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When it comes to survival foods, there are the staples such as rice and beans and pasta that can be found in almost every bunker. But there’s a whole host of other great survival foods that are often overlooked.
If you’re a prepper, then chances are you already have most of the foods on this list, but I’m posting it on the off chance that you’ll come across a few great survival foods that you simply forgot. For example, I was recently surprised to discover I didn’t have any taco seasoning stockpiled, which is crazy because I love tacos!
I thought sure I had some, but apparently I used it all and forgot to replace it. You can bet I fixed that situation immediately.
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Below you’ll find a list of 25 survival foods you might have forgotten to buy:
1. Bouillon Cubes
Bouillon cubes have an indefinite shelf life and are a great way to add either a chicken or beef flavor to the meals that you prepare. If you’re throwing together a stew with whatever you have on hand, I can tell you from personal experience that bouillon cubes make a huge difference. Don’t forget about them.
2. Millet
You may know millet as the main ingredient in birdseed, but millet has also been a staple of mankind’s diet for thousands of years. This affordable, nutritious grain presents a good alternative to wheat and rice. It’s also a great option for people with a gluten sensitivity.
3. Kamut
Kamut is a type of wheat and, like millet, is another alternative grain for you to consider stocking up on. It’s very nutritious, easy to digest, and packed with more energy than regular wheat.
4. Vanilla Extract
If you want to add a little sweet vanilla flavoring to the dishes you prepare post-disaster, we’ve got some good news: Pure vanilla extract has an indefinite shelf life, allowing you to sweeten your foods and drinks long after the grocery stores have closed down. I always have some on hand because I use it when I make pancakes.
5. Coconut Oil
As a general rule, oils don’t last very long. Coconut oil is the exception, though, with a shelf life of 2+ years. As an added bonus, coconut oil is one of the healthiest oils that you can cook with. As any paleo dieter will tell you, it’s far healthier than vegetable oil. Plus, it has many survival uses.
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6. Ramen Noodles
Ramen noodles aren’t the best food to sustain yourself with as they’re very high in sodium and generally pretty unhealthy. But if money is tight, they’re a good option as they’re dirt cheap, tasty, and last forever. If thousands of college students can survive on them, so can you.
7. Honey
Honey has an indefinite shelf life, and when I say indefinite, I mean it. Archaeologists found pots of honey in a 3000-year-old tomb and it was still edible! Honey is a great way to sweeten up your meals and drinks post-disaster, and it’s very good for you. I eat a tablespoon anytime I start coughing and it seems to work better than Robitussin.
8. Cocoa Powder
Cocoa powder can last 30 or more years if stored properly, allowing you to enjoy a nice, warm cup of hot chocolate at any point after the SHTF. It’s especially great to have in winter months or if you have children.
9. Popcorn
My wife would be furious if we ever ran out of popcorn, so we have quite a bit of it on hand. Note that we’re not talking about the microwavable popcorn. Instead, stock up on the kind of popcorn kernels that you have to pop on the stove or over an open flame. They last forever and make for a tasty snack.
10. Jello
Jello powder has an indefinite shelf life. While Jello certainly isn’t the healthiest survival food, stocking up on powdered Jello packets will allow you to enjoy the occasional sweet treat when times get tough. This is another great one to stock up on if you have children.
11. Pudding Mixes
Pudding mixes are like Jello in every way from a survival standpoint (tasty, long-lasting, unhealthy) but in a different flavor. If you like it, you’ll be glad you have it.
12. Taco Seasoning
Turn ordinary ground beef into a tasty meal with a packet of taco seasoning. These pre-mixed spices last forever and can add a Tex-Mex kick to any ground meat (beef or not). I personally use it with canned chicken to make chicken tacos or chicken taco salad.
13. Yeast
Bread won’t last long post-disaster, but the ability to make bread will enable you to keep it on the table long after every loaf in the supermarket is gone. But to make bread, yeast is one of the things you will need to have on hand.
14. Powdered Milk
We all know ordinary milk doesn’t last long. To enjoy milk after a disaster (or at least some version of it) you will want to either secure a milk cow or stock up on dried milk, which has a shelf life of 20+ years when stored properly. For most people, the latter option is going to be far more convenient.
15. Powdered Eggs
Same story, different food. To keep enjoying eggs after a disaster, you may have to make the switch to the powdered variety. Granted, most powdered eggs don’t taste very good, so you might want to try getting used to them before they become the only option. They’re worth it, though, for all the nutritional benefits.
16. Instant Coffee
Easy to make and energizing, instant coffee has a shelf life of 30+ years, allowing you to continue enjoying a steaming cup of Joe in the morning come what may. If you hate the taste, here are a few other ways to make coffee.
17. Protein Bars
These aren’t just for bodybuilders. Protein bars are great for preppers, as well, providing a quick boost of a nutrition that is often in short supply during disaster scenarios. They’re also one of many great foods for your bug out bag. Just be warned that the kind with chocolate are liable to melt.
18. Canned Tuna
Enjoying meat long after a disaster means either hunting/fishing for it yourself or eating it out of a can. Canned tuna is a great place to start if you opt for the latter option, as it is affordable and has a decent shelf life. Be sure to get the kind that comes in oil, not water, as it has more calories.
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19. Tang
Tang allows you to turn ordinary water into orange juice (sort of), and it was even used by NASA when they flew astronauts to the moon. Regardless of whether or not you find Tang to be a good substitute for orange juice taste-wise, it is full of great nutrients such as Calcium and Vitamin C.
20. Kool-Aid
Kool-Aid is another powdered water enhancer that lasts for years. Though it’s not nearly as nutritious as Tang, you may find the flavor to be a little more appealing, at least for special occasions.
21. Raisins
Just a cup full of raisins is equal to a full serving of fresh fruit in terms of nutrients. These dried grapes are full of protein, fiber, iron, potassium, Vitamin C, and antioxidants. Raisins can be used as an addition to other dishes or eaten by themselves for a healthy snack. For even more variety, consider stocking up on a number of dried fruits such as dried bananas, strawberries, plums, and more.
22. Maple Syrup
Maple syrup has an indefinite shelf life, meaning that if you are able to figure out a way to make pancakes after SHTF then you will have the perfect topping for them. Personally, I can’t imagine eating pancakes without it.
23. Pancake Mix
Speaking of ways to make pancakes post-disaster, pancake mix is affordable and easy to store. It only has a shelf life of about a year, though, meaning that you’ll have to replace your supply every year, which may be more trouble than it is worth.
24. Canning and Pickling Salt
Most everyone remembers to add iodized salt to their stockpile, but did you know that you can’t use regular iodized salt for canning and pickling? Instead, you will want to ensure that you have canning and pickling salt at your disposal.
25. Garbanzo Beans
Garbanzo beans – also known as chickpeas – are high in protein, flavorful, affordable, and when purchased dry, they have a shelf life of 30+ years. While dry pinto beans are a staple among preppers, garbanzo beans are often overlooked. Given their flavor and nutritious value though, this shouldn’t be the case.
Like I said, the majority of preppers probably already have most of the foods on this list–and I’m sure I’ll get a few comments to that effect–but my hope is that you at least saw one or two foods you either forgot to buy or hadn’t yet considered.
Food fatigue is very real, so when the SHTF, you’ll want a wide variety of things to eat for both your physical and psychological health.
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