Frugal Prepping – More Than Just Canned Goods

Stocking up on foods with a long shelf-life is a major part of the prepping lifestyle. However, it can really add up when times are tough. Canned goods are always a great budget friendly food source, but there are so many more low-budget prepping options to consider. Let's take a look at five of them!

1.) Grains.
Whole grains come at many different price points, and depending on the type of grain, can last 12-30 years if stored in a cool dark place. If you are on a budget, try looking for soft grains like rolled oats, barley, quinoa, and cream of wheat. Remember to break them up into smaller Mylar bags and store them in a solid, sealed container to get the longest shelf life possible.

2.) Peanut Butter.
Peanut butter is another great option. If sealed in a #10 can that is stored in a cool, dry place, it can last anywhere between 5-10 years! Perhaps even longer if storing powdered peanut butter.

3.) Eggs.
Surprised? Eggs can have a surprisingly long shelf life when properly preserved. Mineral oil, dehydration, and freeze-drying are all fantastic ways to get the longest shelf life out of your eggs. Another tip is to freeze them using ice trays or muffin tins. To make this more affordable, try buying your eggs from a local farm. Depending on where you live, homegrown eggs can be less expensive than store-bought. This is especially true during times of high inflation.

4.) Meat.
Freezing meat to extend its shelf life is a popular choice. However, there are many concerns regarding freezer burn. To avoid this, chill your meat before freezing it, freeze in smaller batches, don't overfill or underfill your freezer, use freezer-safe containers, and give your meat an extra layer of protection by wrapping it in waxed paper or aluminum foil first. To make this more affordable, try buying your meat in bulk from a wholesale business. Additionally, it is always a good idea to check with your local butcher to see if their prices are better. You might be surprised!

5.) Bread.
Like meat, bread also has an extended shelf-life when frozen. Buy your bread in bulk from wholesale grocery or dollar stores. Making your own bread can also save you a lot of money. Try looking up some good no-fail recipes that allow you to make delicious bread from bare-minimum ingredients.

Canned foods are great for prepping, but there are many other amazing options that you can use to add to your prepping process. The five I just laid out are enough to get you started, but the full list is seemingly endless.

Have a great rest of your week!