Food Shortages Ahead? 20 Items You Should Buy To Prepare

This article was originally published on ChaChingQueen.com, a site my wife and I own. AI was used for light editing, formatting, and readability. But a human (me!) wrote and edited this.

A woman with glasses leans on a shopping cart looking frustrated, with shelves of groceries in the background. She holds her headPhoto byShutterstock

You've probably seen some alarming headlines recently. Climate change, supply chain problems, and conflicts around the world are making it harder to get food where it needs to go. 

According to the 2024 Global Report on Food Crises, about 282 million people in 59 countries didn't have enough to eat. That's 24 million more than the year before! These numbers are concerning, but they also show us why it's so important to be prepared.

The good news is that we can do something about it. We can get ready by buying some extra food that lasts a long time. This way, if the grocery stores run low, we'll still have good food at home. It's like having a backup plan for your meals.

In this article, we're going to talk about 20 foods you should think about buying. These foods last a long time and are good for you too. We'll tell you why each food is great to have and how long it lasts. 

So, let's get started and learn how to stock up smart!

Rice

Rice is a superstar when it comes to food storage. It's cheap, it goes with just about everything, and it lasts an incredibly long time. White rice can stay good for up to 30 years if you store it right! That's longer than some marriages! 

You can use rice in so many ways, as a side dish, in stir-fries, or even in desserts. It's filling, versatile, and a great base for many meals. Plus, it's easy to cook and doesn't require any fancy equipment. 

Just remember to keep it in an airtight container in a cool, dry place to maximize its shelf life.

Pasta

Pasta is another pantry must-have that's affordable and versatile. You can whip up a quick meal with just about anything you have on hand when you've got pasta in your cupboard. 

It stays good for 1-2 years, so you can stock up without worrying about it going bad quickly. Pasta comes in many shapes and sizes, so you can keep things interesting even if you're eating it often.

 It's also a great source of carbohydrates, which give you energy. Try pairing it with canned vegetables and meats for a complete meal. Just like rice, store it in an airtight container in a cool, dry place.

Oats

Oats are a breakfast champion, but they're great for snacks too. They're packed with fiber to keep you feeling full and satisfied. If you keep them in a cool, dry place, they'll last up to 2 years. 

You can enjoy oats in many ways, as traditional oatmeal, in cookies, as a crunchy topping for yogurt, or even in savory dishes. They're also a good source of vitamins and minerals. 

Oats are easy to prepare and can be cooked with water if milk isn't available. They're a nutritious, filling option that's great to have on hand.

Beans (Dry or Canned)

Beans are truly amazing. They're full of protein and fiber, making them a nutritional powerhouse. Dry beans can last over 10 years, while canned ones are good for 2-5 years. That's a lot of potential meals! 

You can use beans in soups, stews, salads, or mash them up for a tasty dip. They're also a great meat substitute if you're looking to eat less meat or if meat becomes scarce. 

Beans are incredibly filling and can help stretch other ingredients in your pantry. They're also very affordable, making them a budget-friendly option for stocking up.

Canned Vegetables

Don't let anyone tell you canned veggies aren't good for you. They keep most of their nutrients and can last 1-5 years. When fresh produce is hard to find, these can be a real lifesaver.

 Canned vegetables are already cooked, so you can eat them straight out of the can if needed. They're great for adding to soups, stews, or casseroles. Try to get a variety of vegetables to ensure you're getting different nutrients. 

Remember to check the expiration dates and rotate your stock, using the oldest cans first.

Canned Meat (Chicken, Tuna, Beef)

Protein is important, and canned meats deliver. They can last up to 5 years and don't need to be refrigerated. This makes them perfect for emergency situations or when you can't get fresh meat. 

Canned chicken, tuna, and beef can be used in sandwiches, salads, casseroles, or eaten on their own. They're fully cooked, so you can eat them without any preparation if necessary. 

These canned meats are also usually quite affordable, allowing you to stock up without breaking the bank.

Canned Soup

On those days when you just can't be bothered to cook, canned soup is there for you. It lasts for years and offers a quick, warm meal when you need it most. 

Soups come in many varieties, so you can stock up on different flavors to keep things interesting. They're usually quite nutritious, often containing vegetables and protein. 

Many soups can be eaten as is, or you can add rice, pasta, or vegetables to make them more filling. They're also a comforting food, which can be important during stressful times.

Canned Fruit

When you're craving something sweet, canned fruit can hit the spot. It's got vitamins and antioxidants, and it lasts 1-2 years. It's like having a little bit of summer in your pantry all year round. 

Canned fruits can be eaten on their own, added to oatmeal or yogurt, used in baking, or even as a topping for pancakes or waffles. They're a great way to ensure you're still getting fruits in your diet when fresh options aren't available. 

Look for fruits canned in juice rather than syrup for a healthier option.

Peanut Butter

Peanut butter isn't just for kids' lunches. It's packed with protein and healthy fats, and it lasts 1-2 years. Plus, it doesn't need to be refrigerated. 

You can spread it on bread, add it to smoothies, use it in baking, or just eat it straight out of the jar. Peanut butter is calorie-dense, which can be important if food is scarce. It's also quite filling, making it a good snack option. 

If you're allergic to peanuts, consider other nut butters like almond or cashew butter, which have similar benefits.

Flour

If you're a baker (or aspire to be one), flour is a must. It's the building block for bread, pancakes, and so many other foods. 

All-purpose flour lasts about a year, while whole wheat flour has a shorter shelf life but can be frozen to last longer. With flour, you can make your own bread, tortillas, pasta, and many other staples. 

