10 Foods That Last Forever – Build Your Ultimate Survival Pantry

If you are building a survival pantry, foods that last a long time are a must.

But how about foods that last forever?

The 10 prepper pantry staples below should last indefinitely when stored in optimal conditions, and some of their uses in a survival situations may surprise you.

So take your food storage to the next level, by stockpiling the ingredients below.

10 Amazing Survival Foods That Last Indefinitely

1. Raw Honey

Golden and sweet, raw honey isn’t just delicious, it’s eternal. Thanks to its low moisture content and natural acidity, honey can remain edible indefinitely.

According to the National Honey Board, “honey stored in sealed containers can remain stable for decades or even centuries“, due to its natural properties.

Just keep it in a cool, dry place, and if it crystallizes, simply warm it gently to restore its liquid gold consistency.

Storage Tips: To store honey indefinitely, use a sealed glass container kept in a cool, dry, dark place. Glass prevents chemical leaching and ensures long-lasting quality.

Here are several ways honey can be utilized when resources are limited:

Food Source:

• Energy Boost: Honey is rich in natural sugars like glucose and fructose, providing a quick and sustained energy source which is essential for physically demanding tasks.

• Nutritional Value: Contains trace amounts of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that support overall health.

Wound Care and First Aid:

• Antibacterial Properties: Honey has natural antimicrobial and antibacterial qualities. Applying it to minor cuts, burns, or abrasions can help prevent infection and promote healing.
• Wound Dressing: It creates a protective barrier over wounds, keeping them moist and reducing scarring.
• Note: While honey has medicinal properties, it should not replace professional medical treatment when available.

Cough and Sore Throat Remedy:

• Soothing Effect: Consuming honey can alleviate coughs and soothe sore throats, which is especially helpful if you’re exposed to harsh weather or respiratory irritants.
• Immune Support: Its antioxidants may support the immune system in fighting off illnesses.

Food Preservation:

• Natural Preservative: Honey’s low moisture content and acidity inhibit bacterial growth, making it effective for preserving fruits, nuts, and even certain meats.

Making Energy Bars and Snacks:

• Homemade Energy Boosters: Combine honey with grains, nuts, and dried fruits to create energy bars or trail mixes that are easy to carry and consume on the go.
• Flavor Enhancer: Improves the taste of bland survival foods like hardtack, oatmeal, or foraged plants.

Trade and Bartering:

• Valuable Commodity: In extended survival scenarios, honey’s desirability and multiple uses make it an excellent item for bartering for other essential goods or services.

Skin Care:

• Moisturizer: Honey can be applied to dry or chapped skin to moisturize and heal, which is beneficial when exposed to harsh environmental conditions.

• Lip Care: Soothes and repairs chapped lips.

Fuel for Fire Starters:

• Fire Accelerant: While not the most efficient use, pure honey can be used in a pinch to help start a fire due to its sugar content.

Antioxidant and Anti-inflammatory Agent:

• Internal Health: Consuming honey may help reduce inflammation and oxidative stress, supporting overall health during stressful conditions.

Cooking Applications:

• Culinary Uses: Use honey to glaze meats, sweeten beverages, or bake goods, enhancing both flavor and caloric content.

• Fermentation: Can be used to ferment beverages like mead, though this requires time and additional resources.

Allergy Relief:

• Local Honey Benefits: Consuming small amounts of local honey may help build immunity to local pollen allergens, potentially reducing allergy symptoms over time.

Morale Booster:

• Psychological Comfort: The natural sweetness of honey can provide a psychological lift, improving morale during challenging times.

Pest Attraction for Trapping:

• Bait for Traps: Honey can attract insects or small animals, aiding in trapping efforts to procure additional food sources.

Dental Hygiene Aid:

• Temporary Toothpaste Alternative: In absence of toothpaste, honey’s antimicrobial properties can help clean teeth when used sparingly.

Preserving Leather and Equipment:

• Conditioning Agent: Applying a thin layer of honey can help preserve leather goods and prevent them from drying out.

2. Salt

Salt is a timeless staple essential for human survival, with evidence of its use dating back to 2700 BC, making it one of humanity’s oldest known commodities

According to Morton Salt, “While salt itself has no expiration date, salt products that contain iodine or seasonings that contain other ingredients such as spices, colors and flavors can deteriorate over time.“

Beyond seasoning, salt plays a crucial role in food preservation by creating environments where bacteria and fungi cannot thrive.

