food storage business plan

52 Week Guide to Building Your Food Storage

It’s a new year! Let’s get your food storage started! Having a backup supply of food is great not only for emergencies, but you also never run out of ingredients. Gone are the phone calls to your neighbor for a cup of sugar!

This plan will end up providing you with sufficient food for two for one year. Go ahead and purchase more to accommodate your family. You will spend an average of $10 a week. Some weeks will be more expensive than others, some cheaper.

Keep your food storage rotated. In other words, use the things you buy, just replace it. Like if you use two cans of diced tomatoes, put it on your grocery list. If you use a bag of flour, write down another one on your grocery list.

On this list, I did not include water or wheat. Unless you have a wheat grinder, having wheat is almost completely useless. But buy wheat if you have a grinder.

If you want to store water, the recommended amount is 1, 55 gallon barrel per person. Barrels can be purchased at most Wal-Marts in Utah or even on Amazon

As for bottled water, I would buy a few cases to start with and then rotate through them, buying more as you use them. Or you can refill used 2 liter soda bottles with water.

This list is quite basic, but a great start. Add more as you are able to afford it. Good luck and enjoy the peace of mind that comes with having a food supply!  Check out our other food storage posts like, where to put all that food you will have!

Here is a list of what you will end up with by the time the year is over:

• 15 lbs flour
• 4 42 oz containers oatmeal
• 12 lbs rice
• 10 lbs pasta
• 20 lbs sugar
• 6 lbs brown sugar
• 6 lbs powdered sugar
• 2 boxes baking soda
• 2 cans baking powder
• 4 lbs honey
• A little over 6 1/2 pounds peanut butter
• 6 bags chocolate chips
• 2 jars yeast (keep it in the freezer)
• 1 lb cocoa powder
• 15 cans chili or soup
• 4 lbs shortening
• 1 1/2 gallons vegetable oil
• 1 jar cinnamon
• 1 can Lawry’s seasoning salt
• 1 jar chicken bouillon
• 1 jar beef bouillon
• 20 cans of tuna or other meats
• 20 cans of fruit
• 20 cans of beans
• 20 cans of vegetables
• 2 large boxes of tampons
• 20 rolls toilet paper

By the weeks!!  Copy and paste this list, or get our printable here!

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WEEK 1: 5 cans tuna or other meat, 2 boxes salt

WEEK 2: 5 1 lb bags pasta or boxed macaroni and cheese

WEEK 3: 5 15 oz cans vegetables (diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, corn, peas, green beans, carrots etc)

WEEK 4: 3 16 oz bags rice,

WEEK 5: 5 15 oz cans beans

WEEK 6: 2 18 oz jars peanut butter

WEEK 7: 2 42 oz cartons oatmeal – quick or regular, your choice

WEEK 8: 5 15 oz cans fruit (pineapple, applesauce, peaches, pears etc)

WEEK 9: 3 5 lb bags flour, 1 4-pack toilet paper, 1 large box tampons

WEEK 10: 5 15 oz or more cans chili or soup, jar of cinnamon

WEEK 11: 2 5 lb bags sugar, 2 1 lb bags brown sugar

WEEK 12: 5 cans tuna or other meat

WEEK 13: 1 32 oz bottle honey, 1 8 oz can cocoa powder

WEEK 14: 5 15 oz cans beans

WEEK 15: 5 1 lb bags pasta or boxed macaroni and cheese

WEEK 16: 2 48 oz bottles vegetable oil or olive oil

WEEK 17: 2 18 oz jars peanut butter, 1 can baking powder

WEEK 18: 1 jar yeast, 2 bags chocolate chips

WEEK 19: 2 42 oz cartons oatmeal – quick or regular, your choice

WEEK 20: 2 1 lb cans vegetable shortening, 1 box baking soda

WEEK 21: 3 5 lb bags flour, 1 4-pack toilet paper

WEEK 22: 1 32 oz bottle honey, 1 8 oz can cocoa powder

WEEK 23: 5 15 oz cans vegetables (diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, corn, peas, green beans, carrots etc)

WEEK 24: 3 16 oz bags rice, 1 can Lawry’s Seasoning Salt

WEEK 25: 2 1 lb bags brown sugar

WEEK 26: 5 15 oz cans fruit (pineapple, applesauce, peaches, pears etc)

WEEK 27: 1 bottle Tylenol

WEEK 28: 2 48 oz bottles vegetable oil or olive oil

WEEK 29: 5 15 oz or more cans chili or soup

WEEK 30: 3 5 lb bags flour, 1 4-pack toilet paper, 1 large box tampons

WEEK 31: 2 1 lb bags powdered sugar, 1 can baking powder

WEEK 32: 5 cans tuna or other meat

WEEK 33: 2 5 lb bags sugar, 2 1 lb bags brown sugar

WEEK 34: 2 18 oz jars peanut butter

WEEK 35: 5 15 oz cans vegetables (diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, corn, peas, green beans, carrots etc)

WEEK 36: 1 bottle Advil

WEEK 37: 1 jar yeast, 2 bags chocolate chips

WEEK 38: 5 15 oz cans fruit (pineapple, applesauce, peaches, pears etc)

WEEK 39: 5 15 oz cans beans

WEEK 40: 3 16 oz bags rice, 1 jar chicken bouillon

WEEK 41: 2 1 lb bags powdered sugar, 2 bags chocolate chips

WEEK 42: 5 15 oz or more cans chili or soup

WEEK 43: 2 1 lb cans vegetable shortening, 1 baking soda

WEEK 44: 5 cans tuna or other meat

WEEK 45: 3 5 lb bags flour, 1 4-pack toilet paper

WEEK 46: 3 16 oz bags rice, 1 jar beef bouillon

WEEK 47: 5 15 oz cans fruit (pineapple, applesauce, peaches, pears etc)

WEEK 48: 1 bottle Tums

WEEK 49: 2 1 lb bags powdered sugar

WEEK 50: 3 5 lb bags flour, 1 4-pack toilet paper

WEEK 51: 5 15 oz can beans

WEEK 52: 5 15 oz cans vegetables (diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, corn, peas, green beans, carrots etc)

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Friday 27th of January 2017

I'm new to your site, but find it interesting. I think that the importance of stocking up is underrated, but did want to say that after looking over your list of what you believe would feed two people (assuming adults) for one year, I'm curious as to how you came to these numbers. 15 pounds of flour is only 3 bags; I could *maybe* make that stretch for two months, but certainly not for a year. Am I missing something? Usually these lists are assuming that you don't have any other food incoming throughout the year; maybe yours isn't? Just curious. :)

Cheers! Shani

Wow! Interesting post, but I feel a bit in the dark- is this a "thing" that people do - store up for an emergency like this? If so, just wondering what type of emergency are people expecting? I am 57 years old, have lived in Connecticut, New York and California and now live - just outside of Boson and have never known anyone who does this. I do keep a couple of gallon bottles of water and normal pantry of some canned goods, but we live a mile or two from a Trader Joes, a Stop and Shop, a community farm and a regular grocery store, so really I can stop and pick things up very easily - wondering if it is middle of the country thing? Thanks!;)

Thursday 16th of February 2017

Yes, people do! I'm LDS and our Church encourages us to prepare for emergencies. It may be easy to stop by a store, but if there were flooding that prevented access or even just a threat of a hurricane that had people emptying shelves, food storage can come in handy! Your food storage can cover you in several situations: -loss of a job -times when finances are tight -natural disaster that limits access to grocery stores, power, etc. -political crisis -forgetting to plan dinner!

Plus, with the consumer price index rising, it can save you hundreds of dollars. And it allows you to stock up when prices are down and spend less that way (for instance, Progresso Soup ranges here from 68 cents to $2 at Wal Mart depending on the week). Our food storage has been a blessing to us on a regular basis just for being able to go downstairs and grab something when I forgot to get anything for lunch! For my personal food storage, I like to can quarts of chicken pot pie filling, hearty spaghetti sauce, chili, meatloaf, soups, etc. so I have "fast food" that take very little preparation!

I don't think that this thinking is specific to any particular part of the country; it's just good sense. If the electricity were to go out for any extended period of time, all of the shops that you mentioned would be closed and your bank would be unavailable to you. If you were ill for any extended period of time, even for something as relatively simple as a broken leg, navigating shops for supplies would be difficult at best. Having a reasonable food storage insulates you from a crisis during that critical, shocking moment when you're faced with a new reality. My uncle went into hospital this week for an a-fib event, and because of a domino effect on his health, my aunt is now facing the possibility of being the sole wage earner for the rest of their life together. Being blindsided by life is certain, but giving yourself the gift of not having to worry how you're going to feed yourself or your dependents is a blessing that we can all preprare for. As is having extra cash on hand, a good emergency fund built up, a back-up emergency budget to slide into place, and a good stock of items that you use every day, perhaps without even thinking about it. Common sense. It's what people have done for generations; the modern conveniences have made us turn away from our roots.

PreparednessMama

Food Storage, Gardening, and Self-Reliance for Busy Moms

Ultimate Guide to Starting Your Long Term Food Storage in 2024

By PreparednessMama on July 26, 2024 * 2 Comments

Starting your long term food storage can be daunting, but our guide makes it simple! We’ll cover the what, where, how, and why for a prepared pantry.

This area has been the most helpful, even comforting, for my family. When my husband was completing college, and again when we started our first business, we used this “stash” as an economic buffer.

I think it might even be fair to say that without my Long Term Food Storage, we might not have made it – at least not without help! It kept us from being hungry and discouraged, and don’t things always seem harder when you’re hungry and discouraged?

Preparing Space For Your Long Term Food Storage

There are several ways to store food for your family. The refrigerator or freezer are good for short term food storage, and according to this handy storage time chart,  the guidelines of 1 to 12 months for freezer storage are for quality only. Frozen foods remain safe indefinitely. The USDA provides Fact Sheets for just about any thing you might want to store in the freezer, even eggs.

We use our big chest freezer for storing meat and cheese, and as overflow for the small one in the kitchen. Using the freezer is an important part of our storage plan, as is home canning . 

We also have allotted money in our budget and space in our house for long term food storage items – those basic necessities that will store for 10 years or more. Some can last for 30 years or more when properly packaged and stored in a cool, dry place.

Since funds would probably prevent you from purchasing a year supply of food all at once, it is best to gradually build a supply of long term food storage. 

Three Principles for Successful Long Term Food Storage

When storing food long term it is best to pay attention to some guiding principles. The first three key principles for successful long-term food storage are variety, balance, and moderation.

Variety means that in times of need, it is best to have on hand the seven macronutrients, without which the human body cannot stay in top peak and health for long.

These macronutrients are carbs (the good ones), fats (there are diets that focus heavily on fats, which can keep hunger at bay even more effectively than carbohydrates), minerals, vitamins, proteins (you can’t go without these as the body needs them to restore damaged muscle fibers and keep muscles in top shape too – the heart is an organ made of muscle also), fiber, and water.

Many beginner preppers tend to overlook the importance of storing enough water to meet their and their families’ needs when things go downhill. Without food, people can live up to 40 days (some were able to survive even longer than that), but without water, in 3 to 4 days you’ll have to deal with organ failure and death.

It is estimated that if you lose more than 20% of your body’s water, death is inevitable.

PreparednessMama has covered the topic of water storage and filtering for long term use here , here , and here .

Related: 5-Gallon Water Jug – Best Places to Buy & Refill for Emergency

Variety also helps you not go crazy when food is scarce, such as a diet comprised only of oatmeal and apple for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. You don’t want meal fatigue to kick in.

Balance is another key principle of long-term food storage. As there’s no food that you can munch on indefinitely and get all the nutrients your body needs from it, you’ll need to store enough food and from different types of food groups to hit a balance when creating a meal plan. A good starting point to achieve balance is the food pyramid.

However, recent research suggests that the government’s food pyramid is far from accurate and might lead to ugly long-term health consequences if followed to a tee.

For instance, recent studies suggest that fats are not as bad as government researchers used to think and that low-fat foods may do more harm than good despite the good intentions that led to their creation.  And the same goes for eggs, which have been demonized for years.

On the other hand, heavily relying on grains to get one’s daily intake of carbs is also wrong, as starch can significantly increase the risk of diabetes, heart disease, and even breast cancers.

So, the jury is still out on what makes for a balanced diet, thus everyone should do their research before creating that emergency food stash.

When food is scarce, you should approach your stored food with a moderation mindset. It is highly counterproductive to start binge eating or wasting food just like in the good ol’ days. However, food disorders like emotional eating can be avoided when focusing on foods that are good for your body and not just your taste buds.

When stockpiling food, just steer clear of junk food and foods with additives that lack nutrients but are jam-packed with empty calories. The last thing you’ll need in an emergency situation is a stash of unhealthy food that you’ll burn through like there’s no tomorrow and that will leave you wanting for more.

The goal is long-term survival here – not instant gratification, so look to instill this mindset in your loved ones to avoid lots of preventable trouble.

What Type of Food Should You Store?

Grains are usually the foundation of a long term storage plan, and they’re easy to store in large quantities. There are so many different types of grains available to us today: wheat, rice, quinoa, chia or oats, the possibilities are endless, so take your pick. You will be able to purchase just what your family likes and take into account any family allergies.

Mix and match to reach the recommended pounds per person. Browse the catalog of  Bob’s Red Mill ,  Azure Standard or Rainy Day Foods to get ideas about what is available, then look for co-ops, warehouse stores, or bulk buying groups in your area to determine the best price. Don’t forget to check prices on a grain mill while you are looking around!

Rolled Oats

These are the ultimate prepper food to have in your Doomsday pantry. They are highly nutritious and are very easy to turn into a filling and delicious meal. If you’re out of fuel, you can use cold water to prepare oats, which is a big bonus, especially if you want to keep your position concealed, or you’re worried about hungry criminals knowing about your food stash.

For big savings, get a big bag of rolled oats for horses (yeah, you’ve heard that right – many animal food and medicines are just as good if not better than human-grade products). Store the oats in mylar bags, add oxygen absorbers to the mix, vacuum seal the bags, and place them in food-grade plastic buckets (a tin box is even better to keep rodents and other pests at bay).

As an extra step, you could freeze the oats for a couple of weeks in their mylar bags to ensure that you kill off all bug larvae that might ruin your batch. However, oxygen absorbers should be enough to kill the bugs.

Pasta is a versatile and budget-friendly pantry staple with a ginormous shelf life. For instance, dry pasta doesn’t really go bad (it usually has a “best by” or “best before” date, not an expiration date). And if it’s stored in Mylar bags with oxygen absorbers, dry pasta can last for decades .

Ramen noodles are a great backup option to have in a prepared pantry as well. They might not be the healthiest food out there, but they’re filling, versatile (you can make a zillion things out of them ) , and they’re perfect if you want to save on fuel when the grid goes down, simply because they cook so fast – let them sit 2-3 minutes in boiling water.

Instant noodles should last up to a couple of years if not removed from the original packaging.

You could freeze dry eggs on your own and turn them into a fine powder to store away, or buy them ready-made in #10 cans. Augason Farms have some of the most delicious dried eggs out there. Each #10 can contains 96 whole eggs.

To reconstitute, use 2 tbsp egg powder to 2 tbsp water or according to packaging instructions. Augason offer a 10 year shelf life for unopened cans. For more trusty powdered egg brands, check out our related post: The Best Powdered Eggs for Your Emergency Food Supply .

Legumes consisting of dry beans, peas, barley, and nuts are the next item on your long term food storage list. These will last for up to 30 years if properly stored. Beans are a source of protein and can be ground and used as thickeners.

Plan on purchasing beans and seeds for sprouting – if you can’t grow a garden, this will be a way for your family to get fresh greens, even in winter. Sprouting is fun, easy and healthy for you, give it a try! If you are storing beans in Mylar bags with oxygen absorbers, make sure that you set aside some beans for sprouting as the oxygen absorbers will render the seeds useless.

How much milk can you store and for how long? Fresh milk will only last about 10 days. You can freeze milk for up to a month, but expect some huge changes in texture.

We keep a supply of powdered milk on hand to meet the dairy requirement for long term food storage, and we use it exclusively for cooking. For long term storage, pick only non-fat powdered milk brands. For instance, the non-fat powdered milk by Auguson Farms below has a shelf life of 10 years if unopened.

Check out my other post on storing powdered milk: How Do I Store That? Powdered Milk and here are some recipes for powdered milk use.  Do some taste testing and find a milk product that your family will actually drink. It might cost more, but it will be worth it. You can still use the less expensive brand for cooking .

Related: Make the Most of Powdered Milk Food Storage

Freeze-Dried Foods

Most recipes won’t be achievable without several ingredients such as onions, carrots, green beans, and tomatoes. If your garden fails one year, or you need to travel, you’ll need something else to fall back on.

The shelf life of freeze dried food varies depending on the product, but generally it can last around 20-30 years, according to Freeze Dried USA.

Many homesteaders with their own freeze drier simply dry their leftovers and excess produce as they go, and they find themselves with an impressive long term food storage. 

Still, there are plenty of freeze dried food options out there available for purchase, for those without a machine.

As vegetarians can attest, a well-rounded diet with proper protein options can eliminate the body’s need for meat.

However, most American families center their meals on meat, and would gravely miss it if gone – especially if alternative protein options aren’t readily available.

Ideally, you would be able to hunt and/or fish for meat, but that’s not always available (think about how many other people around you would be doing it too). So, it’s important to have some meat reserves as well.

Long term meat storage is more tricky than other foods. Although the options of freeze-dried or canned are relatively the same as for other foods, you can expect a significant decrease in quality, texture, and taste once meat is prepared to be stored for several years. Additionally, it definitely won’t last as long as pasta or flour, so be prepared to rotate.

A few obvious options are beef jerky and SPAM, which can last a long time if stored properly.

Additionally, there are quite a few freeze-dried meat options available on the market today. A few Amazon product with good reviews are this , this , and this .

We store several kinds of sugars at our house and, although white sugar is getting a bad rap right now, and we limit the amount we use, I still have it in my long term food storage. We also have honey (which NEVER goes bad), molasses, Splenda, and agave.

If you plan on storing some extra honey, don’t do it in tin cans or other metal containers, as it will acquire a nasty metallic taste and turn black after several years of storage (some preppers have learned the hard way). Honey might start corroding the metal can.

If the honey has crystallized, which is absolutely normal over the long haul, don’t throw it away. Put it in a mason jar, line a pot with a heavy bottom with a kitchen towel or a thick layer of newspaper pages, add the jar into the pot, fill with water up to the jar’s rim (don’t let any water get into the honey), and let simmer until the honey turns liquid again. Do not boil the honey as it will lose vital nutrients and become toxic.

Also, store sugar in plastic or glass containers as sugar, too, might corrode some types of metals. Here’s a handful of tips on storing sugar (both white and brown): How Do I Store That? Sugar

Leavening Agents

Salt is another necessity and very easy to get, but many preppers overlook this essential ingredient. Salt does not only make (stored) food taste better, but it also keeps our muscles and nerves going. Without it, we would be dead in less than a week. You might consider sea salt, canning salt, and salt with and without iodine.

You need to store some fats for cooking and health.  There are many debates going on right now about the “right” kind of fats to use, and we won’t get into that today. You will need some kind of vegetable oil (we have olive and coconut) and shortening (yes, even Crisco and lard) as part of your long term food storage plan. Most of these will not last more than 2 years, so plan on rotating.

Butter is a delicious type of fat which can be stored in the freezer for up to one year without noticeable changes to taste or texture. You could also can butter if you’re preparing for an emergency where power is out for days if not weeks. Properly canned butter should last up to 5 years.

