Survival beverages that are a must for your pantry

 Part of your pantry should be dedicated to "survival" beverages. Here are recommendations of what you can stockpile for long-term survival.

Water

To stay hydrated and maintain oral and personal hygiene during emergencies, water is the first survival beverage that comes to mind. Determine basic water needs by listing each household member's daily water requirement (including pets) – to stay hydrated and do oral and personal hygiene.

Add supplemental water requirements to cook food, wash clothes and other personal items, clean the home, water the garden plants and so on.

Learn about the best emergency water storage containers for your home, even if you are space-constrained, and how best to store this essential resource.  

Other emergency water options for your everyday carry (EDC), go-bags and vehicle are the following:

• Boxed water, which you can buy packaged in 12-pack, 24-pack and 32-pack sizes, comes in recyclable packaging.

• Canned water, although pricey, has a 50-year shelf life. Packed in cans made of corrosion-resistant aluminum and designed to withstand conditions between 38 and 140 degrees Fahrenheit, canned water is ideal for keeping in your vehicle and repurposing.

• Bagged water, which is also expensive, comes in convenient package sizes, doesn't degrade or leak, is easy to store, has a long shelf life and withstands extreme temperatures.

Coffee

This beverage is a much-loved drink – with so many types and methods for brewing it that even the most seasoned coffee experts would have trouble listing them all. Studies have shown that this ancient beverage is more "friend" than "foe." 

When used responsibly, four representative groups of its micronutrients – caffeine, chlorogenic acid, diterpenes and trigonelline – provide many benefits to your brain, body and general well-being. These chemical compounds have been found to possess biological activities, including anti-microbial, anti-proliferative and antioxidant effects.

Scientifically proven benefits aside, coffee can be considered an "essential survival beverage" and serve as a "vital ally in survival situations."

To retain the best quality in both whole bean and ground coffee, you may need to repackage your beans. Only use (and invest in) canisters with an airtight seal, specifically designed for coffee storage. Store your coffee stock in a cool, dark place away from heat, light and moisture.

Tea

Tea is part of many traditions from all over the world with its endless variations and flavors. Having been practiced for over 2,000 years, drinking tea has been regarded as a "health-promoting habit."

There are two major types of teas you can stock in your pantry. "True tea" is made from the leaves of the plant Camellia sinensis  – black tea, green tea, oolong tea, pu-erh tea, white tea and yellow tea.   

And there are herbal teas,  also known as "tisanes," which are made using a combination of bark, flowers, leaves and spices of non-tea plants. 

A review published in the Journal of Food Chemistry linked the promising health benefits of tea to its different phenolic components – mainly catechins, flavonoids and tannins.   

Tea polyphenol catechins, especially in green tea, are believed to exert protective effects against conditions and diseases, such as arteriosclerosis, cancer, diabetes, neurodegenerative diseases, obesity and even tooth decay. These tea components have also exhibited antibacterial, anti-viral and hepatoprotective properties.

Phenolic flavonoids are in particularly high concentrations in tea and its habitual intake has been associated with a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease.

Organic coconut water

Dubbed by the Hawaiians as the "dew from the heavens," fresh coconut water is a naturally sweet and hydrating drink from young, green or "tender coconuts" – fat-free, low-calorie (compared to mature coconuts), rich in nutrients like amino acids, glucose, essential electrolytes (calcium, magnesium, potassium, sodium) and vitamins.

Also referred to as nature's "water of life," its nutrient benefits rapidly deteriorate once exposed to air and warm temperatures. The good news is that fresh coconut water can be freeze-dried into coconut water powder to lock in its powerful nutrients, which support healthy immune function, metabolism and proper hydration.

Coconut water powder has a longer shelf life and can be kept for three years from manufacture when properly stored in an odor-free area at 60-80 Fahrenheit and less than 70 percent humidity. Your product will absorb moisture if left open and exposed to air so keep it in air-tight containers. If you want to keep it in the freezer, pack it in quality freezer bags.

Non-dairy milk, such as organic coconut milk

As the coconut matures, which takes around 10-12 months, some of the coconut water remains while the rest ripens into the solid white flesh known as coconut meat, which is gathered, grated and pressed to create or extract coconut milk.

Coconut milk has an impressive nutritional profile. Studies indicate coconut milk is a rich source of electrolytes (calcium, copper, magnesium, manganese and potassium), iron, protein and healthy fats – particularly medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), which have been shown to enhance exercise endurance, maintain healthy fluid balance and support overall health. There is a lot of research into the powerful science-backed health benefits of coconut milk.

For long-term storage with no major loss of nutrients, raw coconut milk can be spray-dried or dehydrated using heat to powder form. Consider buying certified USDA organic coconut milk powder, non-GMO, gluten-free, dairy-free, glyphosate-tested, laboratory-verified and only lightly sweetened with organic rice maltodextrin, it contains no additives or preservatives.

For longer shelf life and to keep your product as a ready-to-use fine powder, store it in a cool, dry area with temperatures of 78-86 Fahrenheit.

Organic coconut milk powder is a great choice for anyone seeking a reliable source of plant-based nutrients. Perfect as a gluten-free and dairy-free vegan creamer for your morning coffee, organic coconut milk powder dissolves quickly when stirred in hot water. It may soon become your favorite ingredient for your curries, smoothies, soups and more.

Alcohol

Alcohol can be used as a valuable bartering item. It can help alleviate stress in the middle of disaster (when consumed moderately), and it has many survival uses. It can be used to boost morale, clean a gun, cook an egg, disinfect, eliminate fungus, fuel a lamp and stove, kill mold and weeds, reduce anxiety, repel bugs, soothe mouth pain, start a fire, suppress cough, treat a cold and more.

During your prepping journey, it’s really up to you and your family to determine whether these should be incorporated into your stockpile (and the appropriate quantities to store), as well as any other beverages to consider stockpiling.