A YouTuber shared 15 essential food items to keep in your emergency stash as the Iran conflict drives up food prices and raises concerns over empty shelves
The Consumer Price Index for March revealed inflation climbed 3.3% over last year(Image: OlenaMykhaylova via Getty Images)
As the conflict with Iran continues to drive up costs, it may be wise to start stockpiling certain essentials before prices climb even higher.
President Donald Trump recently extended a ceasefire with Iran after peace talks in Pakistan were canceled. He’s stated there’s “no time pressure” around the ceasefire, while the U.S. maintains its blockade on Iranian ports in the Strait of Hormuz.
The Consumer Price Index for March revealed inflation climbed 3.3% over last year and 0.9% from the previous month. The increase was largely fueled by a 10.9% surge in energy prices, encompassing gasoline and jet fuel.
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YouTuber @SimplyMamaCooks, known as Angelica, recently posted a video detailing the items she keeps in her emergency stash, capable of feeding her family for two months. She explains that she’s been gradually building up her supplies as global tensions rise, citing potential food shortages and soaring grocery bills as key motivators.
Based in Texas, Angelica also maintains an emergency stockpile as a precaution against hurricane damage. She advises against clearing out local grocery store shelves, recommending instead that shoppers gradually pick up a handful of emergency supply items with each trip to the store.
Here’s everything you should have in your emergency stash:
Dry-goodsAll-purpose flour
She explained that having all-purpose flour can be particularly valuable during food shortages. She purchases a 25-pound bag, which typically lasts for months.
Sugar
She also maintains sugar in her emergency supplies, always buying whatever’s on sale. It’s versatile for baking numerous items and has an extended shelf life.
Pancake mix and syrup
Pancakes make for a simple, kid-friendly breakfast, and many brands offer large bags that last for months. Ready-made pancake mix only requires water, and she purchases a 10-pound bag from Costco.
She also stocks syrup to accompany the pancakes.
As the Iran war continues to drive up costs, it may be smart to stockpile certain goods(Image: Getty)
Coffee
Like many coffee enthusiasts, Angelica wants to guarantee her morning cup, even during food shortages. She stores Ediya Special coffee mix in her stockpile, a Korean instant coffee that includes cream and sugar packets. It contains 110 sticks.
Rice
Angelica has a 5-pound bag of Basmati rice, and she noted that she’ll likely purchase more to increase her supply. Rice is affordable, simple to prepare, and makes a satisfying meal.
Beans
To complement rice, Angelica stores various types of beans, including red and pinto beans and lentils. She said they can last a month, especially when combined with rice.
Pasta
Angelica revealed that she grabbed a few extra boxes of pasta during her recent shopping trip, as it can remain good in the pantry for years.
Lard
Lard has a shelf life of a year, making it a superior choice over butter for an emergency stockpile. Butter only lasts about 3 to 6 months.
Evaporated milk
While some may opt for powdered milk, Angelica prefers evaporated milk. She stores four cans in her emergency supply.
Vegetable Oil
She noted that people tend to overlook vegetable oil, yet it’s a vital ingredient to have on hand. It can be used for cooking, and she purchases a large bottle from Costco.
VegetablesTomato paste
Tomato paste is shelf-stable and versatile enough for a wide range of dishes, from pastas to tacos. Angelica stocks several cans in her supply.
Dehydrated bell pepper
She sourced large tubs of dehydrated diced bell peppers to boost the nutritional value of her meals, which will keep for months longer than fresh vegetables.
Dehydrated onions
Angelica also suggests dehydrated onions, which can enhance the flavor of a variety of meals.
ProteinCanned chicken breast
Although canned chicken may not be everyone’s top pick, it can remain on her shelf for months. She purchased a pack of six cans from Costco.
Canned tuna
Likewise, she stocked up on canned tuna, which can be quickly turned into tuna salad. She opted for easy-open tabs, though having a can opener on hand remains essential.