Canned goods add great value to your long-term food storage plans.
Obviously for a variety of reasons, some of which are:
- Some items are better stored by canning than any other process, thus increasing variety of foods stored.
- There is little preparation for a canned item when the need to eat.
- They are small space friendly.
- Stocking up at a local grocer is easy when canned goods go on sale.
- They lend to an easy rotation for using the older items first.
Often we (as a grain provider) focus on the dried goods, but canned goods are vital to a well rounded pantry in case of epidemic or pandemic emergencies.
Things to avoid when stocking up cans:
- Missing labels (if on sale as ‘naked’ cans, at least write the item and date purchased on the can).
- Dented or rusty cans may contain botulism.
- Avoid having only an electric can opener! It’s always a good idea to have manual back up.
- Avoid large #10 cans of items that you and your family won’t use up the entire contents all at once.
Donna Miller is an author, teacher and entrepreneur. Her favorite roles are that of wife and mother to three home-school graduates. The Millers own and operate
Millers Grain House
which offers Organic and Chemical-free Whole Grains, Bosch Mixers, the NutriMill, instructional tutorials, recipes and more.
Popular Questions
What canned foods are best for bulk food storage?
Choose canned goods with long shelf lives, such as vegetables, fruits, beans, soups, meats, and fish. Prioritize cans your household already eats so supplies are rotated before quality declines. Select undamaged cans with intact seams, labels, and lids, and compare nutritional value and serving size when buying in quantity.
How should you organize canned goods for bulk food storage?
Keep cans in a cool, dry, dark area away from moisture, direct sunlight, and temperature extremes. Arrange them by food type and expiration or best-by date, placing older cans in front for first-in, first-out use. Store heavier cans on low, sturdy shelves and leave enough space to inspect containers regularly.
How long do canned goods last in bulk food storage?
Commercially canned foods often remain safe beyond the printed best-by date when stored properly, although flavor, texture, and nutritional quality may decline over time. Use the manufacturer’s date as a guide and inspect each can before opening it. Discard cans that are bulging, leaking, badly dented, rusted, spurting, or unusually foul-smelling after opening.
How can you rotate canned goods in a bulk food storage supply?
Record purchase dates and place new cases behind older cans whenever you restock. Plan meals around the oldest items and replace what you use during regular shopping trips. Check the storage area every few months for damaged cans, approaching dates, pest activity, or conditions that could cause rust.
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