Powdered milk is common in many people’s emergency food supplies. It’s incredibly versatile and can last up to 25 years if stored properly. With the correct powdered milk-to-water ratio, you can reconstituted milk powder so it tastes great too! Keep reading for information on how to use your powdered milk best.
Powdered Milk Conversion Chart
Quantity
Recipe
1 Cup Milk
1 Cup Water + 3 Tablespoons Powdered Milk
3/4 Cup Mil
3/4 Cup Water + 2 1/4 Tablespoons Powdered Milk
2/3 Cup Milk
2/3 Cup Water + 2 Tablespoons Powdered Milk
1/2 Cup Milk
1/2 Cup Water + 1 1/2 Tablespoons Powdered Milk
1/3 Cup Milk
1/3 Cup Water + 1 Tablespoon Powdered Milk
1/4 Cup Milk
1/4 Cup Water + 3/4 Tablespoon Powdered Milk
What Dry Milk Powder Should I Use For Long-Term Storage?
Nonfat milk powder lasts much longer than any other form of milk powder. If you want to store dry milk powder long term, you will need nonfat dry milk powder.
Whole milk powder, buttermilk powder, or other dry milk will only last for a while since it contains fat. The fats in milk powder can go rancid. If stored properly, you can get 2-10 years of shelf life on whole powdered milk.
Is Powdered milk bad? Is it good for you?
Nutritionally, powdered milk has the same nutritional value as fresh milk. Whole milk powder will have the same milk fat as normal whole milk. Many people use powdered milk far more than fresh milk for various reasons. Reconstituted dry milk is an excellent option if it’s all that is available to you. There is a noticeable difference in the taste of powdered milk compared to fresh milk. There is nothing wrong with the flavor; it’s just different. I still like fresh milk better, but I gladly stockpile powdered dry milk when it comes to my emergency food supplies.
Powdered Milk Recipes
One of the beauties of milk powder is how versatile it is. You can use dry milk just like fresh liquid milk if you mix the dry milk powder correctly. You can even use dry milk powder to make buttermilk or sweetened condensed milk.
How to Make Powdered Milk Taste Better
Add 1/2 cup of sugar and one teaspoon of vanilla extract to one gallon of reconstituted milk powder.
If you’re using smaller quantities, experiment a little until you get the desired taste.
How to Make Evaporated Milk Using Powdered Milk
This recipe is equivalent to a 12oz can of evaporated milk.
1-1/2 cup water
1/2 cup + 1 tablespoon dry milk
How To Make your own Sweetened Condensed Milk
This recipe is the equivalent of a 14oz can of condensed milk.
1 cup of milk powder
1/2 cup hot water
1 cup sugar
1 tablespoon butter
How to Make Buttermilk From Milk Powder
Take a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice and add to 1 cup of milk.
Allow the milk to sit for at least 10 minutes. Then it’s ready to use in your recipes.
FAQ
What does powdered milk taste like?
Powdered milk tastes very similar to normal milk. It doesn’t taste bad, just different.
Is regular milk the same as reconstituted powdered milk?
Powdered milk is nutritionally the same as regular milk.
The Lifestraw vs Sawyer water filters question comes up alot in the prepping and backpacking community. These are two of the most popular portable water filters around, and for a good reason. If you’re looking for a personal water filtration system for a reasonable price they both work well. However, Lifestraw has some considerable limitations.
Who wins?
The Sawyer Mini water filter is the clear winner in this comparison. The Sawyer Mini filters more water at a better filtration level than the Lifestraw. Additionally, the Sawyer Mini is far more versatile than the Lifestraw.
The Sawyer Mini and Lifestraw use hollow-fiber membrane filtration. This technology uses a mesh to catch and filter waterborne bacteria and other harmful pathogens. Both of these filters are incredibly small and light. They are also straightforward to use. Both of these filters share many similarities in their general function. Still, there are some significant differences we need to discuss.
