Non-Perishable Foods List

Non-perishable food items can be stored for long periods of time without spoiling. These foods are vital when preparing for a long trip or a natural disaster. This type of food can be found in army surplus stores, online or in some grocery stores. If you have a dehydrator, you can even make some of your own non-perishable food.

Pudding cups can last for well over a year if their containers are kept sealed. Pudding is not the most nutritious food to have on your survival list but a few extra pudding cups would serve as a nice treat if you were tired of eating dehydrated meals. Pudding cups come in many flavors, including chocolate, vanilla and tapioca.

Canned foods are preserved through the canning process. These foods usually last up to three years. You can stock up on all kinds of canned foods, such as green beans, peaches and pineapple. Canned juice and low-sodium soups are excellent choices, too.

Freeze-dried food is found in surplus stores and online. This is the type of food that is going to last the longest. Many freeze-dried options are delicious and last 15 to 30 years on average. However, you should find out the date the food was made before buying it because it might have been sitting in storage for years. That way you'll know when you need to replace your food. Freeze-dried food is sometimes called military rations, or MREs.

Dehydrated fruit such as apricots and bananas are smart choices for food storage. These foods can last up to a year or longer if they are sealed in plastic. Dehydrated fruit is nutrient-dense, which is essential when your body is starving. Be sure to label all food that you package. If the expiration date is getting close, eat the food and replace it right away.

Dry foods such as rice, flour and beans are non-perishable food items. Survival cooking kits that include rice cookers and pots and pans will make these foods more tasty if you need to cook on an open fire. However, keep in mind that you can still eat these foods dry and benefit from the nutrients if you are in a survival situation.