food groups to stock
There are several food groups that are recommended for short-term food storage. They are:
-grains
-fruits and vegetables
-meats and proteins
-dairy
Each food group has items that are better suited for long-term storage than others. For example, in the grains category, whole wheat flour has a shorter shelf life than white rice. In the fruit and vegetable category, fresh produce will not last as long as canned or dried fruits and vegetables. And in the meat and protein category, canned tuna has a longer shelf life than fresh chicken.
When stocking your pantry for short-term food storage, it is important to rotate your items so that they do not go bad before you have a chance to eat them. Use the oldest items first and replace them with new items as you purchase them. This will ensure that you always have fresh food on hand in case of an emergency.
Non-perishable items
There are many types of non-perishable foods to choose from while prepping for short term food storage. Canned goods, dried goods, and preserved foods are all excellent options that will last for months or even years without going bad.
Canned goods are a great option for short-term food storage because they have a long shelf life and can be easily rotated so that you never have to eat the same thing twice. Dried goods, such as rice, beans, and pasta, can also be stored for long periods of time and are very lightweight so they won’t take up too much space. Preserved foods, such as jerky and pickled vegetables, can also last for a long time without going bad but they may not be as tasty after a few months.
When prepping for short-term food storage, it’s important to choose non-perishable items that you and your family will actually eat. There’s no point in stocking up on canned peas if nobody likes them. Canned soup, peanut butter, pasta sauce, and cereal are all good options that have a long shelf life and will be enjoyed by everyone in the family.
Perishable items
Perishable items are any food that will go bad if it’s not stored properly. That means anything without a long shelf life, including meat, dairy, eggs, and produce. Most perishable food needs to be kept below 40°F to prevent spoilage, so you’ll need a way to keep your food cold if you want it to last more than a few days.
There are three main ways to do this:
-Refrigeration
-Freezing
–Canning
Refrigeration is the most common way to store perishable food, and it’s what most people think of when they think of preserving food. Freezing is another option, and it’s great for foods that you don’t plan on eating right away. Canning is a third option, and it’s best for foods that you want to store for a long time.
Top 10 Prepper Foods to Hoard
Grains
Now that the world is becoming increasingly unpredictable, more and more people are turning to prepping to make sure they have the essentials on hand in case of any emergency. One of the most important items to have on hand during a disaster is food. While it’s important to have a variety of food items, grains can be particularly important. Grains are versatile and relatively long-lasting, making them great items to have on hand when the food supply is uncertain.
White Rice
When it comes to prepper foods, white rice, and corn are two of the most popular grains to hoard. White rice is a great item to have on hand because it can be cooked quickly and easily, and is filling and comforting. It can also last up to a year when stored properly, making it a great item to have in your prepper cupboard.
Corn
Corn is another important grain to have on hand. It is also long-lasting but also incredibly versatile. It can be stored in the form of dried corn, cornmeal, or even grits and corn flour. Corn is also incredibly nutritious, providing a great source of vitamins, minerals, and other essential nutrients.
Total Amount of Grain to Store
When it comes to the total amount of grains to store, it really depends on the size of your family and the level of preparedness you’re trying to achieve. Generally speaking, you should aim to store about 25 to 50 pounds of rice and 20 to 25 pounds of corn for every person in your family. This should provide enough grains to last for at least a few months in the case of an emergency.
Beans and Legumes
Beans and legumes are versatile and nutritious pantry staples, providing a great source of plant-based protein, dietary fiber, and essential minerals and vitamins. Whether you’re a vegetarian looking for an alternative to meat or a busy family trying to eat healthy on a budget, beans, and legumes are an excellent choice. But how much do you need to store?
Amount of Dried Beans or Legumes to Store
When it comes to stocking up on beans and legumes, it’s important to find the right balance between having enough on hand to meet your needs and not having so much that it goes to waste. To ensure that you’ve got the right amount of dried beans and legumes, start by considering how often you use them and how many servings you typically make.
For those who regularly prepare bean- and legume-based dishes, it’s typically sufficient to store a pound of each variety. That amount is usually enough to provide several meals per week. If you’re a more occasional bean- and legume-eater, a half-pound of each variety should suffice.
If you’re looking to buy in bulk, you’ll probably find the best deals at natural food stores, health food stores, or health supplement stores. Just keep in mind that you’ll need to cook the beans and legumes before eating them. If you’re planning to make large batches of food, you may want to invest in a pressure cooker to speed up the cooking process.
