Food prices shift fast and sometimes without warning. Your grocery bill is normal one week, and the next, it’s way up. You don’t need to panic, but you should prepare. That starts with choosing the right items to stockpile. Here’s a rundown of the foods you should buy before prices spike again.
Rice
In times of uncertainty, rice is a hero. It’s cheap now, but demand often sends prices soaring. You can store it for years if kept dry. A 2.3kg bag feeds your family for days. Don’t wait. Buy extra while it’s still affordable and shelf-stable. It’s a no-brainer backup meal.
Canned Beans
Ever noticed how canned beans quietly disappear during shortages? These tiny powerhouses pack protein and cost just cents. Stock a mix of black, kidney, and garbanzo. No fridge needed, no prep stress. They save you when budgets tighten, and meals need stretching. Toss in spices, and you’re set.
Peanut Butter
Creamy, crunchy, doesn’t matter—peanut butter delivers calories and comfort. It lasts for months without refrigeration and fills you fast. Families rely on it when money’s tight. Grab a couple of jars now before demand drives up costs. It’s survival food that doesn’t taste like it came from a bunker.
Pasta
Imagine shelves cleared of your favorite spaghetti. It happens more often than you would think. Pasta prices rise fast during supply chain disruptions. Keep your pantry stocked with different shapes and types. They cook fast and pair with almost anything. Keep hunger away without breaking the bank.
Shelf-Stable Milk
When fresh milk vanishes, this stuff steps in. Shelf-stable cartons sit in your cupboard until you need them. Prices vary, but when fresh dairy gets expensive, these milk cartons become gold. Stock up now, as kids need it, recipes call for it, and you won’t be scrambling when the fridge runs low.
Canned Tomatoes
Every stew and sauce starts better with canned tomatoes. They’re cheap now, but prices fluctuate with harvests and shipping costs. Buy them now in season. Their versatility keeps meals exciting when options shrink. You’ll be thankful for that splash of tomato when groceries feel tight.
Oats
In economic slowdowns, oats see price bumps from demand. So, don’t wait for a shortage to hit. Grab a couple of large containers now, and breakfast stays easy, healthy, and cheap. Oats keep you full and energized. Whether steel-cut or instant, they store well and cook fast.
Cooking Oil
When cooking oil gets scarce, the prices skyrocket. It happened before when supply chain hiccups and global shortages made basic products expensive. Cooking oils last long if stored cool and sealed. Just stash an extra bottle or two of olive, canola, or vegetable oil.
Canned Fish
Tuna and sardines aren’t just backup options but high-protein, long-lasting lifesavers. Prices jump quickly when ocean harvests dip or demand spikes. These cans are stored easily and can create real meals fast. Keep a few handy to add protein to your plate without needing a fridge.
Flour
You can make almost anything from flour. For example, bread, pancakes, and thick sauces. This means when everything is expensive, you can bake anything on your own terms. Just seal it tight and store it cool. Flour is a simple item that plays a mighty role when you need to stretch groceries.
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