However, many of the prepping videos on canning butter lack the USDA’s seal of approval. Pressure canning should be the safest method, but no testing has been done at federal level when it comes to canning dairy yet. So, when trying any other methods , do at your own risk.

Butter offers us essential fuel to burn especially in the cold months. Add some butter to your tea just before bed or the first thing in the morning if its freezing cold outside. It will help keep you warm and give you enough fuel to push through the night or the day. If you’re lactose intolerant, you can clarify butter at home to make the so-called ghee.

You could buy ghee at your local grocery store or health food store, but it is infinitely more budget friendly to do it at home. Indians have been doing it for millennia without fancy equipment. Here’s a step by step guide by The Pioneer Woman. For the lazies among us, there are always the commercial options.

Ghee should last indefinitely in a cool dark place if made correctly at home. I haven’t tried storing it outside the refrigerator, though.

Herbs, Spices, and Sauces

Don’t forget to plan for dried herbs, spices, and sauces.  They will help you create variety with your long term food storage and avoid food fatigue. My husband could not exist without them!

Vitamins and Minerals

Add some vitamins and minerals to your long-term food storage stash as well. In desperate times, you might not manage to cook perfectly balanced meals for your family, so vitamin supplementation is a must. Vitamin C should be the shining star in this case, as scurvy or severe vitamin C deficiency can prove fatal during a societal collapse accompanied by poor diets.

Shelf Life of Different Food Storage Basics

According to Provident Living.org

The estimated shelf life for many products has increased to 30 years or more (see chart below for new estimates of shelf life).

Notice that this chart says “life-sustaining” shelf life. As long as you spent the money on this food, you better use it! 

Make sure that every item you bring into your long term food storage is marked with the purchase or canning date so you can practice first-in-first-out inventory rotation.

How Much Food Storage Do I Need?

The following are recommendations for one year of Long Term Food Storage for one adult or one child . These are only basic recommendations, so remember to put some thought into the specific needs of your family (such as infant formula).

Best Containers for Long-Term Food Storage

#10 cans are great for storing dry food that is low in moisture and oil content. They can keep the food cool, bug- and rodent-free, and away from sunlight. A #10 can can fit 4 lbs of white flour, 5.5 lbs of wheat, 5 lbs of beans and so on.

Honey is one of the things you should not store in anything metallic as it changes color and taste and turns inedible after several years. For the rest, just keep the cans away from humidity as you don’t want rust to spoil your precious food.

Check Price

These are the most expensive option but in some cases, they’re worth every penny. If paired with good oxygen absorbers and put in food grade buckets, they can store non-perishables for decades. Mylar bags are great for storing beans, rice, and flour.

The drawback of mylar bags is that they are not as rodent-proof and air-tight long term as #10 cans. That’s why you’ll need the oxygen absorbers and a bucket.

Food-Grade Plastic Buckets

These are great for storing dry, non-perishable foods long term as it can help keep critters at bay.

They are also great for packing with food in their original or not so original packaging (see how I store flour here ).

These are great for storing canned food, but dry food and oxygen absorbers can also last some time in a glass mason jar. Still, jars are not as cost-effective as buckets and #10 cans, unless for some reason you’re drowning in them.

The pros of glass jars are that they are clear so you can see what’s in them, they are reusable, and they protect against rodents and humidity.

However, do keep them away from sunlight and make sure that they are stored properly and won’t shatter. Earthquakes may spell the demise of glass jars, too.

Plastic Bottles

The humble plastic bottle can be the most reliable container for long-term food storage. PET bottles are cheap (or basically free), watertight, clear, lightweight, and reusable. They can withstand up to 200 lbs of pressure, which means that they’re much better policy insurance in case of an earthquake or crazy storm than glass jars and plastic buckets.

To make sure that the food is safe for the long haul in plastic bottles, though, make sure that you disinfect them first. Use a solution of 1 tablespoon bleach (without added fragrances) and 1 quart of water (boiled or distilled if the tap water in your area is iffy).

Wash the bottles with the solution (bleach should kill off all the nasties) and rinse thoroughly. Let the bottles air dry completely before loading them with food.

Also, if you plan on storing food that is prone to bugs (like flour, beans, or rice) in plastic bottles, pre-treat the food first by freezing it for up to 2 weeks to get rid of any bugs and larvae. For extra caution, add an oxygen absorber into each bottle and you’re all set for the super long haul.

Frequently Asked Questions

What food is best for long term storage.

There are numerous foods that go well in long term storage plans. Out of the most common ones, we would like to remind you of the following:

• Dried beans, lentils, or peas
• Protein bars, granola bars, or fruit bars
• Canned soups, fruit, and vegetables
• Peanut butter and jelly
• Coffee, tea, and hot chocolate
• Powdered drink mixes
• Nuts and dried fruits
• Instant soup mixes
• Baking essentials (such as baking soda, salt, and yeast)
• Pickled vegetables
• Comfort food

How do you store fat long term?

Fats and oils come in so many varieties — some of which are very healthy but are not very shelf-stable, and others that are healthy but not as well known. Nut oils such as peanut, almond, walnut, and macadamia oils give a rich flavor to salad dressings but are not especially good for cooking and are too fragile to store long term.

Seed oils such as flax, sesame, sunflower, and avocado have an even shorter shelf life and must be refrigerated. Some very tasty and healthy fats for cooking are duck and goose fat, which can be purchased or rendered at home (most people don’t eat duck/goose, so it’s more likely you’ll purchase). Another option is tallow and lard, which is a better candidate to be rendered at home.

What food never expires?

There are ten common foods that never (or almost never) expire, and we recommend them the most if this is your main concern:

• Dried beans
• Pure maple syrup
• Powdered milk
• Hard liquor

Whichever foods you plan on storing will go well with some of these ten items that don’t expire. You can search recipes here on our website regarding which ingredients go well, and which meals you can prepare using them.

You’ll Also Love…

Continue your food storage journey with these articles from PreparednessMama:

How to Blanch Vegetables: Prep Your Veggies For Dehydration and Freezing

Expiration Dates of Food Storage – Know When to Throw

Store Flour in Bulk for the Long Haul

August 30, 2014 at 6:33 pm

Ive heard that bay leaves, sachets of pepper corn, cinnamon sticks and clove all work well in preventing moths and other pantry pests from invading food storage. Have you ever tried any of those things in your prepping?

August 31, 2014 at 3:47 pm

Hi Jasmine,thanks for stopping by. I’ve used the good old freezer to treat flour before I place it in storage. Even if you only suspect an item is infested, place it in the freezer at 0 degrees for four days, before you add it to the pantry. Yes, your sachet idea is a good one! I have had good results keeping pests at bay is with a sachet of insect-repelling substances such as cedar chips, rosemary, lavender or bay leaves in your cupboard. I always try to go the most natural route.

[…] yesterday’s challenge, we talked about why having food storage is a great buffer against life’s storms.  Today we […]

[…] done, they will last a long time – maybe even 30 years under certain conditions. We spoke in Day 11 about Long Term Food Storage and the reasons to have this food on hand. Today we will explore how to store it for optimal […]

[…] keep my grains in two basic areas. Long term food storage, where they are sealed in jars or cans in an oxygen free environment and short term food storage. […]

[…] you store – Each kind of food storage; 3 Month Supply, short term freezer techniques and long term dry goods all play a part in the plan. See the category “How Do I Store That?” for ways to store […]

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4 Comments | Jill Winger |    Last Updated: June 13, 2023

How to Store a Year’s Worth of Food for Your Family (Without Waste and Overwhelm)

We try to store at least a year’s supply of food in every possible nook-and-cranny on our homestead (someday, maybe, we’ll get more organized about it and have it all in one location…)..

As a homesteader, I understand the need for self-reliance and food security, and both have a pretty big role in this lifestyle. I also firmly believe that you don’t need to be a Homesteader, Emergency Prepper, or Survivalist to take control and store a year’s worth of food. 

In the last few years, many have struggled through a pandemic, natural disasters, and shortages across the country. I think now more than ever it is time for people from all walks of life to start thinking about how to take control of their food supply.

When it comes to long-term food storage, I can’t offer you a one size fits all solution because there isn’t one . However, what I CAN do is explain different details that will help you learn how to store a year’s worth of food and help customize it to fit your needs.

Storing food long-term is no simple task and there are many things to consider before diving in. To have success with your long-term food storage, you will need to start with a well-thought-out plan and hopefully end with a well-stocked pantry.

Why Store a Year’s Worth of Food

Everyone has their reasons for deciding to stock their pantries for an extended period of time. If you are still on the fence about why you really want to start storing food long-term, here are a few reasons to help you decide.

• Save Time – Storing food whether it be for a week, a month or a year will help save you time in the long run. Having food stored on hand will minimize the time you spend at stores, and in some cases minimize the time it takes to prepare meals.
• Save Money – When you buy items in bulk you are saving money because most times the price per unit is lower than when purchased individually. Growing your own produce can save money as well, you are paying for the cost of seeds or transplants.
• Emergencies – Emergencies can be natural disasters, a pandemic, the loss of a job, or a major injury. Many things can fall into this category. Having your food stored long-term means that you will have less to worry about at the time something like this occurs.
• Environmental Friendly – Buying things in bulk and preserving uses less packaging and causes less waste. Canning jars can be used over and over again, and there are now reusable lid alternatives. 

We buy Redmond’s Fine Sea Salt  in a 25 pound bag. It’s cheaper to buy in bulk and we use it for so many things (fermenting, preserving, and from-scratch meals) that it made sense to get a large bag.

Where to Begin When Storing a Year’s Worth of Food

If you have decided to take control of your food security and would like to attempt storing long-term, my best advice is to start small. Many make the mistake of jumping in both feet first when it comes to long-term food storage and then they end up overwhelmed and with food waste.

Tips Before You Start Storing Food:

• Don’t try storing an entire year’s worth of food from scratch. Start small: plan for 1 month of storage and then build from there.
• Keep track of your inventory and storage space.
• Buying in bulk can save you time and money.
• Store a few key ingredients at a time in bulk, and then move on to a different one.
• If you have never preserved your own food, ease into it. Don’t depend on home-preserved food entirely until you have learned the ins and outs.
• If buying fresh produce in bulk, buy in-season to help reduce the cost.
• Have a Plan! Figure out what food you will store, how much you will need, and how you will store it.

How to Create a Customized Plan to Store a Year’s Worth of Food

Before you jump in and start buying or preserving your storage items you should start with a plan. This plan will help you get organized and prevent overwhelm. Grab a pencil and some paper, take some time to write everything out (or check out the back pages from my Old-Fashioned on Purpose Planner )

Creating Your Customized Food Storage Plan:

(1) Set Realistic Actionable Goals The beginning of any great plan starts with setting goals and having a clear idea of what you would like the outcome to be. Start by writing down your short-term goals, long-term goals, and what is motivating you to take action.

(2) Write Down What Your Family Eats Figure out what recipes and foods your family uses most and focus on these. The goal is to store things that your family will eat.

(3) How much storage space do you have? Your goal is to store a year’s worth of food, but you should consider how much storage space you have and where you can create more if needed. 

(4) What Does Your Inventory Look Like? Start your food storage process by going through your pantry, freezer, and root cellar (if you are lucky enough to have one) to see what you already have on hand. You will want to take everything out, go through what you use, and what you can get rid of. Note: Organize your Pantry/Freezer, and then create an inventory sheet to keep track of what you have and what you need. It doesn’t have to be fancy, just a piece of lined paper will do.

(5) Store-Bought, Homegrown, or Both? During the planning stage, you should decide if you will be growing produce, raising meat, preserving yourself, or buying everything. You can do all these things or only a few. If you can only raise chickens but are set on farm-fresh produce you can go to a farmers’ market. There are so many combinations and options, that is why customizing your plan to fit your situation is so important .

My Old-Fashioned on Purpose Planner is the PERFECT way to organize homestead and schedule. The front section is a yearly planner and in the back, I included pantry inventory and food storage sheets, as well as other helpful organization charts and sheets to help balance the busyness of a modern life with a homegrown lifestyle. 

The 2022 planner is available for purchase right now (I have a hunch it will sell out quickly, so don’t delay!). Learn more about the Old-Fashioned on Purpose Planner here .

Organizing and Creating Your Long-term Storage Space

Before you worry about what and how much to store, you need to be sure that you have the space to store your food long-term. During your planning a list of storage space and existing inventory should have been made, now it is time to create, clean, and organize these spaces.

Note: When it comes to storage space it doesn’t have to be normal try to use what you have and get creative. Need proof? Check out my various storage areas around the home in the youtube video (above).

There are many different places you can store your food items, so consider the following spaces when deciding how much space you have to store a year’s worth of food. 

Different Storage Space Ideas to Consider:

• Pantry /Larder
• Root Cellar
• Extra Refrigerator
• Outbuildings

You also can organize your larger storage areas by breaking them down using smaller containers. An important thing to remember is to label your containers so there is no confusion in the future.

Containers to Help Organize Your Storage Space:

• Food Grade Buckets

Once you have figured out exactly how much space you have for storage, it is time to figure out how much food your family will need to store. Will your storage space be able to hold the amount of food required? Let’s find out!

What Food Should You Store for Your Family?

One of the major mistakes people make storing food long-term is stocking up on non-perishable items without considering what will get eaten. As mentioned earlier it is extremely important that you focus on storing things that your family will actually eat, because this will prevent food waste in the future.

In your plan (mentioned above), you wrote down favorite recipes and looked at foods your family consumes regularly. Now, you need to break down these recipes into basic ingredient lists, so later you will know what to include when buying or preserving.

If you are buying the majority of your stocked food you need to focus on things that have a long shelf-life like canned goods, pasta, rice, and dried beans. No one wants to stock up on something then find out it has spoiled in a short time.

Long-term Food Storage Items Include:

• Grains ( Wheat berries have a longer shelf-life than ground flour, but a grain mill will be needed)
• Canned or Frozen Vegetables
• Canned Sauces
• Dehydrated Fruits
• Dried Herbs
• Peanut Butter
• Fats and Oils
• Canned or Frozen Meats

How Much Should You Store for a Year’s Worth of Food

There are different methods and calculators ( check out this helpful food storage calculator ) out there that can help you get close to an estimated amount to store for a year’s worth of food. These can help, but there is no one-size-fits-all solution, so you will need to adjust to customize the amount for your situation. For instance, if you have growing kids, they may eat enough for two people compared to their 40-year-old mother.

Other Things to Factor in When Deciding Your Amounts:

• Seasons – One thing that sometimes gets overlooked is the seasons. For example, if you eat vegetables with every meal, you might only need canned vegetables while fresh produce isn’t available.
• Age – Remember to consider the age of everyone in your family when customizing your amounts.
• Health – Health can be another determining factor when it comes to the amount someone will eat.

Different Methods for Figuring Out How Much You Need:

Method #1: Favorite Recipe Breakdown

Break down your favorite recipe into basic ingredients, and then multiply these by 12, now you know how much to store if you eat this once a month per year. Once you have stored that one recipe, you can move on to the next and continue until your calendar is filled with meals.

How you break down your recipes depends on how basic you would like to get with your ingredients. If you make everything from scratch, your list will include more items.

Example: Spaghetti Night

1 – 16oz Box of Noodles x 12 = 12 Boxes of Spaghetti Noodles 1 – Jar of Spaghetti Sauce x 12 = 12 Jars of Spaghetti Sauce 1 lb – Ground Beef x12 = 12 lbs Ground Beef 1 – Loaf French Bread x 12 = 12 Loaves of Bread

Note: This example is for a basic store-bought spaghetti dinner, with time and experience you can break this down further into the most basic homemade versions (like homemade pasta and homemade French bread )

Method #2: Food Per Person Per Day

Write out how much and what each family member usually eats per day, then multiply these findings by 7 and you now have an idea of how much is consumed in 1 week. Use your one week and build up to 1 month, and then a year.

Method #3: Batch Cooking

Batch cooking is one of my favorite ways to store food and save time. If you are planning on making vegetable soup for dinner one night, just make extra, and then either can or freeze the extra soup for dinners on different nights. You may not be able to batch cook for an entire year, but if you continue doing that for a time you can build up to it.

Using batch cooking for your long-term storage system again requires that you break down your recipes into the basic ingredients and multiply the amount of each ingredient by the amount you are making.

Example: Vegetable Soup Ingredients x 4 = 4 Dinners = 1 Vegetable Soup Dinner per 4 months

How To Build Your Food Storage

Tip 1: buy more at a time.

In the beginning of your food storage quest, buying truly in bulk can be a struggle. There are a few different ways you can go about buying extra as you go. My number #1 tip: Focus on one product and start buying extra every time you are at the store in order to build up a supply and then move on to another.

You can also focus on one recipe that your family enjoys and buy your ingredients for it, and once you have your set amount, move on to the next one. This method can be continued until you have all your desired meals.

Tip 2: Buy In Bulk

Become a member of a large store such as Costco, where most of the things you will be looking for will be sold in bulk. When you are truly buying your items in bulk this will save you both time and money.

Tip 3: Grow Your Own/Homegrown

If it’s possible for you, grow your own food, and that can mean produce, meat, eggs, honey, or anything that you are producing yourself. If you have the time and space, you can grow a year’s worth of produce to preserve. Keep chickens for meat and eggs or maybe someday work up to buying and raising a pig ( watch how to figure out the cost of raising your own meat here ).

Growing your own produce and raising your own meat is great because you know exactly where your food supply is coming from.

If you have your heart set on growing your own produce you will need to consider:

• Your Growing Space
• Growing Zone/ Climate
• What Vegetables Your Family Needs
• How Many Plants Needed

When growing your own produce, you will have to figure out the number of plants you will need to plant to be able to preserve a year’s worth. If you are a gardening and preserving beginner, it might be easier to focus on one crop starting out.

Tomatoes are usually a go-to example because it is such a versatile fruit in many different recipes, you have your tomato sauce , tomato paste , pizza sauce, and even sun-dried tomatoes to name a few. To get enough tomatoes for any of these tomato products you will need 3-5 plants per person.

To get a better explanation, watch my video Know Exactly How Much to Plant to Feed Your Family where I talk you through an equation that helps me figure out how much to plant.

Tip 4: Preserve Your Own Storage Items

Preserving your food does not necessarily mean growing your own food , although they do go hand-in-hand. To preserve your own goods, you can buy them from farmer’s markets, roadside stands, or from a local producer directly.

If you have decided to take the leap into home preserving, then you should know that there are different methods. You can use just one method or a combination of them, whatever will make things easier on you in the long run.

Preservation Methods to Choose From:

(1) Canning The Canning preservation method is one of the most used for long-term storage. Depending on what you are planning to store you can hot water bath (learn how to water bath can ) or pressure can your items. There are rules that should be followed, and canning safety should never be taken lightly.

Here are a Few of my Favorite Canning Recipes:

• Canning Chicken (How to do it Safely)
• How to Can Tomatoes Safely at Home
• Canning Peaches with Honey and Cinnamon

If you think that canning is going to be too difficult or require too much fancy equipment, I can help with that! Learn how to can with my Canning Made Easy Course and also take a look at my tips on How to Can Food with No Special Equipment .

CANNING MADE EASY COURSE:

If you are a canning newbie, I just revamped my Canning Made Easy course and it’s ready for YOU! I’ll walk you through each step of the process (safety is my #1 priority!), so you can finally learn to can confidently, without the stress.  CLICK HERE to have a look at the course and ALL the bonuses that come with it.

