If you’re a prepper, you know the importance of being prepared for any eventuality. Two of the best ways to do this are to have a stockpile of food that will last you and your family in case of an emergency, and to rotate that food regularly. But how do you store all of that food in a way that keeps it organized and safe The answer is using a variety of both short-term and long-term food storage containers and systems.
The seven best types of long-term food storage containers have been rounded up to help you with your food stockpiling needs. These containers range in price, size, and function, but all of them have the common goal of keeping your food storage organized and safe.
Rather than just giving you a list of specific containers to pick up, I will primarily focus on the types of food storage containers and how to use each one. That way you don’t have to stress over finding particular brands, since it’s not always easy to find exact products. However, when I do have specific brands that I feel strongly about, I’ll let you know!
Overview
I’ll get into the details of each of these options, but for those of you who just want a quick list, here they are, along with links on Amazon.
Note that I’m an Amazon affiliate, so if you purchase any of these items after clicking on these links, I’ll receive a small commission at no additional cost to you.
Pantry Containers and Organizers
- Keeps pantry staples fresh
- Keeps food organized
- Attractive
5-lb Flour Airtight Containers
- Holds exactly 5 lbs of flour
- Airtight lids snap shut
- Stackable to maximize space
- Look nice in a pantry
- Rodent proof
- Can be vacuum sealed
- Good for bulk foods
- Sturdy
- Can store a lot of food in a small space
- Lightweight
- Block out light and moisture
- Work well with oxygen absorbers
- Great way to maximize space
- Out of sight
- Fantastic way to spread out food storage
Water Storage Containers
- Needed for survival
- Necessary for rehydrating dehydrated food
- Necessary for cooking food
Now that you have an overview, here are the juicy details on how to make use of these different types of long-term food storage and water storage options.
#1: Pantry Containers Organizers
Airtight pantry containers and canned food organizers are a great way to keep your food organized, safe, and easy to access. They come in a variety of sizes and shapes, so you can find the perfect ones for your needs. Plus, they’re attractive and easy to use, making them a great addition to any pantry.
What I love most about these options is that they make it easy to actually use the food in your prepper pantry. My personal prepping philosophy is focused on regularly cooking with the food in my prepper pantry so that I never have to worry about it going bad.
The items in this section are meant to be kept in your working pantry, meaning the pantry you access on a regular basis. You can replenish the food in these containers from the other long term food storage containers that I’ll cover later in this article.
Best Features
Here are the best features of this category of long-term food storage containers.
Keeps pantry staples fresh and organized
If you have ever had an unorganized pantry, you know how frustrating it can be to search for a particular item. Not to mention, a messy pantry can lead to expired food and wasted money.
Airtight pantry containers and organizers are the key to keeping your pantry staples fresh and your kitchen organized.
By clearly labeling each container, you can easily find what you need without having to search through boxes and bags.
In addition, airtight containers help to keep pests out and protect your food from being damaged by moisture or humidity. As a result, investing in a few key pantry containers and organizers can help you save time and money in the long run.
Keeps canned food organized and rotated
Canned food are a great addition to your pantry, but it can be hard to keep track of everything.
A canned food organizer can help you keep your cans sorted and easy to access. They also make it easy to rotate your stock, so you can use the oldest cans first and avoid waste. And, of course, they save you a lot of time and effort when it comes to planning meals.
So, if you’re looking for a way to streamline your canned food usage, a canned food organizer is definitely worth considering.
Pro Tip: I really like these FIFO canned food organizers that you can pick up on Amazon.
Attractive
There’s something about a well-organized cupboard that just looks appealing. Maybe it’s the symmetry of matching containers lined up in a row, or the way that all the labels are facing the same direction.
Whatever the reason, there’s no denying that airtight food containers and canned food organizers can really make a pantry look its best.
Pros and Cons
Here are the pros and cons of airtight food storage containers and canned food rotating racks
Pros:
- Keeps pantry staples fresh and organized
- Helps you rotate canned food
- Look attractive
Cons:
- Some containers only hold small amounts of food
- Some canned food organizers don’t fit into narrow pantries
Get Airtight food storage containers and canned food racks on Amazon.
