What Is Dry Food Storage?

Food storage is a loose term that can define many different food storage methods. Dry food storage is an easy method to accumulate food in your home.

Dry food storage can be done primarily in three ways. These methods include buying bulk dry food, canned foods, and sealing foods in mylar bags or pouches. If you are looking for the longest-lasting food storage method, mylar bags can keep foods fresh for up to 30 years.

Dry storage can be defined as a simple method of buying a few items and putting them in your pantry. However, the shelf life is limited when bulk buying dry foods. The type of food you buy also plays an essential factor in deciding on the best type of dry storage you should use. In this guide, we show you the best dry foods and dry storage methods.

Homeowners constantly worry about emergencies, and one of the best ways to stay ahead of them is by planning your dry food storage. We have helped many homeowners get started by building out daily pantries and long-term food storage too. Keep reading to learn all of the essential information you need to get started.  

‍What Is Dry Food Storage?

Dry food storage is the process of storing food in a dry, cool place. People store food for various reasons: it could be as simple as keeping them fresh and edible or preserving its nutritional value.

Other people might be looking for ways to store food in a way that minimizes waste and keeps costs down. There are many ways to store dry foods, such as using airtight containers, new plastic bags, tin foil, freezer bags, vacuum sealers, and metal tins.

Dry food storage is a way to keep the food dry and away from insects and other pests. Dry food storage generally consists of an air-tight container with a tight lid. It should be kept in a dark place with low humidity to prevent spoilage.

Dry food storage is used for storing grains, beans, nuts, cereals, and rice which is dry and difficult to keep in wet conditions. Dry food storage is any food that is not considered wet or refrigerated. Dry goods include dried beans, grains, cereals, and pasta. Most importantly, Dry food is any type of food that does not have any moisture.

This type of storage unit can be a container or cabinet with tight-fitting doors and shelves to prevent dust from getting in the food. These types of units are often used in pantries or other smaller kitchen areas that do not have enough room for a full-size refrigerator.

Types Of Dry Food Storage

While cans are most commonly used in dry food storage, they are not the only option available. Pouches and bags may offer an easier to store and seal option for some people.

Dry food storage can be a confusing and challenging process. There are many different options that can be either budget or environmentally friendly, depending on what you need. The type of storage you choose will depend on the types of foods you want to store, how much space you have in your pantry, and what your budget looks like.

There are three main types of dry food storage: cans, jars, and pouches. All of these have their own pros and cons, such as the size of the container or how long it will last. With some adjustments in preparation, these containers can all be used for long-term food storage.

When storing dry food, it is important to know which foods are best for long periods of time. If you don't have a fridge, or you are preparing for power outages, there are some foods that will last longer than others.

Canned Goods

Canned food is a great way to store your food for the long term without it going bad.

Some of the benefits of canned food storage are that they last, it's easy to store, and you don't have to do anything with them besides opening them up and eating.

The downside, however, is that canned foods can be too high in sodium, and also, the consumption of canned foods can lead to health problems like diarrhea due to the extra salt. The benefits of storing your food in cans are significant, but there are some downsides as well.

The advantages of canned food storage are that it is readily available and can be used to provide sustenance during a disaster. Canned food storage is especially useful for people who live in places with limited accessibility to fresh fruits and vegetables or if they experience natural disasters.

Dry Bulk Food

Dry bulk foods can be stored for a year at a time without refrigeration. These foods are often less expensive in the long run too. High-quality dry bulk foods can be found at many local grocery stores or online retailers and can be easier to access than canned goods where there may be limited stock on hand.

The main benefit of dry bulk food storage is that because it doesn't need to be kept in a specific way or stored in cans or jars, it can last indefinitely if properly stored. It also doesn't take up as much space as other products and can be accessed easily for daily usage.

Mylar Bags and Pouches

More and more people are starting to use these Mylar bags to store their food. They are often cheaper than vacuum-sealed jars and come in a wider range of sizes. The Mylar bags can also be used for storing non-food items such as jewelry, crafts, or even electronics. This is beneficial because it can help save space in your home by getting rid of bulky containers or boxes.

The Mylar bags and pouches have the advantage of being able to protect food items from oxygen, light, moisture, pests, and bacteria. Mylar Bags can be an excellent choice for people who must store food for long periods of time but cannot find a place to keep their food during these periods.

Best Foods For Dry Food Storage

Food storage is essential in the event of a natural disaster or economic collapse. However, if you are storing food on a dry shelf and there is no moisture in the air, the food will lose its quality fairly quickly. When it comes to preserving your food items, you have to be aware of what types of foods are best for dry storage.

The best foods for dry food storage are usually those that have a long shelf life, are easy to prepare, and don't require refrigeration. Look for foods with low oil and moisture content so they can last longer on your shelves. 

The two most important factors when it comes to food storage are keeping the food’s nutrients intact and reducing the risk of contamination. As such, you should make sure that your stored food is as dry as possible. The best way to do this is by drying them out in the oven before storing them in an airtight container.

Here are some of the best foods for dry food storage.

• Powdered eggs and milk
• Canned meats
• Canned tuna
• Protein bars
• Protein drinks
• Dry drink mixes
• Whole wheat flour
• Oats
• Grains
• Boxed pasta
• Crackers
• Cookies
• Dried fruits
• Canned fruits
• Nuts
• Dried beans and legumes

How Long Does Food Last In Dry Food Storage?

Dry food can last indefinitely if the package has not been opened or crushed. The shelf life will depend on the type of dry food you have purchased: pasta can last for up to 10 years; cereal lasts for 1-6 months; oatmeal lasts up to a year; granola bars will stay fresh for up to six months.

The longest expiration date for dry food is 25 years. It is unlikely that the consumer will be around to see if this time limit has been reached. The food should be safe to eat as long as the container remains intact and there are no signs of spoilage.

Generally, canned goods provide a shelf life between one to two years, depending on the temperature they are stored. When kept at a maintained room temperature, they can reach that two-year mark without a problem.

To make foods last longer, you need to seal them properly using Mylar bags. When dry foods with no moisture are sealed with Mylar bags, they can last for up to 30 years when kept in a cool, dark area of your home.

Dry Food Storage Tips

• Always label foods when you place them into storage, even canned foods.
• Check expiration dates on packaged foods before eating.
• Keep food in a safe area that maintains a consistent temperature (50 – 70 degrees).
• Food is best kept in a cool, dark area of the house.