15 Survival Foods That Are Better At Amish Stores

Survivalism has become more popular in recent years. With natural disasters and social unrest on the rise, it is no surprise.

So, more people are realizing that it is wise to have a stockpile of essential items to ensure survival in such situations. One of the most critical items in any survival kit is food.

In times of emergency, you’re going to be grateful if you have a stockpile of non-perishable and long-lasting foods on hand.

While many people might head to their local grocery store to stock up, there’s another option that might be better: Amish stores.

These stores often carry a variety of survival foods that are not only healthy and long-lasting, but also delicious.

And, when considering foods that are beneficial for a prepper’s stockpile, we should look to the Amish world for guidance. They have a long history and reputation for living off the grid and they have done it quite well for a very long time.

Also, the Amish make wonderful foods, as often found in restaurants, stores, and roadside stands. So, it just makes sense to look to them for creating or adding to your own prepper stockpile of foods.

1. Canned Vegetables

Canned vegetables, like most canned goods, are a staple survival food for a reason.

They have a long shelf life if they are kept in a cool and dry space. And, they are packed with nutrients. Amish stores carry a variety of canned vegetables such as canned peas, corn, and green beans.

2. Canned Fruit

Canned fruit is an excellent source of vitamins and minerals and can be used in a variety of dishes, or eat it as a side dish or snack.

Amish stores offer a wide selection of canned fruit options, including peaches, pears, and pineapple.

3. Rice

Rice is a good option due to being a versatile and filling survival food. It’s also easy to store, as it can be kept in an airtight container for up to 25 years.

Related: How to Dry Can Beans and Rice for 20+ Years Shelf Life

Amish stores often carry a variety of rice, including brown rice, white rice, and wild rice. Rice can be used as a base for many meals, such as stir-fries, casseroles, and pilafs, or as a side dish as well.

4. Dried Beans

Dried beans are another great addition to a prepper’s food kit.

They’re packed with protein and fiber and can be stored for several years if kept in a cool and dry place. Amish stores typically carry a good variety of dried beans, including black beans, kidney beans, and chickpeas.

These can be used to make hearty soups and stews or can be cooked and served as a side dish.

5. Pasta

Similar to rice, pasta is also a versatile and filling survival food. Pasta can be stored for years if kept in an airtight container. Amish stores carry a variety of pasta, including spaghetti, macaroni, fettucini, and lasagna noodles.

Some of these kinds of pasta might have unique flavors as well. Pasta can be served with canned tomato sauce, meat, and cheese, or used as a base for a pasta salad.

6. Flour

Flour is a basic staple in a pantry and should be added to a survival food kit.

It can be used to make a variety of baked goods, such as bread, biscuits, and cakes.

Related: How To Make Prepper Fruit Cake That Can Last For Decades 

And, it can be stored for a long time if kept in an airtight container. Amish stores often carry whole wheat flour, which is more nutritious than white flour.

7. Peanut Butter

Peanut butter is a great choice of food to keep on hand because it’s high in protein and healthy fats. It can be stored for a long time if kept in a cool and dry place.

Amish stores often carry natural peanut butter, which is free from added sugars and preservatives. Peanut butter can be eaten on its own, or used as a spread for bread or crackers.

8. Sugar

Sugar is a necessary ingredient in many recipes and can also be used as a natural preservative.

Amish stores offer high-quality sugar options, including granulated sugar and brown sugar.

Store it in an air-tight container, and keep it in a cool and dry place.

9. Canned Meat

Canned meat is an excellent option for those who don’t have access to fresh meat. It’s loaded with protein and can be stored for a long time as long as it remains sealed, in a cool and dry area.

Amish stores often carry canned chicken, beef, and pork. It’s versatile as it can be used in a variety of dishes, including sandwiches, soups, and stews.

If you find the canned meat from the store unsatisfactory or wish to save some money, an alternative option is to can your own hamburger meat, using this recipe.

10. Jerky

A high-protein survival food like jerky can be stored for a long time. It’s also a great option for a quick and easy-to-eat item to get more protein in your diet. It’s easy to pack and doesn’t require any cooking.

The Amish stores typically carry homemade jerky, which is often free from preservatives and additives. Jerky can be eaten as is, or used as a protein source in soups and stews.

11. Dried Fruits

Dried fruits are a great source of vitamins and minerals.

They are also lightweight and easy to store.

Amish stores have a wide selection of dried fruits, including apricots, peaches, and apples.

Dried fruits can be added to a dish, or eat them as a snack. The average shelf life is up to a year past the “best buy before” date.

12. Honey

Honey is a natural sweetener and has a long shelf life if stored in an air-tight container and shelved in a cool and dry location. It can crystalize, but that is not spoilage. If you experience crystallization, then slowly warm it up to get it back to its best consistency.

It’s also a natural antimicrobial, which means it can help prevent the growth of bacteria in food. Amish stores often carry high-quality local honey, which has added health benefits.

Related: How To Make Dandelion Honey Butter

Honey can be used as a sweetener for tea, as a spread for bread or crackers, or as an addition to any food you would like to sweeten.

13. Nuts

Nuts are a great source of protein and healthy fats.

They are also lightweight and easy to store, making them an ideal survival food.

Amish stores offer a variety of nuts, including almonds, walnuts, and pecans.

14. Canned Soup

Canned soup is an easy and convenient way to get a quick meal during a survival situation. Amish stores offer a wide selection of canned soups, including chicken noodle, tomato, and vegetable. If you have high blood pressure, you might want to limit canned soups due to their high salt content.

15. Maple Syrup

Maple syrup is an excellent source of energy and can be used as a natural sweetener. Amish stores offer high-quality maple syrup, often sourced from local farms. It also has a stronger flavor than other syrups, so you might not need to use as much and have it last longer.

There are other foods that you will find in an Amish store that will make good options for your survival stockpile. But, this list is a good start.

Now, stocking up on long-lasting foods is important, but it’s equally crucial to store them properly. One excellent option is a root cellar, where you can keep your food stash safe and sound. If you don’t have one already, there’s a cheap and easy way to build a root cellar in your own backyard.

Amish foods are often healthier than some you will find at the grocery store. More importantly, they make their foods to last, survive off the grid, be tasty, and often made with healthier recipes. So, next time you are about to pass an Amish store, stop in to see what you could add to your own stockpile.