(2) Freezing

Freezing works well for certain types of vegetables and most meats, the downfall to freezing is that in an emergency where power is lost your freezer will not be working. This is also a method that may require some blanching before your things get moved to the freezer.

Here are a Few of my Favorite Freezer Recipes :

• How to Freeze Green Beans
• How to Freeze Tomatoes
• No-Cook Strawberry Freezer Jam Recipe

(3) Root Cellaring/Cold Storage

This type of storage isn’t for all kinds of produce, it is used for winter squash, carrots, potatoes, beets, and other vegetables that like to be kept cool and in the dark. You don’t have to have an actual root cellar to store things this way, but it helps.

Here are some helpful Root Vegetable Tips:

• 13 Root Cellar Alternatives
• Digging Up and Storing Potatoes for Winter
• How to Grow Your Best Onion Crop Ever

(4) Dehydrating

The dehydrating method is when you use a dehydrator or oven to remove the moisture from the chosen food. Foods that are dehydrated can be great additions to soups because many can be restored by adding water. Dehydrated foods do not take up as much space as other preserved foods, so this can help if you don’t have much long-term storage space.

A Few of My Favorite Ways to Use a Dehydrator:

• Dehydrating Bananas: Easy Tutorial
• Simple Homemade Sun Dried Tomatoes

(5) Fermentation

This method of preservation has been used for ages and because of the salt brine used it is one of the safest. Fermentation is also a very basic method of preservation, only salt, vegetables and a jar are required.

A Few of My favorite fermenting Recipes

• Homemade Fermented Pickle Recipe
• How to Make Sauerkraut
• How to Make Milk Kefir

I have personally use each of these food storage methods, and using a combination of each of them really helps achieve your food storage goals.

Never preserved anything before? That’s ok, learn more about each method and how to preserve your harvest here .

Are You Ready to Start Storing a Year’s Worth of Food Your Family?

The idea is to try and store enough to get you through one year, if you are new to food storage, just remember that the best way to prevent disappointment and waste is to start small . Create a customized plan that works best for YOUR family and decide what you will need to buy or produce yourself.

I hope your food storage journey is successful and that you are able to take control of your food supply. It is a great and satisfying feeling to finally be self-sufficient and prepared. 

More  Long-Term Storage Tips:

• Water Glassing Eggs: How to Preserve Your Fresh Eggs for Long-Term Storage
• The Best Resources for Safe Canning Information
• My Favorite Ways to Preserve Food at Home
• Top Tips For Storing Vegetables Without a Root Cellar

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Reader Interactions

September 26, 2021 at 10:15 pm

Howdy, When is the Old fashion planner coming out again? I can’t wait to use it for the 2022 year. We are in process of implementing the tin beds you all did. Can hardly wait!!

May 24, 2023 at 5:17 pm

Thanks for taking the time to write this. It was very helpful.

March 2, 2024 at 8:00 am

Hi there, how long can canned goods /home made, last for ,i have some canned , salsa , pickles , etc for over 3yrs and they still tasted good, so is that too long to leave home made canned foods that long, they are sealed. thankyou, colleen dawson

March 7, 2024 at 11:37 am

As long as they are properly sealed, it can last for at least 2 to 5 years easily. However, the nutrition will slowly lessen as the time goes by.

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Build a Stash

How To Plan Food Storage

March 15, 2023

This article may contain affiliate links where we earn a commission from qualifying purchases.

The initial sound of food storage can be overwhelming or even scary for some. But there’s no need to worry. We have all of the tips you need right here.

Not sure where to start with planning food storage in your home? We will go over detailed steps on getting started, the benefits of planning food storage, and other best practices to help you along the way.

We understand that food storage can seem daunting. You might even be wondering what exactly food storage is?  There is long-term emergency food storage and living food storage. We will discuss the benefits of both and help you get started today.

We gathered the most critical information you need to know while planning food storage by conducting research and personal experiments. This how-to guide will give you the assurance you need to start with food storage planning with all the exact steps to make it happen.

Table of contents

Why should i plan food storage.

There are numerous advantages to planning your food stockpile. The most common questions we get are about how much food is needed, the best type of foods, and why food storage is important.

It is essential to realize that not all food storage needs to be 30 years’ worth of food stashed away in the basement to be effective. Instead, the best place to start is building living food storage that always keeps your house packed with fresh, ready-to-make meals.

It is a long process that gives you a sense of security in emergencies while improving your day-to-day life. Food storage is an excellent way to make your life easy and more efficient dramatically.

Living Food Storage vs. Long Term Emergency Food Storage

The two options are both important food storage solutions for any home. If you aren’t sure what they are, we will explain. Consider what you are looking to accomplish from a food storage plan and use this guide as your primary resource to get started.

Long-Term Storage (Emergency)

Long-term food storage is the process of accumulating dry foods with minimal moisture that can be packaged accordingly to last for up to 30 years.

Implementing long-term principles requires a more significant budget upfront and provides less daily food access in your home. Because once the seals break on these bags, the food must be consumed in a short amount of time.

This is more of a survival preparation rather than a process of bulking up your home pantry. It consists of building enormous amounts of critical essentials that can be sealed and stored appropriately.  

Short-Term Storage (Living)  

Short-term food storage is a little different. The foods you are buying can be consumed on a daily basis with a much shorter shelf-life between 1-5 years max. It is everything you can fit in your pantry.

For example, canned goods and dried fruits are excellent short-term options for your pantry.  

We will discuss all of the steps and tips you need to build your living food storage in this guide. This is the best place to start, and as you continue, stocking items for the long term becomes a much more manageable process. 

Steps to Planning a 30 Day Food Storage

This is your step-by-step guide to get started. We recommend starting with a 30-day food storage supply and then deciding where to go from there. This is an excellent foundation to begin.  

1. Find Your Storage Location

Every household has a different layout. As a result, there are hardly ever two food storage areas that look exactly the same. Fortunately, you can consider many creative solutions when deciding the best location for your food storage.

The most obvious choice is always the pantry. However, some kitchens do not have a pantry, or it might be too small to accommodate the large quantity of food that we are looking to build.

Other options include hallway closets, freezer, and cabinets. There are ways to add to your storage space,, too with new shelves and DIY kitchen hacks.

2. Determine your budget

Everyone’s food storage stock will look different. This is normal. An essential step in the planning process for food storage is to determine your budget. This will ensure you do not over-buy and while trying to make your life easier.

Calculate how much money you have each month to spend on your food storage supply. Be honest about your budget because the purpose of food storage is convenience and savings. Fewer trips to the store will be a considerable time and money saver for you in the future.  

3. Create Your Family’s Meal Plan

Buying food in bulk is an excellent way to plan your food storage. Start by making a list of all dietary needs for each member of your household. It is best to find common ground between everybody and stock up on the foods the entire house loves to eat.

Create a list for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks that the kids love. When building your meal plan, consider the basic math involved for a three-month supply. You need to plan out 90 of each meal.

Don’t forget some of the basic necessities either, like baking soda, cooking oil, and spices, to name a few. They will be essential when you are cooking meals.

4. Stock Your Shelves 

You just got home from the grocery store. You are tired. You want to shove the food in your pantry and call it a day. We get it. We’ve all been there.

But for your food storage to work out, these foods must stay fresh for the right amount of time. So be sure to watch the expiration dates on all of the foods in your pantry. We even recommend labeling foods on the date you store them as a reminder.

The short-term foods we will recommend all have a shelf-life between 6-18 months. This means you can safely stock your shelves without concern for short-term food spoilage.

Clean your new storage area and start packing the shelves with your food.

Why Build a 3 Month Storage

The initial three-month timeline worries the newcomers at first. It sounds like an expensive task and really difficult to accomplish. However, it doesn’t need to all happen in one day.

Start with a two-week plan. Collect meal suggestions from your family for two weeks and stock up that way. Each week you can add a few more items than you traditionally would.

Before you know it, those extra items will stack up on your shelves, and your three-month storage will be complete. Never overextend on your budget. It is best to build slowly if that suits you and your family best.

Reduces Family Costs and Time

The most notable benefit of three-month food storage is the time and money you will save during the long run. In addition, keeping a well-stocked pantry always gives your family food options while eliminating short trips to the store.

This remains true no matter how big or small your family is. In fact, we would argue that the bigger your family, the more efficient you can be with your food storage plan. By stashing away 90 days’ worth of food, you’ll never find yourself scrambling to the store wasting gas for a missing ingredient.

It also allows you to go bargain hunting. Of course, buying bulk foods will reduce your costs. But you can find sales too. Use shelf-life to your advantage and when an essential item you need is half price, buy a bunch of them and stash them away for later.

Increases Emergency Preparedness

Building a three-month supply can come in handy during a financial crisis too. We have spoken with families who experienced job loss and were forced to rely on their food supply for a bit. It helped them handle the difficult times much easier.

When you have your storage supply built, the future becomes more manageable. For example, if you fall behind on some bills, you know you can go two weeks without purchasing groceries and instead pay your bills down.

Provides You Safety and Security

Short-term living food storage still protects against emergencies too. For example, when you maintain a 90-day storage supply, you will always have supplies if you are forced to quarantine or remain at home due to a similar disaster.

Other issues like winter storms and power outages can cause significant problems for families. But they become much more manageable situations when you have a living food storage supply to fall back on.    

What Foods Should I Buy?

The list of foods you can buy is extensive. Accommodating every person in your household’s dietary needs should not be an issue. There are many foods that provide excellent shelf-life for your food storage.

Canned Foods

Canned goods are an excellent budget option that can be bought in bulk with ease to get you started. There are many different canned foods you can put on your shelves, and they are easy to cook too.

• Canned fruits
• Canned vegetables
• Canned soups
• Canned chili and beans
• Canned meats
• Canned tuna
• Pasta sauce
• Peanut butter
• Jams and jellies
• Cooking oil

Pre-packaged Food

These foods are typically snacks or quick options in the kitchen. They are essential items to store away, especially in a power outage situation that eliminates your ability to cook your food traditionally.

• Instant hot cereal/oatmeal
• Chips, crackers, and cookies
• Granola bars, trail mix, and fruit snacks
• Dried fruits
• Dried or smoked meats (ex. Beef jerky)
• Baking mixes
• Pasta and rice
• Salt and other spices
• Boxed dinners (ex. Ramen noodles)

Frozen Foods

The freezer is another reliable storage solution that opens up your food selection options to even more variety. When you see items like meat on sale, it is easier to stock up on these items and save some money.

The primary concern about the freezer is emergencies that result in power outages. This could result in your food spoiling without power for long enough. If this concerns you, consider making these changes to your home.

• Add a generator or backup power solution. Even something small that could power your freezer only would be beneficial.
• Learn how to save the foods in your freezer. For example, frozen fruits can be blended and bottled. Meats can be prepared and pressure canned for more extended storage too.

Getting creative with your beverage options is another fun option for your storage. Of course, essentials like bottled water are important with an infinite shelf life, but there are other choices to consider too.

• Hot drinks like hot chocolate, coffee, and tea
• Milk and milk substitutes: powdered milk, shelf-stable milk, and canned milk
• Sports drinks
• Fruit juice
• Bottled Soda
• Powdered drink mix
• Protein drink mix
• Bottled water

Glass or Plastic Jar Foods

Utilizing glass or plastic jars in your food storage is a great option to optimize your space and include a variety of foods. Consider foods that you can buy in bulk at lower costs and store together in jars on your shelves.  

• Pumpkin seeds
• Sunflower seeds
• Sesame seeds

Don’t forget about your beloved pets when managing your food storage too. They have food with excellent shelf life, and all the essentials can be stored in your pantry too.

• Dry pet food
• Canned pet food

Baby food is another crucial thing to include if you have a little one in your household. Typically, they sell items that are packaged well and fit perfectly in your cabinets or pantry. Remember these important foods when doing your shopping.

• Baby formula
• Baby cereal

Healthy Substitutes

With the growing list of healthy food options globally, families love the variety they can include in their food storage. Replacing older brands known for processed foods for newer, more nutritious options is an excellent idea for your family.

• Nutrition drinks
• Meal replacement drinks
• Sugar-free items
• Protein bars

Tips for Planning Food Storage 

Consider using a food storage tracking sheet .

It may appear to be excessive, but it is pretty efficient in keeping you organized throughout the planning process. For example, open Excel, and each time you open a new ingredient from your food storage supply, write it down on your Excel worksheet, then check it off when you're done.

This way, you will keep track of what you have used, what you have to buy more of, and what is still in your stock. You will notice that you save money and time with your shopping by doing this easy little tip.

Don’t try to cram everything into one trip!

We've already mentioned how difficult it may be to plan food storage. Good advice is to make sure you don't do your complete food storage haul in one trip and break it down into stages.

This will reduce stress and increase efficiency. It also helps to spread out your budget more instead of incurring the entire financial burden on day one.

Find a place that is dry and cool for storage

Finding the best food storage location can take a little bit of time and work if you lack the necessary space right away. Building new shelves or cabinets could be a part of the solution, but make sure wherever you choose is located in a dry and cool area.

The key is to avoid places that fluctuate too much in temperature, like a garage. Also, avoid keeping your food in an area that gets consistent sunlight too. It will cause your food to spoil much sooner than it should.

Create an ultimate goal

We recommend creating an ultimate goal of three months or more. This gives you time to build up your storage and reach a goal that ensures your family has plenty to fall back on in case of an emergency.

With at least 90 days of food in your house, nothing will force you to go hungry or run out of food. If you are bold enough, build a supply even bigger. The choice is yours. But set a specific goal and gradually build towards it while sticking to your budget.

The Verdict

We have covered the different foods you need, the best way to store them, and exactly how to master your food storage planning. Now it is time for you to start shopping and building for the future.

Food storage is a smart and responsible addition to make to your life. You can always count on your food storage collection to keep you safe from potential emergencies in the future. Be prepared for any uncertainty by following these steps and tips to plan out your ideal food storage plan.

Just remember, it is not a race to the finish line. Start by making lists of important foods you need, create the perfect storage location in your home, consider the benefits food storage can provide you, and determine the ideal amount of supply you need in your home.

Become a household that prioritizes time, budget, and preparedness.  

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About THE AUTHOR

Mark Walker

I have over a decade of experience in food and beverage management, including a ServSafe food safety qualification. As part of this qualification, I have been professionally trained in safe food storage.

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• Food storage is the process of keeping raw or finished products in safe containers with controlled conditions.
• Proper food storage can help prevent spoilage and contamination of foods that can lead to potentially fatal food poisoning.
• Food storage can vary among dry, refrigerated, and freezing conditions.

Running a food business means more than just proper cooking and food service. A lot of attention and food safety operation goes into maintaining food storage. This aspect of food safety involves temperature control, cleaning, proper labeling, and storage systems such as the first-in, first-out program. The key to prolonging the shelf-life of foods, preventing food spoilage, and avoiding foodborne illness cases is understanding how long-term food storage works. Some foods can be stored longer than their estimated shelf-life if properly kept and will not cause any harm to public health.

At least 22 to 33 billion pounds of losses of food are generated in the US alone. In relation to this, at least 48 million people in the US get affected by common food poisoning illnesses. With these two problems at hand, the US economy loses billions of dollars from healthcare and food waste. Proper food handling can solve sustainability and food safety, including food storage . With a secure supply of food, consumers will be able to sustain their everyday activities without the fear of becoming ill from the food they eat.

Learn how to play your role in safe food storage as a food business owner from this article.

WHAT WE'LL COVER:

What is long-term food storage?

Why is it important to store food correctly, what are the 3 most important principles for storing food safely, what are food storage methods, what is food storage equipment, how do you store food in a commercial refrigerator, what foods can be stored for 10 years.

• Important tips for proper food storage
• The digital  solution for food storage

Food storage refers to the process of keeping cooked food and raw materials in favorable conditions that will prolong their shelf-life while preventing the growth of harmful microorganisms. Every food product and raw material has its maximum shelf-life. The basis for this storage life is how long a food product can withstand storage at optimal conditions.

In a way, food storage is a method of preservation, and its effect may vary depending on the nature of the product and the storage conditions. An objective of food storage is to maintain the wholesome attributes of food to protect consumers from potentially-fatal food poisoning.

Storing foods can help food establishments stock up on ingredients by buying in bulk, reducing food waste, minimizing shipping costs from procurement, and contributing to potential cost savings. Food storage can be either long-term or short-term. 

Long-term storage may refer to a time frame of storing foods for years . This process applies to dehydrated food products or those processed to withstand extreme conditions and have a long-term shelf life. On the other hand, everyday foods or basic food items used for preparing dishes on a daily basis require short-term storage. These foods usually have a shorter shelf life.

What is the best way to store food long-term?

The best way to store any food for the long term is to seal it in airtight containers and kept away from a warm, humid environment. Preferably, foods must be kept away from the temperature danger zone , which is optimal for most foodborne pathogens. 

Generally, if there is less moisture available around and on the food, foodborne pathogens such as harmful bacteria are less likely to contaminate it. Additionally, the environmental factors surrounding the food, such as the quality of air and the presence of other foods, may influence the shelf-life of products.

Correct methods of food storage help preserve the safety and nutritional value of finished products and raw materials. This process prevents pathogens and environmental factors from spoiling the food or changing its intended characteristics.

For example, food storage can protect foods with high oil content or even common cooking oils from oxidation when protected from too much sun and air exposure. Additionally, fresh meats and fruits are less likely to become contaminated by bacteria and spoil when stored in a refrigerator .

Proper food storage requires controlling the environment around the food to prolong its shelf-life. This also involves protecting food from cross-contamination . Specifically, food storage can help in controlling the following:

• Foodborne illnesses.  When foods are properly stored, the likelihood of pathogens contaminating the food and posing harm to consumers becomes less. In refrigerated conditions, the growth of bacteria and other pathogens is significantly controlled, whereas it is stopped at freezing. In terms of storing dry ingredients, putting them inside an air-tight container prevents the product from absorbing moisture and attracting pathogens. Proper storage also involves regular cleaning and sanitation of the storage areas. 
• Cross-contamination.  Excluding factors outside the storage area, stored foods must be appropriately organized to prevent contact with potentially hazardous foods. For a storage area such as a refrigerator, foods of the same category, such as raw or ready-to-eat foods, are grouped to prevent the risks of food poisoning from cross-contamination.
• Food spoilage.  As mentioned, storage such as in low-temperature areas prevents the growth of bacteria and delays food spoilage. Even high-risk foods might last for months or even years if prepared hygienically in freezing temperatures.
• Loss of freshness and nutritional value.  In addition to spoilage from pathogens, improperly stored foods can also lose their eating qualities. Take an apple, for example. The apple will turn brown once sliced and kept at room temperature due to enzymatic reactions. If the apple slices are refrigerated, the browning can be slowed down. The same scenario applies to long-term storage. 

Although food storage promises a longer shelf life, this result can only be obtained if the process is done correctly. Food safety   must constantly be monitored to ensure that the conditions during storage are correct. Factors such as temperature, organization, and cleanliness are critical ingredients for successful food storage.

To help your team ensure food safety during storage, implement a comprehensive food safety management system that is smart enough to do the job for you or at least alert your food handlers. At FoodDocs, our digital food safety management system uses artificial intelligence to automatically generate digital monitoring logs for evaluating storage conditions. In addition, our system is equipped with a notification feature that sends alerts to food handlers, reminding them of a food safety task.

How does the storage affect the food?

The complex nature of food makes it sensitive to external factors. Bacteria and other pathogens are likely to contaminate your food when left uncovered in ambient conditions. The air, nearby products, or food handlers who did not wash their hands can contaminate the food and make spoilage faster .

