How to Properly Store Rice and Beans Long Term: Expert Guide

What's in This Article

• Why rice and beans are perfect for long-term storage
• Best containers for storing rice and beans
• Oxygen absorbers, desiccants, and other preservation methods
• Storage location requirements
• Shelf life expectations for different varieties
• Rotation strategies for your food supply
• Common mistakes to avoid
• How to tell if stored rice and beans are still good
• Quick preparation methods for stored rice and beans

Quick Answer

Rice and beans can be properly stored long term for 25-30+ years when kept in airtight containers with oxygen absorbers, stored in cool, dry, dark conditions. White rice generally stores longer than brown rice, while most dried beans maintain quality for decades when properly packaged. At Bargain Boxed, we recommend food-grade buckets, mylar bags, and proper sealing techniques to maximize shelf life.

Why Store Rice and Beans Long Term?

Rice and beans form the foundation of any solid long-term food storage plan. These pantry staples have earned their place as emergency food supply essentials for several compelling reasons:

• Complete protein source: When combined, rice and beans create a complete protein profile containing all nine essential amino acids
• Cost-effective: Few foods offer as much nutritional value per dollar spent
• Versatility: They serve as the base for countless meals across various cuisines
• Exceptional shelf life: When properly stored, these foods remain viable for decades
• Calorie density: They provide substantial energy in compact storage space

At Bargain Boxed, we've seen increased interest in long-term food storage solutions, particularly for these dietary staples. The rising costs of groceries and uncertainty about supply chains have motivated many of our customers to develop robust food security plans. Rice and beans consistently top the list of recommended foods for emergency preparedness.

Types of Rice for Long-Term Storage

Not all rice varieties offer equal storage potential. Understanding the differences helps you make informed decisions about which types to include in your long-term storage:

White Rice

White rice earns the top spot for long-term storage. With its hull, bran, and germ removed, white rice contains minimal oils that could eventually turn rancid. Properly stored white rice can last 25-30+ years while maintaining nutritional value and taste.

Brown Rice

Though nutritionally superior to white rice, brown rice presents challenges for extended storage. The natural oils in its bran layer make it susceptible to rancidity, typically limiting shelf life to 1-2 years. For long-term storage plans, we recommend prioritizing white rice and supplementing nutritional needs through other stored foods.

Specialty Rice Varieties

Jasmine, basmati, arborio, and wild rice can all be stored long-term using the same methods as white rice, though some may have slightly shorter optimal storage periods. Their distinctive flavors make them worth including in your storage rotation for meal variety.

Instant/Quick Rice

Pre-cooked and dehydrated quick rice offers convenience but typically has a shorter shelf life (5-10 years) than regular white rice. We recommend storing primarily traditional rice for maximum longevity, with smaller quantities of instant rice for convenience.

Types of Beans for Long-Term Storage

The bean family offers tremendous variety for your long-term food storage program:

Common Beans

Pinto, navy, black, kidney, and great northern beans all store exceptionally well, often maintaining quality for 25-30 years when properly sealed and kept in ideal conditions.

Lentils

These quick-cooking legumes require no pre-soaking and maintain their nutritional profile for decades in proper storage. Their shorter cooking time makes them particularly valuable for emergency situations where fuel conservation matters.

Split Peas

Both green and yellow split peas offer excellent protein content and cook relatively quickly. Their storage life typically matches that of other dried beans.

Soybeans

While nutritionally dense, soybeans generally have a slightly shorter optimal storage life (15-20 years) than other beans due to their higher oil content.

Essential Supplies for Long-Term Storage

Achieving maximum shelf life requires the right storage supplies:

Storage Containers

Food-Grade Buckets

These 5-7 gallon workhorses form the backbone of many storage systems. Look for buckets with the recycle symbol #2 HDPE with a food-grade designation. The gasket seal on the lid creates an essential airtight environment.

Mylar Bags

These metallic-looking bags provide an excellent oxygen and moisture barrier. We recommend using 5-7 mil thickness for optimal protection. When properly sealed, mylar bags inside food-grade buckets create a nearly perfect storage environment.

Glass Containers

For smaller quantities, mason jars with tight-fitting lids work well. Their transparency allows easy identification of contents but requires storage in a dark location to prevent light degradation.

#10 Cans

These commercial-grade storage containers offer excellent protection when properly sealed. While home canners typically cannot properly seal these, professionally packaged rice and beans in #10 cans provide exceptional shelf life.