Storage Tips: To store salt indefinitely, use airtight, food-grade glass or mylar containers with desiccant packs, and keep them in a cool, dry, dark place. This method prevents moisture and contamination, ensuring the salt remains pure and stable over time.

Here are several ways salt can be utilized when resources are limited:

Preserving Food:

• Food Preservation: Salt is one of the oldest and most effective methods for preserving food. It inhibits bacterial growth, allowing you to cure meats, preserve fish, and extend the shelf life of various perishable items.

Nutrition and Health:

• Electrolyte Balance: Salt helps maintain electrolyte balance in the body, which is vital for muscle function, nerve transmission, and hydration.
• Preventing Hyponatremia: In situations involving excessive sweating, a small intake of salt can help replenish lost sodium levels.

Medical Uses:

• Wound Cleaning: A saline solution made from salt and clean water can be used to irrigate and cleanse minor wounds.
• Oral Hygiene: Gargling with saltwater can soothe sore throats, reduce bacteria, and alleviate mouth sores.
• Nasal Rinse: A saline solution can help clear sinuses and relieve nasal congestion. Note: While salt can assist with basic first aid in emergency situations, it should not replace professional medical treatment when available.

Cooking and Flavor Enhancement:

• Flavoring Food: Enhances the taste of food, making bland survival rations more palatable and boosting morale.
• Tenderizing Meat: Salt can be used to tenderize tough cuts of meat, improving texture and flavor.

Firefighting Aid:

• Extinguishing Grease Fires: Salt can help smother small grease fires by cutting off the oxygen supply—useful for fire safety in a makeshift kitchen.

Pest Control:

• Deterrent for Pests: Salt can deter certain pests like slugs and snails from invading your food supplies or shelter area.

Preserving Hides:

• Hide Preparation: If you’re hunting for sustenance, salt can be used to preserve animal hides by preventing decomposition, which is useful for making clothing or shelter materials.

Melting Ice:

• De-icing Agent: In cold environments, salt can melt ice on pathways, making movement safer and preventing slips or falls.

Cleaning Agent:

• Scrubbing Surfaces: Salt acts as an abrasive cleaning agent for pots, pans, and cooking utensils when soap is unavailable.

Crafting and DIY Uses:

• Making Soap: Salt is used in soap-making to help separate soap from glycerin.
• Dye Fixative: When dyeing fabrics, salt can help fix the dye to the material.

Animal Care:

• Livestock Supplement: If you have animals, providing salt licks ensures they receive essential minerals for their health.

Emergency Refrigeration:

• Creating Ice Packs: Mixing salt with ice lowers the freezing point, which can be used to create a makeshift refrigeration system to keep food cool temporarily.

Ceremonial and Cultural Uses:

• Morale and Tradition: Salt has cultural significance in many societies and can be used in rituals or as a morale booster in group survival situations.

Trade and Bartering:

• Valuable Commodity: Historically, salt has been a highly valued trade item. In survival scenarios, it can be used for bartering to obtain other essential goods or services.

3. Sugar

Sugar is a versatile and essential staple for long-term food storage, offering both energy and sweetness to a wide range of dishes.

The Utah State University Extension highlights that “Commercial sugars (granular, syrup, and honey) have an indefinite shelf life due to their resistance to microbial growth “, making them perfect for your preppers pantry.

To preserve its quality, it’s crucial to keep sugar in airtight, moisture-proof containers since “sugar can absorb strong odors – even through plastic packaging.“

Sugar is a valuable resource in any survival scenario due to its energy content and versatile applications.

Storage Tips: Store sugar in airtight, food-grade glass or mylar containers equipped with desiccant packs, and keep them in a cool, dry, dark place. This setup effectively prevents moisture absorption and contamination, ensuring the sugar remains free-flowing and pure over extended periods.

Here are several ways sugar can be utilized when resources are limited:

Food Source:

• Energy Boost: Sugar provides a quick source of carbohydrates, supplying immediate energy essential for physical activities and maintaining alertness.
• Caloric Intake: High in calories, sugar helps meet daily caloric needs when food supplies are scarce.

