Shelf-Stable Food & Storing Tips

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Many store food for a number of reasons, the most common reasons include preparing for an emergency or are saving money by buying in bulk but does not want to waste the extras that they do purchase. Shelf-stable food requires less room for storage and lasts longer. It is essential to any survival plan. Shelf-stable foods provides all of the vitamins and nourishments to maintain your health.

What is a shelf-stable food?

Shelf-stable foods are foods that have been through various processing methods that has made is safe for storage in a sealed container and kept at room temperature for an extended period of time.

What foods have a long shelf-life?

Many foods purchased at the store already have an extended shelf life. Some of these foods include:

Dried vegetables and fruits   

The drying process reduces the moisture levels in the food low enough so that it protects it from the growth of mold and rotting. You can purchase these food from your local grocery store or a natural food store. You can save more on your dried fruit and vegetable purchase by making your own at home with a dehydrator. Vacuum sealing your storage bags will also help to extend the shelf life.

Tip: If you have a dehydrator you can dry any leftover fruits and vegetables you may have in your kitchen. Add some raisins, nuts and granola along with your dried fruit to make a tasty trail mix.

Shelf-stable Canned Foods

Canned foods make an excellent shelf-stable food alternative. You can find a large number canned foods that contains:

• Vegetables
• Fruits
• Meats
• Condiments (mustard, ketchup, mayo)

Canned foods can be found at any local grocery store. Canned goods is something you purchase at every time you go grocery shopping so picking up a few extra cans to store will not hurt. They are ideal for storing as they are easily stackable and easy to open (some without needing a can opener).

Powdered Drink Mixes and Bottled Water

This a popular item to have as you can get a variety of flavors, lightweight and require very little space for storage. Powdered milk has the same amount of nutrients and protein in it as much as fresh milk. Instant breakfast mixes and protein drinks work as meal substitutes by providing vitamins, proteins and carbohydrates.

Specialty Foods

If you ever speak with people who have been storing food for an extended period of time, the first thing they may mention purchasing specialty foods like MRE’s which is designed for military use. There are a number of MRE (Meals Ready to Eat) flavors that include full meals, a main entrée and side dishes. Much like other shelf-stable foods they are lightweight and easy to store. Another specialty food item are meals that have been freeze-dried foods. These come in a variety of meals that requires water to prepare. In these meals you can get soups, pasta, and dessert.

Tips for Extending the Life of Eggs  

Do you store eggs in the door of your refrigerator? Keep eggs on the shelf with the other items in your refrigerator because the temperature varies in the door versus the other areas inside the refrigerator. Do not throw out eggs based on the use by dates. Eggs have been known to last as long as 5 weeks after the sell-by date on the side of the carton.

Tip: You can use mineral oil to rub on eggs to help extend their life in the refrigerator. Heat up a bowl of mineral oil for about 10 seconds and rub it all over the egg and place them back in to carton and into the refrigerator. The mineral oil will help clog up any holes in the shell of the egg that will allow air to get in.

Tips for Storing Shelf-Stable Foods

Many shelf-stable foods will last longer when they are stored at an ambient room temperature. So if you run out of room in your pantry you may wish to either expand on the current area where you are storing your food or allocate a different room of house that stays slightly cooler than the rest of your house to store the food.

Create an inventory list when you begin to start your food storing journey. On this inventory list you should make notes of when you purchased the item. This will help when you are preparing to eat the foods you stored.

Do not just store food, store other kitchen and emergency essentials. Some of these items include:

• Toilet paper
• Napkins
• Paper towels
• Paper plates
• Bowls
• Plastic cups
• Eating utensils
• Blankets
• Non-electric can opener
• Matches
• Camping stove
• Charcoal

So regardless of whether you are preparing for bad weather, a natural disaster or you are just looking to save money on your food bill by buying in bulk you will want to ensure your food is stored properly until you are ready to eat it.

About the author:
Celeste Whitehead is an independent contractor, freelance writer and owner of the blog, Organic Mommy Today.  When she’s not busy chasing after her two young children, you can find Celeste contributing to the CareOne Debt Relief Services blog, a community that provides debt consolidation and money-saving advice.