Preservation Tools

Oxygen Absorbers

These small packets contain iron powder that binds with oxygen, creating an environment inhospitable to insects and preventing oxidative degradation. For optimal results:

• Use 300-500cc absorbers for quart containers
• Use 1500-2000cc absorbers for 5-gallon buckets
• Work quickly when opening packages of oxygen absorbers as they begin working immediately
• Store unused absorbers in airtight containers

Desiccants/Silica Gel Packets

While proper drying before storage should minimize moisture concerns, desiccants provide additional protection. Never place desiccants in direct contact with food; instead, wrap them in paper towels or cloth before placing in storage containers.

Heat Sealers

For mylar bag storage, a proper seal is crucial. Quality options include:

• Impulse sealers specifically designed for mylar
• Household irons (on high setting, no steam)
• Hair straightening irons
• Heat-sealing tools designed for mylar bags

Step-by-Step Storage Process

Follow this proven method for maximum storage life:

Preparation Phase

1. Inspect your rice and beans for debris, broken pieces, or signs of infestation
2. Eliminate insect eggs by freezing rice and beans for 72 hours, then allowing them to return to room temperature
3. Ensure proper dryness - professionally packaged products typically arrive properly dried; home-dried beans should snap rather than bend

Packaging Phase

1. Line your food-grade bucket with a mylar bag
2. Fill the bag with rice or beans, leaving 1-2 inches of headspace
3. Add oxygen absorbers appropriate to the container size
4. Remove as much air as possible from the mylar bag
5. Seal the mylar bag using your heat sealer of choice
6. Label containers with contents and packaging date
7. Secure the bucket lid firmly in place

Storage Phase

1. Place sealed containers in a cool, dry, dark location
2. Maintain temperature consistency between 40-70°F (4-21°C) for optimal results
3. Keep containers elevated off concrete floors
4. Shield from direct sunlight and heat sources

Ideal Storage Conditions

The environment where you store your rice and beans significantly impacts their longevity:

Temperature

Consistent cool temperatures dramatically extend shelf life. Every 10°F increase in storage temperature potentially cuts shelf life by half. Aim for 40-70°F (4-21°C), with 50-60°F (10-15°C) being ideal.

Humidity

Excessive moisture accelerates spoilage and may promote mold growth. Target relative humidity under 15% inside your storage containers and under 60% in your storage area.

Light

UV exposure degrades nutrients and can affect flavor. Store in opaque containers or dark locations.

Pest Protection

Even with oxygen absorbers, implement additional pest deterrents:

• Bay leaves placed in containers may discourage insects
• Food-grade diatomaceous earth sprinkled in storage areas (not directly in food) deters crawling pests
• Regular inspection of storage areas helps catch problems early

Expected Shelf Life

When following our storage recommendations, you can anticipate these approximate shelf lives:

Food Item	Optimal Storage Conditions	Reasonable Shelf Life
White Rice	Cool, dry, oxygen-free	25-30+ years
Brown Rice	Cool, dry, oxygen-free	3-5 years
Dried Beans	Cool, dry, oxygen-free	25-30+ years
Lentils	Cool, dry, oxygen-free	25-30+ years
Split Peas	Cool, dry, oxygen-free	20-25 years
Soybeans	Cool, dry, oxygen-free	15-20 years

Remember that these timeframes represent optimal quality periods. When properly stored, these foods often remain safe to eat well beyond their best quality period. At Bargain Boxed, we've found many customers successfully using properly stored rice and beans even past these timeframes with minimal quality loss.

Storage Rotation Strategies

Implementing a practical rotation system ensures you always have the freshest possible supplies:

First In, First Out (FIFO)

The classic rotation system where newly purchased items go to the back of the storage area, ensuring older supplies get used first.

Tiered Storage System

Organize your storage into three categories:

• Active Pantry: Items in current rotation (3-6 month supply)
• Extended Pantry: Medium-term storage (1-2 year supply)
• Long-Term Storage: Deep reserves (5+ year supply)

Digital Inventory System

For larger storage setups, digital tracking helps maintain organization:

• Spreadsheet tracking with locations, quantities, and packaging dates
• Regular inventory checks to verify conditions
• Alerts for items approaching optimal use periods

Common Storage Mistakes to Avoid

Even experienced preppers occasionally make these errors:

Insufficient Drying

Residual moisture in beans can lead to spoilage or sprouting in storage. Ensure beans are properly dried before packaging.

Improper Sealing

Failing to create a truly airtight environment negates many preservation efforts. Test your seals by pressing on the container - properly sealed mylar should not puff back out.

Temperature Fluctuations

Consistent temperatures matter more than occasionally ideal temperatures. A steady 65°F is better than fluctuating between 50°F and 80°F.

Ignoring Container Materials

Not all plastics are food-safe for long-term storage. Always verify food-grade status before using containers.

Skipping Labels

Failing to label contents and packaging dates makes rotation impossible and creates uncertainty about food safety.