LifeStraw vs Sawyer Mini
Filter
Micro Rating
Filter Life (Gallons)
Length
Weight
Flow Rate
Sawyer Mini
0.1
100,000
5″
2oz
1 liter per 5.5 minutes
LifeStraw
0.2
4,000
9″
2oz
N/A
The Lifestraw personal water filter was designed for emergency use in third world countries impacted by natural disasters. It was meant to be a cheap and effective filter to distribute to people. For these purposes, the Lifestraw works excellently. If you need a versatile water filter for long-term use, the Lifestraw is severely lacking.
Filtration Comparison
The Sawyer Mini filters 0.1 microns, superior to the 0.2 micron filtration offered by the Lifestraw. The smallest bacteria is 0.37 microns long, which means both filters should filter out all harmful bacteria. In practice, the filtration of both filters is excellent.
There are still limitations to these filters in that they don’t filter out the following:
Viruses
Heavy Metals
Chemicals
You probably won’t be worried about these things in your water in a camping or backpacking situation. Urban survival or cases involving sewage spills or flooding can create an environment where viruses and chemicals become a severe concern.
One of the main drawbacks of the Lifestraw compared to the Sawyer Mini is the Lifestraw is ONLY a straw. You must drink directly from the water source with your face inches away from potentially contaminated water. The Sawyer Mini is massively versatile by comparison.
With the Lifstraw, you must put the end into a body of water and drink through the mouthpiece. You can use a container to collect the water, but you still need to use your mouth suction to filter the water.
The Sawyer Mini comes as a kit with a few accessories, making the filter highly versatile. The kit includes the following:
Drinking straw attachment
Collapsible water bottle/squeeze filtration bag
Cleaning plunger
The Sawyer Mini filter can attach to an ordinary water bottle allowing you to drink through the filter.
Ways you can use the Sawyer Mini
The accessories included with the Sawyer Mini offer a lot of options
Attach the filter directly to a water bottle and use mouth suction to filter the water.
Attach the filter straw to use it exactly like a Lifestraw.
Use the squeeze bag to collect water and squeeze it to filter your water into a cooking pot.
Attach the filter in-line on a water bladder system or hydration pack.
Attach the sawyer in-line and use it as a gravity filter.
Most commonly, I will carry two filters with me. One is in line with my water bladder, and the other I use with the squeeze bag for getting water for cooking and filling other containers. I’ve used all these techniques with the Sawyer Mini.
The Sawyer Mini Water Filter Includes a Cleaning Plunger
The Sawyer Mini includes a plunger to clean the filter. Fill the plunger with clean water and push the water back through to purge the filter. This cleaning process allows the Sawyer Mini to filter 100,000 gallons of water!
The Lifestraw cannot be thoroughly cleaned, one reason it can only filter about 4,000 gallons of water. The lifespan is reduced even further if you’re using the LifeStraw in very silty or dirty water.
Filter Cost
Sawyer Mini vs. Lifestraw cost isn’t substantially different. The Sawyer Mini is usually slightly more expensive. The choice is evident when you consider the highly versatile Sawyer Mini can also filter 100,000 gallons of water compared to the Lifestraw’s 4000 gallons. The Sawyer Mini is just a better filter in every way.
FAQ
How do backpacking water filters work?
Most backpacking filters use tube membrane filters to filter waterborne contaminates and pathogens.
Do I need to boil water filtered through a Lifestraw or Sawyer Mini?
Both filters do not remove viruses, chemicals, or heavy metals. Boiling for 1 minute will kill any viruses if they are a concern. Boiling will not remove most chemicals or heavy metals.
Can the Sawyer Mini or Lifestraw be used after being frozen?
No, freezing temperatures can damage the filters. They should be replaced if frozen.
Does the Sawyer Mini or Liftstraw remove chemicals or heavy metals?
No, neither filter removes chemicals or heavy metals. You need a carbon filter to remove chemicals and other harmful agents.
Does the Sawyer Mini or Liftstraw remove viruses?
No, neither filter removes viruses.
What contaminates does Sawyer Mini and Liftstraw remove?
