2020 was a rollercoaster of a year. There was a lot of uncertainty, a lot of worry, a lot of concern over what would happen next and whether people were prepared for what was coming. All of this uncertainty means that as we enter 2021, shelf stable food is trending as a part of people’s efforts to increase their preparedness.
These efforts may include stocking up on supplies like water, toilet paper and vitamins. It might also include creating emergency plans and increasing education and awareness of potential disasters. As a part of these efforts, it would also be prudent to have food stored up in case of an emergency.
Shelf-stable foods continue to be a trend in 2021 as there is still so much uncertainty about additional lockdown and/or quarantine measures. Shelf-stable food is food of a type that can be safely stored at room temperature in a sealed container.
If stocking up on shelf-stable foods is part of your 2021 plans in response to the many uncertainties going on, you should consider stocking up on non-perishable food items with a long lasting shelf life. Having shelf stable food stored up gives you a safety net in an emergency situation when you are unable to access fresh food.
When considering which shelf stable foods to have on hand you’ll want to think through the nutritional value of your options and try and get the most nutritious options available. Try to avoid options with an excessive amount of sodium, sugar, or other additives. Instead try to focus on canned proteins (such as tuna), canned fruits and vegetables, and a variety of grains.
These foods generally have a pretty long shelf life, but if you decide to acquire additional shelf stable food in 2021, here are just a few tips for how to do this well. Be sure to research your options to ensure you are purchasing a truly shelf stable food. Additionally, once you purchase the shelf stable food, be sure to add it to your yearly routine to check on what food you have stocked up and the expiration dates of these items to ensure you don’t end up with expired food. You will also want to make sure these shelf stable foods are stored in a cool, dry place.
2021 begins with a lot of the same uncertainties of 2020 and so shelf stable food will likely only continue to be a popular trend.