As preppers, we’re taught to think ahead, stock up, and be ready for anything. But what if I told you that some of the “must-have” long-lasting foods cluttering your pantry might be doing you more harm than good?
In the prepping world, misinformation is rampant, and what started as good advice has snowballed into a handful of myths we all believe. It’s time to shake off the influence of these myths and get real about what’s worth storing and what needs to go. Let’s explore some long-lasting foods that you should probably stop stockpiling—and consider what might serve you better in a real-life crisis.
Canned Fruit
On the surface, canned fruit seems like a good idea. It’s sweet, has a decent shelf life, and can provide that touch of flavor that boosts morale.
But here’s the reality: canned fruit is often packed in sugary syrup, offering limited nutritional value and a load of empty calories.
Plus, once a can is opened, the contents need to be consumed within days—not ideal when resources are tight and refrigeration is limited. Before you move on with the article, I have to tell you about my recent discovery: the #1 food you should stockpile for a long-term blackout. This is what will help you guarantee years of long-lasting and nutritious food for your family in any crisis.
White Rice
White rice has long been a staple of prepper pantries, but it’s not always the superstar it’s made out to be. Sure, it’s cheap and has an impressive shelf life, but let’s talk about its nutritional content—or lack thereof. White rice is essentially a belly filler, devoid of fiber, vitamins, and other critical nutrients.
Eating it consistently can lead to nutritional deficiencies, particularly if fresh foods are in short supply.
Instead, stock up on alternatives like quinoa or wild rice. Quinoa is a complete protein source, which is incredibly important in a survival situation. It also contains fiber, vitamins, and minerals, making it a much more well-rounded food. Wild rice has a superior nutrient profile, offering more protein, vitamins, and antioxidants.
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Powdered Milk
Powdered milk has made its way into many prepping lists as an alternative to fresh milk, but it’s time we address the elephant in the room: taste and practicality. In a crisis, powdered milk is notorious for its unpleasant flavor, which means that in a pinch, you’re likely to avoid using it.
Plus, once reconstituted, it spoils quickly and requires precious clean water to mix.
Instead, consider storing canned coconut milk or almond milk in shelf-stable cartons. These options offer a longer shelf life, have added nutritional benefits, and most people find them more palatable. Plus, these can work in a variety of recipes beyond just a milk substitute, such as soups and curries, which makes them more versatile.
Saltine Crackers
Saltine crackers are often touted as a convenient, long-lasting food source. But in reality, they are bulky, have a relatively short shelf life compared to other items, and are prone to going stale—even when stored properly. They also offer very little in terms of real sustenance, being mostly composed of refined flour and salt. You can find some good long-lasting alternatives from the Amish people here. Plus a ton of great canning tips and tricks from those who will not notice if a crisis were to take place.
Instead, consider hardtack or pilot bread. These traditional long-lasting foods have stood the test of time, providing more calorie density and an infinitely longer shelf life. Hardtack is incredibly durable and, while not the tastiest option, it can last for years without any special storage conditions, making it much more practical in an emergency.
Instant Oatmeal Packets
Instant oatmeal packets may seem convenient, but they’re more trouble than they’re worth. They are loaded with sugar and preservatives, and often, the portion sizes are small, leaving you hungry for more. They also require clean water for preparation, which may not be readily available.
Consider instead storing rolled oats or steel-cut oats. They may take a bit longer to prepare, but they have a much longer shelf life, aren’t packed with unnecessary additives, and provide a hearty, nutritious meal. They also come in larger, more economical quantities, which helps stretch your food supply further.
Canned Soups
The idea of having a ready-made meal is enticing, which is why many preppers stockpile canned soups. But the reality is that canned soups are often high in sodium, low in calories, and bulky. They take up a significant amount of storage space, and the liquid inside adds unnecessary weight and volume.
Instead, consider stocking up on soup-based powders and dehydrated vegetables. These options take up less space, weigh significantly less, and can be easily adjusted to suit your calorie needs without overwhelming you with sodium. Plus, powdered soup bases and dried veggies are more versatile, allowing you to create a wider range of meals, which will be a morale booster in tough times. Or you can try this perpetual soup that pioneers survived on and that’s very easy to make.
Honey in Large Containers
Yes, honey lasts forever. But does that mean you should be stocking it in giant five-gallon buckets? Absolutely not. Honey in large quantities is heavy, hard to manage, and prone to crystallizing, which can be a major inconvenience if you don’t have the means to properly warm it back up.
Moreover, while honey is a great sweetener, it doesn’t provide substantial nutritional value.
Instead, stock smaller jars of honey or consider alternatives like maple syrup in manageable quantities. These options are easier to store, and you won’t have to worry about spoiling a huge stash just because you can’t manage it properly. You should also know that you can make a potent natural remedy with honey that will prove very efficient in a medical crisis. You’ll find the complete recipe here.
Hard Candy
Hard candy is often suggested as a “comfort food” for morale. But when it comes down to it, hard candy is bulky, offers zero nutritional value, and contributes nothing but sugar.
You’d be better off storing something that has more practical benefits.
Related: How to Dry Can Beans and Rice for 20+ Years Shelf Life
Instead of hard candy, consider stocking dried fruit or even dark chocolate. Both can provide a needed energy boost along with some vitamins and minerals. Dark chocolate, in particular, is high in antioxidants and can provide a much-needed mental lift when times are tough—all without taking up too much space.
Cornstarch
Cornstarch might sound like a good thickening agent to have on hand, but it really doesn’t contribute anything else to your diet. It’s bulky, and let’s face it—how often do you really need a thickening agent in a survival scenario?
It’s more likely to end up being dead weight in your pantry.
Instead, opt for flour or powdered eggs. Flour serves multiple purposes—from baking to thickening—and powdered eggs offer a protein boost in addition to their versatility in cooking. Both provide far more utility and nutritional value in a survival context.
Canned Pasta Meals
Canned pasta meals are a prepping favorite, but they come with their own set of issues.
They’re high in sodium and low in nutritional value, and the portion sizes are often meager, especially when you consider how much space these cans take up in your pantry.
The heavy cans and low-calorie payoff just don’t make sense in a real prepping scenario.
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Instead, store dry pasta and shelf-stable tomato sauce. Dry pasta takes up far less space, can be portioned more effectively, and lasts for years. Tomato sauce in jars or packets is easy to store and offers more flexibility, allowing you to create various meals with your other stockpiled ingredients.
Final Thoughts
It’s time we take a hard look at what’s truly worth our time, money, and precious storage space. The prepping community is filled with good intentions, but sometimes we get caught up in trends that aren’t as practical as they seem. By ditching these overrated long-lasting foods and replacing them with alternatives that provide better nutrition, efficiency, and versatility, you’ll be better prepared for the real challenges that come your way.
For those looking to ensure their food supply in any situation, I highly recommend checking out The Lost Superfoods. This comprehensive guide provides invaluable information on over 126 survival foods that can be preserved and stored without refrigeration for years.
It’s a great resource to help you build a stockpile of nutritious, long-lasting foods, giving you peace of mind when SHTF. Prepare now and ensure your family’s sustenance no matter what happens.
Remember: space is precious, and every item in your stockpile should earn its keep. Focus on foods that are versatile, nutrient-dense, and practical for real-life survival. Don’t let yourself get caught in the trap of overstocking useless bulk—think smart, store smart, and stay prepared.
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