the Best Non-Perishable Foods
They're not only common kitchen goods, but they're also popular among hikers and campers who can't bring perishable foods like fresh meats, dairy, or veggies on the path.
Non-perishable items are also important in emergencies and are preferred by charitable organizations that feed or provide groceries to persons who are homeless or food insecure.
Although certain non-perishable meals, such as packaged macaroni and cheese, are high in preservatives and other unhealthy components, there are many healthier options.
Here are 12 non-perishable foods that are good for you:
1. Beans, both dried and canned
Dried and
canned beans are good non-perishable food choices because of their long shelf
life and high nutritious content. Depending on the packing, canned beans can
last 2–5 years at room temperature, whereas dried beans can survive 10 or more
years.
In fact,
according to one study, 80 percent of individuals on an emergency food use
panel thought pinto beans preserved for up to 30 years were edible (2).
Beans are high in fiber, plant-based protein, magnesium, B vitamins, manganese, iron, phosphorus, zinc, and copper, among other nutrients. They also go well with a wide variety of foods and make hearty accents to soups, grains, and salads.
2. Nut butter is another option.
Nut butter is rich in nutrients, creamy, and tasty. Although storage conditions might alter shelf life, commercial peanut butter can be kept at room temperature for up to 9 months. Natural peanut butter, which contains no preservatives, can be stored for up to three months at 50°F (10°C) and only one month at 77°F (25°C).
Almond
butter can last up to a year at room temperature, whereas cashew butter can
last up to three months, according to the United States Department of
Agriculture (USDA).
Nut butter
is high in healthy fats, protein, vitamins, minerals, and potent plant
chemicals including phenolic antioxidants, which protect the body from
oxidative stress and damage caused by unstable molecules known as free
radicals.
Nut butter jars may be kept in the pantry, and smaller packets can be packed for trekking or camping for a quick snack.
3. Fruits and vegetables that have been dried
Dried produce is considered non-perishable, even though most fresh fruits and vegetables have a short shelf life. Most dried fruit and vegetables can be securely stored at room temperature for up to a year if properly stored, and dried vegetables for roughly half that period.
Dried berries, apples, tomatoes, and carrots are just a few of the dried fruits and vegetables available. You may also prepare your own dried fruits and veggies using a dehydrator or an oven. Vacuum-sealed packaging can assist avoid spoiling.
Dried fruits and vegetables make a great snack or addition to trail mix. In addition, if fresh food isn't accessible, dried vegetables can be rehydrated by adding them to soups or stews.
4. Fish and poultry in cans
Fresh fish
and poultry are nutrient-dense, but they're also highly perishable. Canned
varieties, on the other hand, can be preserved at ambient temperature for up to
5 years without refrigeration.
Tuna and
other fish products are also available in retort pouches, which are ideal for
smaller pantries and hiking trips. The shelf life of seafood in retort pouches
can be up to 18 months.
Chicken and other meats can also be available in retort pouches, albeit the shelf life information should be read on the box.
5. Seeds and nuts
Because they are portable, nutrient-dense, and shelf-stable, nuts and seeds are non-perishable food essentials. They're popular among hikers and trekkers for high-calorie snacks, but they're also handy to have on hand in any situation.
When
maintained at or near room temperature (68°F or 20°C), nuts survive around 4
months on average, though shelf life varies widely amongst nut varieties.
Cashews, for
example, may be stored at 68°F (20°C) for 6 months, whereas pistachios only
survive 1 month at the same temperature.
Seeds have the same shelf life. Pumpkin seeds can be stored at room temperature for up to 6 months, according to the USDA.
6. Cereals
Oats, rice, and barley, for example, have a far longer shelf life than other popular but perishable carb sources like bread, making them an excellent choice for long-term food storage.
Brown rice,
for example, can be stored between 50–70°F (10–21°C) for up to 3 months,
whereas farro can be stored at ambient temperature for up to 6 months.
Grains are versatile non-perishable grains that may be used in soups, salads, and casseroles. Furthermore, consuming whole grains may lower your risk of type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and cancer.
7. Vegetables and fruits in cans
Fruits and
vegetables, as well as other perishable items, have traditionally been canned
to extend their shelf life.
Canning
eliminates potentially harmful microbes, and the distinctive seal of canned
goods prevents new bacteria from ruining the contents.
The shelf
life of canned fruits and vegetables varies depending on the variety.
Low-acid canned
vegetables, such as potatoes, carrots, beets, and spinach, can be stored at
room temperature for 2–5 years.