Both filters will remove most bacteria, protozoan cysts, and particulates larger than 0.1 or 0.2 microns in size.
Do I need to filter water when backpacking?
Yes, you should always filter water before drinking while backpacking. Regardless of how clean you think the water source is.
Which filter straw is best?
The Sawyer Mini is the best filter straw on the market.
What is as good as LifeStraw?
The Sawyer Mini is a much better water filter than the LifeStraw.
Salt may not be the first thing people consider when planning their long-term emergency supply storage. In a disaster or emergency survival situation, salt will be a vital resource. Not just because it makes food taste great but because our bodies can’t function without it.
What you Need to Know About Emergency Salt Storage
You need about 10 pounds of salt per person per year.
Pure salt without additives has the longest shelf life.
Store salt in mylar bags inside buckets for maximum long-term storage.
Do not store salt in metal containers like cans because they will rust.
Salt has been one of the most impactful substances in human development. For much of human history, salt was one of the most valuable resources for human existence. It was more precious than gold. Without salt, humans would still be living like hunter-gatherers.
Health Benefits
Our bodies utilize the elements in salt in many ways. Most importantly, it contains electrolytes our bodies use to regulate fluid balance, nerve impulses, and muscle function. Quite simply, you will die without consuming enough salt.
If you’ve ever gotten muscle cramps when exercising, it was probably due to a lack of electrolytes (like those found in salt).
Food Preservation
You can use salt to preserve many foods. Salt-based food preservation techniques use salt to prevent the growth of bacteria, fungi, and other organisms, which can increase a food’s shelf life.
For thousands of years, salt has been used to preserve food. You can take a piece of meat, pack it in salt, and keep it for up to a year without refrigeration.
Flavor Enhancement
Food tastes better with salt. I put it on practically anything I eat. The difference in flavor that salt creates is simply profound. Having flavorful and delicious food can be a huge moral booster when you’re down bad.
If you’re in a situation where you need to dig into your prepper supplies, things probably aren’t going too well.
How Long can Salt Last in Long-Term Storage?
Salt that is pure and free from additives can have an indefinite shelf life. If stored correctly, salt will maintain its flavor and preservative properties forever.
Salt will absorb moisture if it is exposed to air. It is best to store your salt in an airtight container to prevent any clumping due to moisture absorption.
Will Salt Lose Flavor in Storage?
The short answer is no; salt won’t degrade or lose flavor when stored correctly. Keeping your salt in an airtight container in a cool, dry place will last a very long time.
How do I Store Salt Long Term?
Storing salt is reasonably easy compared to many things. The best way to store salt long-term is by keeping it in an airtight container in a cool, dry place away from light. There is no need to use oxygen absorbers when packing your salt for long-term storage. I like to buy bulk salt and repackage it.
What are the Best Varieties of Salt for Food Storage?
When you store salt long term, choose pure salt varieties. These are salts with no additives like those found in iodized salt.
Table Salt
This salt is what many commonly think of when it comes to salt. Many forms of table salt may have anti-caking agents to prevent clumping, but they will not impact shelf life. Choose a variety that is not iodized.
Uses: General consumption and culinary purposes.
Shelf life: Indefinite.
Iodized Salt
This is salt that has iodine added to it for nutritional purposes. Iodine is an essential nutrient; iodine deficiency can cause serious health problems. If you eat a balanced diet, iodized salt is not a necessity.
Uses: General consumption and culinary purposes.
Shelf life: 5 years
Pink Himalayan Salt
Pink Himalayan salt is a pure form of salt mined in the Himalayas. It contains trace minerals and naturally contains iodine. I like this salt for its flavor; it does not have microplastics in some sea salt.
Uses: General consumption and culinary purposes.
Shelf life: Indefinite.
Canning and Pickling Salt
Canning salt is pure sodium chloride. This is the best salt to use for canning because it does not contain any additives. If you use other salts for canning, it will turn the liquid cloudy.
Uses: Canning and pickling, general consumption, culinary purposes
Shelf life: Indefinite.
