Lasts forever. The list of foods.
- Stealth-Prepper
- Aug 1, 2024
- 4 min read

When it comes to emergency supplies, there is always the question of durability. The longer the better. Not just for planning, but also for your wallet. Here are a few tips for food that lasts for a long time or even forever.
Water in glass bottles
Mineral water also has a best-before date. The shelf life also depends on what it is bottled in. The legally required minimum shelf life for mineral water in glass bottles is two years. For mineral water in PET bottles, the shelf life is around one year. If mineral water is stored in a cool, dark place, it can usually be enjoyed long after the date has passed.
Sugar
Why can you store sugar forever? Simply explained: Sugar removes the water from any mold or bacteria, the microorganisms no longer have a basis for life and die. Only moisture and water are not good for our sugar. However, it doesn't spoil it, it just clumps together. Stored in a cool, dry and dark place, it lasts forever.
Honey
Honey is another food that never goes bad even without refrigeration. Honey doesn't last forever, but it lasts quite a long time - if stored correctly, it can last for several years. It is best to store honey in a dry, dark and cool place.
Salt
Salt never expires. The popular spice for refining dishes should be available in every household. Salt like sea salt or table salt doesn't even have a best-before date because it never expires. Only iodized salt or herbal salt has a best-before date, as the additives they contain can lose their aroma.
Rice
Raw rice should be stored as dry as possible. Therefore, the packaging should be sealed with plastic film so that no air can penetrate. This protects the rice from moisture and preserves its freshness and aromas. According to current knowledge, storing rice only in cardboard boxes is not optimal. After opening the rice bags, it is advisable to store the rice in a container that can be tightly sealed (e.g. glass container).
Noodles
Although pasta and various types of rice cannot be prepared without cooking, they are non-perishable foods. However, make sure that the packaging is well sealed to prevent pest infestation and spoilage. The same applies to sugar, flour, cornstarch and salt - stored airtight they last almost forever.
Quinoa, couscous, semolina
Tightly closed to keep out pests, stored in a dry and dark place, these foods last virtually forever. It is best to store it in an airtight jar.
Canned bread
Definitely not going to last forever. But definitely recommended for a few years. Also think about long-lasting cookies.
Dried legumes
Peas
Beans
Soybeans
Chickpeas
Lenses
If the packages are still closed, the dried legumes should definitely be stored in a dry and dark place. A place with a consistently low temperature, dry and out of direct sunlight is best. The tried and tested pantry is ideal. If you don't have one, you can also store it in the basement, hallway or in a dark kitchen cupboard away from heating sources (stove, radiator). Garden houses or attics are less suitable because if the humidity and temperatures are high and fluctuating, the phenomenon of hard boiling can occur. The legumes do not become soft even after a long cooking time.
Cornstarch
Store in a dry, cool place away from light.
Grain
It is best to store grains in a dry, dark place where there is a constant ambient temperature and low humidity. So not in the kitchen.
Vinegar
Vinegar lasts forever in glass bottles
Brandy, vodka
Can be stored in glass bottles without any problems. Is alcohol part of your emergency supplies? Please check the answer now. As an emergency stockpile basis, no. For an expanded emergency supply, the answer is yes. Disinfection, tincture production (see our article on medicinal herbs), stimulants and what we should not ignore, means of exchange in times of crisis.
Do foods in the freezer and freezer count as emergency supplies. From our point of view, no. But the issue will always remain unresolved. We recommend not taking this into account when planning and counting, but in an emergency, use it after a few days and use up perishable goods.
Emergency supplies don't always mean food and water. An emergency supply of household items doesn't hurt either. This definitely includes: a packet of dishwasher salt, a packet of dishwasher tablets, washing powder for clothes, dishwashing liquid and batteries for the most frequently used technical aids. You should also check your medicine cabinet regularly and replace expired medications. Wound and burn ointment, disinfectants, plasters and headache tablets are the absolute basic equipment.
Also think about your pets. You should also have an appropriate supply for animals.
Positive News & Buy me a beer
With all the topics for crisis preparedness, it is not easy to stay positive. The topic is important, but it shouldn't scare you or keep you busy all the time. Not every message is confirmation of an emergency. Enjoy your life! Meet up with friends and family. Also develops a positive attitude towards others and life.
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