Food Preservation:

• Preserving Fruits and Making Jams: Sugar acts as a preservative by inhibiting microbial growth, allowing you to make jams, jellies, and preserves that can last for extended periods.
• Curing Meats: When combined with salt, sugar can be used to cure meats, enhancing flavor and extending shelf life.

Fermentation and Brewing:

• Alcohol Production: Sugar is a key ingredient in fermenting beverages like wine, beer, or spirits. These can be used for consumption, sterilization, or bartering.
• Vinegar Production: Fermented sugar solutions can be converted into vinegar, which has multiple uses in cleaning, preservation, and medical applications.

Medical Uses:

• Wound Care: Applying sugar to wounds can help inhibit bacterial growth by drawing moisture away, which may prevent infection and promote healing. Note: While sugar can assist with basic first aid in emergency situations, it should not replace professional medical treatment when available.

Fire Starting Aid:

• Combustion Enhancer: Sugar can be combined with substances like potassium permanganate to create a chemical reaction that produces fire—a useful technique in emergency situations.

Attracting Wildlife:

• Bait for Traps: Sugar can attract insects or small animals, aiding in trapping efforts to procure additional food sources.

Cooking and Baking:

• Flavor Enhancer: Improves the taste of bland survival foods, making them more palatable and boosting morale.
• Baking Ingredient: Essential for making breads, cakes, and other baked goods if you have access to cooking facilities.

Electrolyte Solutions:

• Rehydration Drink: Mixing sugar with salt and clean water creates an oral rehydration solution that can help treat dehydration.

Cleaning and Household Uses:

• Scrubbing Agent: Sugar can act as a mild abrasive for cleaning hands or utensils when soap is unavailable.
• Pest Control: Creating sugar-based traps can help control pests like flies and ants within your living area.

Trade and Bartering:

• Valuable Commodity: Sugar’s desirability and multiple uses make it an excellent item for bartering for other essential goods or services.

Mood and Morale Booster:

• Psychological Comfort: The sweetness of sugar can provide a psychological lift, improving morale during challenging times.

Animal Care:

• Livestock Supplement: Small amounts of sugar can be added to animal feed to provide energy and encourage eating in stressed or ill animals.

4. White Rice

Rice is a must-have, particularly milled varieties like white rice that can last almost indefinitely when stored properly.

The USA Rice website highlights that “milled rice will keep almost indefinitely on the pantry shelf “, making it an excellent choice for long-term food storage.

Whether you opt for white rice with its extended shelf life or whole grain rice (does not last as long) for added nutrition, proper storage practices keep rice a reliable and essential staple in your emergency supplies.

Storage Tips: Package it in airtight, food-grade Mylar bags with oxygen absorbers and desiccant packs, then place the bags inside sealed containers stored in a cool, dry, dark location. This method prevents moisture, pests, and oxidation, ensuring the rice remains safe and usable over extended periods.

Here are several ways white rice can be utilized when resources are limited:

Long-Term Food Supply:

• Caloric Content: White rice is rich in carbohydrates, providing a substantial energy source to sustain physical activity and maintain bodily functions.

Easy Preparation:

• Minimal Cooking Requirements: Requires only water and heat to prepare, making it feasible even in remote conditions.
• Versatility in Meals: Can be combined with canned goods, dehydrated vegetables, dried meats, or foraged foods to create balanced and varied meals.

Nutritional Benefits:

• Digestibility: White rice is easy to digest, which is beneficial during times of stress, illness, or for individuals with sensitive stomachs.
• Gluten-Free Option: Suitable for those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease, allowing for dietary flexibility in group settings.

Water Absorption Uses:

• Drying Agent: Uncooked rice can absorb moisture, making it useful for drying out electronic devices or keeping gear dry in humid environments.
• Preventing Clumping: Placing rice in salt shakers or spice containers can prevent clumping caused by moisture.

Medical Applications:

• Rice Water for Rehydration: The water used to cook rice can be consumed to help alleviate diarrhea and aid in rehydration.
• Hot or Cold Compress: Filling a cloth pouch with rice and heating or cooling it can create a makeshift compress to relieve muscle aches, pains, or injuries. Note: While rice can assist with basic needs in emergency situations, it should not replace professional medical treatment when available.