#2: 5-lb Flour Airtight Containers
If you’re looking for a way to store your flour long-term, airtight 5-lb flour containers are a great option. These containers are designed to keep your flour safe and fresh, and critter free, making them the perfect choice for preppers or anyone who wants to stock up on flour.
Flour is one of the main things I store in my prepper pantry due to versatility. Even now I make all our own bread, as well as other baked goods such as biscuits and cornbread. On occasion I make tortillas, cake and cookies, and even egg roll wrappers, which all require flour. I’m even considering getting a pasta roller so that I can start making all of our pasta from scratch.
Since I can make such a wide variety of items with flour, with a nice stockpile of flour on hand, I worry less about whether or not I can get these items from the grocery store.
Best Features
Here are what I like the most about five-pound flour storage containers.
Holds exactly 5 pounds of flour
I love that these containers made for holding flour hold exactly five pounds. The reason I love that is that when I buy a new bag of flour, it fits into the container perfectly. I don’t have the problem of pouring flour into the container and having a little bit of flour left in the bag that I must store somewhere else.
Also, since I can easily see how many containers I have and since I know that each container holds five pounds, I can quickly calculate exactly how much flour I have in my prepper pantry. This helps me know what I have compared with my food storage goals, such as being able to make a loaf of bread a week.
Airtight lids snap shut
Airtight lids that snap shut are definitely a feature to look for when buying food storage containers.
The benefits of an airtight lid are many. First, it keeps the flour fresh for a longer period of time. Second, it prevents insects and other pests from getting into the flour. Third, it helps to keep the flour from spilling out and making a mess. Fourth, it makes it easier to store the flour in a cupboard or pantry.
All in all, an airtight lid is a great feature to have on any type of food storage containers, including ones made for storing flour.
Stackable to maximize space
Space is often at a premium in a pantry, so it’s important to make the most of the available storage space. One way to do this is to choose stackable food containers.
For example, many brands of flour come in 5-pound bags. These bags can take up a lot of space in a pantry or cabinet and are hard to keep neat and tidy.
But if you have stackable flour containers, you can easily store multiple bags on top of each other, saving valuable space.
Stackable containers are also great for storing other dry goods, such as sugar, rice, and pasta. And because they’re stackable, they’re easy to access when you need them. As an example, I am using the same “flour” containers to store my powdered milk.
Pros and Cons
Here are the pros and cons of the 5-pound flour containers:
Pros
- Holds exactly 5 lbs of flour
- Airtight lids snap shut
- Stackable to maximize space
Cons
- Snug fit, so it can be hard to slide in the bag of flour
Here are the specific five-pound flour storage containers that I bought on Amazon.
#3 Mason Jars
Mason jars are a great, all-purpose food storage container because they can be used in so many ways. I obviously use them for their primary intended purpose, canning, but I also love storing food in them for the following reasons.
Best Features
Here’s what I like the most about using mason jars for long term food storage.
Look nice in a pantry
There’s something about mason jars that just makes me smile. I love the way they look in a pantry. Whether you’re going for a country vibe in your kitchen or if you have a more modern decor, there’s something timeless about mason jars that makes storing food in them an attractive option.
Bug and rodent proof
Mason jars are a great way to keep your food safe from bugs and rodents. The tight seal on the lid prevents any little critters from getting in, and the glass jars are too tough for rodents to chew through. The rodent proofing feature is what makes me prefer glass mason jars over plastic food storage containers.
Can be vacuum sealed
While airtight plastic food storage containers are great, they don’t always keep food in optimal condition as long as I’d like. But if you have a mason jar that can be vacuum sealed, you can rest assured that your food will stay fresh for much longer. That’s because the airtight seal prevents oxygen from getting to the food, and oxygen is one of the culprits that degrades the quality of food.
So, if you’re looking for a way to store your food and keep it fresh, vacuum sealing is the way to go and with the right tools, mason jars make that possible.
