Long-Term Food Storage Best Practices
Long-term food storage can help you keep an emergency food supply in case of a disaster. Most experts consider an emergency food supply to be one that will last you three months or more. You’ll also need to store about one gallon of water per person per day.
While there are many non-perishable foods that will last months or even years in your home-such as grains, beans, milk alternatives, pickled veggies, and canned fish-certain foods shouldn’t be stored long term. This chart from Food Safety showing roughly how long different types of foods can be stored before they will spoil:
| Food Item | Immediate Storage | Short Term Storage | Long Term Storage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Meat, Poultry, Fish | N/A | One to five days in refrigerator if fresh (two to four days if cooked) | Three to 12 months in freezer (chopped meat, bacon and sausages don’t last as long as fresh chops or steaks) |
| Eggs | N/A | Three to five weeks in refrigerator raw | Should not be frozen unless cooked |
| Milk and Dairy Products. | N/A | One to six weeks in refrigerator depending on the kind (unopened cheese lasts longer than milk, yogurt or soft cheeses) | Several months in the freezer |
| Fruits | Several days at room temp | One to two weeks in refrigerator | Two to 12 months in freezer depending on the kind (citrus fruits, apples and dried fruits last the longest) |
| Vegetables | Several days at room temp | One to two weeks in refrigerator | Five to 12 months in freezer depending on the kind (potatoes, onions, squash and carrots last the longest) |
| Dry Goods | Three to 12 months at room temperature depending on the kind (unopened boxes may last longer) | Four months in refrigerator | 12 months in freezer |
| Condiments, Sauces | Usually six to 18 months depending on the type, so check expiration dates and storage recommendations | ||
| Canned Goods | Three to four days once opened and kept in refrigerator | Two to five years when stored in pantry | |
| Freeze-Dried Goods | Two to five years or longer when stored in pantry away from moisture | ||
| Baked Goods | Two to seven days when left at room temperature | One to two weeks in refrigerator | Three to six months in freezer |
There are now many companies that offer prepared, emergency food supply products, such as freeze-dried and dehydrated foods, which tend to stay good for a relatively long time. These types of foods make convenient options for people traveling, camping or simply stocking up on shelf-stable ingredients that will make a good emergency food supply in the event of a disaster.
Freeze-Dried or Frozen
Some manufacturers claim that when freeze-dried foods are stored in special containers in optimal conditions they can last up to 25 years. Canned foods are also good long-term options, since they can last for three to five years. Frozen food can possibly last indefinitely if stored properly, however the taste and nutrient content of the food may change. It’s a good idea to write on the package the date you froze the food so you can keep track of what’s already in your freezer.
More Resources for Storing Food Long Term
Save the Food’s Food Storage Directory or print Eureka! Recycling’s quick reference sheet and pin on your fridge. Choose reusable/compostable alternatives to plastic wrap whenever possible. Here are five alternatives to plastic wrap.
Cut back on the food waste in your kitchen by using every ounce of your ingredients and using up leftovers. See my cooking with less waste series—featuring guides on using leftover meat and fish; ways to use surplus ingredients like potatoes, eggs and beans; and zero-waste cooking tips. Also, learn what expiration dates really mean.
Conclusion
Food storage extends how long a food remains edible and safe to eat. Methods of food storage include refrigeration, freezing, freeze-drying, dehydrating, canning, pickling and jarring. When purchasing shelf-stable foods, always look carefully at the nutritional data of each food to ensure you get a quality product. Avoid foods made with lots of additives, preservatives and sodium.
Additionally, many experts recommend avoiding canned foods that are made with bisphenol-A (BPA), which is a chemical that may be harmful. Therefore look for those labeled BPA-free.
Sources:
Food Storage Tips to Help Extend Shelf Life – Dr. Axe
https://draxe.com/health/food-storage/
May 6, 2020
Storing food correctly is key to curbing waste, nutrition experts
https://www.consumeraffairs.com/news/storing-food-correctly-is-key-to-curbing-waste-nutrition-experts-say-012518.html
Jan 25, 2018
Food Storage Tips to Reduce Waste – Center for EcoTechnology
https://www.centerforecotechnology.org/food-storage-tips-reduce-waste/
Mar 16, 2020