Trade and Bartering:

• Valuable Commodity: White rice’s universal appeal and long shelf life make it an excellent item for bartering to obtain other essential goods or services.

Animal Feed:

• Supplemental Feed: Can be used to feed domesticated animals or livestock, helping to sustain them when regular feed is unavailable.

Pest Control:

• Attracting Wildlife: Rice can attract birds or small animals, aiding in trapping efforts to procure additional food sources.

Cultural and Psychological Benefits:

• Comfort Food: Familiar and comforting, consuming rice can boost morale during stressful times.
• Cultural Practices: Useful for traditional rituals or ceremonies that may be important for group cohesion and mental well-being.

Energy Conservation:

• Efficient Cooking Methods: Soaking rice before cooking reduces cooking time and fuel consumption which is a critical consideration when resources are limited.
• One-Pot Meals: Cooking rice with other ingredients in a single pot conserves water and fuel while simplifying meal preparation.

5. Pure Maple Syrup

Pure maple syrup is a delectable and long-lasting addition to any pantry, perfect for those looking to stock foods that will store for decades.

As highlighted by Maple Farmers, “maple syrup is resistant to spoiling because of the high sugar content “, making it an ideal sweetener for long-term storage.

To maintain its rich flavor and vibrant color, it’s best to store maple syrup in glass containers and keep it refrigerated or frozen after opening.

Storage Tips: To store pure maple syrup indefinitely, keep it in airtight, sterilized glass containers and store them in a cool, dark place before opening. Once opened, refrigerate or freeze the sealed glass containers to prevent mold growth and maintain quality over time.

Here are several ways pure maple syrup can be utilized when resources are limited:

Natural Sweetener and Energy Source

• Energy Boost: Rich in natural sugars like sucrose, maple syrup provides a quick source of carbohydrates, supplying immediate energy essential for physical activities and maintaining alertness.
• Flavor Enhancer: Improves the taste of bland survival foods such as oatmeal, rice, or hardtack, making meals more palatable and boosting morale.

Nutritional Benefits

• Mineral Content: Contains essential minerals like manganese, zinc, calcium, and potassium, which support various bodily functions including immune response and bone health.
• Antioxidants: Provides antioxidants that help combat oxidative stress, supporting overall health during stressful conditions.

Cooking and Baking

• Culinary Uses: Can be used as a natural sweetener in cooking and baking, replacing refined sugars in recipes for breads, cakes, and energy bars.
• Glazing and Marinating: Useful for glazing meats or as an ingredient in marinades, enhancing flavor and adding caloric content.

Preservation Uses

• Food Preservation: Its high sugar concentration can be used to preserve fruits by making jams or syrups, extending the shelf life of perishable items.

Trade and Bartering

• Valuable Commodity: Due to its desirability and rarity in certain areas, pure maple syrup can be an excellent item for bartering to obtain other essential goods or services.

Medical Applications

• Cough Remedy: Consuming maple syrup may soothe sore throats and suppress coughs, providing temporary relief from respiratory discomfort. Note: While maple syrup can offer minor relief, it should not replace professional medical treatment when available.

Mood and Morale Booster

• Psychological Comfort: The familiar sweetness can provide a psychological lift, improving morale during challenging times.

Fermentation and Brewing

• Alcohol Production: Can be fermented to produce maple mead or beer, which can be used for consumption, sanitization, or bartering.

Animal Attractant for Trapping

• Bait for Traps: The sweet aroma can attract wildlife such as small mammals and insects, aiding in trapping efforts to procure additional food sources.

Skin Care

• Topical Application: In some traditional practices, maple syrup has been used as a natural moisturizer for dry skin. Note: Always test on a small skin area first to ensure no allergic reactions occur.

Crafting and DIY Uses

• Making Sugar Products: Boiling maple syrup can produce maple sugar or candy, which can be stored for extended periods and used as compact, high-energy food sources.

6. Distilled White Vinegar/Balsamic Vinegar

An essential in any pantry, vinegar offers incredible versatility and a long shelf life, making it perfect for those seeking foods that last forever.