Proper storage protects food from such conditions. When general steps on food storage are followed, you can rest easy that the ingredients will still be wholesome until their use-by dates, or even longer in some cases. The main idea behind proper food storage is to exclude external factors and protect food in a controlled condition.

How do you ensure proper food storage?

Food business owners can ensure proper food storage all the time by having a basic food storage plan within a comprehensive food safety management system. Proper food storage is a combination of the controlled temperature, suitable container, organization, food handling, and cleanliness of the environment. Food handlers must be trained to understand the best storage conditions for particular products . This will help them appreciate the significance of storing foods properly to prevent foodborne diseases.

In addition, constant monitoring will help food handlers track the condition of foods in storage . Even if your food products are considered shelf-stable in dry conditions, monitoring is still necessary. A very slight change in the environment can significantly affect food safety for a long time. 

Food storage has been a practice of humanity for centuries. Over the years, its process has been refined with much focus on principles that govern the operation's success and serve as proper storage guidelines. It is now also used as a means of emergency preparedness for the community as a food source in case of natural disasters.

Proper food storage is applied at multiple sections of the food supply chain . It can be applied for postharvest before the raw materials are delivered to food businesses, such as in practical grain storage. Similarly, food businesses such as restaurants also use correct storage methods to keep a stock of raw materials and even finished products .

To understand food storage in a deeper sense, here are three of the most essential principles of food storage:

• Control over external factors.  Factors such as the surrounding temperature and humidity affect the growth of pathogenic organisms. Proper food storage relies on controlling these variable factors to provide the food with a stable environment unfavorable to bacterial growth. Take perishable meats as an example. Meats may naturally contain a certain amount of pathogens which could grow to dangerous levels if left in ambient conditions. Products must be maintained at low temperatures through refrigeration or freezing to preserve meat quality.

Temperature ranges such as the temperature danger zone are favorable for the growth of bacteria and will speed up spoilage. Proper storage hinders this from happening through the use of controlled temperature. The maximum freezer storage time will depend on the conditions applied during food handling .

In the case of semi-dried meats , humidity is controlled to prevent the reabsorption of moisture. Simply-dried meats are less likely to spoil because they have less moisture content to be used by the present bacteria, making them suitable for longer-term storage. If the dry location condition or humidity around the storage area is not controlled, the products may reabsorb moisture and can potentially spoil the products, leading to a shorter shelf-life. The same principle is applied to freeze-dried foods for longer-term food storage.

• Exclusion from potential contaminants.  Foods that are meant to be used later are protected from potential contaminants by storing them in a secure container or their original packaging. The container must also be properly sanitized to ensure that cross-contamination will not occur. Containing food in storage boxes limits food interaction with other raw materials in a storage area with limited space. To maximize the space of a food storage area, the stored materials may have to be placed close to each other. Without external protection, different food materials will be in constant contact during storage, increasing the risks of food poisoning and spreading contamination. Containing foods also protects them even from the smallest pests such as fruit flies that could contaminate them.
• Preservation of wholesome quality. In addition to food safety, food storage prevents qualitative food losses. In controlled conditions, the characteristics of food such as texture, color, aroma, and flavor are less likely to deteriorate. This allows food handlers to stock up on food for a continuous cycle of food production for a prolonged time. Food storage allows individuals to stock up on emergency food supplies that do not necessarily have to be bland and unappetizing for personal use. For foods such as freeze-dried vegetables, the external characteristics of the material are perfectly preserved from freeze-drying. Storage further protects these characteristics, such as loss of color, making the materials unappetizing for business.

Even high-risk foods can stay fresh and wholesome longer than their expiration dates when food storage is properly done. Both quality and safety can be preserved if the correct conditions for food storage are consistently monitored and maintained. Food businesses may benefit both in terms of keeping customers safe and maximizing their resources without any unnecessary outflow of profits from food waste.

What are the rules for storing food cold?

High-risk foods must be appropriately stored in the refrigerator if they are not consumed immediately. When using cold storage, the temperature must be consistently maintained at 41° F (5°C)  or below to slow down the growth of bacteria and preserve the shelf-life of foods. 

Before storing cooked foods in a refrigerator, always remember that the food must be rapidly cooled before placing it inside . Keeping hot foods along with other cold food products will inevitably increase the refrigerator's temperature. Outside the recommended temperatures, food spoilage from the activity of pathogens is more likely and will happen faster. 

How far off the floor should food be stored?

According to the FDA Food Code, all food materials must be stored at least six inches above the floor . This regulation aims to protect the food from any potential hazards such as pests or damages to the packaging, which can compromise food safety.

This regulation mainly applies to dry goods. It aims to protect packed foods from carriers of food contamination such as dust and dirty surfaces. Regardless of how often you clean and sanitize floors, they will still be used as a walkway that attracts dirt that could be transferred to food.  

Food storage is a process that can be applied to any food at any point in the food supply chain. Appropriate conditions for storage may vary depending on the nature of a food product . Raw, fresh materials often require cold to freezing storage, whereas dried ingredients would do better in dry, cool conditions.

Depending on the nature of the food being stored, an appropriate storage method can be used. Generally, storage conditions can be dry, refrigerated, or frozen. The effectiveness of a storage method will depend on its suitability for a product. Some products such as starchy foods are often not recommended to be frozen as this will damage their texture, even if they remain safe.

What are the 3 types of food storage?  

A food business is recommended to have a wide range of storage conditions. The complexity of the types of food being used in a food establishment would indeed require different storage conditions. You can store food ingredients using the following methods of food storage:

• Dry . This type of storage condition is perfect for more shelf-stable products and long-term storage. A variety of rice, dry beans,  canned meats, flour, spices, sugars, and other relatively low-moisture foods will do well in a dry storage area. This condition is mainly achieved using a cabinet dedicated to food storage.

This type of condition does not need controlled temperature ranges but would do better if the humidity level is controlled. Some dried ingredients such as sugar and spices tend to be hygroscopic. This term means that the food ingredient attracts moisture around it and absorbs it. This can lead to caking or even loss of quality. Once dried foods become rehydrated, they become prone to bacterial contamination.

• Refrigerated.  Foods that fall under the category of time/temperature control for food safety or TCS food need refrigerated storage. This type of storage must maintain a temperature of 32 °F to 41 °F (0°C to 5°C)  to protect foods from spoilage. It is best for keeping foods with intermediate moisture levels and raw foods such as vegetables, fruits, and ready-to-eat foods. Refrigeration can be achieved through different types of machines with varying accommodation levels.

Most restaurants may have a standard roll-in or reach-in refrigerator that resembles your home ones. Alternatively, for bigger operations, a walk-in refrigerator is suitable. Refrigeration is most helpful in preserving the safety of foods for weeks but will need to be correctly maintained and monitored to be effective.

• Frozen.  This type of storage offers the feature of preserving the safety of fresh foods for the longest time. Highly perishable foods such as cooked and fresh meats, peas, fish, dairy products, and leftover food. At freezer temperatures below 32 °F ( 0°C), most food bacteria and other pathogens cease to reproduce. Similarly, enzymatic reactions that may lead to the breakdown of food are also slowed down. This is most evident with raw, perishable meats. This type of food is commonly frozen if it will be used later to preserve its firm texture and protect it from spoilage microorganisms. 

Freezer temperatures may also lower the risk of common food poisoning illness . During freezing, the formed ice crystals within the food help puncture bacterial cells and injure them. This process weakens the bacteria and slows down their growth rate once the food is out of the freezer. Foods that would usually last for one week in a refrigerator can last up to 2 months if stored in a freezer instead.

In addition to considering the nature of foods and knowing how to store food safely , food handlers must be aware of the target time of use of a product. This will help them decide whether to put foods in the freezer or just the refrigerator. Frozen foods need to thaw before they can be used again for processing. Whichever type of food storage method you use, the storage area's environmental conditions must be consistently monitored for proper maintenance.

Food storage equipment is any vessel that can accommodate or hold a large number of buffer materials or bulk foods for an extended period of time. Different types of food storage equipment are used to protect a broad range of food types in the food industry. Depending on the intended use, type of product, and target storage life, the storage equipment may vary. When storing products, it is important to consider their compatibility with the target storage condition and equipment .

For dry storage, the equipment must be able to handle solid and rigid secondary packaging such as glass jars, cans, and hard plastics. Stainless steel is the preferred material for dry storage equipment as it will not quickly get molds or attract moisture from the kitchen. Dried foods that require controlled humidity but no temperature moderation may need the following types of storage equipment:

• Overhead shelves
• Glass cabinets

The storage unit must be equipped with a built-in thermometer for proper recording for refrigerated storage . It must also be able to maintain the recommended temperature constantly and withstand power outages. Some types of commonly used refrigerators in food businesses include:

• Roll in refrigerator
• Walk-in refrigerator
• Undercounter refrigerator
• Display refrigerators (for merchandise)
• Reach-in cooler

Some units for low-temperature storage are built-in with both refrigerator and freezer sections . For freezing conditions, restaurants or freezer plants commonly use the following types of equipment:

• Blast chiller
• Walk-in freezer
• Ice cream cabinet
• Chest freezer
• Drawer freezer

Ideally, a food business must have all types of food storage equipment . For a food establishment that serves a wide range of dishes and products, varying conditions for storage are a must. This will help your business stock up on food for a long time without the risk of food spoilage and causing foodborne illnesses. Having different food storage equipment also increases the possibility of serving more varieties of products.

What are four different types of food storage containers?

In addition to the main food storage facilities, foods must also be stored in a secondary container such as a food storage box . Such containers help protect the food from other products in the same storage equipment. A secondary container helps prevent cross-contamination and further controls the environment of food products. As foods typically have irregular shapes, containing them in secondary packaging allows them to fit perfectly in larger storage equipment.

Different types of food storage containers have varying degrees of protection . Some containers may be resistant to heat or more chemically inert than others. The suitability of a food container depends on the intended storage time and the nature of the food. Here are some of the most common food storage containers:

• Glass jars. This type of container is mainly preferred when storing foods with very high moisture, such as dressings, pickled vegetables, and jams. Glass containers are very inert, which means that they would not react to ingredients such as vinegar and fruit juices making them perfect for refrigeration. Alternatively, they can also be used to store dried beans, pasta, and even rice. Most glass jars feature airtight enclosures that help prevent moisture and contaminants from entering the container. 

• Plastic food storage container. Chosen mostly for their relatively cheap price, plastic food storage containers are versatile secondary storage containers. Some types of plastic containers are very resistant to going soft even if used for hot foods. They also come in different sizes and shapes. It is a good material for protecting food from dust, oxygen, and other external contaminants. The problem with plastic food storage containers is that they can sometimes retain residual food odors when reused.
• Metal containers. Metal cans or metal boxes are very durable and resistant to dents and damage. Metal storage boxes can be used for storing dry or dehydrated food products. For storing acidic foods, certain types of metal boxes or cans coated with resistant lining must be used. Normal cans can accumulate rust when used for pickled foods. 

Food packaging materials usually have variations. For example, glass containers can come in amber color for maximum protection against light. On the other hand, plastic containers can come in the form of pouches which can be used to store single-use products. In addition, food containers can also be added with active components such as oxygen absorber packet or silica gels for dry storage to control the oxygen content and humidity.

In choosing which container to use, always consider food storage requirements such as the type of food and the storage conditions. Glass jars would not work well in freezing storage as they can break. Such a case could lead to physical contamination in food or personal injury to food handlers and can cause food recall .

There is more to storing foods in a refrigerator than just simply dumping them inside and forgetting them. The foods in the refrigerator are bound to be too cramped up in a food service food storage area. To prevent food-to-food cross-contamination, foods must be properly organized . 

Organization, in this case, involves grouping foods based on the level of processing they need. That is, food handlers must place all foods that require thorough cooking such as leftover food, casseroles, and poultry meat at the bottom . On the top shelf of the commercial refrigerator, ready-to-eat foods and those that require minimal processing are placed.

This organization prevents food to food contamination to occur. If you place raw meats beside fruits and vegetables, the chances of the meat juices getting into the fruits is very likely to happen. Since fruits require little, to no processing , customers will be in direct contact with foodborne illness-causing pathogens.

Teach your food employees how to use a fridge layout poster as part of food safety guidelines on how to properly store food in a commercial refrigerator. 

How should food in the walk in be stored?

A walk-in refrigerator is significantly larger than a normal refrigerator. Food handlers can go inside this storage area and it can accommodate a large number of food materials. Foods inside a walk-in refrigerator must be properly organized .

Specific areas must be dedicated to raw meats, vegetables, fruits, and other fresh foods. Relatively less perishable foods can also be stored in a walk-in refrigerator but are advised to be placed in the warmer sections such as near the door. Despite being larger, the same principle for storing foods in a regular refrigerator must also be applied to a walk-in. Ready-to-eat foods are always placed at the top and raw foods require thorough cooking at the bottom .

In addition to organization, foods must be properly labeled with names and use-by dates. Proper organization of foods in a walk-in can help food handlers detect low stocks or any problems with the essential foods in stored.

Generally, the less moisture content that food has, the longer it can be stored without spoiling. Bacteria and pathogens require moisture to multiply and perform their biological functions. When there is no available water, such as in dry kitchen ingredients, food spoilage is less likely to occur . This is why dry basic food items make up for a good basic supply of emergency food as they have a long-term shelf life in storage.

Staple foods such as the following can last up to 10 years when properly stored:

• Grain products (e.g., dried white rice)
• All-purpose flour
• Dried beans
• Powder eggs
• Powder butter

Other essential foods such as fresh fruits, vegetables, and even a wide variety of meat can be dehydrated or freeze-dried to prolong their storage life. Food dehydration will make products more stable. Freeze-dried meats can last up to a couple of years when compared with frozen ones . Despite this, they still cannot last for up to 10 years if they are not stored properly. Foods such as fruits tend to reabsorb moisture faster than pasta and brown rice. 

As such, the key to prolonging the storage life of food significantly is a combination of correct methods of food preservation and storage.

What are the important tips for proper storage?

Proper food storage requirements must be included in food safety training and include constant monitoring. It is a food handling operation that will ensure your food business's source of food materials for continuous food service. Below are some more tips and guidelines to monitor and ensure proper food storage : 

• Always maintain adherence to temperature guidelines and humidity levels for storage.
• Keep a record of temperature and humidity readings.
• Keep foods at least 6 inches off of the floor.
• Storage equipment must not lean on walls to allow ventilation.
• Adopt a regular cleaning schedule .
• Always properly label foods transferred from their original packaging
• TCS food must be date-marked.
• Organize foods to minimize cross-contamination.
• Raw foods must be placed in airtight containers.
• Apply the FIFO method,
• Always check and follow expiry and use-by dates .
• Store raw foods at the bottom of the refrigerator, whereas the ready-to-eat foods are at the top.

It is important to regularly monitor the conditions when it comes to food storage. Temperature and humidity are critical factors to ensure that the store foods are still wholesome. Food handlers must be trained on how to monitor these parameters and similarly perform regular checking of use-by dates. 

Digital solution for food storage

The shelf-life of a food product, whether raw or cooked, significantly depends on the storage conditions. Even if a product is classified as dried and shelf-stable, storing it in the wrong conditions such unsanitary environment and fluctuating temperatures can hasten contamination and spoilage. The key to having a sound food storage facility is to properly monitor the conditions with a comprehensive food safety management system .

At FoodDocs, we have developed a digital solution to help food handlers monitor food storage conditions in the most efficient way possible. Get monitoring forms specifically based on your food safety operations such as refrigerator or freezer storage monitoring forms as well as a digital cleaning checklist.

No need to fear the word digital because our system makes the transition super easy. You do not have to be tech-savvy to get this digital solution as our system uses artificial intelligence to generate the monitoring forms .

Our digital solution offers the following automatically generated monitoring forms and smart features:

• Temperature log monitoring form.  Our digital solution offers an automatically generated temperature log form that can be used to monitor the temperature of your refrigerator and freezer. This monitoring form is equipped with an auto-fill feature that can help save your team's time from filling them up. Using previously logged information, our system prefills the monitoring forms. All you have to do is to verify the data.

FoodDocs Temperature Log

• Cleaning checklist.  You also get an automatically generated cleaning checklist that includes all of the important areas and routines for your kitchen, including your food storage area. You can customize this checklist to add or improve the information for a more accurate checklist.

• Smart notification system.  To help food handlers remember every task at the right time, our digital solution features a smart notification system through our mobile app. Our system sends an intuitive alert message to assigned food handlers to remind them of a task. This feature can also be used for marking foods and reminding your employees of use-by dates. 

You can use our mobile application to scan QR codes on your products and track their status. With our digital solution, keeping your food storage in compliance with food safety standards is easy. Additionally, our system can also accommodate customizations for all monitoring forms for further improvement. You can also create your own digital monitoring forms for unique operations for food storage control such as a humidity monitoring form.

You can get all of these features and more when you avail of our digital Food Safety Management System at FoodDocs. The best part is that the whole process would only need 15 minutes to finish ! Digitizing your FSMS with us would only require you to answer a few basic questions that describe your operations to our system.

With our digital FSMS, you can also get a real-time dashboard that will give you an overview of your food safety operations. You can use this feature to identify areas that need more improvement and attention. When you join us at FoodDocs, you will never have to worry about running out of space for your food safety documents as you can store all digital forms in your dedicated cloud storage .

Our digital solution was built by food safety experts who have been in the industry for decades. We understand how important food storage is and have incorporated the most important management documents into our digital solution. You can experience our services firsthand for free when you avail of our 14-day trial now. Experience how our digital solution can make food safety compliance easier for you now!

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How to Write a Food and Beverage Business Plan + Sample Business Plan PDF

Elon Glucklich

7 min. read

Updated May 10, 2024

Free Download: Sample Food and Beverage Business Plan Templates

The food and beverage sector is booming. Restaurant openings rose 10% in 2023 compared to 2022 — even higher than in pre-pandemic years.

From fine dining to food trucks, farmers to brewers, and wholesalers to coffee makers, there are opportunities across the food and beverage industry. 

But starting a business without covering the basics — your operations plan, marketing tactics, financial strategy, and more — carries huge risks. 

That’s why we recommend you write a business plan.

• Why write a food and beverage business plan?

Writing a business plan is an easy first step that you can start for free. Plus, businesses that take time to plan are significantly more successful than those that don’t.

Many food and beverage establishments fail because of one of the following:

• Poor inventory management
• Underestimated expenses
• High employee turnover
• Misjudged the size of their market

Writing a business plan can help you:

• Develop processes for managing inventory and logistics
• Understand your cash flows and create a realistic expense budget
• Budget for competitive employee pay that increases worker retention
• Analyze your competition and determine how big your market is  

If you’re looking for funding from investors for your business, you’ll definitely need a business plan.

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• How to write a food and beverage business plan

Many business plans follow a standard format and you can use it as a starting point when writing your own plan. Here’s what that includes:

Executive summary

• Company summary and funding needs
• Products and services
• Marketing plan
• Management team

Financial plan

For food and beverage companies, you must give extra attention to your market analysis, operations plan, and financial forecasts.

If you’re ready to start, download a free business plan template and fill it out as you read this article.

Every business plan should include an executive summary . It’s a brief outline summarizing the plan, no more than one or two pages.

We recommend that you write the executive summary last after fleshing out the details of your plan. 

Just summarize the vision for your business, describe your offerings and target market , and touch on your management team and financials. Don’t go into tons of detail — just provide a high-level sense of what you want your business to accomplish.

Opportunity: problem and solution

This section of your food and beverage business plan describes the opportunity you hope to capture.

