Food storage doesn't have to be daunting or intimidating. In my role as a customer service representative at PackfreshUSA, I've heard from many customers that simply don't know where to begin with their food storage. The uncertainty ranges from what items to store to how much to store, accompanied by a fear of making mistakes. I once assisted a customer who had purchased food at the start of the pandemic but hadn't stored it for years. After encouraging her to start, she did so, and fortunately, very little went to waste.

My goal is to take the fear out of long-term food storage. Join me in the "1 Person 1 Year" series, which can also be adapted for two people for six months or four people for three months. This approach empowers individuals and is remarkably achievable.

So, let's get preppin!

Calculating Your Needs

First, let's figure out what you need to store - no more second guessing. Using PackFreshUSA Food Storage Calculator,  makes checking items off your list as easy as baking a cake. The calculator covers standard cooking essentials, along with other essential food items.

For our scenario, we entered 1 Adult for 12 months and clicked calculate. The chart instantly updates, providing a comprehensive list of required food items and other essentials. This breakdown makes your shopping trip a breeze; simply add the items to your cart and you are on your way.

As of the posting of this blog, I was able to get all the Baking Essentials on my list for 1 Person 1 Year for less than $21.00. I only needed to spend $20.97.

I initially shopped at Costco and then completed my shopping at Aldi for the remaining items. You can also find these items at your local grocery store. Shop wherever is most convenient for you and where you can get the best deals.

Did you know if you don’t have baking powder you can make your own? Here is a quick recipe:

• 2 part Cream of Tartar
• 2 parts Cornstarch or Arrowroot (optional)
• 1 part Baking Soda
• Mix well. And now you have Baking Powder.

Check out the 1 person, 1 year - Baking Essentials video for more insights on these crucial items.

Other items I suggest you add to this list would be seasonings; like garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasonings, bouillons and whatever spices you like. Click HERE to check out a video on how easy is it to store your spices long-term.

Storage Tips

• Vinegar: Keep your vinegar in the original containers and store in a cool dark place.

• Baking Soda & Baking Powder: Baking soda in its original box can be placed and sealed in Mylar bags and do not any oxygen absorber. You can also can vacuum seal it in PackFreshUSA Vacuum Sealer Bags. Keep it fresher by storing them in a cool dark place. Baking Powder can be stored like baking soda. Both of these items need to be rotated regularly.

• Yeast: Stored best in the freezer, which will easily double to triple the life of the yeast.

• Salt: Protect salt from moisture. I like storing mine in Mylar or vacuum sealing bags, no oxygen absorber needed. I also use PackFreshUSA’s Freezer Pops bags to have small amounts stored in bins. You can add a PackFreshUSA's Food-Safe Desiccants to ensure your salt stays dry.
  • Click HER, to see a video about storing salt & sugar in Mylar bags
  • Click HERE to see a video about storing salt Freezer Pop bags

Further Resources

Don't Forget to check out my other blogs and video regarding essential prepping food items:

• Pasta & Grains: Pasta Prep: How Much to Store?
  • Pasta For 1 Person, 1 Year - Video
  • Flour For 1 Person, 1 Year - Video
• Legumes: What to Store For 1 Person for 1 Year - Beans
  • Pinto Beans - Video
  • Bean Soup Mix - Video
  • Great Northern Beans - Video
  • Split Peas - Video
  • Lentils - Video

So let's include these in your shopping list or why not head out now to get them. As you can see these basic cooking essentials can be bought and stored easily and it will not break the bank.

Being prepared for a rainy day is crucial, and I'm here to make prepping effortless as possible for you.

Happy prepping,

Ola D Griffin

Long-term Food Storage Expert

Customer Service, Safeguard Brands, Inc. dba PackFreshUSA

YouTuber Pandemic Prepsters - YouTube

Instagram - Ola Dee Griffin (@Preparedness101) • Instagram Photos And Videos

Tiktok - Oladeegriffin (@Oladeegriffin) | TikTok

PackFreshUSA is featured in this Meat + Poultry Magazine article on using oxygen absorbers with jerky.

Check it out!