The Vinegar Institute emphasizes that “vinegar has a very long shelf life and can be stored in a closed container indefinitely”, ensuring it remains a staple for both culinary and household uses.

Storage Tips: To store white vinegar indefinitely, use airtight, high-quality glass containers and keep them in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight. Glass is non-reactive and impermeable, ensuring the vinegar remains stable and free from contamination over time.

Here are several ways distilled white vinegar can be utilized when resources are limited:

Food Preservation and Preparation

• Pickling and Preserving Foods: Vinegar’s acidic nature inhibits bacterial growth, making it ideal for pickling vegetables, fruits, and even some meats. This extends the shelf life of perishable items, ensuring a food supply when fresh produce is unavailable.
• Flavor Enhancement: Adds tang and brightness to meals, improving the taste of stored staples like beans, rice, and canned goods.

Cleaning and Disinfecting

• Natural Disinfectant: Vinegar can be used to clean and sanitize surfaces, utensils, and equipment. It effectively removes grease, grime, and certain bacteria, helping maintain a hygienic living environment without relying on commercial cleaning products.
• Mold and Mildew Removal: Its anti-fungal properties make vinegar effective in removing mold and mildew from surfaces, which is crucial in damp or humid survival settings.

Medical and First Aid Uses

• Antiseptic for Wounds: Diluted vinegar can be used to clean minor cuts and scrapes when other antiseptics are unavailable.
• Soothe Skin Irritations: Applying diluted vinegar may relieve itching from insect bites, jellyfish stings, or soothe sunburns.
• Foot Care: Soaking feet in a vinegar solution can help combat fungal infections like athlete’s foot. Note: While vinegar has beneficial properties, it should be used cautiously for medical purposes and is not a substitute for professional medical treatment.

Personal Hygiene

• Hair Care: A vinegar rinse can remove buildup, restore shine, and balance scalp pH when regular shampoo is unavailable.
• Oral Hygiene: A diluted vinegar solution can serve as a mouthwash to help reduce bacteria and freshen breath.
• Laundry Aid: Adding vinegar to laundry can help disinfect clothes, remove odors, and soften fabrics.

Pest Control

• Insect Repellent: Spraying vinegar around entry points can deter ants, spiders, and other insects from entering your shelter.
• Fruit Fly Trap: A small amount of vinegar in a container can attract and trap fruit flies and gnats.

Cooking Applications

• Egg Preservation: Historically, eggs have been preserved using methods involving vinegar, such as pickling.
• Baking Substitute: Vinegar can act as a leavening agent when combined with baking soda, useful in baking without traditional yeast.

Water Purification Aid

• Cleaning Water Containers: Vinegar can be used to clean and disinfect water storage containers to prevent bacterial growth. Note: Vinegar is not effective at purifying drinking water and should not be used as a sole method for making contaminated water safe to drink.

Odor Neutralizer

• Eliminating Unpleasant Smells: Vinegar absorbs and neutralizes odors in living spaces, cooking areas, and on clothing.

Tool and Equipment Maintenance

• Rust Removal: Soaking rusty tools or metal items in vinegar can help remove rust, prolonging the usability of essential equipment.
• Cleaning Cooking Gear: Removes mineral deposits and buildup from pots, pans, and kettles.

Garden and Plant Care

• Weed Killer: A concentrated vinegar solution can be used as a natural herbicide to control weeds in your survival garden.
• Soil pH Adjustment: Vinegar can temporarily lower soil pH, which may benefit acid-loving plants.

7. Alcoholic Spirits

Did you know that some of your favorite spirits can last indefinitely when stored correctly?

As highlighted by Liquor.com, “unopened liquor of all kinds will generally keep indefinitely if stored properly”, making beverages like whiskey, gin, and vodka reliable long-term pantry staples.

Even after opening, distilled spirits may start to taste “off” after one to three years, but they remain safe to enjoy.

By keeping your bottles away from direct sunlight and maintaining a stable room-temperature environment, you can preserve the quality and flavor of your favorite liquors for years to come.

Storage Tips: Keep it in airtight, high-quality dark glass bottles stored upright in a cool, stable, and dark environment away from direct sunlight and temperature fluctuations. This method preserves the alcohol’s integrity by preventing evaporation, oxidation, and degradation, ensuring it remains stable and maintain its quality over time.