Maybe you’re a farmer looking to diversify your revenue streams by distributing to grocery stores. Or a bar owner with high-end liquor that competitors in the market aren’t serving. 

Whatever your business is, describe the gap in the market and how you aim to fill it.

If you’re operating a more common type of business, like a restaurant , you can probably keep this section short. But it’s useful to document what makes your business unique and it will help focus your sales and marketing efforts later on.

Market analysis

In a field as crowded with competitors as the food and beverage space, a detailed market analysis is essential. 

Your focus should be on identifying the specific customer segments you aim to serve. 

Maybe you’re a butcher with connections to fresh livestock. Will you be more successful selling directly to consumers, or should you focus on selling to grocery stores and markets in your area?

Or, you’re opening  a diner. Should your menu focus on healthy meals or easy-to-make child-friendly options?

These are the types of questions that market research helps you answer. This section should detail the defining characteristics of your target market, including the demographics and preferences of your ideal customer and the size of the market you’re targeting. Market research questions specific to a food and beverage business could include:

• Business location and characteristics
• Area income
• Local food and beverage preferences
• Existing food and beverage options 

Elaborate on how your food and beverage offerings align with that target market ’s needs. Remember, you can’t please everyone, so focus on a specific group of people or type of person and build out from there.

Marketing and sales

For food and beverage businesses promotions are how you stand out and seize a share of your market.

The marketing and advertising chapter of your business plan is where you’ll detail your strategies for capturing the attention — and loyalty — of the customers you identified as your target market in the previous section.

With so many options for consumers in the food and beverage space, you’ll likely have to rely on multiple marketing channels , including::

• Advertising on websites, television, and in relevant publications.
• Content marketing — developing an engaging website and writing blog content that’s search engine optimized to drive traffic to your site.
• Engaging with your customers on social media.
• Offering discounts and customer loyalty programs.
• Appearing at food and beverage industry trade shows and community events.

It doesn’t matter how delicious your recipes are, how fresh your crops are, or how innovative your cocktails are — if you don’t operate efficiently, your business probably won’t last long.

The operations strategy may be the most detailed section of your business plan, especially if you’re writing it for a bank loan or investment. This section describes how you will run your business day to day.

When writing the operations section, describe the following:

Physical space

Whether it’s a restaurant, a farm, or a food transportation business, describe the space you’re operating in, and all of the physical assets and equipment you’ll need to be successful. 

If it’s a sit-down restaurant, consider including a floorplan mockup in your appendix.

Supply chain 

List the suppliers and partners that get your product to customers. Think about the businesses you purchase ingredients from, the warehouses that goods are stored in, and the trucking companies that deliver your products to grocery stores. 

These are your supply chain partners. It’s crucial that you maintain good relationships with them.

Production processes

How long it takes to make your product, and what materials and equipment are required. Documenting how you produce your goods or services demonstrates that you understand the costs of making them. 

You may also uncover ways to produce them more quickly, or at a lesser cost.

Detail how you’ll handle matters of efficiency like order fulfillment, storage, shipping, and returns, as well as customer satisfaction. If you provide delivery services, document how you will handle the process of getting your product to customers’ homes or businesses.

List your staffing needs, training, and experience requirements for key staff. Also, document the management structure of your business. 

This helps ensure that important tasks you don’t have time to monitor are being done and that workers are being supervised.

Describe investments in payment processing systems, inventory management software, and other tools that support sales or operations in your business. Cataloging your technology systems will help you determine where it might make sense to invest in upgrades for efficiency.

Take some time to write a financial plan . Create detailed financial projections, including sales , expenses , and profitability .

If that sounds intimidating, take a deep breath, and remember that financial forecasts are really just best guesses. If you’re running an existing business, you can start with your previous year’s numbers. If you’re starting, make an educated guess about where you hope to be financially a year from now.

Investors will want to see a: 

• Sales forecast
• Income statement (also called a profit and loss statement )
• Cash flow statement
• Balance sheet 

If you use a tool like LivePlan , you’ll be able to build out your financial forecasts relatively quickly, even if you don’t have experience with business numbers.

Even if you aren’t seeking investment, the financial plan is crucial for understanding the viability of your business. It allows you to adjust your business model based on projected performance, and make informed decisions about where to spend your money.

• Food and beverage business plan templates and examples

If you want to see how other food and beverage businesses have created their plans, check out our free library of food and beverage business plans . 

You can download all of them in Word format and jump-start your own business plan.

Elon is a marketing specialist at Palo Alto Software, working with consultants, accountants, business instructors and others who use LivePlan at scale. He has a bachelor's degree in journalism and an MBA from the University of Oregon.

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How to Start a Food Business: A Step-by-Step Guide

Many, or all, of the products featured on this page are from our advertising partners who compensate us when you take certain actions on our website or click to take an action on their website. However, this does not influence our evaluations. Our opinions are our own. Here is a list of our partners and here's how we make money .

For many food-lovers, the ultimate dream is to open up their own food business. What many people don’t realize in the beginning is that starting a food business is no easy feat. There’s a lot of business operational skills that are necessary to get started.

But the steps below can help you understand what you'll need to start a food business, and what you should consider before you jump in.

How to start a food business in 9 steps

Step 1: assess your skills.

If you’re reading this article, we can assume that you have a food business idea in mind that you’re interested in starting. That’s great! While interest is the number one step in starting a business, you also need to take a good hard look and assess your skills and assets before jumping into starting a business.

Passion can get you a long way, but when it comes to how to start a food business you’re also going to need hard work and business smarts. While many first-time business owners don’t know everything off the bat, they know how to seek out resources for help when they bump into something they don’t know how to do or don’t understand. That’s a lesson you should learn quickly.

While much of how to start a small food business consists of concrete steps such as choosing your business structure and finding funding, there’s also the soul-searching question: Are you willing and capable to do this?

Before you start, take a moment to write down your strengths, consider your support network, and brainstorm your resources—better yet, research what resources are available to you.

Operating a food business means you’ll need to grapple with:

Hiring and firing employees

Buying from suppliers

Creating a menu

Real estate

Purchasing equipment

And so much more...

With that debate over with, it’s time to talk about the more nitty-gritty, concrete details of how to start a food business.

How much do you need?

with Fundera by NerdWallet

We’ll start with a brief questionnaire to better understand the unique needs of your business.

Once we uncover your personalized matches, our team will consult you on the process moving forward.

Step 2: Create a business plan

A business plan can have multi-fold benefits for your small food business. This is a great way to get your thoughts and plans on paper, which can be useful for you to refer back to you during the process of starting and operating your business. A business plan can also be beneficial if you’re looking for funding to start your food business.

SCORE offer great resources to help you write a business plan for your food business. It can seem intimidating to make one, but if you’re researching how to start a food business, it’s likely that you already have a lot of great thoughts to contribute to your plan. Below are a few of the steps you’ll need to take while creating a business plan.

1. Create a business budget

One of the most important parts of your business plan, especially if you’re seeking funding, is the business budget.

A business budget will include looking at all the costs you’ll need to cover to begin operation of your business, what funds you’ll need to operate the business once it’s up and running, and a more long-term look at how your business will make money and how much money you expect to make.

A few examples of the costs you’ll incur and what you need to consider while starting a food business include:

What type of food business you’re starting

Cost of employees and management team

Initial investment in food product

Design for a physical space

2. Study your competitors

As you’re putting together your business plan, you need to start looking at and assessing your competitors. The food industry is very competitive and many markets are saturated. Before you go any further in starting your small food business, you need to know who else is out there and what they’re doing.

As you’re finding your competitors, make sure to be assessing what they do well and where they’re lacking. That will tell you where there’s a hole that you can fill with your business.

This is also a great time to be looking at prices and assessing the cost of doing business and the reality of how much money you’ll be able to make.

3. Find a hole in the market

The ideal situation for starting a food business is to find a hole in the market. Where is there customer desire that no one else is filling? And just because no one is doing it, doesn’t mean there’s customer desire—to turn a profit, customers have to want it and be willing to buy it.

Finding a hole in the market will help you to decide what kind of food you want to sell and how you want to sell it. There are a variety of options to choose from when it comes to how to sell your food including:

Meal delivery

Baked goods sold to other food establishments

In-home food business

Wedding and special event catering

4. Choose a concept

When starting a food business, it’s important to decide what type of food business you want to have. The main options include: a brick-and-mortar restaurant, a food truck, and a home-based catering business.

Each of these options is a viable way to start and operate your business. You might choose to start with one type of operation in the hopes of moving to another one eventually. A food truck and home-based catering business both have complications, but tend to require less capital to get started than a full-fledged brick and mortar restaurant.

Step 3: Set up your business

Once you’ve studied your market, you know where there’s a hole that needs to be filled, and you’ve taken some time to create a business plan, you’re ready to take the first steps toward starting your food business.

1. Choose a business entity

The first step in setting up your food business is to choose a business entity. There are a few different choices and depending on your circumstances, one or the other will be right for your business.

The most common business entity for small food businesses are sole proprietorships, LLCs, and co-ops. Other business entity options includes partnerships, S-corporations, and C-corporations.

Sole proprietorship

One of the most straight-forward business structures available is the sole proprietorship. While a sole proprietorship is simple (and popular among food establishments), it’s also limited in protection. If someone gets sick eating your food and wished to do so, instead of suing your business, they’d have to sue you—and they could go after your personal assets as compensation.

An LLC is one step up from a sole proprietorship. An LLC or limited liability corporation is a legal business entity that separates the business from the owner. An LLC limits a business owner’s personal liability for the business. An LLC also provides businesses with tax efficiency and remains uncomplicated as to ownership structure, so it’s ideal for a food business owner who wants to be somewhat protected, but still have some flexibility when it comes to paying taxes.

Cooperative

A cooperative, which is more commonly known as a co-op, is a business structure that is formed and owned by multiple people. Each member or owner of the business owns a portion of the business. Co-ops are one of the most collaborative business types available and are very common among food operations, especially food production facilities, grocery stores, and farmers markets.

Choosing the right business structure for your future food business can be confusing and initially seem complicated. But, if you start your business and decide you’ve chosen the wrong structure, you can certainly change it. If that sounds like a headache, though, you can consult with a business attorney to help you decide which structure is right for your business.

2. Register your business

If your business is going to employ others, it’s recommended that you register for an EIN, or a federal employee identification number, from the IRS. If you apply online, you can get one in a matter of minutes. An EIN helps you get business loans, manage your taxes, open a business bank account, and more, so this step is highly recommended.

You’ll also probably need to register your business with the state you’re operating in. Rules for how to do this exactly vary by state, and even county, but generally this information can be found on your state’s Secretary of State website. You should do a business name search before registering your business to make sure your desired name isn’t already taken by another business in your area.

3. Register for all required licenses

One of the most important steps in starting a food business is to make sure that you’re legally licensed to prepare and sell food. There are many different certifications and licenses that are necessary for food businesses.

It’s also important to note that what licenses you need will depend upon what type of food establishment your opening, whether or not you’ll be selling alcohol, and where you’re located. Different local jurisdictions can have slightly different requirements for food establishments.

Here are some types of licenses and certifications you might need for your food business:

A food handling permit

A Certificate of Occupancy or CO for your restaurant

A liquor license or beer and wine license to sell alcohol

A food license to make and sell food out of your home

A resale license to be able to buy ingredients at wholesale

No matter what type of food business you’re starting, you’re going to need some permits and licenses. Your local government office should be able to help you figure out exactly which licenses you need for your type of business.

4. Get insurance

As a business that employs workers and has a physical location which hosts customers, you need certain types of insurance to make sure your business is covered in any situation. You might consider:

General liability insurance

Auto insurance for business vehicles

Workers’ compensation

Commercial property insurance

Mobile food vendor insurance

5. Separate your finances

No matter what type of business entity you’ve chosen for your business, it’s important to separate your personal finances from the business finances. This makes figuring out your taxes and expenses much easier.

When you start your small food business, simply start a second bank account for your business. This can be done with the institution you use for your personal banking, but if you want to switch things up, there are some newer banks allow you to open a business checking account online.

And, if you choose to, you can also get a separate credit card that’s used only for business purposes. If you use a business credit card , you’ll be able to build up your business credit (assuming you use it responsible and pay off your bills on time), which can ultimately help you secure a business loan down the line.

Step 4: Look for funding options

When you’re thinking about how to start a food business, one of the major concerns can be the funds you need to get started. The initial investment in a business can be costly and it can take months, even years, before a business is profitable.

To get started, many new food businesses ask for funding from investors, seek out loans, or ask for help from friends and family. Bank loans are one option for food truck financing , though banks typically are hesitant to lend to first-time business owners. There are also alternate lenders you can look into.

1. Equipment loans

An equipment loan is a great option if you need to be expensive equipment for your restaurant or are looking at buying a food truck. An equipment loan is simple: You receive a loan to buy the equipment and the equipment serves as collateral. Meaning if you don’t pay back the loan, the equipment can be repossessed as payment.

This type of loan is easier to get than other types of loans.

2. Friends and family loans

If you’re starting up a food business, who better to get involved and help you out then your friends and family? If you’re saving up to get your business up and running, don’t be afraid to ask for help. Just make sure to write down a loan agreement with your lender and then to stick to it.

3. Line of credit

A line of credit is a fantastic option for someone starting a food business. A line of credit gives you access to a pool of funds. You can borrow from that fund and up to the limit of that fund anytime you need. This is a great option for a business that’s a little cash-strapped for short periods of time.

4. SBA microloan

For food businesses looking to start up a food truck business or for a restaurant that just needs a little extra cash to get going, there’s the SBA microloan. An SBA microloan is a loan of up to $50,000 that the Small Business Administration guarantees. A loan from the SBA is considered the best loan on the market due to its low interest rates and flexible repayment terms.

Step 5: Invest in product and tools

When it comes to how to start a food business, you need more than just cash and business entity to make your dream a reality: You need equipment, food supplies, and something to sell it all on.

1. Research suppliers

One of the most important relationships you form as a food business owner is with your suppliers. Your suppliers are the businesses who make sure you get the food and products you need to keep your business going.

If there’s a restaurant in your area that has closed recently, you might be able to buy their equipment or furnishings for cheap, or take on extra stock they had saved up. Your food can often be sourced locally and trade publications or professional organizations, like the National Restaurant Association, can be helpful.

Find trustworthy, reliable suppliers to make sure you’re always getting your supplies on time and for the best price. Where you source your food from can also be a selling point for your food business, since sustainable companies have become more attractive to customers recently.

2. Point of sale system

A point of sale system, or POS, is the modern version of a cash register. The POS is how your waitstaff takes down orders, charges customers, and receives payment from customers.

There are many restaurant POS systems available on the market that offer enhanced usability for your staff, including:

Square for Restaurants

TouchBistro POS

Lightspeed Restaurant POS

Loyverse POS

Some, like Square, can be great for mobile companies since you only need a card reader to do business if you have a compatible phone or tablet you can use. Others, like TouchBistro, are better for full-service restaurants that might benefit from a POS that also offers tools for customer and floor planning management. The best POS system for you will depend on your food business’s needs.

» MORE: Best POS systems for food trucks

3. Buy or rent necessary supplies

Before your restaurant can open the doors to customers, there are a lot of supplies you need to make sure the restaurant is outfitted to be inviting to customers, serving up good food, and making money for you.

Aside from your POS system, here are some examples of supplies you might need:

Kitchen appliances

Cold storage

Flatware and utensils

Furnishing for the restaurant

Cleaning supplies

Some of these you can buy in bulk, but depending on the mobility of your food business, you might want to consider renting equipment—which might work out cheaper for you. As an example, if you run a catering business, you might not need to own tons of flatware and utensils just yet. Renting on a case-by-case trial will save you money and help you understand what a practical order might be when you’re actually ready to buy.

Step 6: Hire staff

Depending on what type of food business you’re starting, you may or may not need help. But, even the smallest establishment usually hires an extra set of hands to increase production. Who you hire and how many people you hire will all depend upon your needs. For example, a food truck probably can’t fit many employees, but a large-scale restaurant will require more employees to keep the floor running smoothly.

Some examples of staff you might need include: delivery drivers, hosts, waiters, dishwashers, bartenders, and busboys. Make sure you factor hiring staff into your business plan, since you may be required to take on added costs, like purchasing workers compensation, for them.

Step 7: Set your pricing

One of the most important steps in how to start a food business is setting your pricing. Without the right price on your food products, it will be impossible to make money.

1. Do market research

One of the first steps in figuring out what you should charge for certain foods is to do market research. Go to your competitors to see what they’re serving, what their portion sizes are, and how much they’re charging.

This gives you a starting place to assess the right price for food, but it’s only a starting point. While it gives you an idea, it doesn’t give you insight into whether that business is making money or not.

You should also be mindful of emerging food trends and what that says about consumer priorities. For example, the wellness trends in food indicate that your business might do well if there’s a health-conscious market you’re able to tap into and you’re able to sell them on the health benefits of your food products.

2. Price out the cost of your product

While it’s not easy, it is possible to calculate the total cost of a dish. You’ll have to be mindful of all the tiny ingredients that go into a dish, including oil, seasonings, and garnishes. This can seem like a lot, but there are actually a number of formulas and measurements professional kitchens use to determine these figures, so be sure to study up.

Then, with a little magic and math, you’ll be able to price your product accordingly, so that you make a small profit from it, even when including the cost of labor to make, serve, and clean up the dish.

Step 8: Create an online presence

While you might think that a food business is all about food—and it is—you also need to get customers in the door and eating your food. The food industry is notoriously difficult to break into. For example, 85% of consumer packaged goods products fail within the first two years. One important step to avoiding that fate is establishing your online presence and nurturing your consumer base.

1. Social media

While food is all about the taste, many diners shop with their eyes. If you want to establish an online presence for your food business, one of the fastest ways to do that is through social media.

Instagram is a food business’s best friend. Post delicious-looking pictures of your food and customers will want to try it. Make sure you interact with consumers and encourage them to see you as a company that will be responsive to their needs.

While not every food business has a website, this can be a way to establish your credibility as a business. A website can be a place to post information for customers including menus, restaurant hours, and specials. There are a number of ways to build your small food business website, so it’s easier than ever to either sell products online or add helpful features like reservation widgets to your site.

3. Online review sites

While many a food business owner loathes review sites, it’s a necessary evil for those who have restaurants, catering businesses, and food trucks. According to a TripAdvisor survey, 94% of U.S. diners will consult online reviews before trying a restaurant. That’s the vast majority of diners. As a food business owner, you can hate the sites as much as you want, but you need to have a presence. Try offering a free perk to incentivize customers to leave reviews.

Step 9: Serve up delicious foods

When you’re thinking about how to start a small food business, the big draw is, obviously, the food. What you’ll cook, how it will taste to the diners, and what seasonal changes you’ll make to the menu. Owning a food business is only partly about the food, though—there’s also a ton of time spent on operating and managing the business. Study up to ensure success.

But, make sure you’re just as dedicated to serving up delicious foods!

LLC Formation

Final thoughts

There are a wide array of food businesses you can start and competition will be tough. To help you get a leg up, make sure you consult these nine steps for starting a food business. If you pay attention to foundational steps, like creating a solid business plan and registering for all licenses you might need, you’ll put yourself in a good place for your food business to grow. So, refine that menu and get ready to feed the masses. With a little elbow grease and planning, there’s nothing you can’t do.

This article originally appeared on JustBusiness, a subsidiary of NerdWallet.

On a similar note...

20 Items to Kick Start Your Long Term Food Storage Plan

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This site contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn a commission from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you. Full Disclosure Here .