It's also used as a thickener for sauces and gravies. Storing flour properly is key, keep it in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. If you notice any strange smells or signs of pests, it's best to discard it.

Sugar

Sugar lasts practically forever if you keep it dry. It's not just for sweetening your coffee - it's crucial for baking and can even help preserve other foods. 

You can use sugar to make simple syrups, preserve fruits, or add a touch of sweetness to savory dishes. In times of stress, a little sweetness can go a long way in lifting spirits. 

Sugar also provides quick energy, which can be useful in emergency situations. Store it in an airtight container to prevent clumping and keep out moisture and pests.

Cooking Oil (Olive, Vegetable, or Coconut Oil)

You can't cook much without oil. Olive oil is great and lasts 18-24 months. But if you want something that lasts even longer, try coconut oil, it can stay good indefinitely if stored right. 

Cooking oils are essential for sautéing, frying, and baking. They also add flavor and help your body absorb certain vitamins. Different oils have different smoke points, so it's good to have a variety on hand. 

Keep oils in a cool, dark place to prevent them turning rancid. A little oil goes a long way in making meals more satisfying and tasty.

Salt

Salt is the unsung hero of the kitchen. It makes food taste better and helps preserve it too. Plus, it never goes bad. Seriously, never. Salt is essential for our bodies and helps replace electrolytes lost through sweating. 

You can use it to preserve meats and vegetables, adding to their shelf life. In a pinch, salt water can also be used as a mouthwash or to clean wounds. Store salt in a dry place, and it will be ready to use whenever you need it.

Dried Lentils

If you're looking for a plant-based protein powerhouse, look no further than lentils. They're nutritious, versatile, and last about 2 years. 

Lentils cook quickly and don't need soaking like other dried beans. You can use them in soups, stews, salads, or as a meat substitute in many dishes. They're also rich in fiber and various vitamins and minerals. 

Lentils are incredibly affordable, making them a great option for bulking up your food storage. Store them in an airtight container in a cool, dry place.

Powdered Milk

I know, powdered milk doesn't sound appetizing. But hear me out: it can last up to 20 years when stored correctly, and it's great for cooking and baking when fresh milk isn't an option. 

You can reconstitute it to use as regular milk, add it to smoothies for extra protein, or use it in baking recipes. Powdered milk is also rich in calcium and vitamin D. 

It takes up less space than liquid milk and doesn't need refrigeration until it's mixed with water. Keep it in an airtight container and it'll be ready when you need it.

Nuts and Seeds

Almonds, walnuts, sunflower seeds - take your pick! They're full of healthy fats and protein. They last 6-12 months at room temperature, but you can freeze them to make them last even longer. 

Nuts and seeds make great snacks on their own, or you can add them to salads, baked goods, or trail mix. They're calorie-dense, which is helpful when food might be scarce. 

Different nuts and seeds offer various nutritional benefits, so try to stock a variety. Keep them in airtight containers to maintain freshness.

Jerky (Beef, Turkey)

For a protein-packed snack that lasts, try jerky. Beef jerky can stay good for up to 2 years if it's vacuum-sealed. It's like the energizer bunny of snacks, it keeps going and going! 

Jerky is lightweight, portable, and doesn't need refrigeration, making it perfect for emergencies. It's high in protein and can help satisfy hunger when cooking isn't an option. 

You can eat it as is, add it to soups or stews, or rehydrate it for use in other dishes. Store jerky in a cool, dry place for best results.

Coffee and Tea

Let's face it, when times are tough, a cup of coffee or tea can make all the difference. Tea lasts pretty much forever, and coffee beans are good for 1-2 years. Your future self will thank you for stocking up. 

Both coffee and tea can provide a sense of normalcy and comfort in stressful situations. They also contain caffeine, which can help you stay alert. Tea offers various health benefits depending on the type. 

Store these items in airtight containers away from light and moisture to preserve their flavor.

Instant Meals (Ramen, Freeze-Dried Meals)

Sometimes, you just need a quick meal. Instant noodles and freeze-dried meals only need water to prepare and can last for years. They might not be gourmet, but they'll fill you up when you need it most. 

These meals are lightweight, take up little space, and are easy to prepare. They're great for times when cooking more elaborate meals isn't possible. 

While they shouldn't be your main source of nutrition, they can be a welcome change of pace and a quick energy boost. Store them in a cool, dry place.

Spices and Herbs

Don't forget to add some flavor to your food storage! Spices and herbs can last for years and will make your meals much more enjoyable. 

Stock up on basics like black pepper, cinnamon, and dried garlic. Spices and herbs can transform simple ingredients into tasty meals, helping to prevent food fatigue when options are limited. 

They take up little space but make a big impact on your cooking. Many herbs and spices also have health benefits. Store them in airtight containers away from light to preserve their potency.

Smart Prep for Peace of Mind

We’ve covered a lot of ground today, talking about 20 key items to keep in your pantry. Remember, the goal isn’t to panic-buy everything at once. Instead, pick up an extra item or two each time you shop. This way, you’ll build your stock slowly and steadily.

Storing your food right is crucial. Keep things cool and dry, and your supplies will last much longer. Don’t forget to use the oldest items first and replace them as you go. This keeps everything fresh and ready when you need it.

We also created this video about foods with a long shelf life.

Being prepared isn’t just about food shortages. These supplies come in handy during power outages or bad weather too. Think of it as a safety net for your kitchen, and your peace of mind.

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