Pros and Cons
Here are the pros and cons of using mason jars as long-term food storage containers.
Pros:
- Look nice in a pantry
- Bug and rodent proof
- Can be vacuum sealed
Cons:
- Made of glass so are breakable
Check out these mason jars and vacuum sealers and mason jar attachments on Amazon.
#4: 5-Gallon Buckets
If you’re looking for a way to store large quantities of food, five-gallon buckets are a great option. They’re sturdy and usually have a handle for easy transport, which makes them perfect for long term food storage.
Depending on the type of lids you have, they can also be airtight, which helps the food you store in them last longer.
Five-gallon buckets are ideal for storing items that you can buy in bulk that last a long time such as dry beans, rice, and sugar.
I don’t find them as convenient for food that I want to access on a regular basis, which is why I reserve these for the type of food mentioned above.
Best Features
Here are the best features of five-gallon buckets for long-term food storage.
Good for bulk foods
A five-gallon bucket is a great option for storing bulk foods such as beans, rice, and sugar. They’re big enough to store a lot of food, but not so big that they are impossible to move. They’re also airtight, so your food stays fresh longer. And they’re easy to clean – just give them a quick rinse and they’re good to go.
So, if you’re looking for an option for storing bulk foods, five-gallon buckets are a great choice.
Sturdy and will last for years
Five-gallon buckets are great for long term food storage because they’re sturdy and last a long time. This is especially beneficial if you buy in bulk.
The sturdiness of the bucket prevents crushing, which could damage the food inside, and the lifespan of the bucket means that you won’t have to replace it as often. This can save you money in the long run and reduce waste. In addition, the tight seal of the lid helps to keep air and moisture out, which can further prolong the shelf life of your stored food.
Can store a lot of food in a small space
When it comes to storing food for the long term, space is often at a premium. That’s why five-gallon buckets are such a handy option. They can hold a lot of food in a relatively small space, making them ideal for tight quarters. And because they’re stackable, they’re also easy to organize.
Even if you live in an apartment and have just a small closet for your bulk food storage, you can fit a lot of five-gallon buckets into that closet.
Here’s an example of how much you can fit into a 5-gallon bucket:
- 60 pounds of beans
- 35 pounds of sugar
- 60pounds of rice
Pros and Cons
Here are the pros and cons of using five-gallon buckets for long-term food storage.
Pros:
- Can store a lot of food in a small space
- Sturdy and will last for years
- Airtight, so food stays fresh longer
- Easy to clean
Cons:
- Can be heavy when full, and depending on your strength level it may be hard to move
- Are inconvenient to get into for daily use
Check out these five-gallon buckets on Amazon.
#5: Mylar Bags
Mylar bags are a great way to store food for the long term. They block out light and moisture, which helps keep your food fresh. And because they’re airtight, they prevent oxygen from getting to your food, which can degrade its quality.
Best Features
Here are the best features of mylar bags for long-term food storage.
Lightweight
One of the biggest benefits of mylar bags is that they’re lightweight. This matters because if you ever need to move your food storage, you’ll appreciate the fact that the food you store in mylar bags isn’t as heavy.
The lightweight nature also makes them ideal for anyone with strength or mobility issues since heavier containers may be harder to handle.
Block out light and moisture
Mylar bags are often used for long-term food storage, as they are effective at blocking out light and moisture. This helps to keep food fresh and nutritious for longer periods of time. Overall, mylar bags are an excellent option for long-term food storage, as they help to keep food fresh, nutritious, and bug-free.
Work well with oxygen absorbers
Mylar bags are a great option for long term food storage, because they work well with oxygen absorbers, and the benefits of that are many. Oxygen absorbers help to keep food fresh by removing the oxygen from the bag. This extends the shelf life of food, and helps to prevent spoilage. Mylar bags also help keep food dry, which is another important factor in preventing spoilage.
Note that in place of oxygen absorbers, you can use a vacuum sealer to remove the oxygen from mylar bags.
Pros and Cons
Here are the pros and cons of using mylar bags for long-term food storage.