No matter how many times I write about food, there is always something new to consider or a new and different way to present the same old information in a more useful manner.  With that in mind, today I would like to share a method for getting started with your long-term food storage program in an easy, step by step, and cost-effective manner.

To be truthful, my initial goal with this article was to respond to readers who were just getting started and wanted a long term food storage list they could use to plan out their grocery shopping a little more easily. I also wanted to compile a checklist that more experienced preppers could use to compare what they had to what they needed.  My goal can pretty much be summed up by saying that I wanted to write about getting started with long term food storage the easy way .  No frills, no fluff – just a common sense list of food items to get you started.

With that goal in mind, let me say this:  this is not a list of items intended for deep storage. Nor is it a list of items packaged so that they have a 25-year shelf life.  (And in reality, do you really need your stored food to last that long?)  I am also not going to list items that might be foreign to your palate, difficult to find, or too costly to absorb into your weekly shopping budget. This list is for those that want to get started with long term food storage without spending a fortune.

What you are going to get is a list of 20 items that can easily be purchased at your local grocery store, warehouse club and surprisingly, even online at Amazon .  They can be purchased in one shot, all at once, or you can pick up one item from the list each week over a period of twenty weeks.  The choice is yours.  All I ask is that you consider getting each of the items on the list and that you also consider getting started sooner rather than later.  I promise you that this will be easy.

I am going to include quantities that require no extra thought, no calculator, and no formula for determining servings or overall quantities.  Like I said.  This is going to be EASY!

DIY Long Term Food Supply vs Pre-Built Long Term Food Storage Packages

Before jumping into the full “DIY” list, it’s worth mentioning that there are many reputable prepper food companies out there offering starter kits. Which begs the question, which option should you go with?

• If you have time to build a food supply: The 20 items in the next section are perfect end goals.
• If you need to quickly build a base supply: The following food storage supply kits are great to start with.

Emergency Food Starter Kits

These are the top options that are BDS approved and tested:

• Mountain House “Just in Case” 14-Day Food Supply : You can save 20% off your order with code MHAFFILIATE20 at checkout here .
• Valley Food Storage 1-Month Supply : Currently on sale at this listing here . You can use promo code “BDS” for an ADDITIONAL 10% OFF at checkout (off your entire order).

20 ITEMS TO KICK START YOUR LONG TERM FOOD STORAGE PLAN

1.  20 pounds of Rice.   As boring as it may sound, rice is one of the backbones of every food storage plan.  It is filling, nutritious, and with the use of varied seasonings and condiments, highly adaptable in a variety of tasty meals.  The choice of white, brown, or a combination of the two is up to you.  White rice has a longer shelf life but brown rice has more nutritional benefits.  In my own household, I like to combine the two along with some Jasmine, Basmati and Calrose sticky rice. NOTE: Be sure to check out our recent guide on how to remove arsenic from rice .

2.  20 pounds of Pinto Beans .   Like rice, beans are the backbone to every food storage plan.  You may substitute white, kidney or other types of dried beans but honestly, pintos are one of the least expensive dried beans and in my opinion, one of the tastiest.  Need help cooking beans? when you are done here be sure to read Survival Woman Learns to Cook Dried Beans and you should too and  Respect for the Lowly Pinto Bean .

3.  20 cans of Vegetables.   Green beans, peas, corn, and canned tomatoes are good choices.  Let your taste and budget guide you.  Buy what you currently eat and enjoy.

4.  20 cans of Fruit.   Peaches, pears, pineapple, fruit cocktail – again, this is your choice.  Fruits add a nice sweetness to life and these days we all could use more of that.

5.  20 cans of Meat.   Chicken, tuna, shrimp, salmon, Vienna sausages, beef stew, and yes, even the ubiquitous Spam will satisfy this requirement.  Did you know that you can even purchase canned roast beef? Again, let your taste and budget guide you – there are lots of canned meat products to choose from. UPDATE: If you are looking for some long-lasting but all-natural, non-GMO canned meats, check out Wertz’s meats here . You can also read our recent hands-on review .

6.  4 pounds Oats.   Remember when you were little and Mom warmed your tummy with a nice comforting bowl of oatmeal?  That is what we are talking about here.  A bowl of oatmeal topped with canned fruit can be enjoyed for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.

7.  2 large jars of Peanut Butter .  Peanut butter is an excellent source of protein, with plenty of calories for energy and sustenance.  Besides, who can resist the taste of a gooey spoonful of luscious peanut butter? While the long term shelf life of peanut butter is not as great as some would like, it is excellent for emergency food storage on a one-year timeline. So if you buy peanut butter, just make sure to use your oldest first and rotate it out and you will be good to go.

8.  2 large jars of Tang or other powdered drink mix .  The only requirement here is get something you like and something fortified with Vitamin C.  I am not going to preach and tell you to avoid artificial sweeteners.  If Crystal Lite works for you in normal times, go for it.

9.  5 pounds of Powdered Milk .  Powdered milk is a great source of protein and other nutrients.  In addition it is filling and can be used to top your oatmeal cereal or stirred into your coffee as a flavor enhancer.

10.  5 pounds of Salt.   It goes without saying that salt is essential for survival plus it has a lot of uses other than as an enhancement for food. That said, our bodies need salt to survive.  Read more about salt in the article Reasons You Need Salt in the Prepper Pantry .

11.  10 pounds of Pancake Mix.   An all in one pancake mix (such as Krusteaz) only requires the addition of water to make up a batch of batter.  As with oatmeal, a big plate of pancakes, perhaps with some honey or jam, will make a satisfying meal that can be eaten for breakfast, lunch or dinner.

12.  2 pounds of Honey and 2 large jars of Jam.   We all need some sweetness in our life, even with Mother Nature or life deals us a blow.  I choose honey and jam over sugar but at the end of the day, you can make a substitution or simply mix and match.

13.  10 pounds of Pasta.   Pasta is familiar and easy to fix.  Pasta is a dense form of wheat but so much easier to deal with when you are first starting out.  Besides, it is a fabulous comfort food.

14.  10 cans or jars of Spaghetti Sauce.   Cheap yet satisfying, canned pasta sauce on a bed of pasta creates a satisfying meal that can be put together in minutes.

15. 20 cans of Soup or Broth. The beauty of canned soups and canned broth is that they are a budget friendly.  Soups are an all-in-one meal solution. All you need is a can opener and a spoon and you have a meal ready to go.  For an extra satisfying meal, try using a can of soup as part of the cooking water for your rice.  Yummy! For a guide to making your own bone broth, see Donna’s guide here .

16.  One large jug of Oil. Choose olive oil, coconut oil or some other cooking oil, but definitely get some.  Oil is essential for good health, fueling our energy stores, and providing support for fat-soluble vitamins and nutrients as they work their way through our system. Not only that, but a bit of fat in your diet adds flavor and makes you feel satisfied when you are done eating.

17. Spices and Condiments . Adding some spices and condiments to your food storage pantry will allow you to vary the taste of your storage foods, thus mitigating some of the boredom that is likely to occur over time.  The exact mix of spices and condiments is up to you but some suggestions include  garlic, chili, Tabasco (hot sauce), salsa, oregano, thyme and black pepper. For a full list of the best prepper herbs and spices, check out the BDS guide here .

18.  5 pounds of Coffee or 100 Tea Bags.   There are those that will say that life without coffee is not life at all.  Whole bean (assuming you have a hand grinder), ground or instant – take your choice.  Or substitute tea.  Green tea and many herbal teas are quite therapeutic so if you like tea, this may be a good way to go. To learn more about bulk coffee processing and storing for preppers, read this guide here .

19. 2 large bags of Hard Candies.   Hard candy can go a long way toward making an unpleasant situation bearable.  Butterscotch drops, peppermints and even lemon drops are good.  Have fun with this and pick up a couple of bags of your favorites!

20.  Mini LED Flashlight and Extra Batteries.   Okay, this is a cheater item.  It is not food but it is all important and so it will not hurt to stash a miniature flashlight or two along with the edibles in your food storage pantry.  My top pick of the moment is the Blocklite .  This thing just goes and goes and goes plus, it does not take up any storage space.

BUT THERE IS NO WHEAT AND NO FLOUR ON THIS LIST!

So you noticed!

There are no wheat berries or other whole grains (other than oats/oatmeal) on this list and there is also no flour.  While there is a place for these items in a long term storage plan, I consider them part of the second phase of food storage.

The truth is that many preppers would not have a clue as to what to do with wheat, so why push the envelope?

The same goes with flour.  To make flour usable, you also need yeast and baking powder plus the skill and know-how to bake. Not only that, you most likely will need an outdoor oven of sorts – especially if the grid is down post-disaster.   That, and more, will come later, but for now, while covering the basics, it is much simpler and far more practical to stick with easy to cook foods that can be combined into interesting meals without the need for much experience other than opening a can or a package.

Too Much Work?

If this all seems like too much effort OR you need some immediate food security, be sure to check out our top survival food brands here .

10 Crazy Simple Strategies for Building an Emergency Food Supply

1.  take your time and go slow.

If I can cite the number one reason people become overwhelmed when even thinking about putting aside an emergency food supply, it is the perceived sense of urgency that it all needs to be done right now.  And this, for many, results in complacency and inaction.  Don’t fall into this trap.  Begin with a three day supply and gradually build that up to a week.  After that, add to your emergency food supply week by week until pretty soon, you have three months of food stored away for you and your family. Remember, it is perfectly okay to start out by picking up just 2 or 3 extra cans of meats, fruits or vegetables during your weekly trip to the supermarket.  Do what you can at a pace that your are comfortable with and ignore any message you get from others (including prepping forums and websites) to do it all at once.

2.  Spend Your Money Wisely

There is no reason to break the budget while building an emergency food supply.  Before heading out to the supermarket, view local ads and find specials that will allow you to purchase more for less.  If you are so inclined, use coupons and if allowed, shop on “double coupon” days. Warehouse clubs such as Costco have coupons too so don’t overlook those booklets that are sent out monthly.  Often times the savings are huge.  If you do not belong to a warehouse club, perhaps you can tag along with a friend or call ahead and see if they will give you a one-day shopping pass. Consider shopping at one of the many Dollar Stores or even in the back aisles of the drugstore.  Bargains abound as I recently learned when I picked up a dozens of name-brand canned vegetables for fifty cents a can. While freeze-dried  or dehydrated foods are often on prepper food lists, they are expensive and often have to be special ordered or at least purchased at specialty food stores.  They often taste really good and you may want to eventually add some to your supply of food, but in the beginning, it may be best to stick to more budget friendly items. Augason Farm is a good source of dehydrated foods that won’t break your budget. They are usually easy to find on Amazon or at Wal-Mart and you can add a #10 can at a time as your budget allows. At the same time, be sure to have some comfort foods on hand as well. Comfort foods can help keep morale high during and emergency situation.

3.  Scope Out and Optimize Your Storage Space

Finding space to store your emergency food supply can be a challenge, especially if you live in a small home or apartment.  Get creative, starting with a walk around tour of your living spaces.  Locations often overlooked are under beds, way up high in closets where you can add another shelf, and under dressers, desks and sofas. My number one tip, though, is to go through your cupboards and closets and remove those items that are duplicates, that you rarely use, or that you do not use at all.  For example, in your kitchen, how may different pots and pans do you need?  My guess is that you use the same two or three over and over again.  Stow the extras in the basement, attic, or garage, or give them away to charity. Trust me, they will not be missed.  The same thing applies to seldom used clothing, shoes and sports equipment.

If you are truly serious about finding the space for your emergency food supply, you will toss those miscellaneous odd-ball items that are only used once every three years.  This alone will  free up space for some additional canned or dried food items.

4.  Stick to the Basics

Monitor what your family eats for a week and use that as a guideline for getting started.  The advantage of doing this is you will learn what your family likes so that you can shop accordingly.  You would be surprised at how many people can’t remember what they ate yesterday let alone a week ago.  Try to write everything down so that you don’t have to rely upon your memory. Keep in mind that bulk foods such as beans, rice, oatmeal and powdered milk are staples in the survival food pantry.  Relatively speaking, they are all (with the exception, perhaps of the milk) inexpensive.  These are basics, yes, but if you are just getting started, why not begin with the food your family eats – but only in canned form? Also, do not forget to store at least one gallon of water per person per day along with your emergency food supply.  More is better.

5.  Don’t Make it a Chore

Storing food for an emergency can be challenging but it does not have to be a chore.  Eliminate the panic of attempting to get it all done at once and the process can almost be fun and game-like.  Searching out deals – either with coupons or at sales – can be an adventure in and of itself.  Involve the kids by asking them for suggestions and helping them make selections that they will enjoy eating. Continue the adventure by learning to cook with traditional storage items such as the bulk food items mentioned above (beans, rice, oatmeal and powdered milk).  Adding condiments of various types will result in delicious meals not only now, but after an emergency when good tasting food will be a comfort.

6.  Be Mindful of Food Storage Conditions

Notwithstanding finding space for your emergency food supply, consider the storage conditions in your home.  The enemies of food storage are temperature, moisture, oxygen, light, pests and time.  Then there is the two legged variety (such as teenagers!) who eat everything in sight, including your emergency food. Remember that what you are looking for is a cool, dry place, for most food storage.  The right conditions will improve the storage life of all your food. While not all household conditions are perfect, be aware of the six enemies of food storage and do your best to mitigate their effect on your precious food supply.  This means you should avoid storing food in garages that are 90 degrees in summer and 30 degrees in winter.  I am repeating what I said before but it is important: empty your cupboards and closets of excess stuff and stow these items in the basement, attic, or garage.  This will make room for you to store your food inside your main living area where the ambient room temperature is stable.

7.  Learn From Your Mistakes

Everyone makes mistakes when it comes to food storage and trust me, I have made my share of them.  One mistake I have made is to not take my own advice and stock up on something I truly dislike.  Another is to stock up on sugary drinks in #10 tins from a well-known food storage company.  What was I thinking? You know your own eating habits the best but lest you think you are infallible, review these 15 Common Food Storage Mistakes .

8.  Rotate Out and Replenish In But Only Within Reason

If there has been a major shift in my food storage thinking over the years, this is it.  I used to believe that nothing lasts forever and recommended periodically going through your emergency food supply to rotate out the oldest items. These days, I still recommend rotating but not to the point where you make it your career.  I have read enough studies and have eaten enough ten year old food to know that if the packaging is in good shape, meaning well sealed, no dents, rust or leak in cans, the food is most likely okay to eat. Additional Reading:   What You Need to Know About Eating Expired Food I say most likely because all stored food must pass the sniff test.  If it smells bad, do not pass go.  Throw it away. Of course food that is packaged for long term storage, either by the manufacturer or yourself, is going to be fresher in look and taste.  Presumably, there will also be less leaching of nutritional value. Food storage containers include mylar bags, vacuum seal bags, and buckets. Oxygen and moisture absorbers can help extend the life of your food. When deciding what storage containers to use, consider how long you intend to keep the food sealed.  Some people like to think on a 10 year time line while others want some food items to be shelf stable for 25 years if possible. An oxygen absorber are a must for mylar but not for vacuum sealing. How to package for the long term is beyond the scope of this article but you will find plenty of tips in the following three articles here on Backdoor Survival:

Survival Basics: What the Heck are Oxygen Absorbers? Survival Basics: Using Mylar Bags for Food Storage Survival Basics: Buckets, Lids and Gamma Seals

9.  Keep Track of Your Stuff

Once you get going, it will be easy to lose track of what you already have.  The best way to overcome the state of confusion you will experience six months down the road is to start keeping track of your stored items now – from the beginning.  Use a spiral notebook, a computer spreadsheet, or a clipboard and a pad of paper.  Update your inventory with the item and date of purchase as it goes into storage and of course, mark it off as it rotates out. Another good idea is to use a sharpie or a colored label to mark the purchase date on each item.  That is the crazy, simple way of using the FIFO method of food rotation (FIFO = First In, First Out). Note: Just because you are not going to be paranoid about food rotation does not mean you should ignore the wisdom of using your oldest items first.

10.  Do Your Homework

Resources abound.  With a modest amount of computer knowledge, you can Google around the internet to find all sorts of emergency food and food storage advice.  Be an informed consumer.  Learn about the foods that store well and also about pre-packaged meals that only require a bit of hot water to create a good-tasting and satisfying food experience. Learn about bulk foods and cooking methods that your can use when there is no power to your home.  Many of the websites selling food will have blogs as well as links to helpful information.  Why not use them to increase your overall knowledge and  become familiar with additional tactics and strategies for storing food for the long term in a hassle free manner?

Also Read: Food Storage Ideas for Preppers

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

THE FINAL WORD

As you read through this list, I hope you can visualize the number and variety of meals that can be made by mixing and matching the items listed in the kick-start plan.  How about some rice, salsa, and canned chicken cooked into a casserole in your cast iron skillet ?  Or pancakes topped with canned peaches and honey?  Then there are pinto beans, combined with rice and corn, and topped with a bit of Tabasco for a fiesta-style meal.

Well okay, perhaps these are not gourmet delights but with the added condiments, they will taste good and be as healthy as you can expect food to be when fresh meats and produce or unavailable.

Is this a complete list of everything you will need to be fully prepared food-wise?  Heck no.  Are the quantities adequate to feed a family for a month, three months or longer?  Perhaps a month but not much longer.  Truthfully, for long term storage you need more food and more variety (read about the top survival food brands here ) as well as some packaging methods (Mylar bags or buckets plus oxygen absorbers ) to insure that your will food stay viable and pest free for years to come.

But for now we are more focused on either getting started our rounding out our basic survival pantry.   And for that, these 20 items will do just fine.

Enjoy your next adventure through common sense and thoughtful preparation! Gaye

[DEAL] Ultimate Concealed Weapon

Tactical pen / multi-tool (flashlight, knife, etc).

• Food Supply
• Preparedness

Jodie Weston

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95 Responses to “20 Items to Kick Start Your Long Term Food Storage Plan”

Ok, I believe flour is very important. I have made biscuits with 1 cup flour ,1/3 cup water. Used mess kit pan to kneed till it feels like playdough. Divide into 4 balls, hand flatten each now use mess kit pan over small stove or fire, 90 seconds each side and eat. Works good on the trail and rest areas.

Why when it comes to bread, is there the assumption that the the need for other components and a form of oven seem to donimate its value as a stickpiled foodstuff? Our ancestors made their own bread long before baking powder and yeast became available. Frybread, Unleavened Bread, Sodabread an a host of other recipes for breads that don’t require yeast, baking powder or an oven are but a click away on the internet these days. Rye, Oat, Barley, Rice and Corn meals or flours can be sunstituted for wheat, or mixed into wheat flour to stretch your stockpile. Be cautious with Rye as it can host Ergot, a fungal spore that can cause Ergotamine poisoning, a deadly disease, though its presense in ground Rye is less of a risk than the whole Rye grain. A personal favorite of our family is Soda Bread. Although most recipes list Buttermilk as a component, we’ve successfully substituted powdered milk to make it. A Dutch Oven should be used rather than a frying pan to ensure the Baking Soda allows the bread to rise better.

I think you forgot the beer… JK (sort of), thanks for the great list and insight!

Excellent advice on food storage. I do have one question about something other than food. What about medications?

Hi! How long should this list last? Is it a year supply?

Hi Julia. No, it’s no where near enough food for one adult for one year. It’s just a list of some great ideas to help someone get started building a well-rounded food storage pantry. If you want to see what the folks at BYU suggest for a year’s supply of food that would provide one adult with 2000-2400 calories a day for one year , check out this great resource: https://brightspotcdn.byu.edu/61/56/2e85ce114c6bbd70f72bf2dac90b/anapproachtolongertermfoodstoragesept2015.pdf

what a great, informative article. i am an old prepper but i always enjoy learning. this article was interesting and a great refresher course for me.