Kosher Salt
Kosher salt is a coarse, flaky salt commonly used in cooking and meat preparation. I like using it when cooking because it’s easy to pinch between my fingers. Kosher salt comes in many varieties, some with additives and some without. Diamond crystal kosher salt contains no additives. Morton brand includes anti-caking agents. Check the label depending on your needs.
Uses: Culinary purposes, canning, and pickling, general consumption
Shelf life: Indefinite if a pure variety
Sea Salt
This is salt derived from sea water. Some sea salt is mined and some is created by evaporating seawater. There are numerous varieties. Some of which contains additives like iodized sea salt. I personally avoid sea salt because many kinds contain micro plastics that I don’t want to consume.
Uses: General consumption and culinary purposes.
Shelf life: Indefinite if pure sea salt
Rock Salt
This is a salt derived from seawater. There are numerous varieties. Some of which contain additives like iodized sea salt. Some sea salt is mined, and some are created by evaporating seawater. I avoid sea salt because many kinds have microplastics that I don’t want to consume.
Uses: General consumption and culinary purposes.
Shelf life: Indefinite if pure sea salt
Salt Substitutes
Don’t waste your time with these.
FAQ
What kind of salt has the longest shelf life?
Any pure salt that has no additives.
Will salt lose its flavor in storage?
No, when stored correctly, salt won’t lose any flavor.
Can I eat water softener salt?
No, this salt has not been processed to food grade and is unsafe to eat.
How much salt should I store in my food storage?
A safe amount is 10 pounds per person per year.
How do I extend the shelf life of salt in the pantry?
Keep your salt in an airtight container in a cool, dark, dry place that will last indefinitely.
Can I store salt in plastic bags?
Yes, although many plastic bags are only partially airtight.
Do you need oxygen absorbers to store salt long-term?
No, oxygen absorbers are not necessary when storing salt.
Can I use the original package to store my salt?
Most packaging is not airtight. Eventually, your salt will absorb moisture from the air and clump.
Can I store salt in mylar bags?
Yes, mylar bags are one of the best containers to store salt. Put the bags in buckets for extra protection.
Water should be near your top priorities when building your emergency survival supplies. You need to be thinking about storing water long term for emergencies. Humans can only survive for about three days without drinking water. We can live for three or four weeks without food.
In many emergency or natural disaster scenarios, there is a distinct possibility that your water supply is compromised. I live in a very earthquake-prone area, and a significant earthquake can easily damage pipes and water distribution systems. I am fully prepared not to have running water for an extended period should a major earthquake hit.
FEMA recommends at least 1 gallon of water per person daily—two quarts for drinking water and two for food preparation.
FEMA’s recommendation is the bare minimum in the worst-case scenario. Many people will probably struggle with 1 gallon per day, especially in hot climates or if doing a lot of physical activity.
In my prepping, I plan on 2 gallons of water per person daily. For my daily use, I need about 2 gallons. I expect to exert myself more during a significant disaster physically.
How Many Days Worth of Water Should I Store?
FEMA recommends three days worth of water minimum. I don’t think this is remotely enough, considering how important water is to our survival.
If you’re in a dry and remote area, you may want to store more water. Or if you live close to clean bodies of water, you may be able to get by with less in storage. I keep a month of water per person in my household.
Your needs and situation may differ from mine, so evaluate your case to determine your needs.
Factors that May Affect How Much Water You Need for Long Term Storage
Physical Activity – The more active you are, the more water your body will need. During an emergency, there is a good chance you will be more physically active trying to survive.
Climate – Living in a hot environment will require more water than living in a colder climate.
Age – Young kids don’t need as much water as most adults. I probably drink four times the water of my son.
Physical Condition – Some people need more water. My breastfeeding wife needs more water than if she wasn’t breastfeeding.
Health – An unhealthy person may not be able to survive on limited water as well as someone in good health.
Storing bottled water is the quickest and easiest way to get an emergency water supply. There are downsides to this, though. The biggest one is limited shelf life. You can mitigate this by regularly rotating your bottled water.
