Considering peanut butter as survival food must have crossed your mind on more than one occasion. After all, it’s the inevitable purchase everyone makes when shopping. Like, is there anyone who hates peanut butter? Apart from allergic persons, I mean. This paste is excellent in bread, in baking & can be directly eaten out of the jar.
But, hey, fellow peanut-lover, is peanut butter a good survival food? I believe YES!
Why?
Peanut butter is rich in proteins, fats, carbs & a host of nutritional tidbits. There are some frowns on eating this creamy deliciousness due to its high protein, fat, carb & calorie content, but that’s what will keep you going when things go south.
Types of Peanut Butter to Stockpile
There are two types of peanut butter to stockpile, one of which I’m assuming you’ve never heard of.
Creamy Peanut Butter
This is not about the creamy vs. crunchy debate, as I believe that to be a highly personal decision. In this article, though, you can classify both under this category.
Creamy peanut butter is easily affordable & accessible. It is filled with several essential nutrients, including protein, potassium, iron, magnesium, niacin, vitamin B-6 & vitamin E. It is available in lightweight, easy to store & resealable containers — which is great for survival food.
The duration of storage is important when discussing survival foods, so how long can creamy peanut butter last?
When sealed, creamy peanut butter will last for one to two years. When opened, it does not take that long, but there’s enough months to finish the product. Store these containers in cool, dry places.
Pros
- Readily eaten;
- Packs calories & other nutrients;
- Easily affordable;
- Usable in sandwiches, recipes, or directly eaten;
- Lasts for a year at least.
Cons
- Not an independent food to survive on;
- