When it comes to being prepared for emergencies, it is essential to accumulate substantial stocks of food and water. However, the emphasis is not just on quantity, but also on how it’s stored. Integral to any emergency preparedness kit is the long term food storage containers. Their capacity to maintain the freshness and safety of your food for long periods, spanning from months to years, is indispensable.
There are many different types of long term food storage containers available, from plastic buckets to metal cans to vacuum-sealed bags. When choosing the right container for your needs, there are a few key factors to consider. First and foremost, you want a container that is airtight and watertight, as this will prevent moisture and air from getting in and spoiling your food. You also want a container that is durable and sturdy, as it will need to withstand the test of time and potentially rough handling.
After researching and testing various options, we’ve identified the best long term food storage containers on the market today. These containers are made from high-quality materials, are easy to use and clean, and provide excellent protection for your food. Whether you’re preparing for a natural disaster or simply stocking up for the future, these containers will give you peace of mind knowing that your food is safe and secure.
Best Long Term Food Storage Containers
As preppers, we know that having a reliable long-term food storage system is essential. It’s not just about stockpiling food, but also ensuring that it stays fresh and edible for an extended period. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of the best long-term food storage containers on the market. These containers are durable, airtight, and designed to keep your food safe from moisture, air, and pests. Whether you’re storing grains, canned goods, or dehydrated food, these containers will help you keep your food fresh and ready to eat when you need it.
1. Sagan Life AquaBrick Emergency Water Storage Containers w Ventless Spigot Cap
If you’re looking for a durable and reliable long-term food storage container, the Sagan Life AquaBrick Emergency Water Storage Containers w Ventless Spigot Cap is a great option.
Pros
- The AquaBrick is 100% leakproof and can withstand the weight of a 4000 lb truck, making it ideal for emergency situations.
- The Spigot Attachment turns the AquaBrick into an outdoor beverage dispenser, making it a versatile addition to your camping gear or outdoor events.
- The AquaBrick is easy to use, fill, carry, and pour, with no cumbersome handles blocking the way of the lid.
Cons
- The AquaBrick may be too heavy for some users to carry when full.
- Some users have reported difficulty with the spigot attachment, which can be challenging to install and may leak.
- The AquaBrick may be more expensive than other long-term food storage containers on the market.
Overall, we highly recommend the Sagan Life AquaBrick Emergency Water Storage Containers w Ventless Spigot Cap for anyone in need of a reliable and durable long-term food storage container. Its leakproof design and easy-to-use spigot attachment make it a versatile addition to any emergency or outdoor gear collection.
2. Oxy-Sorb Oxygen Absorber Packets
If you’re looking for a way to store dry food for long periods of time, the Oxy-Sorb Oxygen Absorber Packets are an excellent choice. These packets are filled with iron powder and work by absorbing oxygen when exposed to it. This keeps your dry food and grains free of mold and other pathogens, and extends their shelf life.
Pros
- These packets are more effective than freezing or vacuum sealing alone in keeping food fresh.
- They work best with dry goods, whether it’s dry food, grains, or powdered goods.
- Use with gas flushing/vacuum packaging to absorb virtually all oxygen that may permeate the package.
Cons
- Not sure if they worked as mold still grew in my product.
- They need to be packaged in 20-25 each packets because if you don’t use them all immediately, they tend to get air in them every time you use a few and you end up wasting a lot of them.
- Pretty sure it’s doing what it’s meant to. I’ll have to ask them later how much moisture they sucked up.
We highly recommend the Oxy-Sorb Oxygen Absorber Packets for anyone looking to store dry food for long periods of time. These packets are effective and easy to use. The absorbers bring the oxygen level down reliably to .01% or less, which helps to maintain the food’s freshness.
When used with proper packaging and sealing, including vacuum sealing, the oxygen in the packaging is greatly reduced, and you get maximum efficiency. This set of absorbers is perfect for maintaining up to a 1-quart sized container.
In conclusion, if you’re planning on storing food long term, these packets keep your goods fresh and mold-free. They are an excellent investment for anyone looking to stock up on grains or other dry foods, or to prep them for long-term storage.
3. Fresh Assured | 12-Pack 5 Gallon Mylar Bags with Oxygen Absorbers
If you’re looking for a reliable long-term food storage container, the Fresh Assured 12-Pack 5 Gallon Mylar Bags with Oxygen Absorbers is an excellent choice.
Pros
- The 7 mil Mylar bags are incredibly durable, puncture-resistant, and airtight, ensuring that your food stays fresh for an extended period.
- The oxygen absorbers are of the right size for a 5-gallon Mylar bag, and the company tests every batch to ensure they meet the stated capacity.
- The kit includes everything you need, including 12 Mylar bags, 12 oxygen absorbers, and a quick start guide, making it easy to use.
Cons
- The oxygen absorbers remove oxygen, not air, so you won’t get a vacuum-sealed look.
- Comparing the size of absorbers isn’t a valid test of their capacity.
- The bags don’t fit perfectly into a bucket, so you may have to adjust them.
We’ve used the Fresh Assured 12-Pack 5 Gallon Mylar Bags with Oxygen Absorbers for our long-term food storage needs, and we’re impressed with their quality. The bags are incredibly durable, puncture-resistant, and airtight, ensuring that our food stays fresh for an extended period. The oxygen absorbers are of the right size for a 5-gallon Mylar bag, and the company tests every batch to ensure they meet the stated capacity.
The kit includes everything you need, including 12 Mylar bags, 12 oxygen absorbers, and a quick start guide, making it easy to use. However, it’s worth noting that the oxygen absorbers remove oxygen, not air, so you won’t get a vacuum-sealed look. Also, comparing the size of absorbers isn’t a valid test of their capacity.
One minor issue we encountered is that the bags don’t fit perfectly into a bucket, so you may have to adjust them. Overall, the Fresh Assured 12-Pack 5 Gallon Mylar Bags with Oxygen Absorbers is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a reliable long-term food storage container.
4. ePackageSupply 5 Gallon Food Storage Bucket
If you’re looking for a high-quality and durable long-term food storage solution, the ePackageSupply 5 Gallon Food Storage Bucket is an excellent choice.
Pros
- The airtight Gamma Seal screw-on lid ensures contents stay fresh and secure.
- Made with high-grade HDPE plastic, these BPA-free buckets are durable and heavy-duty.
- The 90 mil thickness adds strength and versatility, making it the perfect all-purpose pail.
Cons
- The price may be a bit higher than other options on the market.
- The screw-on lid can be difficult to separate into two parts.
- The green color may not be to everyone’s taste.
We’ve used these buckets for a variety of purposes, including storing bulk food items like rice and grains, meal prep, and even laundry detergent. The airtight seal on the Gamma Seal lid ensures that the contents stay fresh and secure, making it ideal for long-term food storage.
The high-grade HDPE plastic used to make these buckets is BPA-free and durable, making them perfect for heavy-duty tasks. We’ve used them to store everything from deli meats to large bags of flour and sugar, and they’ve held up exceptionally well.
The 90 mil thickness adds strength and versatility, making it the perfect all-purpose pail. We’ve even used them for water changes when cleaning out a fish tank or aquarium because they’re large enough and BPA-free (a must for fish).
Overall, we highly recommend the ePackageSupply 5 Gallon Food Storage Bucket for anyone in need of a high-quality and durable long-term food storage solution.
5. PRAKI Extra Large Tall Airtight Food Storage Containers
If you’re looking for an affordable and practical solution for your food storage needs, the PRAKI Extra Large Tall Airtight Food Storage Containers might be the right choice for you. These containers come in a set of four, with a total capacity of 6.5 liters, making them perfect for storing flour, sugar, cereal, rice, nuts, coffee, and beans.
Pros
- The containers are made of high-grade BPA-free plastic, which is sturdy and durable.
- The side-locking lids with silicone gasket make the containers airtight, ensuring that your food stays fresh and dry.
- The stackable design of the containers allows you to make the most of your pantry or freezer space.
Cons
- The lids can be difficult to lock down at times.
- One of the tabs on the lid may not shut tightly.
- The containers might not be suitable for storing liquids.
We recently purchased the PRAKI Extra Large Tall Airtight Food Storage Containers, and we’re quite impressed with their performance. The containers are made of high-quality plastic that is both sturdy and durable. We appreciate that they are BPA-free, which gives us peace of mind when storing food items. The containers are also clear, which makes it easy to see what’s inside.
One of the best things about these containers is that they are airtight. The side-locking lids with silicone gasket ensure that our food stays fresh and dry. We’ve used them to store flour, sugar, and cereal, and we haven’t had any issues with moisture or insects. We also like that the containers are stackable, which allows us to make the most of our pantry space.
However, we did find that the lids can be a bit difficult to lock down at times. It takes a bit of force to get them to snap into place, which can be frustrating. We also noticed that one of the tabs on the lid doesn’t shut tightly, which could potentially lead to air leaks. Finally, we wouldn’t recommend using these containers for storing liquids, as they may not be completely leak-proof.
Overall, we think the PRAKI Extra Large Tall Airtight Food Storage Containers are a great value for the price. They’re sturdy, airtight, and stackable, making them a practical solution for anyone looking to organize their pantry.
Buying Guide
When it comes to choosing the best long term food storage containers, there are a few key features to consider. Here are some factors to keep in mind:
Material
The material of the container is an important consideration. Look for containers made of food-grade materials such as high-density polyethylene (HDPE), which is durable and resistant to chemicals and moisture. Glass containers are also a good option, as they are non-toxic and do not absorb odors or flavors.
Capacity
Consider the amount of food you need to store and choose a container with the appropriate capacity. It’s better to choose a container that is slightly larger than what you need, as this allows for expansion and prevents overfilling.
Seal
A good seal is essential for long term food storage. Look for containers with airtight seals that prevent moisture and air from entering. This will help to keep your food fresh and prevent spoilage.
Stackability
If you plan to store multiple containers, look for ones that are stackable. This will help to save space and make it easier to organize your storage area.
Accessibility
Consider how easy it is to access the contents of the container. Look for containers with wide openings or removable lids that make it easy to reach in and grab what you need.
Durability
Choose containers that are durable and built to last. Look for containers that are resistant to impact and can withstand extreme temperatures.
By keeping these factors in mind, you can choose the best long term food storage containers for your needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What containers are best for long term food storage?
When it comes to long term food storage, it is important to choose containers that are durable, airtight, and can keep food fresh for an extended period of time. Some of the best containers for long term food storage include glass jars with tight-fitting lids, heavy-duty plastic containers with snap-on lids, and metal canisters with airtight seals.
What is the best material for long term food storage?
The best material for long term food storage depends on the type of food you are storing. For dry goods, such as grains and beans, glass or heavy-duty plastic containers are ideal. For liquids or moist foods, such as soups or stews, metal canisters with airtight seals are best. It is important to choose materials that are non-reactive and won’t leach chemicals into your food.
What type of container keeps food fresh the longest?
Containers with airtight seals and minimal air exposure are best for keeping food fresh for an extended period of time. Glass jars with tight-fitting lids, heavy-duty plastic containers with snap-on lids, and metal canisters with airtight seals are all good options. Vacuum-sealed bags are also effective at keeping food fresh for a long period of time.
What is the best way to store food for long term storage?
The best way to store food for long term storage is to keep it in a cool, dry place that is away from direct sunlight and moisture. It is also important to label your containers with the date of storage and the contents inside. Regularly rotate your food supply to ensure that older items are used first.
What are the best airtight storage containers?
Glass jars with tight-fitting lids, heavy-duty plastic containers with snap-on lids, and metal canisters with airtight seals are all good options for airtight storage containers. Look for containers with airtight seals that are easy to open and close, and that won’t leak or spill.
What are the best dry food storage containers?
For dry goods, such as grains and beans, glass jars with tight-fitting lids, heavy-duty plastic containers with snap-on lids, and metal canisters with airtight seals are all good options for dry food storage. Look for containers that are durable, stackable, and easy to label.
