Quick Answer
A good ratio for prepping is 75% freeze-dried goods and 25% canned goods, considering their longer shelf life and versatility. This balance provides a solid foundation for a one-year prepper pantry. Freeze-dried options are ideal for staple ingredients.
Building a Freeze-Dried Stockpile
When allocating 75% of your prepper pantry to freeze-dried goods, consider a balanced mix of staple ingredients. Allocate 20% for grains (such as rice, wheat, and oats), 20% for legumes (lentils, chickpeas, and black beans), 15% for fruits, 10% for meats, and 10% for dairy alternatives. This breakdown ensures a well-rounded supply of macronutrients. For example, a one-year stockpile of 6,000 calories per person per day would translate to 2,190 pounds of freeze-dried goods.
Canned Goods for Complementing Freeze-Dried Options
Canned goods serve as a valuable complement to freeze-dried options, offering a broader range of food choices. Allocate 25% of your prepper pantry to canned goods, focusing on items like meats (tuna, chicken, and beef), soups, and vegetables. This allocation allows you to build a diverse and nutrient-rich pantry. For instance, a one-year stockpile of canned goods might consist of 1,500 cans or 1,875 pounds of canned meats, vegetables, and soups.
Calculating and Maintaining Your Stockpile
To calculate your stockpile, consider your daily caloric needs, the number of people in your household, and the shelf life of each item. For a one-year stockpile, multiply your daily caloric needs by 365 (days in a year). This will give you a total caloric requirement, which can be translated to pounds of freeze-dried and canned goods. Regularly check your stockpile’s expiration dates and rotate your inventory to ensure that older items are consumed before they expire. This will help maintain a well-stocked and up-to-date prepper pantry.
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