How to Tell if Stored Rice and Beans Are Still Good

Before preparing stored rice or beans, evaluate their condition:

Visual Inspection

• Look for discoloration, mold, or pest activity
• Check for excessive clumping or moisture
• Examine for unusual crystallization or residue

Smell Test

• Fresh rice should have minimal aroma
• Good beans have a mild, earthy smell
• Reject any items with sour, musty, or rancid odors

Cooking Test

When in doubt, prepare a small batch:

• Rice should cook to expected consistency without off flavors
• Beans should soften appropriately when cooked
• Finished product should have normal taste and texture

We've found that properly stored items almost always pass these tests, even years beyond their optimal storage period. Many best-by dates are extremely conservative, especially for properly stored dry goods.

Quick Preparation Methods for Stored Rice and Beans

When the time comes to use your stored supplies:

Basic Rice Preparation

1. Rinse rice thoroughly until water runs clear
2. Use 1:2 ratio of rice to water for white rice
3. Bring to boil, reduce heat, cover and simmer 15-20 minutes
4. Remove from heat and let stand 5 minutes before fluffing

Traditional Bean Preparation

1. Sort beans and remove any debris
2. Soak overnight (8-12 hours) in three times their volume of water
3. Drain, rinse, and add fresh water at 3:1 ratio
4. Bring to boil, reduce heat, and simmer until tender (1-2 hours)

Quick Bean Preparation

1. Sort beans and rinse thoroughly
2. Add beans to pot with 3:1 water ratio
3. Bring to boil for 2 minutes
4. Remove from heat, cover, and let stand 1 hour
5. Drain, add fresh water, and cook until tender (30-60 minutes)

Pressure Cooker Method

For both rice and beans, pressure cooking dramatically reduces preparation time - particularly valuable in emergency situations where fuel conservation matters:

• White rice: 3 minutes at pressure
• Brown rice: 15 minutes at pressure
• Beans: 5-15 minutes at pressure (depending on variety)

Where to Buy Quality Rice and Beans for Storage

Finding the right supplier ensures you start with quality products:

At Bargain Boxed, we pride ourselves on offering premium rice and beans perfect for long-term storage at unbeatable prices. Our direct relationships with suppliers allow us to provide bulk quantities without membership fees or hidden costs. Our ever-revolving inventory means you'll always find fresh products ready for your storage program.

When evaluating suppliers, consider:

• Product turnover rate (fresher initial products last longer)
• Package integrity
• Bulk purchase options
• Value pricing

We maintain strict quality standards while keeping prices lower than anywhere else online. Our commitment to affordable preparedness means no membership requirements and straightforward pricing.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much rice and beans should I store per person?

For comprehensive preparedness, aim for 300-400 pounds of grains and 60-100 pounds of beans per person per year. This provides approximately 2000 calories daily from these staples alone.

Can I store rice and beans together in the same container?

While possible, we recommend storing them separately to maintain flexibility in meal planning and because they may have different cooking requirements after extended storage.

What's the minimum amount of rice and beans for a starter emergency supply?

Begin with at least 20 pounds of rice and 10 pounds of beans per person, which provides approximately one month of calories.

Do I need to wash rice and beans before storing?

No, pre-washing reduces shelf life by introducing moisture. Always wash just before cooking, not before storage.

Can I store rice and beans in their original packaging?

Original packaging is inadequate for truly long-term storage. Transfer to proper storage containers using our recommended methods for maximum shelf life.

Are oxygen absorbers really necessary?

Yes, oxygen absorbers dramatically extend shelf life by preventing oxidation and eliminating insect activity. They're an essential component of proper long-term storage.

What's the difference between best-by dates and actual shelf life?

Best-by dates indicate optimal quality periods set conservatively by manufacturers. Properly stored dry goods like rice and beans remain safe and nutritious far beyond these dates when stored correctly.

Can I store instant rice and bean products long-term?

Yes, though their optimal storage period is typically 5-10 years rather than the 25+ years of traditional products.

How do I protect my stored food from extreme temperatures?

Consider insulated storage areas, basement locations, or specialized root cellars. Even in challenging environments, focus on reducing temperature fluctuations as much as possible.

Conclusion

Properly stored rice and beans provide incomparable food security, nutrition, and peace of mind. By following the comprehensive storage techniques outlined in this guide, you'll create a reliable food reserve capable of sustaining you and your family through virtually any situation.

At Bargain Boxed, we're committed to helping you achieve food independence through quality products, unbeatable prices, and practical knowledge. Our no-membership, no-nonsense approach puts long-term food security within everyone's reach.

Remember that the journey to preparedness starts with a single step - even a modest beginning with a few properly stored buckets of rice and beans establishes a foundation for greater resilience. Start your storage program today, and enjoy the confidence that comes from knowing you've secured one of life's most basic necessities for years to come.