To further extend the shelf life of your beans and legumes, store them in a cool, dark place in an airtight container. If you live in a particularly hot climate, you may want to consider storing them in the refrigerator. Generally, dried beans and legumes will keep for up to a year when stored in this manner.
Potato Flakes
Potato flakes are a great option for preppers because of their long shelf life and versatility. They can be stored for years and used in a variety of recipes. They are also very affordable and can be purchased in bulk. Potato flakes can be used to make a wide range of dishes, from breakfast to dinner and even desserts.
Potato flakes can be used to make a variety of breakfast foods, such as pancakes, waffles, and omelets. They can also be used to make a variety of dinner dishes, such as mashed potatoes, casseroles, and even soups. For a sweet treat, they can be used to make cookies, muffins, and cake. Potato flakes can also be used to make nutritious breakfast cereal.
When it comes to prepping, potato flakes are a great option to have on hand. They are non-perishable, easy to store, and have a long shelf life. Plus, they are versatile and can be used in a variety of recipes. Whether you’re prepping for an emergency or just stocking your pantry, potato flakes are a great addition to any prepper’s food storage system.
Dehydrated and Freeze-Dried Vegetables
Dehydrated and freeze-dried vegetables are a great option for preppers. They provide an excellent source of nutrition and are lightweight and easy to transport. Dehydrated vegetables are simply vegetables that have been dried to remove the water content, while freeze-dried vegetables are vegetables that have been frozen and then dried. Both types of vegetables are lightweight and take up less space than their fresh counterparts. They also have longer shelf lives, so you can store them for longer periods of time without worrying about spoilage.
Dehydrated and freeze-dried vegetables come in a variety of shapes and sizes, so it is easy to find the perfect prepper food for your needs. Dehydrated vegetables are generally available in a wide variety of colors, shapes, and sizes, including carrots, potatoes, onions, and bell peppers. Freeze-dried vegetables tend to be smaller, and more uniform in size, making them ideal for stockpiling.
When it comes to preparing dehydrated and freeze-dried vegetables, it is important to follow the directions on the package. For example, some vegetables may need to be soaked in water before they are ready to eat, while other vegetables may need to be cooked before they are ready to eat. It is best to read the instructions carefully so that you can prepare your prepper food properly.
White Sugar
White sugar is one of the most versatile and essential ingredients in any food storage plan. It has a very long shelf life and is easy to store and transport. White sugar can be used in a variety of recipes, including baked goods, sauces, and desserts. It can also be used to sweeten drinks such as lemonade, tea, and coffee.
White sugar is also highly caloric, meaning it is a great choice for emergency meals. As with all prepper foods, it’s important to purchase white sugar in bulk. This will help ensure that you have enough to last you through an emergency situation.
When it comes to storing white sugar, the best way to do it is in a cool, dry place. It should be sealed in an airtight container or plastic bag to prevent spoilage. To maximize the shelf life of your white sugar, it’s best to store it in a cool, dark place, away from direct sunlight and humidity.
When it comes to consuming white sugar, it’s important to use it in moderation. As with all prepper foods, it’s important to consume white sugar in small amounts and not exceed the recommended daily allowance (RDA). Consuming too much white sugar can cause a variety of health problems, including rapid weight gain and an increased risk of developing Type 2 Diabetes.
Honey
Honey is one of the most nutrient-dense and calorie-dense food sources. It contains many vitamins, minerals, and enzymes, which can help provide your body with the nutrients it needs. Honey also contains antioxidants, which can help protect the body from free radical damage. These antioxidants can help reduce inflammation, which can be beneficial for overall health.
Honey has a long shelf life and can last for many, many years if it’s properly stored. It doesn’t require refrigeration and can be kept for a long time without losing its nutritional value. This makes it an ideal prepper food to hoard.
Honey is also a great energy source. It’s high in carbohydrates, which can help provide your body with a quick energy boost. This can be especially helpful during times of crisis when food is scarce. Honey can also be used as an alternative sweetener to white sugar, which can help reduce your risk of developing diabetes.
Honey is incredibly versatile and can be used in a variety of ways. You can use it to sweeten food and drinks, or in baking. It can be used as a spread on toast, in sauces, and as a topping on ice cream. You can also use honey to make tea or a hot toddy for cold winter nights.
Salt
Salt is a natural preservative and can last for years when stored properly. It is a necessary ingredient in many recipes and can also be used to cure meats and make pickles. Salt can be used to make a variety of dishes and is a great way to add flavor to food.