High-acid
fruits, such as grapefruit, apples, peaches, berries, and pineapple, on the
other hand, only endure 12–18 months. Sauerkraut, German potato salad, and
other pickled vegetables are examples of vinegar-packed vegetables.
When
shopping, prefer canned fruits packaged in water or 100 percent fruit juice
over heavy syrup, and whenever possible, choose low sodium canned
vegetables.
Consider canning at home with store-bought or garden-grown veggies and fruits if you're handy in the kitchen. If you don't know how there are various books and online lessons available.
8. Jerky
Meat preservation has been utilized to protect protein sources from degrading since prehistoric times. Jerky is created by bringing beef into a salt solution before dehydrating it. During processing, preservatives, flavorings, and other additions may be applied.
Jerky comes
in a variety of flavors, including beef, fish, chicken, and buffalo. Coconut,
banana, and jackfruit jerky are just a few of the plant-based jerky options.
However, these substitutes do not have the same nutritious value as meat-based
jerkies.
Commercial jerky can be stored in the cupboard for up to a year, while handmade jerky should only be kept for two months at room temperature, according to the USDA.
9. Protein bars and granola
Due to their long shelf life and nutritious composition, granola and protein bars are a popular choice among trekkers and hikers.
At room
temperature, many granola bars can last up to a year. Similarly, most protein
bars have a shelf life of at least one year, though it's advisable to verify
the expiration date on individual items' labels.
Furthermore, if you choose the correct kinds of granola and protein bars, they can be quite nutritious. Look for brands with plenty of substantial components like oats, almonds, and dried fruit, as well as little added sugars and artificial additives.
9. Soup
When it
comes to stocking your pantry, canned and dried soups are great options. Food
donation groups prefer them as well.
Most canned
soups are low in acid and can be stored at room temperature for up to 5 years.
Tomato-based variants, on the other hand, have a shelf life of roughly 18
months.
Although
most dry soup mixes can last up to a year in storage, it's always a good idea
to double-check the expiration dates on the labels.
Choose soups that are high in nutritious ingredients like vegetables and beans, and avoid high-sodium goods as much as possible, as too much salt can be harmful to your health.
11. Use freeze-dried foods
Freeze
drying removes water from food by sublimating it, a process in which ice is
transformed straight into vapor, allowing it to remain longer at room
temperature. Because of their minimal weight and portability, freeze-dried
meals are popular among travelers.
Freeze-dried
and ready-to-eat foods. Freeze-dried meals are designed to last a long time,
with some companies promising a 30-year flavor guarantee (20).
Many firms, such as Wild Zora and AlpineAire, produce delectable freeze-dried meals that are both healthful and adaptable to specific dietary patterns.
12. Nondairy milk and shelf-stable milk
Fresh milk
and some non-dairy alternatives, such as almond and coconut milk, must be kept
refrigerated, although shelf-stable milk and many non-dairy kinds of milk can
be kept at room temperature.
Because
shelf-stable or aseptic milk is heated to higher degrees and placed in sterile
containers, it is prepared and packaged differently than conventional milk.
When
maintained at 40–68°F (4–20°C), shelf-stable milk had a shelf life of up to 9
months, according to one study.
Plant-based drinks like soy milk, which are packaged in flexible materials like plastic, paper, and metal, can last up to 10 months at room temperature, while canned coconut milk can last up to 5 years.
When refrigeration isn't available, shelf-stable and plant-based milk can be used. Powdered milk is an excellent substitute, with a shelf life of 3–5 years if stored in a cool, dark environment. It can be reconstituted in little amounts with clean water as needed.
the Best Non-Perishable Foods
- Meats in Cans
- Tuna and salmon in cans
- Peanut Butter (Peanut Butter)
- Jellyfish (no glass)
- Soups, canned or dry
- Chili and Canned Stews
- Bags of tea
- a cup of coffee (ground no beans)
- Pasta from a can
- Veggies in Cans
- Fruit in Cans
- Pasta in a can (Spaghetti "O's")
- Cereals
- Rice
- Mixes for cakes
- Mix for Pancakes
- Syrup
- Milk in powdered form
- Pasta in a Bag (Macaroni & Cheese, etc.)
- Boxes of Juice
- Juices in Cans
- Beans in a can
- Gravy from a can
- Sugar Granules
- Cereals & Baby Food (glass jars accepted)
- Enfamil/Similac baby formula
- Bars of Granola
- Bars of Cereal