{"id":1132,"date":"2018-01-20T15:35:09","date_gmt":"2018-01-20T15:35:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/betterfood.co\/?p=1132"},"modified":"2020-08-31T23:35:14","modified_gmt":"2020-08-31T23:35:14","slug":"healthy-non-perishable-food","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/betterfood.co\/healthy-non-perishable-food\/","title":{"rendered":"All You Need to Know About Healthy Non-Perishable Food"},"content":{"rendered":"

Non-perishable foods may not sound like the most appealing food to eat, but they can be a healthy, sustainable and important food category to stock in your pantry.<\/p>\n

While many non-perishable food items are packed with sodium and preservatives, there are many options that are healthy choices to feed to you and your family.<\/p>\n

Whether you are preparing a pantry for worst-case scenario situations, packing for a camping trip, or looking to donate items to a food pantry, non-perishable foods are a perfect choice.<\/p>\n

In this article, all aspects of non-perishable foods will be discussed.<\/p>\n

<\/h2>\n

Definition of Non-Perishable Foods<\/h2>\n

Non-perishable (or shelf-stable) foods are ones that can be stored safely at room temperature. In order to be considered shelf-stable, these foods must be treated with heat and\/or dried to get rid of foodborne microorganisms, according to the USDA<\/a>.<\/p>\n

<\/h2>\n

The Advantages of Healthy Non-Perishable Foods<\/h2>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

<\/h3>\n

Convenience<\/h3>\n

Foods that are non-perishable do not need to be stored in a refrigerator<\/a>. It doesn\u2019t get much more convenient than that. For campers, hikers, and students on a budget, non-perishable food is a great meal solution.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n

Saves Time<\/h3>\n

Most of the non-perishable food items require little to no cooking, so it saves time. This is particularly helpful for those on a very tight schedule due to college, work or other reasons.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n

Insurance in Times of Emergencies<\/h3>\n

In times of emergencies such as power outages, hurricanes, tornados or other weather disasters, such food items are extremely useful. You don\u2019t want to be trapped inside your house for an extended period of time due to a natural disaster with nothing to eat.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n

Healthy and Nutritious<\/h3>\n

Not all non-perishable food is healthy. But there are many non-perishable options that provide adequate nutrition, protein, vitamins, and minerals to your diet.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n

What to Avoid When It Comes to Non-perishable Food?<\/h2>\n

[tcb-script async=”” src=”https:\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js”][\/tcb-script][tcb-script] (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});[\/tcb-script]<\/p>\n

Many of the non-perishable food items on the market are \u2018ready to eat\u2019. These tend to have very high levels of sugar. preservatives and sodium.<\/p>\n

A common example is Instant (or Ramen) Noodles. While these can be a tasty and inexpensive meal solution, they should only be eaten every now and then, especially those watching their sodium intake. <\/p>\n

<\/h2>\n

The Healthiest Non-Perishable Food Items<\/h2>\n

What are the best healthy non-perishable foods?<\/p>\n

Here is a list of 20 of the best non-perishable foods to stock in your pantry.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

1. Soup<\/h4>\n

Soup is the go-to for many people who cannot eat fresh food for whatever reason \u2013 unavailability, sickness and so forth.<\/p>\n

The best thing about soup is that it is not only healthy<\/a>, but it also comes in myriad flavors. <\/p>\n

It is not enough to eat healthy stuff, you also need to keep your taste buds and body happy. Variety in soup<\/a> will help accomplish that to a large extent.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n

2. Oats<\/h4>\n

If you get bored of having eggs<\/a> and milk for breakfast on a regular basis, you must certainly experiment with oats<\/a>.<\/p>\n

While oats may be an acquired taste and texture, they are a healthy and nutritious breakfast.<\/p>\n

Mixing in additional ingredients like peanut butter, cinnamon, nuts, and fresh or dried fruit will elevate the flavor of the oats.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n

3. Peanut Butter<\/h4>\n

If you are on the lookout for a healthy snack that also pleases your taste buds, then you cannot go wrong with peanut butter<\/a>.<\/p>\n

It is full to the brim with proteins and healthy fats, and that is not all, it is so versatile that it can be added to a wide variety of dishes.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n

4. Pasta<\/h4>\n

Unlike its cousin, instant noodles, dried pasta makes for a delicious and healthy snack.<\/p>\n

Look for brands that use alternative flours like chickpea, quinoa or black beans for added nutrients.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n

5. Canned Vegetables And Fruits<\/h4>\n

Always ensure that you have a stock of canned vegetables and fruits. In times of need and emergency, nothing works quite as well as canned vegetables and fruits. Grocery stores stock many varieties of canned fruits and vegetables like corn, peas, asparagus, beets, tomatoes, peaches, pineapple, cherries, and pears.<\/p>\n

Do your best to avoid those foods which have high sodium and\/or sugar content.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n

6. Dry Fruits And Nuts<\/h4>\n

Dry fruits tend to get underrated in food discussions. They offer great nutritional value and a number of health benefits<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Add a generous dose of almonds, raisins and walnuts to your daily diet.<\/p>\n

<\/a>\"\"<\/p>\n

<\/h4>\n

7. Canned Tuna With Chicken, Salmon, Or Turkey<\/h4>\n

There are continuing to be more high-quality and sustainably sourced canned seafood on the market. Tuna, salmon, mackerel, and sardines are great sources of protein and omega-3 fatty acid and can taste great.<\/p>\n

<\/h4>\n

8. Dark Chocolate<\/h4>\n

Who says chocolate can\u2019t be healthy?<\/p>\n

It is said that dark chocolate can help regulate your blood pressure and is good for your heart in general.<\/p>\n

Look for dark chocolate with the highest cocoa content.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n

9. Protein Bars And Granola<\/h4>\n

These are perfect for the day-to-day athlete. Protein bars and granolas are one of the best sources of carbohydrates on this planet.<\/p>\n

They stay fresh for quite a long time, so you don\u2019t have to worry about them getting spoilt.<\/p>\n

<\/h4>\n

10. Sunflower seeds<\/h4>\n

Sunflower seeds are a great source of vitamin E, vitamin B1, vitamin B6, magnesium and copper.<\/p>\n

The best part?<\/p>\n

They double up as an incredible snack. They help with digestion and have been said to have beneficial effects<\/a> on cardiovascular health as well.<\/p>\n

They do rank high in calories. So, if you are concerned with calorie counts, be sure to measure out a proper serving size.<\/p>\n

<\/h4>\n

<\/h4>\n

11. Honey<\/h4>\n

Honey is one of those essential items that you should always have handy.<\/p>\n

In addition to being one of the most versatile items in the kitchen, it also happens to be tasty and healthy.<\/p>\n

<\/a>\"\"<\/p>\n

Honey has numerous proven health benefits:<\/p>\n