With so much going on in the world it's no surprise that there has been an increase in the interest in the apocalypse or end of the world. With that comes questions: Where should you hunker down? What's the safest location to be in the event of an actual world-ending event? What survival skills are needed to make it out alive? And, most importantly, what kind of foods would stand the test of time - and their expiration dates - in order to help a person survive something like that?
While doomsday might not be around the corner (even though it can certainly feel like it sometimes) there's no harm in exploring the world of doomsday prepping. There have been plenty of shows referencing the prepping process, but we're breaking down what a doomsday pantry should look like, including all of the foods that will help anyone survive a Walking Dead type of event.
Foods That Won't Expire In A Year... Or Ten
It's a little-known fact that one type of food that will last practically forever with spoiling is honey. Yes, it does have an expiration date, but that's required of all foods (even water usually has an expiration date). Due to honey's composition of mostly sugar, it has natural antibacterial properties, which makes it far more shelf-stable than nearly any other pantry item. Honey is also extremely low in moisture content which makes it tough for any bacteria or viruses to hang on or survive in its gooey, sugary contents. If nothing else, the expiration date is predictive of the crystallization of the honey but that in way means it's gone 'bad.'
If rice is stored in a vacuum-sealed or oxygen-free container or bag, it has the potential to last up to 30 years, uncooked. This is a great addition to any pantry due to its boost in carbohydrates as well as its ability to make for a filling meal. It can be added to any dish in order to stretch it, making it a great (affordable) pantry staple.
Non-Perishable Foods That Don't Require Refrigeration
Peanut butter should be first on the list thanks to the fact that it's full of nutrition and can also last for some time without needing to be refrigerated. It's also delicious which is a rarity when it comes to survival food. It'll last anywhere from three to five years, according to Insider, meaning its well within the limits of apocalypse use. With high-fat levels as well as a helpful boost in vitamin E, peanut butter is a healthy food to add to any prepper's survival list.
Another interesting thing that should be added to the list is alcohol. This is not for drinking purposes, however - alcohol won't spoil and it won't freeze, and it also doesn't need a cold environment to keep it 'fresh.' Rather, it can be used for antibacterial reasons as well as disinfecting.
Dried beans are a no-brainer when it comes to doomsday prepping. Believe it or not, beans can be stretch far and wide, flavored in any way possible, and are incredibly filling with plenty of fiber. Lentils are also a great option and all of these can be used in soups which will stretch any budget, and food source, indefinitely.
Protein, Salt Sources, And Cans
According to PBS, protein bars are another must-have for surviving the apocalypse. They can last indefinitely - possibly forever - making them a great source of energy, protein, fiber, and even some essential nutrients. They're also super easy to pack and bring on long trips and don't take up much space in a pantry (or doomsday shelter).
Meat, such as jerky, is a great way to get some much-needed protein into anyone's doomsday diet. Dehydrated meat can be cured and salted with hot pepper and will last around two months, providing plenty of time to eat before it goes rancid. The jerky bought in a store has preservatives in it which would prove extremely helpful in this case, meaning the meat can last up to a year rather than only two months.
'Liquids' And Other Pantry Staples
Two things that are great to have are bouillon cubes and powdered milk. The milk will help with calcium intake and bouillon cubes contain tons of salt, but also lend flavor to soups and any liquid-based dish. Milk has the potential to last nearly as long as honey (25 years or more) while bouillon cubes can last past their expiration date, often up to another year. Canned foods are an obvious choice as well as instant coffee, which Insider suggests storing cold or in a freezer, if possible, and they can last up to two decades.