Many people live in fear of a coming apocalypse, a fear that the end truly is near.
Maybe it’s nuclear war. Or catastrophic climate change. Or a mysterious virus that reanimates those it kills as flesh-eating zombies.
Whatever the cataclysm, it’s imperative to stock your underground bunker with supplies to ride it out. Or just have some extras in your kitchen pantry or garage.
So, what should you be packing in there?
Honey
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Did you know that honey, in its natural form, never goes bad? It can start to crystallize, but that’s a natural process, and when it happens, all you have to do is heat it up to restore it to its normal state.
Rice
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Uncooked minute rice or white rice can last for as long as 5 years. If you store it in an oxygen-free container, though, it can last 25-30 years without spoiling.
Peanut Butter
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Stored properly– kept away from water moisture and kept with oil– peanut butter can last up to 5 years, and it doesn’t have to remain refrigerated. Even when it does “expire,” it just tastes bad and doesn’t make you sick.
Alcohol
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Many people would like a good, stiff drink every now and then while riding out the apocalypse. Hard liquors like whiskey and vodka will stay fine pretty much forever if you keep them away from heat and sunlight. Liqueurs and other cordials with sweeteners added can go bad, though.
Dried Beans
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Stored in a cool and dry location and packaged correctly, dry beans can last indefinitely. In one study at Utah State University, researchers found that tasters found no problem with 80% of dried pinto beans that were 30 years old.
Crackers
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Crackers last a lot longer than bread does, especially if you vacuum-pack them, and they serve well as snacks and for making small sandwiches. Whole-wheat crackers don’t last as long as plain ones do, but their higher fiber makes them more filling.
Nuts/Trail Mix
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These foods pack a lot of energy in a compact way, and they last a long time. Vacuum-sealing them for storage will make them last longer, as will tightly sealing them after opening them. Even when nuts go a little stale, they still taste good and don’t cause you to get sick.
Cereal
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Look for high-fiber cereals that don’t have much in the way of sugary additives; these have more nutritional value and last longer. When stocking your bunker with cereals, buy single-serving portions so that you don’t have to worry about a whole package expiring before you can finish it.
Granola Bars and Energy Bars
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Due to their packaging, these bars typically keep for at least 6 months and often a lot longer than that. They’re a great source for a quick energy boost, and their small size means you can stock a lot of them in a little space.
Dried Fruits
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Fruit is so good for your body, but it’s not the most bunker-friendly food when the world above you is in chaos and devastation. Buying freeze-dried fruit will get you a lot of the benefits of fresh fruit, and it lasts a long time in its sealed packaging.
Candy (Some Types)
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The apocalypse doesn’t have to be all gloom and doom. Sweeten it up a bit with candy that can last up to a year (or more). Examples include caramel, dark chocolate, hard candies, and jellied candies.
Dehydrated Meat
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Beef jerky and other dehydrated meats have lots of sodium nitrate, which results in a shelf life of a year or more. You can also make jerky at home on your own and save a lot of money.
Bouillon Cubes
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Bouillon cubes have been known to last at least a year past their expiration dates, especially the non-meat-based ones. They’ll lose some flavor over that time but won’t go bad as long as you keep moisture from getting in.
Canned Food
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Canned foods have to be a staple of any bunker. Meat, fruit, vegetables, soup, and beans can be kept for up to 5 years after canning, maybe more. Corrosion and rusting do mean that contrary to popular belief, canned food won’t last forever.
Bottled Water
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Bottled water will last pretty much forever, even after you break the seal. It could get spoiled if outside contaminants get in, so be careful when you pour it, and don’t drink straight from the bottle unless you’re going to drink it all that day.
12 Foods To NEVER Eat After They Expire (Throw Them Away Immediately)
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The “Sell by” date on food packaging tells how long the food can stay on shelves, but it doesn’t necessarily mean that’s when it expires. On the other hand, the “Best by” or “Use by” date is something to really pay attention to.
Some foods can be fine well past that date, but others don’t, and consuming them can lead to food poisoning, a trip to the hospital, or worse. Following are some foods you should never consume after they expire.
12 Foods To NEVER Eat After They Expire (Throw Them Away Immediately)
10 Beers Americans Can’t Stop Guzzling
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Each generation has its favorites when it comes to everything from apps to restaurants. They have clear preferences for certain beers as well. Boomers, Gen Xers, and Millenials each have favorite beers that are their go-to beverage for a night out.
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