Salt is also a great way to enhance the flavor of many foods. It can be used to season meats, vegetables, and even potatoes. You can also add salt to soups and stews to give them a richer flavor.
In addition to its flavor-enhancing properties, salt is also a great way to preserve food for longer. It can be used to can vegetables, pickles, and other recipes that need to be stored for long periods of time. Salt will help to keep bacteria and mold away from your food and make sure it is safe to consume.
When you are stocking up on prepper foods, make sure to add salt to your pantry. This essential ingredient will give you the peace of mind that you have a reliable food source in case of an emergency. It’s a great way to make sure your family is prepared for any situation.
Baking Soda
Baking soda is an incredibly versatile ingredient that has multiple uses during a disaster. From cooking to cleaning, and even medical applications, baking soda is a must-have for any prepper’s pantry.
When it comes to storing baking soda for prepping, you want to find a product that comes in an airtight package. This will help to keep the baking soda dry, which will help to prolong its shelf life. If you want to go the extra mile, you can also consider vacuum-sealing the package.
When it comes to prepper uses for baking soda, the possibilities are practically endless. Here are just a few of the many uses of baking soda for preppers:
- Cooking: Baking soda can be used to make traditional baking powder, which can be used in a number of different recipes. It can also be used as a leavening agent to help baked goods rise properly.
- Cleaning: Baking soda is a great multi-purpose cleaning agent. It can be used to remove stubborn stains, deodorize carpets and upholstery, and even remove soap scum from shower walls and bathtubs.
- Medical: Baking soda has antiseptic properties, which means it can be used to treat cuts and scrapes. It can also be used as an antacid to help relieve heartburn and indigestion.
If you’re a prepper, it’s important to make sure you have a good supply of baking soda in your pantry. Not only is it incredibly versatile, but it can help you in a variety of ways during a disaster. Be sure to store your baking soda in an airtight container, and add it to your prepper food list as soon as possible!
Vinegar
Vinegar is a great item to have in your pantry because it can be used for so many different things. It’s great for preserving food, cleaning, and even as a disinfectant. Vinegar has a long shelf life and can be stored indefinitely, making it an ideal prepper food to have on hand.
Powdered Milk
Powdered milk is another item that is essential for preppers. It’s non-perishable, easy to store, and can provide a nutritional boost in an emergency situation. Powdered milk is also great for baking and making hot drinks, such as hot cocoa. It’s a good idea to have a few cans of powdered milk in your pantry, just in case.
Storing Long-Term Survival Foods
Storing long-term survival foods is an important part of being prepared in the event of an emergency. By having a supply of food that can last for several months or even years, you can ensure that you and your family will have access to sustenance when times are tough.
With so many different types of survival foods available, it can be difficult to know which ones to store for long-term use. The best way to decide which foods are essential for your long-term survival is to consider the shelf-life of the food, how easy it is to prepare, and how much of it you will need.
For starters, non-perishable foods are a great choice for stocking up on long-term survival foods. These include canned goods, dried fruits, and vegetables, nuts, and grains. Canned goods are easy to store and can last for several months, and dried fruits and vegetables can last for up to a year. Nuts and grains can also last for several years, depending on the type.
Other long-term survival foods include freeze-dried foods, powdered eggs, protein bars, and jerky. Freeze-dried foods have a long shelf life and are easy to store, while powdered eggs, protein bars, and jerky are all high in protein and can last for several months.
In addition to non-perishable and freeze-dried foods, you should also consider storing other types of survival food. This includes items such as bouillon cubes, dehydrated fruits and vegetables, and protein powders. Bouillon cubes are a great way to add flavor to soups and stews, while dehydrated fruits and vegetables are a great way to add variety to meals. Protein powders are also a great source of protein and can be mixed with other foods to make a meal.
When storing long-term survival foods, it’s important to make sure that you store them in a cool, dry place. This will help to ensure that the food lasts for as long as possible. You should also make sure that you always check the expiration date of the food before you eat it, as some foods can go bad quickly if not stored properly.
By stocking up on long-term survival foods, you can be sure that you and your family will have access to sustenance in any situation. With the right food, you can make sure that you are prepared for anything life throws your way.
Conclusion
While there is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, there are some common staples that many doomsday preppers stock up on. These include non-perishable food items like canned goods, rice, pasta, and beans; water; and other essentials like medicines and first-aid supplies.