Pros:
- Lightweight
- blocks out light and moisture
- airtight, so food stays fresh longer
Cons:
- Can be chewed through by rodents
Check out these mylar bags and oxygen absorbers on Amazon.
#6: Under the Bed Storage Bins
Under the bed storage bins are a great way to store food. They’re sturdy and last a long time. In addition, they take up very little space, making them ideal for apartments or small homes. While they are typically not airtight, they are a great way to store food that you have put into airtight containers such as mylar bags. I also like to store canned goods and packaged foods such as pasta or instant mashed potatoes in under the bed storage containers.
Best Features
Here are the things I love the most about using under the bed storage bins for long term food storage
Great way to maximize space
If you’re looking for a way to maximize your food storage space, under the bed storage bins are a great option. They’re perfect for storing things like extra canned goods, dry goods, and even some pantry items.
Under the bed storage bins are also great for keeping your food organized. I like storing a certain type of food in each storage bin. For example, I store pasta, instant mashed potatoes, and stuffing mix in one bin, canned fruits and vegetables in another bin, and canned meat in another bin. With everything in one place, it’s easy to find what you’re looking for and to keep track of expiration dates.
Plus, under the bed storage bins come in a variety of sizes, so you can find one that fits your needs perfectly.
Out of sight
I love having at least some of the food that I have stored out of sight, and under the bed storage bins are great for that. It’s best not to advertise the fact that you have a ton of food stored in your home or apartment, and unless visitors are nosy, they’ll never notice how much food you have stored under your beds.
Great way to spread out food storage
It’s a good idea to store food in multiple places throughout your home for a few reasons. The primary reason is that if you have all of your food stored in one area of your home such as the basement, and there is flooding or a water leak in that space, you can lose all of the food you have worked so hard to store up.
In contrast, if you have your food stored throughout your home or apartment, you’re less likely to lose all of it at once.
Pros and Cons
Here are the pros and cons of using under the bed storage containers for long-term food storage.
Pros:
- Great way to maximize space
- Out of sight
- Great way to spread food throughout your home so there’s less chance of losing all of it.
Cons:
- Not airtight
- May be hard to get to if the bed is in tight quarters
Check out the selection of under the bed storage containers on Amazon.
#7: Water Storage Containers
Okay, I can hear what you’re thinking. . . “I thought this article was about food storage containers! What does water have to do with food?”
You have a point, but I wanted to address the topic of water storage because it’s something people often neglect when it comes to long term food storage plans.
I decided to include water storage containers in this article because water is not only needed for survival, it’s also necessary for rehydrating food, and in some cases is needed for cooking food. For instance, your dry beans do you no good if you don’t have any water to cook them with, and while you may be able to munch on uncooked pasta, it tastes much better when cooked, which requires water.
You will also need water to make beverages such as coffee, tea, hot cocoa, and for drink mixes.
So, while water is technically not food, water is a vital component of your food storage and overall survival plan.
The only real drawback to storing water is that it’s heavy, and takes up a lot of space. Because of that, unless you live in a place with a ton of room, it’s near impossible to store a year’s worth of water.
A good water storage goal for most people is to store a month’s worth of water per person. Most people recommend storing one gallon of water per person, per day, or 30 gallons of water per person. This means if you have a family of four, you’ll ideally store 120 gallons of water in your home.
If you can’t store that much, do the best you can, but I recommend a minimum of one week’s worth of water, or seven gallons of water per person. That will help get you through a short-term emergency such as water being cut off due to a natural disaster or some other issue beyond your control, but it won’t do much more than that.
Check out the water storage containers on Amazon.
Conclusion
Food storage is an important part of being a prepper, and long-term food storage containers are the best way to store food, so it doesn’t go bad. In this article, we’ve listed some of the best long term food storage containers on the market, as well as discussed some of the pros and cons of each type. We’ve also provided some tips on how to best use these containers to store your food. So, if you’re serious about being prepared for anything, make sure you have a good supply of long-term food storage containers.
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