Here are several ways alcoholic spirits can be utilized when resources are limited:

Medical Uses

• Antiseptic and Disinfectant: High-proof spirits (typically over 60% alcohol) can be used to clean wounds and sterilize medical instruments when commercial antiseptics are unavailable.
• Pain Relief: In some cases, alcoholic beverages can provide temporary pain relief or sedation in the absence of medication. Note: Consuming alcohol for pain relief should be done cautiously, as it can lead to dehydration and impair judgment. It should not replace professional medical treatment when available.

Fire Starting Aid

• Fire Accelerant: Alcoholic spirits with high alcohol content can be used as a fuel to start fires, which is essential for warmth, cooking, and signaling.

Fuel for Cooking and Lighting

• Alcohol Stoves: Spirits like ethanol or high-proof alcohol can be used in alcohol burners or improvised stoves for cooking food and boiling water.
• Lamp Fuel: Can be used in certain types of lamps or improvised lighting devices to provide illumination.

Preservation

• Food Preservation: Alcohol can be used to preserve fruits, herbs, and other food items by submerging them in spirits, extending their shelf life.

Bartering and Trade

• Valuable Commodity: Alcoholic spirits have long been considered valuable for trade and barter, making them useful for obtaining other essential goods or services in a survival scenario.

Cleaning Agent

• Surface Cleaner: Alcohol can be used to clean and disinfect surfaces, tools, and equipment, helping to maintain a hygienic environment.

Morale and Psychological Support

• Stress Relief: Responsible consumption in moderation can help reduce stress and anxiety, boosting morale during challenging times. Note: It’s important to consume alcohol responsibly to avoid impairing judgment or health.

8. Cornstarch

Imagine having an ingredient that not only perfects your recipes but also offers countless household benefits.

According to Martha Stewart, “cornstarch shouldn’t go bad or lose its power. As long as you keep it in a cool, dry place, free from moisture, it should last indefinitely on your shelf.”

Its versatility ensures that cornstarch remains a reliable and essential staple for both your kitchen and home maintenance needs.

Storage Tips: To store cornstarch indefinitely, use airtight, food-grade glass or Mylar containers with desiccant packs, and keep them in a cool, dry, dark place. Oxygen absorbers are optional and not typically required but can be included for added assurance against any potential contamination.

Here are several ways cornstarch can be utilized when resources are limited:

Culinary Uses

• Thickening Agent: Cornstarch is commonly used to thicken soups, stews, sauces, and gravies, enhancing the texture of meals and making limited ingredients go further.
• Baking Ingredient: Useful in baking to create lighter, fluffier baked goods. It can be combined with flour to improve the texture of breads, cakes, and cookies.

Personal Hygiene and Medical Applications

• Dry Shampoo: In the absence of water, cornstarch can absorb excess oils from hair, acting as a dry shampoo to maintain personal hygiene.
• Foot Care: Sprinkling cornstarch in shoes or on feet helps absorb moisture, reducing the risk of blisters.

Moisture Absorption

• Desiccant: Cornstarch can absorb moisture in confined spaces, helping to keep gear, tools, and supplies dry in humid environments. It is less effective than specialized desiccants like silica gel or calcium chloride.

Fire Starting Aid

• Combustible Material: Cornstarch can act as a fire accelerant under the right conditions. Mixing it with fine sawdust or sprinkling it over kindling can help ignite damp or stubborn fuel. Caution: Cornstarch dust is flammable when airborne and should be handled carefully to prevent unintended ignition.

Homemade Adhesives

• DIY Glue: By mixing cornstarch with water and heating it, you can create a simple paste or glue useful for repairs, crafting, or sealing containers.

Cleaning and Household Uses

• Stain Removal: Cornstarch absorbs grease and oil stains from fabrics or surfaces. Apply it to the stain, let it sit to absorb the oil, then brush it off.
• Polishing Metal: Create a paste with cornstarch and water to polish silverware and metal items, keeping them in good condition.

Crafting and Entertainment

• Modeling Clay: Cornstarch can be combined with baking soda and water to make a pliable dough for crafting, which can be a morale booster, especially for children.

Skin Care

• Facial Powder: Acts as an absorbent facial powder to reduce shine and keep skin dry, useful in hot or humid conditions.