Good article! A few years ago, a medical condition for someone in my family required that I learn how to cook without high fat dairy, no corn products, no fish, and very low sodium. That means almost no packaged or processed foods, no fast food, almost no snack foods, no packaged flavor packets, no bottled flavorings…well you get the idea. Now I visit Costco a couple times a year for rice, beans, pasta, and meat. I grow almost all the vegetables we eat year round. Our grocery bills have gone way down. And now I actually know how to cook almost anything from scratch ingredients that I always have on hand in bulk. The foods many preppers stock up, are foods I never have in my house so I wouldn’t miss them if they suddenly became unavailable. In hind sight I’ve learned that “stuff” isn’t as important as skills. Trust me, cooking is a skill.

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Food Storage for Beginners:

A week-by-week plan for a year's worth of shelf-stable food.

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If the last few years taught us anything, it is that the status quo can change overnight. Grocery store shelves aren’t always full, and food prices aren’t always affordable.

But the benefit of food storage isn’t limited to pandemics or broken supply chains. It could be an illness, job loss, or extended power outage that puts your family in a predicament.

Intentional, well-planned food storage ensures your family’s nutritional needs are met—even when the unexpected happens.

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How to Create a Self-Storage Business Plan [Plus a Free Template!]

By the end of 2020, roughly 4.35 million hopeful individuals had filed new business applications . 

Perhaps the motivation was the loss of jobs or that people were fed up with the traditional 9-5 gig. Whatever the case, entrepreneurship has been a popular theme lately. 

Many new business owners opted to pursue a real estate investment, specifically a self-storage business. For those of you on this path, let’s discuss creating a self-storage business plan and how a few purposeful decisions can catapult your business to the forefront. 

It starts with a solid self-storage business plan.

Developing a business plan

Before you can start creating your business plan, you need to do some market research first. Start by relying on others’ history and experience. Do lots of market research. Network and learn from other marketing strategies. Attend an industry trade show. Diligently learn the ins and outs of running a small business. 

Start to hone in on the details as you begin to formulate your plan. For example, , are you building or renovating your own potential storage space? You’ll need to consider the zoning in your chosen area, and contemplate the land cost and interest rate from a lender or two. In terms of marketing strategies, will construction costs or developmental costs be worth the initial investment? Thinking through these aspects with some “back of the napkin” math early on will help you as you start to formalize your business plan

Self-storage business plan template

Putting the vision for your self-storage business to paper is important. Not only will it help you develop a roadmap for all the things you need to do to make your business dreams a reality, but it will allow you to easily share your vision with others. This is necessary if you want to bring in funding partners or borrow money for a lender.

Download a business plan template and start drafting your own self-storage business plan. Dive deep into a recent market analysis to determine any possible cash flow outcomes. Understand that your first year as a startup might be your most challenging. Read various feasibility studies, and talk to your peers in the industry. 

Your business plan should look at least two years out into the future. Plan for different scenarios in regards to your return on investment projections. Consider your returns under a best case scenario and a worst case scenario, as well as a conservative median projection.

Components of a self-storage business plan

Aside from the initial planning phase, remember to consider the operational logistics it will take to run this business. Fortunately, self-storage business investments are desirable because of the traditionally low operating expenses. 

Make sure your business plan includes these components:

Executive summary

Business description, market research and strategy, management and personnel, financial reporting documents.

An executive summary is a brief overview of your business. Think of it as the first thing you would tell someone about your business in a conversation. For example, an executive summary for a self-storage business might start something like this:

“The purpose of this business is to develop and operate a 100-unit facility on a parcel of land outside of Colorado Springs, Colorado.”

Or, like this:

“This venture seeks to find and acquire value-add self-storage facilities in secondary markets in the Southeast. The business will modernize and update the facilities with the latest technologies to increase their profitability over the next two years.”

An executive summary should go on to summarize and highlight key elements from your business plan, such as total costs and projected revenue.

How to Start a Self-Storage Business

What kind of business will you be: sole proprietor, LLC, C- or S-corporation?

Here, you can describe the details of how your self-storage business will operate. Beyond your legal status, cover the operational details of your business such as branding, services offered and projected expenses.

Businesses are more tech-enabled than ever before, with easy-to-navigate websites , advanced phone systems, user-friendly apps and online payment services . Of course, these things aren’t always necessary to achieve success; however, having a few tech-powered options will put you ahead of the game. Consider how you will use these technologies sooner, rather than later.

Also consider things like your hiring plans, insurance needs , and maintenance procedures. Include additional revenue sources besides self-storage rents, such as sales of tenant insurance or moving supplies. 

Remember all that market research you did on the self-storage industry? Lay out your most relevant findings and how they support your self-storage business idea in this part of your business plan. Examine the demographics and supply and demand story of your target market. For example, if individuals need RV storage, consider offering that option. Decide how you will make money and attract new renters (i.e., social media , content marketing, etc.).

Like any industry, the self-storage industry has a unique ebb and flow to it. Knowing these trends will help you execute a more successful self-storage project.

This is the who’s who of your self-storage business. Discuss the experience, qualifications and duties of the executive team, as well as additional employees that you have or need to hire to execute your plan.

Is your self-storage business plan financially feasible? Here is where you demonstrate that it is, by laying out details of your financial situation. What are your assets and liabilities? Will you have debt service?

This section should include the projected profit and loss, balance sheet and cash flow for your business for the next two to three years.

Expect the unexpected

Once your business is up and running, you will no doubt encounter challenges and situations that your plan did not anticipate. However, a strong business plan will greatly increase your chances that your business will succeed. If you are looking to do more with your business, Storable offers a host of technology solutions to help your self-storage operation thrive in a competitive environment.

Financing Options for Self-Storage Businesses

Resolve your questions about how to get financing for your self storage business. Keep Reading

Is a Self-Storage Business Profitable?

Is owning a self-storage business profitable? Find out how an investment in a self storage facility can turn into a lucrative business for you. Keep Reading

How to Buy a Self-Storage Facility

Thinking about buying a self-storage facility? Here is what you need to know before starting your search. Keep Reading

How to Start a Storage Business

Starting a storage business can be very profitable. With proper planning, execution and hard work, you can enjoy great success. Below you will learn the keys to launching a successful storage business.

Importantly, a critical step in starting a storage business is to complete your business plan. To help you out, you should download Growthink’s Ultimate Business Plan Template here .

Download our Ultimate Business Plan Template here

14 Steps To Start a Storage Business :

• Choose the Name for Your Storage Business
• Develop Your Storage Business Plan
• Choose the Legal Structure for Your Storage Business
• Secure Startup Funding for Your Storage Business (If Needed)
• Secure a Location for Your Business
• Register Your Storage Business with the IRS
• Open a Business Bank Account
• Get a Business Credit Card
• Get the Required Business Licenses and Permits
• Get Business Insurance for Your Storage Business
• Buy or Lease the Right Storage Business Equipment
• Develop Your Storage Business Marketing Materials
• Purchase and Setup the Software Needed to Run Your Storage Business
• Open for Business

1. Choose the Name for Your Storage Business

The first step to starting a self-storage business is to choose your business’ name.  

This is a very important choice since your company name is your brand and will last for the lifetime of your business. Ideally you choose a name that is meaningful and memorable. Here are some tips for choosing a name for your storage business:

• Make sure the name is available . Check your desired name against trademark databases and your state’s list of registered business names to see if it’s available. Also check to see if a suitable domain name is available.
• Keep it simple . The best names are usually ones that are easy to remember, pronounce and spell.
• Think about marketing . Come up with a name that reflects the desired brand and/or focus of your storage business.

2. Develop Your Storage Business Plan

One of the most important steps in starting a storage facility is to develop your storage business plan . The process of creating your plan ensures that you fully understand your market and your business strategy. The plan also provides you with a roadmap to follow and if needed, to present to funding sources to raise capital for your business.

Your business plan should include the following sections:

• Executive Summary – this section should summarize your entire business plan so readers can quickly understand the key details of your storage business.
• Company Overview – this section tells the reader about the history of your storage business and what type of storage business you operate. For example, are you a self-storage, data storage, or a wine storage business?
• Industry Analysis – here you will document key information about the storage industry. Conduct market research and document how big the industry is and what trends are affecting it.
• Customer Analysis – in this section, you will document who your ideal or target market are and their demographics. For example, how old are they? Where do they live? What do they find important when purchasing services like the ones you will offer?
• Competitive Analysis – here you will document the key direct and indirect competitors you will face and how you will build competitive advantage.
• Marketing Plan – your marketing plan should address the 4Ps: Product, Price, Promotions and Place.
• Product : Determine and document what products/services you will offer 
• Prices : Document the prices of your products/services
• Place : Where will your business be located and how will that location help you increase sales?
• Promotions : What promotional methods will you use to attract customers to your storage business? For example, you might decide to use pay-per-click advertising, public relations, search engine optimization and/or social media marketing.
• Operations Plan – here you will determine the key processes you will need to run your day-to-day operations. You will also determine your staffing needs. Finally, in this section of your plan, you will create a projected growth timeline showing the milestones you hope to achieve in the coming years.
• Management Team – this section details the background of your company’s management team.
• Financial Plan – finally, the financial plan answers questions including the following:
• What startup costs will you incur?
• How will your storage business make money?
• What are your projected sales and expenses for the next five years?
• Do you need to raise funding to launch your business?

Finish Your Business Plan Today!

3. choose the legal structure for your storage business.

Next you need to choose a legal structure for your storage business and register it and your business name with the Secretary of State in each state where you operate your business.

Below are the five most common legal structures:

1) Sole proprietorship

A sole proprietorship is a business entity in which the owner of the storage business and the business are the same legal person. The owner of a sole proprietorship is responsible for all debts and obligations of the business. There are no formalities required to establish a sole proprietorship, and it is easy to set up and operate. The main advantage of a sole proprietorship is that it is simple and inexpensive to establish. The main disadvantage is that the owner is liable for all debts and obligations of the business.

2) Partnerships

A partnership is a legal structure that is popular among small business owners. It is an agreement between two or more people who want to start a storage business together. The partners share in the profits and losses of the business. 

The advantages of a partnership are that it is easy to set up, and the partners share in the profits and losses of the business. The disadvantages of a partnership are that the partners are jointly liable for the debts of the business, and disagreements between partners can be difficult to resolve.

3) Limited Liability Company (LLC)

A limited liability company, or LLC, is a type of business entity that provides limited liability to its owners. This means that the owners of an LLC are not personally responsible for the debts and liabilities of the business. The advantages of an LLC for a storage business include flexibility in management, pass-through taxation (avoids double taxation as explained below), and limited personal liability. The disadvantages of an LLC include lack of availability in some states and self-employment taxes.

4) C Corporation

A C Corporation is a business entity that is separate from its owners. It has its own tax ID and can have shareholders. The main advantage of a C Corporation for a storage business is that it offers limited liability to its owners. This means that the owners are not personally responsible for the debts and liabilities of the business. The disadvantage is that C Corporations are subject to double taxation. This means that the corporation pays taxes on its profits, and the shareholders also pay taxes on their dividends.

5) S Corporation

An S Corporation is a type of corporation that provides its owners with limited liability protection and allows them to pass their business income through to their personal income tax returns, thus avoiding double taxation. There are several limitations on S Corporations including the number of shareholders they can have among others.

Once you register your storage business, your state will send you your official “Articles of Incorporation.” You will need this among other documentation when establishing your banking account (see below). We recommend that you consult an attorney in determining which legal structure is best suited for your company.

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4. Secure Startup Funding for Your Storage Business (If Needed)

In developing your storage business plan , you might have determined that you need to raise funding to launch your business.

If so, the main sources of funding for a storage business to consider are personal savings, family and friends, credit card financing, bank loans, crowdfunding and angel investors. Angel investors are individuals who provide capital to early-stage businesses. Angel investors typically will invest in a storage business that they believe has high potential for growth.

5. Secure a Location for Your Business

When looking for a location for your storage business, it’s important to consider the following factors:

• First, consider the needs of your business. What kind of storage do you need: personal or commercial? Do you need climate controlled units? What are your storage space requirements?
• Once you’ve determined what kind of storage you need, research the areas in your city that best meet those needs. Consider factors such as cost of living, population density, and proximity to highways and public transportation.
• Narrow down your choices to a few neighborhoods that fit your criteria, and then take a closer look at the individual locations to see if they meet your specific needs (e.g., access, security, parking).
• Finally, visit each location at different times of the day to see how busy the roads are, and whether there’s enough parking for your needs.

Make sure to consult a commercial real estate specialist before you sign a lease. You may save yourself some time and money because they may be able to help find a location that meets all of your needs from the start.

6. Register Your Storage Business with the IRS

Next, you need to register your business with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) which will result in the IRS issuing you an Employer Identification Number (EIN).

Most banks will require you to have an EIN in order to open up an account. In addition, in order to hire employees, you will need an EIN since that is how the IRS tracks your payroll tax payments.

Note that if you are a sole proprietor without employees, you generally do not need to get an EIN. Rather, you would use your social security number (instead of your EIN) as your taxpayer identification number.

7. Open a Business Bank Account

It is important to establish a bank account in your storage business’ name. This process is fairly simple and involves the following steps:

• Identify and contact the bank you want to use
• Gather and present the required documents (generally include your company’s Articles of Incorporation, driver’s license or passport, and proof of address)
• Complete the bank’s application form and provide all relevant information
• Meet with a banker to discuss your business needs and establish a relationship with them

8. Get a Business Credit Card

You should get a business credit card for your storage business to help you separate personal and business expenses.

You can either apply for a business credit card through your bank or apply for one through a credit card company.

When you’re applying for a business credit card, you’ll need to provide some information about your business. This includes the name of your business, the address of your business, and the type of business you’re running. You’ll also need to provide some information about yourself, including your name, Social Security number, and date of birth.

Once you’ve been approved for a business credit card, you’ll be able to use it to make purchases for your business. You can also use it to build your credit history which could be very important in securing loans and getting credit lines for your business in the future.

9. Get the Required Business Licenses and Permits

Before you can start a storage business, there are a few licenses and permits you will need. 

The most important license you need is a business license from your local government. In addition, you may need a special license to store certain types of items, such as hazardous materials. You will also need the local fire department to review and approve the installation of a fire alarm system in your business.

Make sure to check with your local government to find out what licenses and permits you need to start a self-storage business.

10. Get Business Insurance for Your Storage Business

The type of insurance you need to operate a storage business will vary depending on the state in which you operate.

Some business insurance policies you should consider for your storage business include:

• General liability insurance : This covers accidents and injuries that occur on your property. It also covers damages caused by your employees or products.
• Auto insurance : If a vehicle is used in your business, this type of insurance will cover if a vehicle is damaged or stolen.
• Workers’ compensation insurance : If you have employees, this type of policy works with your general liability policy to protect against workplace injuries and accidents. It also covers medical expenses and lost wages.
• Commercial property insurance : This covers damage to your property caused by fire, theft, or vandalism.
• Business interruption insurance : This covers lost income and expenses if your business is forced to close due to a covered event.
• Professional liability insurance : This protects your business against claims of professional negligence.

Find an insurance agent, tell them about your business and its needs, and they will recommend policies that fit those needs.

11. Buy or Lease the Right Storage Business Equipment

In order to start a storage business, you’ll need some basic equipment. You may need a truck or van to transport items, a self-storage unit to store them in, and locks and packing materials to keep them secure. You will also need some office equipment like a computer, phone, and printer.

12. Develop Your Storage Business Marketing Materials

Marketing materials will be required to attract and retain customers to your self-storage company.

The key marketing materials you will need are as follows:

• Logo : Spend some time developing a good logo for your storage business. Your logo will be printed on company stationery, business cards, marketing materials and so forth. The right logo can increase customer trust and awareness of your brand.
• Website : Likewise, a professional storage business website provides potential customers with information about the services you offer, your company’s history, and contact information. Importantly, remember that the look and feel of your website will affect how customers perceive you.
• Social Media Accounts : establish social media accounts in your company’s name. Accounts on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and/or other social media networks will help customers and others find and interact with your storage business.

13. Purchase and Setup the Software Needed to Run Your Storage Business

To run a storage business, you will need accounting software, customer relationship management (CRM) software, and invoicing software.

14. Open for Business

You are now ready to open your storage business. If you followed the steps above, you should be in a great position to build a successful business. Below are answers to frequently asked questions that might further help you.

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How to Start a Storage Business FAQs

Is it hard to start a storage business.

It is easy to run a self-storage facility successfully. The reason for this is it only requires minimum investment to start. In fact, you can do it by using your own garage or even a spare room in your house.

How can I start a storage business with no experience?

There are a few things you can do to get started in the storage business with no experience. First, do some research on the industry and learn as much as you can about it. Next, try to find a mentor or someone who can help guide you through the process. Finally, start small and gradually grow your business as you learn more about it.

What type of storage business is most profitable?

The most profitable storage business is the self-storage business. Self-storage businesses are those that allow customers to store their belongings in a storage unit that the customer rents. Storage facilities charge a rental fee that may be paid monthly, yearly or by another time period specified in the rental agreement. Self-storage businesses generally have higher average prices per square foot than other storage types because the customer is paying for the convenience of the short-term use of a storage unit and to keep a valued possession safely stored away.

Self-storage facilities are generally very profitable because the average revenue per storage unit is high. The self-storage business model has a lot of flexibility, allowing its owners to vary rental prices according to demand by offering discounts during slow periods and charging premium rates when occupancy is high.

Self-storage businesses are attractive to investors because of the business model's high average revenue per square foot, relatively low overhead expenses, and government regulations that protect storage owners from liability for stored items. 

How much does it cost to start a storage business?

To start a storage business, you will need to invest in some initial equipment and supplies. The cost of setting up your business will vary depending on the type of storage business you want to start, but can range from a few thousand dollars to several hundred thousand dollars. You will also need to factor in the cost of marketing and advertising your business.

Some startup costs estimates for storage businesses include: 

• $500 to $5,000 for a used storage container and trailer
• $12,000 to $25,000 for a new storage container and trailer
• $4,800 to $11,200 for a portable storage unit
• $7,400 to $1M+ for a prefab facility
• $200-$500 for packing materials and boxes
• $1,000-$5,000 for advertising and marketing

What are the ongoing expenses for a storage business?

The ongoing expenses for a storage business can vary depending on the size of the business, the services offered, and the location. However, some of the most common operating expenses include rent or lease payments, insurance, employee salaries and benefits, and advertising and marketing costs.

How does a storage business make money?

Many self-storage facilities make money by charging customers to store their belongings. They may also charge for access to the self- storage units, or for certain services such as moving items in and out of the units. Another way storage businesses make money is by subletting the storage space they control to third parties.

Is owning a storage business profitable?

Storage businesses are profitable. One reason is that the storage market is growing rapidly. In addition, the storage industry is fragmented, which means there are many small players in the market. This presents opportunities for consolidation. Finally, the storage industry is recession-resistant, meaning that demand for storage services remains relatively stable during economic downturns.

Why do storage businesses fail?

One of the main reasons storage businesses fail is because they do not have a solid business plan in place. This includes having a detailed marketing plan, pricing strategy, and financial plan. Other businesses also fail because they do not have the right team in place to help them run the business. It's important to hire employees who are knowledgeable in the storage industry and have the same values as your business. Finally, another reason storage businesses fail is because they do not have a good customer service strategy in place. Make sure you are responsive to customer inquiries and complaints, and always provide excellent customer service.