Pros
Plentiful and cheap
Easy to transport
Cons
Limited shelf life of 6-12 months
Plastic bottles break down and can leech into the water
Glass Containers
There are a lot of benefits to glass containers. They can last indefinitely and are impervious to many forms of contamination. If you’re using canning jars, you have the advantage of being able to sanitize the water while it’s in the jars.
Pros
Can last indefinitely
Easily sterilized
It does not break down
Visible contents
Cons
Fragile
Heavier than plastic containers
Relatively small size
Plastic Water Storage Containers
These are specialized containers designed for long-term water storage. They are the best option if you’re looking to store more significant amounts of water. Plastic containers come in many shapes and sizes to suit your needs. I use 55-gallon water barrels for most of my emergency water storage. Then I have several smaller containers that are more convenient to transport.
Pros
Durable
Great for bulk storage
Many sizes available
It can be lightweight
Cons
It must be food grade
Preparing Water for Storage
Clean and Sanitize Your Containers
For the most extended shelf life, starting with clean containers and clean water is critical. Contaminated water will not last as long and may pose a severe health risk. Many waterborne diseases can cause dysentery and even death.
You can use unscented liquid chlorine bleach to disinfect your containers. Be sure to use new fresh bleach because it degrades over time and becomes less effective.
Disinfect Your Water if Necessary
Many water sources in the US are very clean. No additional treatment is required before putting the water in your containers. Check your local water municipality for information to determine if you should treat your water.
Fill Your Containers
Using a clean water source, fill your sanitized containers. If you need to use a hose, be sure it is one meant for potable water. I use an RV potable water hose since my barrels are far from my water spigot.
Store Your Containers
Choose a suitable cool, dry place to keep your containers. Extreme temperatures, chemicals, and light can cause your water to spoil.
Also, avoid placing your water containers directly on the ground. Chemicals can leach into containers from concrete and other floor materials. I stack my containers on wood platforms.
FAQ
Do I need to disinfect (add chemicals to) the water?
That depends on your water source. If it’s already clean then probably not. Most city water sources in the US are clean enough to not require additional disinfecting.
My stored water tastes funny. Is something wrong?
Possibly, it’s hard to know for sure but if your water tastes strange the safest option is to not drink it.
Can I use the swimming pool as my emergency water source?
You can probably use your pool water during an emergency for a while. The thing is it will not stay safe to drink long term. It may need additional filtering and disinfection to drink safely.
Do I need to filter my water before consumption?
That will depend on how your water was stored and how clean it is. If you have any doubts about the safety of your water additional filtration and sanitation is wise. Waterborne diseases are no joke.
If you found this page, you’re probably wondering how to store flour long term. The best way to store flour long-term is by using sealed mylar bags with oxygen absorbers. Using this method will yield the best possible shelf life.
Storing flour in the original paper bag will result in a six-month shelf life. Keeping your flour in an airtight container can extend this up to one year.
How Does Flour Go Bad?
Contaminated flour
If you store flour properly, it can last for a decade or more. The key is to protect flour from the leading causes of flour spoilage.
Mold – Flour exposed to excess moisture will be prone to mold. The first sign of mold will be the sour smell. Eventually, you can easily see mold growing in the flour. Moldy flour should be thrown out.
Insects – Flour can become contaminated with insect eggs no matter how suitable your storage containers are. If you’re concerned about insect eggs, you can freeze flour to kill any eggs before storage. New bags of flour can contain insect eggs before you even open them.
Oxidation – Oxidation caused by exposure to oxygen will cause flour and many other grains to go rancid. Storing flour with an oxygen absorber can significantly reduce this possibility.
Absorbing Smells – Flour and many other foods can absorb scents when exposed to a strong odor for some time. Storing flour in airtight containers and away from smelly things can prevent this.
For maximum shelf life, you must protect flour from the following:
Moisture – When storing food long term, it is best to keep things as dry as possible. Without moisture, there is less risk of mold or other contamination.
