Additional Coverage:
- 15 essential food items to stockpile as Iran war drives up prices and empties shelves (themirror.com)
With ongoing tensions involving Iran pushing prices higher, it might be a smart move to start building a supply of essential items before costs climb further.
President Donald Trump recently extended a ceasefire with Iran after peace talks in Pakistan fell through. While he emphasized there is “no time pressure” on the ceasefire, the U.S. continues to enforce a blockade on Iranian ports in the strategically important Strait of Hormuz.
Inflation is also making an impact at home. The Consumer Price Index for March showed a 3.3% increase from last year and a 0.9% rise from the previous month. Much of that jump is due to a sharp 10.9% increase in energy prices, including gasoline and jet fuel.
Amid these challenges, some are taking proactive steps to prepare. Texas-based YouTuber Angelica, known as @SimplyMamaCooks, recently shared her approach to emergency preparedness. She’s been steadily building a two-month food supply to shield her family from possible shortages and rising grocery bills-concerns that have grown with global uncertainty and natural disaster risks like hurricanes.
Angelica advises against rushing to clear store shelves, recommending instead that shoppers gradually add a few key items to their carts during regular trips. Here’s a look at what she keeps in her emergency pantry:
Dry Goods:
- All-purpose flour: She buys large 25-pound bags that last for months, ideal for baking and cooking during shortages.
- Sugar: Always stocked when on sale, sugar is versatile with a long shelf life.
- Pancake mix and syrup: Pancakes are a simple, kid-friendly meal.
Angelica buys 10-pound bags of mix that only require water, plus syrup for a classic breakfast.
- Coffee: For her morning fix, she stores Ediya Special Korean instant coffee sticks that come with cream and sugar included.
- Rice: A 5-pound bag of Basmati rice is her staple, and she plans to add more. It’s affordable and easy to prepare.
- Beans: Pinto, red beans, and lentils round out her protein sources, perfect when paired with rice.
- Pasta: Long-lasting and easy to cook, she recently stocked extra boxes.
- Lard: With a one-year shelf life, lard is preferred over butter for long-term storage.
- Evaporated milk: Angelica prefers this over powdered milk and keeps several cans on hand.
- Vegetable oil: Often overlooked, it’s essential for cooking, and she buys large bottles from Costco.
Vegetables:
- Tomato paste: Shelf-stable and versatile, it’s a base for many dishes.
- Dehydrated bell peppers: These add nutrition and last longer than fresh vegetables.
- Dehydrated onions: A flavor booster for a variety of meals.
Protein:
- Canned chicken breast: While not everyone’s favorite, it keeps for months and provides a quick protein source.
- Canned tuna: Handy for tuna salad and other quick meals, she chooses cans with easy-open tabs but notes a can opener is still a must-have.
Angelica’s thoughtful approach offers a practical guide for families looking to strengthen their emergency preparedness without causing panic buying. Gradual stocking combined with versatile, long-lasting foods can help ease the strain of uncertain times ahead.