Other Helpful Business Plan Articles & Templates

Cold Storage Business Plan: Requirements, Profits & Subsidy

• July 23, 2023
• Articles , Business Loan , Working Capital Loan

Effective cold storage is crucial in meeting the significant demand for preserving vegetables and other food products in the country. Poor storage practices have resulted in significant wastage of fresh produce. Investing in cold storage solutions not only helps to reduce waste but also presents a lucrative opportunity to maintain the freshness and quality of vegetables, thereby enhancing profitability.

The cold storage business is a profitable venture where the initial investment is on the higher side. The return is also higher and long-lasting than in other businesses. 

Cold storage facilities can be specified into two categories. Food products that need freezing storage like fruits and vegetables, poultry and seafood products, meat products, and other packaged food, including cigarettes and beer.

Why is a cold storage unit required?

Food waste is a global issue, with fruits and vegetables being a major contributor. In countries with high production rates, food wastage is even more prevalent. In such countries, cold storage is essential to extend the shelf life of processed or packaged foods, maintain quality during post-harvest processing, and provide fresh fruits year-round. By minimizing perishable waste and preserving produce, cold storage plays a crucial role in enhancing profitability while simultaneously addressing food waste.

Scope for the Cold Storage Business Industry in India

As the demand for processed foods increases and dietary habits evolve, the need for cold storage facilities is also growing rapidly. This demand has been further intensified by the significant investments and growth in the e-commerce sector, which requires efficient storage and delivery of perishable goods. Fortunately, advancements in modern technology, such as automatic temperature control systems and energy-efficient equipment, have resulted in improved efficiency and reduced operational expenses.

With its potential to prevent food waste and ensure food security, the cold storage sector has become a critical component in boosting India’s economy. By embracing this sector, India can unlock new opportunities for economic growth and development.

Suggested Read : Best 25+ Loan Apps for Low Credit Score

Investment Cost of Cold Storage

The initial cold storage business investment cost is comparatively higher than the other businesses whether we are talking about vegetable cold storage project cost or in general. The investment is generally in acquiring the land, construction of cold storage facilities and permits for the required utilities, including electricity, water etc. You must spend significant sums on buying a cooling machine. Modernised cooling machinery ensures longer-term stability and higher quality. Apart from fixed costs, investment costs include some expenses like operating costs.

Guidelines on Cold Storage Business in India

In India, a cold storage company requires a detailed plan of operation before it starts. This business plan should contain every detail concerning cold storage, products and services that will be used, along with employee information such as your name and address. The locations of cold storage units are very important in operation. Storage facilities are recommended close to retail outlets and producers’ farms.

How to Start Your Own Cold Storage Business in India?

If you are working on a cold storage business plan, you must develop a comprehensive business strategy. The business plan should detail all relevant information on the products and services used for cold storage plants and the staff, such as your full name and address.

Basic criteria for an ideal cold storage plant:

Important Guidelines/Points for Cold Storage Business Plan:

• Property that needs to be used as a cold storage facility must be turned into non-agricultural land.
• You can not construct the facility unless you have a letter of consent from the local government.
• Labour is only permitted for 12 hours per day in cold storage facilities.
• A road must link the region, and there has to be enough drainage.
• There should be a site elevation.
• Testing is necessary to determine the soil’s ability and its load-bearing strength.
• As a precaution, the pressure and vacuum of the refrigeration system must be tested.
• Cold storage facilities must be equipped with alarms and fire extinguishers, among other things.
• A water-softening plant must be built if soft water is not available.
• You must also have insurance for the cold storage facility.

Eligibility Criteria for Cold Storage Business Loan

The following conditions must be met to qualify for this loan:

• Banks investigate the track record of the promoters of such firms, which might include: an individual, a group of individuals, a cooperative, a business, a private concern, and a partnership.
• If the building is already in use, it needs to be operational and the cold storage business profit should be there for the previous three years. The rules have to be adhered to when keeping the accounting.
• The bank must get the feasibility report for evaluation for all new projects making sure you can manage the total investment.

Steps to Apply for a Commercial Loan for Cold Storage Business

How to crack a loan deal from renowned lenders in India to meet urgent financial requirements? Follow three easy steps:

Step 1: First you need to submit a project report, and then the bank representative will discuss that report with you, to better understand your business plan.

Step 2: Now provide all the details such as names, mobile numbers, residential and email addresses, annual revenue and profits, and any other pertinent data related to your business. After the necessary document submission and scrutiny, your loan application will be processed. 

Step 3: Once approved, the bank may confidently accept this loan. The bank will deposit the amount into your specified bank account after approval of your repayment capability.

Top Banks Offering Loans for Cold Storage Business

Business loans are offered by these top financial institutions to help you meet your urgent credit requirements.

Loans and subsidies for cold storage business in India

Establishing a cold storage business requires a significant capital investment. Typically, an initial investment of approximately 3 to 4 crores is necessary. While the investment required is substantial, it is possible to secure financing from a bank to fund the development of a cold storage business. 

The National Horticulture Board of India finances cold storage chains for entrepreneurs. Building specialised cold storage with a capacity of 2,000 tons will require around 2 crores and have an amortisation period of six to seven years.

Types of Cold storages machinery

Cold storage equipment can be purchased in industrial coolrooms, combi refrigerators, and modular room refrigerators.

How to build a cold storage facility?

Following is the procedure for Starting a Cold Store Business

1. Finalizing Location 

The location of the cold storage facility should be near agricultural or consumer centres covering various market segments. For instance, A cold storage facility with a 5000 metric tonnes capacity requires an acre of land for a multi-commodity or multi-storage unit. 

2. Selection of the Right Equipment

In the summer, when it is hot, equipment must be carefully picked to manage heavy loads and power disruptions. Numerous factors must be considered when choosing the equipment used for cold storage. These factors include the age of the equipment, fan, light, and product load, in addition to the ceiling, wall, and floor.

3. Maintenance

Cold storage facility cleaning and maintenance are equally important. It is important to often check the cooling machine, including the temperature, humidity, and preserved items. Trays, containers, and storage bins must be serviced and cleaned promptly.

4. Promotion of product and target Audience

A cold storage company’s performance depends on its ability to execute advertising and promotional campaigns and use effective marketing strategies. In the early and later stages, an entrepreneur should concentrate on all market segments, including traders, promoters, wholesalers, marketers, warehouse companies, retail markets, and supermarkets in urban and rural areas. 

5. Arranging Funds

Raising finance is one of the most onerous challenges since the cold storage sector requires a pretty sizable investment and avoids cash crunch situations. Because one may face urgent financial requirements or to pay for other expenditures, savings are not a practical source of finance for the entire investment in the cold storage firm.

How much capital do you need to invest in the cold storage business?

The cost to set up cold storage space requires a minimum investment of 30-40 lakh. The better the technology, the higher you make the best cold storage available! Always set your financial budget and know all the facts before investing in cold storage businesses.

The investment costs include acquisitions for land, construction permits and licensing of utilities like water and electricity. Additionally, you’d need a large investment to buy cooling machines and erect proper infrastructure. 

Generally, modern machines guarantee better performance and long-term durability. With these fixed charges, you will also have to consider working capital expenses. Overall consideration for staff, utility billing fees, and promotional expenses exists.

OneNDF is committed to providing you with the best debt financing options in terms of a Term Loan or any working capital facility and all sorts of business-related information.

Cold storage facilities are specialized buildings designed to store perishable goods, such as fruits, vegetables, meat, and dairy products, at low temperatures. These facilities require specialized construction techniques and materials to maintain the desired temperature range and humidity levels, which can significantly impact the overall construction cost.

Cold Storage Construction Cost

The construction cost of a cold storage facility primarily depends on several factors, including:

• Size: Larger facilities generally cost more to build due to the increased amount of materials and labor required.
• Insulation: Proper insulation is crucial for maintaining the desired temperature and minimizing energy consumption. High-quality insulation materials, such as polyurethane or polystyrene, are typically used, which can be more expensive than traditional insulation materials.
• Refrigeration system: The refrigeration system is one of the most significant expenses in cold storage construction. High-efficiency refrigeration units, cooling towers, and other mechanical equipment are required to maintain the low temperatures, and these can be costly to purchase and install.
• Flooring and wall panels: Special flooring and wall panels designed for cold environments are often used to prevent condensation and ensure durability. These materials can be more expensive than standard construction materials.
• Lighting and electrical systems: Cold storage facilities require specialized lighting and electrical systems that can withstand low temperatures and minimize heat generation.
• Location: The construction cost can vary depending on the region and the availability of skilled labor and materials.

Cold Storage Business Plan FAQs

Q: is cold storage a profitable business.

Yes, Cold storage is a profitable industry. The Indian government annually introduces additional subsidies and policies for its promotion.

Q: Is cold storage a good investment?

Cold storage means storing vegetables and fruits for longer durations without spoiling. While this company’s initial investment is significantly higher than other businesses, the return on investments is also higher for longer tenures.

Q: How much money is required to establish a cold storage unit?

Cold storage businesses are capital-intensive operations. The minimum initial investment required is around 30 to 40 lakh.

Q: What is the Cold Storage Machinery Cost?

For a cold storage facility in India, the refrigeration machinery is a major expense. The compressors, condensers, and related equipment can cost anywhere from Rs. 50 lakhs to several crores, depending on the storage capacity and desired temperature range.

Q: What will be the investment for 1000 mt of cold storage?

For your company to get 1,000 tonnes, the cold storage cost is a little under 2,75,00,000 INR.

Q: How much land is required for 5000 mt cold storage?

5000 MT godowns = 3 Compartments. Space between compartments: 135′-9″x70′ = 9502.20 sq. ft. The total area is 879.85 sq2 (41.23 m x 21.34 m).

Q: What is the 5000 mt cold storage profit?

Setting up a large 5,000 MT cold storage requires crores of rupees investment. In the initial years, there may be losses due to loan interest payments. But once the loan is paid off and the facility runs at full capacity, it can earn an annual profit of around Rs. 10-20 crores by charging rent for storing perishable goods at low temperatures.

Q: How much land is required for 3000 mt cold storage?

A 3000 mt cold storage will require 2 acres of land.

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ZenBusinessPlans

100+ Sample Food Business Plans and Templates

Food generally is an essential consumable item. A lot of entrepreneurs these days are seriously on the lookout for profitable and trending food business ideas to start a new business. Choosing the right niche is the first and most important step for any business initiative.

Increasing population and desire to have easy access to food are the factors that create more opportunities in the food industry. Starting up a business is the best way to get out of the rat race and into being your own boss. But when it comes to the food industry, there are many things that can go wrong.

Even before the pandemic, restaurant owners were finding it difficult to fill chef spaces.  But since COVID became a worldwide problem, this situation has become worse. The shutting down of social places meant that long-time workers in the food business have swapped to new job roles.

Don’t let this doom and gloom put you off, though, as we have some amazing ideas to help you get past these struggles and create a successful food business in 2023! If you keep your business small before you try reaching for the stars, you will be more likely to push through those barriers.

Sample Business Plans for Food Industry

1. charcuterie business plan.

Charcuterie is a display of prepared meats paired with cheeses and plain vegetables on a traditional board. Charcuterie is the culinary art of preparing meat products such as bacon, salami, ham, sausage, terrines, galantines, ballotines, pâtés, and confit professionally. Till today, this has remained a popular way to feed guests on a budget for small parties or wine tastings, and a person that prepares charcuterie is called a Charcutier.

2. Food Truck Business Plan

We said we would talk about food trucks, and here we are! A food truck is the best way to get your meals and hot snacks to festival-goers, but you can also use them like a classic restaurant. Some people set up shop in a location, clamp their truck to the floor and buy benches for their customers to sit on.

You still have that fun alfresco feeling without having to pay for top restaurant prices. We suggest using a food truck if your concepts aren’t time-consuming. If you have a dish that takes a long time to create, then your customers will be less likely to stick around for their meal.

This is because trucks are considered a fast food option. Instead of a normal fast food restaurant, though, many customers expect a more exciting menu from a truck in comparison.

The burgers are more than just a burger; they have 5 extra ingredients that make your mouth water from just smelling it. You can afford to be more creative in a food truck, as you won’t have to pay the same licenses or permits. This means you can use more ingredients and charge the same price as a normal burger.

3. Nano Brewery Business Plan

In simple terms, a nano brewery is a brewery (plant) that produces a small amount of beer per time; it is a small-scale brewery that can’t be compared to conventional brewery plants or microbrewery plants and it is usually owned independently. Any entrepreneur that has some cash and brewing technique can comfortably start his or her own nano brewery business.

4. Religious Coffee Shop Business Plan

According to reports, 7 in 10 Americans drink coffee every week; 62% drink coffee every day, making it second only to water. There are over 24,000 coffee shops in the United States, with an average sell rate of 230 cups per day.

Truth be told, coffee has become a crucial part of a cultural revolution, and owing to some amazing trends, it seems that growth will continue. Churches, ministries, and entrepreneurs in the United States are beginning to leverage coffee’s popularity and are gradually turning it into an opportunity for outreach and faith development.

5. Cocktail Bar Business Plan

A cocktail bar is a bar or small restaurant where cocktails are the main drinks available; a characteristic feature of many standard cocktail bars is a wide selection of assorted cocktail drinks available by the glass. A cocktail is a mixed drink typically made with a distilled beverage (such as gin, brandy, vodka, whiskey, tequila, cachaça, or rum) that is mixed with other ingredients. If beer is one of the ingredients, the drink is called a beer cocktail.

6. Fruit Juice Shop Business Plan

A fruit juice bar, or fruit juice shop is a small, informal restaurant where juice and in most cases, smoothies are made and served to customers. Fruit juice is ideally 100 percent pure juice made from the flesh of fresh fruit or from whole fruit, depending on the type used.

7. Cold Storage Business Plan

A cold storage business is a commercial facility for storing perishable products such as fruits, vegetables, meat, fish, furs, etc. under controlled conditions for longer periods. Based on the storage conditions, cold storage may be classified into three categories – short-term or temporary storage, long-term storage, and frozen storage.

Available data shows that the U.S. cold storage market size was estimated at USD 15.84 billion in 2019 and is expected to reach USD 16.43 billion in 2020.

8. Funnel Cake Business Plan

A funnel cake shop is a business that bakes and sells funnel cakes. Please note that the name “funnel cake” was derived from the method of squeezing batter through a funnel in a circular pattern into hot oil to achieve a dizzying pattern of crispy-fried dough.

The funnel cake business is a niche idea in the cake and bakery industry and available statistics have it that the global bakery product market size was estimated at USD 203.8 billion in 2018.

9. Fig and Coconut Jam Business Plan

A fig and coconut jam production company is a niche jam, jelly, and preserves business that produces and sells fig and coconut jam. Fig and coconut jam can be used like other jams as a fruit spread for toast, scones, cakes, and other baked goods, and it can also be used as a condiment for savory foods.

10. Cotton Candy Business Plan

A cotton candy business is a business that makes and sells cotton candies most especially at children’s parties, parks, stadiums et al. Cotton candy, which is also known as fairy floss and candy floss, is a spun-sugar confection that resembles cotton. The U.S. candy market is expected to reach a value of USD 19.6 billion by 2025, according to a new report by Grand View Research, Inc.

11. Hot Dog Vendor Business Plan

A hot dog vendor business is a business that sells different types of hot dogs and drinks from a shop, cart, or food truck. Hot dogs are prepared commercially by mixing the ingredients (meats, spices, binders, and fillers) in vats where rapidly moving blades grind and mix them all together. This mixture is forced through tubes for cooking.

The market size of the Hot Dog and Sausage Production industry is $19.2bn in 2023 and the industry is expected to increase by 3.6 percent going forward.

12. Crepe Restaurant Business Plan

A crepe restaurant is a niche restaurant that serves crepes (pancakes) as its main menu. A crepe is a French pancake that is made with a thin batter containing flour, eggs, melted butter, salt, milk, and water. Crepes can be filled with a variety of sweet or savory mixtures. Savory buckwheat crepes are always served for lunch and dinner in a crepe restaurant while sweet crepes are for dessert or snack.

13. Food Hub Business Plan

A food hub business as defined by the USDA is “a centrally located facility with a business management structure facilitating the aggregation, storage, processing, distribution, and/or marketing of locally/regionally produced food products.

Food hubs also fill gaps in food system infrastructures, such as transportation, product storage, and product processing. Available data shows that there are about 212 food hubs in the United States and industry data indicates that local food sales totaled at least $12 billion in 2014 and estimates that the market value could hit $20 billion.

Before Starting a Food Business, Test your idea

First off, you should be testing your ideas before putting a deposit on a business loan. Finding the problems early on will stop you from diving into a money pit. Use our advice like a checklist to guide you through this testing phase, and be ready to receive criticism. Remember, you cannot improve or create a strong foundation if you ignore everyone’s advice.

a. Feedback From 3rd Parties

The main reason why people think about creating a food business is because their friends or family say they should. They drool over your stews, make heart-eyes over your steaks, and lovingly long for another bite. Well, in reality, your friends and family are probably boosting your ego or sugar-coating their reaction.

We aren’t saying they are lying necessarily, but they might ignore some of your poorer meals because they know you are trying your best. Your customers won’t be so forgiving. To make sure your friends aren’t saying you are better than you are, you need a true third party to judge your food tasting sessions.

You could ask your co-workers to take the plate and make an anonymous comment. If they are mostly positive, that’s great; you can then adjust your recipes, packaging, service standards in accordance with all the positive and negative feedback.

You could also talk to local companies in the same area of business as you. Ask them if your packaging is appropriate, if they have advice for a new business owner, and anything else that you are worried about. Doing this beginner networking is a great way to start a community too. Local businesses are normally more friendly than chains and will be happy to help you on your journey.

b. Perfect “One Food” Business idea At A Time

You might feel as though you need a whole menu of amazing food, but in reality, you have to remember that you are starting at the bottom. Having one fantastic idea and putting a lot of effort into it would be a more successful business venture than spreading your ideas too thin.

When it comes to testing, your test group may become overwhelmed if they are given too many options. It wouldn’t be uncommon for the group to start comparing dishes to each other rather than their normal experiences.

In the testing group, you want these “customers” to tell you if your ideas will make it, if they are good enough to be sold and if there is a problem that can be fixed. If they have a lot to look at, they will simply tell you which one is the best. Once you find the best variation of that one food product, you can then start to work on another.

c. Look After The “Other” 20% Of Your Online Food Order Customers

There are normally 3 types of customers in the food industry; the ones who enjoy your food enough to try it again another time or simply not dismiss it; ones who will absolutely love your food and will keep coming back; and those who like to try new foods on a whim.

If the first type of person doesn’t like your food, they will simply not return. If the second type of person has a bad experience, they will try again. If this second visit redeems the food, they will remain loyal, but if it doesn’t save their experience, they will either drop into the first type or not come back.

Depending on how good your business is, you might have either a large percentage of lovers and a low percentage of “it’s fine” ers, or it can be the other way around. However, around 20% of your customers will likely be the third type.

Going to restaurants and vendors or trying new sweets on a whim is a growing hobby for many people. The third type wants to be the first ones to experience this unique and potentially viral adventure. These people will likely make a review on whatever social media network they use, and this can either boom or bury your business.

These people will not hesitate to share their lengthy and detailed opinions about your business. Of course, you should always take these opinions with a pinch of salt, as a negative review on a blog often gets more traction than a positive one; however, you should take note of what they are saying. Pleasing these reviewers will make your business look good online, and it can help you create a big fan base.

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