Glass jars with metal lids, filled with grains and seeds, arranged on white countertop, soft natural lighting

9 Bulk Food Items to Buy Before the Next Shortage

June 26, 2025511Views

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The world has seen some significant disruptions in the supply chain, leading to shortages of many everyday items. To avoid being caught off guard, it’s wise to stock up on certain bulk food items that have a long shelf life. Here are nine essential bulk food items to consider buying before the next shortage strikes.

1. Beans

Wooden bowl filled with dry pinto beans, speckled brown pattern, beans scattered on cloth background — Image Credit: Shutterstock.

Beans are another great food item to buy in bulk. They are high in protein and fiber, and can be used in countless recipes. Whether you prefer canned or dried beans, they can be stored for months or even years. Plus, they’re an affordable source of nutrition.

2. Rice

Close-up of assorted grains and seeds in white ceramic bowls, arranged on a white surface, including light brown, black, and reddish varieties, showcasing texture — Image Credit: MART PRODUCTION/Pexels.

Rice is a staple in many diets around the world and can be stored for a long time without spoilage. It’s versatile, easy to cook, and can be used in a variety of dishes from stir-fry to burritos. Plus, it’s packed with energy-giving carbohydrates. Buying rice in bulk can save you money in the long run and ensure you have a reliable source of nutrition even in the face of potential food shortages.

3. Pasta

Brown ceramic bowl filled with spiral pasta and melted cheese, likely mac and cheese or a similar dish. The bowl sits on what appears to be a wooden surface. The image has a blue border — Image Credit: Shutterstock.

Pasta is a filling food that can be stored for a long time. It’s easy to cook and can be paired with a variety of sauces, vegetables, and proteins to make a complete meal. Buying pasta in bulk can provide you with a quick and easy meal option whenever you need it.

4. Canned Vegetables

Opened tin can filled with yellow corn kernels, metal lid partially lifted, surrounded by other unopened cans, canned food — Image Credit: Shutterstock.

Canned vegetables are a great source of essential vitamins and minerals. They can be stored for long periods without refrigeration. Having a variety of canned vegetables on hand can ensure you have access to nutritious food even when fresh produce might be scarce.

5. Canned Meats

Two vintage canned meat tins with colorful illustrations, the left labeled "Astrocolora Cinnamon" with a floral and character design, the right labeled "Rindfleisch Frühstücksfleisch" featuring a boy and bear cartoon, both with gold lids, placed side by side on a light surface — Image Credit: Homoatrox – CC BY-SA 4.0 /Wiki Commons.

Like canned vegetables, canned meats have a long shelf life and don’t require refrigeration. They can provide a valuable source of protein during food shortages. Whether it’s canned chicken, tuna, or even SPAM, these items can be used in a variety of meals.

6. Flour

Bowl of white flour, surrounded by wheat stalks, round bread rolls, and sliced bread, displayed on a rustic wooden surface, representing baking ingredients and products — Image Credit: Shutterstock.

Flour is a versatile ingredient that can be used to make bread, pasta, cakes, and more. It can be stored for a long time, especially when kept in a cool, dry place. Buying flour in bulk can provide you with the raw materials to create a variety of homemade foods.

7. Sugar

glass jar with latch lid, filled with brown sugar cubes, placed on wooden table, soft natural light in background — Image Credit: Shutterstock.

Sugar, like flour, has a long shelf life and is a versatile ingredient in many recipes. Whether you use it for baking, preserving fruits, or sweetening beverages, having a bulk supply of sugar can be useful in times of shortage.

8. Salt

Wooden spoon filled with white granulated salt, placed on white surface, scattered salt grains around — Image credit: Tara Winstead / Pexels.

Salt is essential for flavoring food and can also be used for preserving. Its shelf life is virtually unlimited, making it an ideal bulk purchase. Plus, it’s inexpensive and used in nearly every type of cooking.

9. Oil

Olive oil being poured into a glass bowl with green olives beside it, whisk and garlic press nearby — Image Credit: Pixabay/Pexels.

Cooking oils, such as olive oil or vegetable oil, are a staple in many kitchens. They can be used for baking, frying, sautéing, and more. Buying these in bulk ensures you have a constant supply for all your cooking needs. Just remember to store them in a cool, dark place to prolong their shelf life.