Your Winter Survival Staples for the Kitchen

If we asked 100 people to name their top staple food items, we’d probably get 100 different answers.

Canned or freeze-dried beans might be on one person’s list but not another’s. Nut butters could be on some lists but be missing from others. 

But I think just about everyone would have at least a few of the same staples on their list. Including milk, eggs, and butter. 

Each of them is an item we can usually find easily enough when we go to the grocery store. They may be priced higher than we’d like, but at least they’re normally available. 

But here’s the problem. If you don’t stock up on those important staple food items – especially now during the winter – you might be out of luck when a crisis occurs. That’s because they’ll be among the first items scooped up when panic mode sets in. 

11 staples you don’t want to be without 

Today I want to discuss the most essential staples you should keep in your home at all times. Extra points for you if they have a long shelf life. We never know how long the next emergency situation will last, or how winter weather could keep us cooped up at home. 

In no particular order, here are my top 11 staple food items: 

• Water. This should be in everyone’s survival pantry. You need it to make food, brew coffee, and stay hydrated. Many folks use water bricks to keep their water safe.

• Meat. Everyone should have a stash of meat in their stockpile. After all, it’s essential for building muscle, and the protein helps keep you full. Survival meat kits do not require refrigeration, which is crucial during a winter power outage. 

• Milk. Speaking of protein, milk provides plenty of it. And it’s one of the first things to sell out when stuff hits the fan. It’s important to have your own supply on hand for emergencies. With shelf-stable milk you don’t have to worry about spoilage.

• Eggs. Another great source of protein is eggs. And just about everyone I know loves the taste of them. You can enjoy this versatile food at any meal. And they mix well with veggies and potatoes. 

• Butter. You might not see butter on every list of healthy food staples. But personally, I would not want to be without it. Butter is made from the proteins and fats found in milk and cream. Can you imagine eating a baked potato without it? 

• Freeze-dried fruit. You might not find this on most staples lists either, but it provides some nice variety to avoid food fatigue. 

• Nut butters. This is one I mentioned earlier. Flavors include peanut, almond, and cashew. Select ones that don’t have a lot of additives including sugar.

• Whole grains. These are a great staple because they can be used in so many different recipes. Rice, oats, barley, and quinoa are just a few. They can be used to make oatmeal, pasta, and soups, and are good sources of fiber and micronutrients.

• Fats. Healthy fats including olive oil, coconut oil, and ghee have a shelf life up to a year. Cooking with them not only adds flavor, but also aids in the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants in other foods. 

• Yogurt. Like eggs, yogurt is a versatile staple that can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. Add it to smoothies, enjoy it with berries and other fruit, and even use it to add creaminess to sauces and soups. 

• Nuts and seeds. Nuts including almonds, walnuts, and pistachios provide healthy fats we need. And they store well in airtight containers. They’re great to mix with other foods including salads and yogurt. Or just eat them plain as a snack. Tasty and healthy seeds include sunflower seeds and pumpkin seeds.

By storing a variety of healthy and great-tasting staples, you’ll be prepared when suddenly they’re unavailable at the store due to a crisis.