What is the Best Survival Food with Long Shelf Life?

In the world of emergency preparedness, having a stock of non-perishable food items is crucial. After all, you never know when disaster might strike, and in such instances, the nearest grocery store may not be accessible. But what foods offer the best combination of long shelf life, nutritional content, and ease of use? For many, the answer lies in common household items such as nuts, granola bars, protein powder, freeze dried fruits, and olive oil. Here's a closer look at these essential survival foods:

Nuts

Nuts are nature's compact powerhouse of energy and nutrients. A handful of these tiny morsels can pack a good deal of proteins, healthy fats, fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Their natural packaging makes them resistant to spoilage, granting them a lengthy shelf life of up to two years when stored in cool, dry places. Some popular nuts with significant health benefits include:

- Almonds: Packed with Vitamin E, magnesium, and antioxidants.

- Walnuts: A source of Omega-3 fatty acids.

- Cashews: High in magnesium and can aid in boosting the immune system.

To extend their shelf life, nuts can be stored in the freezer, ensuring they remain fresh and flavorful for years.

Seeds

Another vital addition to the survival pantry is seeds. Not only do they offer immediate nutritional benefits, but they also hold the promise of sustainable food production in prolonged survival scenarios.

Many seeds are densely packed with nutrients. Take, for example, chia seeds, which are a great source of omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, antioxidants, and protein. Similarly, flaxseeds are high in dietary fiber, omega-3 fatty acids, and lignans. Sunflower seeds, rich in vitamin E and selenium, can promote heart health. They are not just healthy; they're also versatile. They can be sprinkled onto salads, mixed into smoothies, or simply eaten as a crunchy snack.

When stored in a cool, dry place, most seeds have a shelf life ranging from 2 to 5 years. Some seeds, if vacuum-sealed and stored in a freezer, can last even longer. This longevity makes them a superb option for those looking to prepare for long-term emergencies.

Granola 

Pre-packed, calorie-dense, and easy to transport, granola makes for excellent survival food. Granola grains, nuts, seeds, and sometimes fruits or chocolate, offering a balanced dose of carbs, fats, and protein. Most store-bought granolas have a shelf life of six months to a year, though this can be extended if kept in cool, dry places.

However, be wary of those with high sugar content or those that are not sealed properly, as they can turn rancid or become moldy.

Protein Powder

In situations where fresh meat or other primary protein sources aren't available, protein powder can be a lifesaver. Derived from various sources like whey, soy, peas, or hemp, these powders provide the essential amino acids the body needs. Typically, a sealed container of protein powder can last up to two years. Once opened, it's best to consume it within 6 months. 

For survival situations, opt for protein powders that don't contain too many artificial additives. They can be mixed with water or other liquids, offering a quick and efficient protein boost when needed.

Freeze Dried Fruits

While fresh fruits have a limited shelf life, their freeze-dried counterparts can last much longer. The freeze-drying process removes moisture from the fruit, making them resistant to spoilage for years. Moreover, the process retains most of the nutrients, ensuring you still get a good dose of vitamins and minerals.

Freeze-dried fruits can be consumed as-is for a crunchy snack or rehydrated in water to restore a texture closer to fresh fruit. They're light, easy to pack, and offer natural sugars that can provide a quick energy boost in survival scenarios. Not to mention, they can stay good for multiple years.

Olive Oil

Often overlooked as a survival food, olive oil is an essential item for long-term storage. It's not only a versatile cooking medium but also a dense source of calories – essential in emergency situations. Extra virgin olive oil contains monounsaturated fats, which are heart-healthy, and also antioxidants.

A sealed bottle of olive oil can last up to two years when stored in a cool, dark place. Once opened, it's best used within a few months. Apart from its nutritional benefits, it can also be used for skin care, as a lamp fuel, and even for certain medicinal applications.

Conclusion

When prepping for emergencies, it's essential to consider the balance between shelf life, nutritional content, and ease of use. Foods like nuts, granola bars, protein powder, freeze-dried fruits, and olive oil offer this balance, making them indispensable in a survivalist's pantry.

While the aforementioned items are undoubtedly staples for long-term storage, it's always a good idea to periodically check your stock, rotate older items, and ensure everything remains sealed and uncontaminated. Preparedness isn't just about having supplies, but ensuring those supplies are in the best possible condition when you need them most.

At Survival Grocery™ we understand that environmental conditions are critical to protecting nutrition. The higher the nutritional value of the food, the more there is to lose. And we only deal with high nutritional value stuff, so...Our Freeze Dried Strawberries are stored in refrigerated conditions in our facility, then packaged in pouches with a strong oxygen & light barrier. (No ineffective breathable or windowed bags here.) Just prior to final package sealing, a desiccant pack and oxygen scavenger pack are added to guard against the vitiating effects of moisture and oxygen. The end result is protected Freeze Dried Strawberries, maximum nutrition intact, arriving at your doorstep. 

Serious nutrition demands a serious approach to packaging, that's what you get with Survival Grocery™.