Heat – The ideal temperature for food storage is about room temperature or 70 degrees Fahrenheit. If your food is experiencing warmer temperatures, it will reduce its usable lifespan
Oxygen – Exposure to oxygen will cause certain foods to oxidize, which can degrade their flavor and nutritional properties. If oxygen is present in your food stores, it will also create an environment for microbes and insects.
Sunlight – If your food is exposed to sunlight, it can affect some foods’ appearance, flavor, and nutrients. Oils and fats are prone to oxidation when exposed to sunlight, increasing the risk they go rancid.
Pests – Rodents and insects can contaminate or destroy your emergency food supply.
How to Store Flour Long Term
There are many ways to store flour to increase its shelf life. Below are a few of the best.
Mylar Bags With Oxygen Absorbers
Shelf life:10+ years
Mylar bags with oxygen absorbers are the best way to store flour and maximize its shelf life. When done correctly, you can expect whole wheat flour to last up to ten years and white flour to last ten or more.
Sealed mylar bags are airtight and lightproof. When combined with correctly sized oxygen absorbers, no oxygen, moisture, or light compromises the flour. Mylar bags also offer decent protection against insects.
If you vacuum seal bags with oxygen absorbers, it will help prevent insect eggs from hatching. Any insects in the flour, when you seal it, will die due to lack of oxygen.
Foodgrade Buckets or Canning Jars(mason jar) With Oxygen Absorbers
Shelf Life: 5+ years
Flour can be stored directly in food-grade buckets, mason jars, or canning jars. As long as your containers have airtight lids, they will do a great job in helping preserve your flour.
The benefit of canning jars is it’s easy to view the contents when periodically checking your stores.
If using food-grade buckets, I recommend gamma lids because they are the most convenient and generally seal the best.
Combine an airtight container with oxygen absorbers for maximum shelf life.
Vacuum Sealing
Shelf life: 1-2 years
You can use consumer-grade vacuum seal bags for flour storage. By vacuum sealing, you will reduce the air packaged with your flour which will help extend the shelf life somewhat.
The problem with this method lies in the limitations of plastic vacuum seal bags. These bags are not completely airtight, and oxygen and moisture will permeate the bags.
This method will undoubtedly extend the shelf life but not as much as a mylar bag.
Freezer
Shelf Life: Indefinitely
You can keep flour in a freezer practically forever. Freezing will protect the flour from most potential contamination sources. The bonus is that freezing will kill insect eggs.
Bring the flour out of the freezer and let it get to room temperature when you intend to use it. If it’s humid, the flour can absorb moisture as it warms. It is best to keep the flour in an airtight container during the warming process to help prevent moisture from absorbing into the flour.
Storing Different Types of Flour
White flour has the longest shelf life of any ordinary flour. This is because it contains very little fat.
Whole grain flour and wheat flour will have a much shorter shelf life than white flour because they contain more fats. Your biggest issue will be those fats going rancid.
Alternative flours like almond flour and coconut flour also contain many oils. These flours will usually go rancid before they spoil from other sources, no matter how well you store them.
Bread flour and self-rising flour shelf life will depend on the extra ingredients within the flour mixture. It will probably last a long time if it’s primarily white flour. It may go rancid if it has a higher fat content than pure white flour.
If you want to store flour long-term and get the best shelf life, use white flour.
FAQ
What is the best long-term way to store flour?
Vacuum seal flour in mylar bags with oxygen absorbers.
Does flour need oxygen absorbers in mylar bags?
Yes, use 400cc oxygen absorber for a one gallon container of flour. Adjust for smaller or larger containers.
Can you use flour two years out of date?
Theoretically yes, it depends on how it was stored. If the flour looks and smells fine it is probably safe to use.
Should I refrigerate flour?
No, it is not necessary to refrigerate flour.
How long can you store flour in Mylar bag?
Ten to twenty years if stored properly with oxygen absorbers.
Can flour last 20 years?
Yes, if it was stored properly.
Is it better to store flour in glass or plastic?
Both can be good for long term storage. You should only use food-grade plastic when storing flour.
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