Baby Care

• Natural Baby Powder: An alternative to commercial baby powders, cornstarch keeps a baby’s skin dry and helps prevent diaper rash.

Animal Care

• Pet Grooming: Can be used to freshen up pet fur by absorbing oils and odors, beneficial if you have animals as part of your survival plan.

9. Baking Soda

Baking soda is a true pantry essential, loved for its versatility and remarkable longevity. According to The Spruce, “baking soda is good indefinitely past its best by date, although it can lose potency over time.”

By storing it in a cool, dry place and keeping it free from moisture, you can ensure that baking soda continues to serve your kitchen and home maintenance needs for years to come.

Storage Tips: Store baking soda in airtight, food-grade Mylar bags sealed with a heat sealer and equipped with desiccant packs. For added protection, place the sealed Mylar bags inside opaque, airtight containers and keep them in a cool, dry, dark location.

Here are several ways baking soda can be utilized when resources are limited:

Culinary Uses

• Leavening Agent: Baking soda is essential for baking bread, pancakes, and other baked goods, helping them rise and become fluffy when combined with acidic ingredients like vinegar or lemon juice.
• Tenderizing Meat: A baking soda solution can be used to tenderize tougher cuts of meat, improving texture and making them easier to chew.

Medical and First Aid Applications

• Antacid for Indigestion: Dissolving a small amount of baking soda in water creates an antacid that neutralizes stomach acid, providing temporary relief from heartburn and indigestion.
• Soothing Skin Irritations: Applying a paste made of baking soda and water can relieve itching and irritation from insect bites, bee stings, poison ivy, or rashes.
• Foot Soak: A baking soda foot bath can help soothe tired feet, reduce odor, and alleviate fungal infections like athlete’s foot. Note: While baking soda can provide temporary relief, it should not replace professional medical treatment when available. Overuse internally can lead to electrolyte imbalance.

Personal Hygiene

• Toothpaste Substitute: Baking soda can be used as a mild abrasive to clean teeth and freshen breath when regular toothpaste is unavailable.
• Deodorant: Applying baking soda to underarms can help neutralize body odor by absorbing sweat and reducing bacteria.
• Mouthwash: Dissolving baking soda in water creates a simple mouthwash that can neutralize odors and reduce bacteria in the mouth.

Cleaning and Sanitation

• All-Purpose Cleaner: Baking soda can be used to clean pots, pans, utensils, and surfaces. Its mild abrasive nature helps remove grime without scratching.
• Deodorizer: Placing open containers of baking soda in living spaces, refrigerators, or storage areas can absorb unpleasant odors.
• Laundry Booster: Adding baking soda to laundry can enhance detergent effectiveness, remove odors, and soften clothes.

Fire Safety

• Fire Extinguisher for Grease Fires: Baking soda can be used to extinguish small grease or electrical fires by releasing carbon dioxide when heated, which smothers flames. Caution: Do not use flour or sugar for this purpose, as they are combustible and can worsen the fire.

Pest Control

• Insect Bite Relief: As mentioned, baking soda paste can relieve itching from insect bites.

Water Purification Aid

• pH Adjustment: Baking soda can be used to adjust the pH of water, which may be necessary for certain purification methods or making the water more palatable. Note: Baking soda does not purify water and should not be relied upon to make contaminated water safe to drink.

Cooking Aid

• Neutralizing Acidic Foods: Adding a pinch of baking soda to acidic foods like tomato sauce or coffee can reduce acidity and bitterness.

Personal Care

• Dry Shampoo: Baking soda can absorb oils from hair, serving as a dry shampoo alternative when water is scarce.
• Bath Soak: Adding baking soda to bathwater can help soothe skin irritations and soften skin.

Odor Control

• Footwear Deodorizer: Sprinkling baking soda inside shoes or boots can absorb moisture and eliminate odors.
• Gear Freshener: Placing baking soda in gear bags or storage containers helps keep equipment smelling fresh.

Cleaning Fresh Produce

• Washing Fruits and Vegetables: A baking soda solution can help remove dirt, pesticides, and wax from produce.

Crafting and DIY Uses

• Making Soap: Baking soda can be used in soap-making processes, contributing to cleaning supplies.
• Creating Modeling Clay: Combined with cornstarch and water, baking soda can make a pliable dough for crafting or educational purposes.

Animal Care

• Pet Care: Baking soda can be used to deodorize pet bedding or as a dry shampoo for animals.

10. Hardtack

Hardtack is a remarkable example of a long lasting food, originally made as a simple yet resilient ration for soldiers and sailors.

According to Dr. Lindsay Kelley of UNSW, “Hard tack biscuits are very simple, very hard flour, salt and water biscuits that last forever.”

She further explains, “I have seen examples in museum collections that are from the 19th century. I think the oldest is from 1851, but they still look good; you could still eat one.”

This incredible longevity makes hardtack an essential addition to any long-term pantry, providing a reliable and timeless food source that can sustain you through the years.

While hardtack is a very long lasting food, it is relatively nutrient poor compared to pemmican and more modern survival foods available such as freeze dried foods.

Storage Tips: Store hardtack in airtight, food-grade Mylar bags sealed with a heat sealer and equipped with oxygen absorbers and desiccant packs. Place these sealed bags inside sturdy, opaque containers and keep them in a cool, dry, dark location. This comprehensive approach effectively prevents moisture, oxygen, and pests from compromising the hardtack, ensuring it remains durable and edible indefinitely.

Here are several ways hardtack can be utilized when resources are limited:

Long-Term Food Supply

• Emergency Ration: Hardtack serves as a reliable source of calories in emergency situations when fresh food is scarce or unavailable.

Nutritional Benefits

• Basic Sustenance: Made primarily from flour and water, hardtack provides carbohydrates essential for energy. While not rich in nutrients, it can help sustain you until more varied food sources become available.
• Versatility in Meals: Can be consumed on its own or combined with other ingredients to enhance its nutritional value and taste.

Ease of Preparation

• Simple Ingredients: Requires only flour, water, and optionally salt, making it easy to produce even in austere conditions with minimal resources.
• Minimal Cooking Requirements: Baked until thoroughly dry, hardtack can be made using basic baking methods, including improvised ovens or open fires. Learn how to make hardtack yourself here.

Portability and Storage

• Lightweight and Compact: Hardtack is easy to carry, making it suitable for bug-out bags, survival kits, or long journeys on foot.
• Easy Storage: Stores well in airtight containers, protecting it from moisture and pests.

Cooking and Consumption

• Rehydration: Hardtack is extremely hard and dry, so soaking it in water, broth, coffee, or other liquids softens it, making it easier to eat.
• Combining with Other Foods: Can be crumbled into soups, stews, or porridges to add bulk and calories.
• Toasting: Briefly heating or toasting hardtack can improve its flavor and texture.

Morale Booster

• Sense of Tradition: Consuming hardtack can provide a psychological connection to history and the resilience of past generations who relied on it, boosting morale during challenging times.
• Customization: Adding herbs, spices, or sweeteners during preparation can improve taste, offering variety in an otherwise limited diet.

Trade and Bartering

• Valuable Commodity: Hardtack’s long shelf life and utility make it a valuable item for trade, allowing you to barter for other essential goods or services.

Educational and Skill Development

• Survival Skill Practice: Making hardtack is a practical way to develop and maintain essential survival cooking skills.
• Group Activities: Preparing hardtack can be a communal activity that fosters teamwork and cooperation.

Animal Feed

• Supplemental Feed: In dire situations, hardtack can be fed to animals or livestock as a temporary food source.

Storing Food For Decades

Keeping your survival foods fresh and safe for the long haul is easier than you might think with a few simple strategies.

First, store everything in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to prevent degradation. Using airtight containers not only keeps out moisture and pests but also helps maintain the quality of your foods.

Don’t forget to implement the FIFO method—First In, First Out—by labeling your containers with purchase dates and rotating your stock regularly.

This ensures you use older items before they expire, keeping your supply fresh and reducing waste.

While freeze-dried foods are a fantastic option that can last decades they’re not truly forever foods, so make sure to check their expiration dates and rotate them as well.

Additionally, periodically inspect your storage for any signs of damage or spoilage to address issues early.

By following these tips, you can confidently stock up on your favorite long-lasting foods and ensure they’re ready when you need them most.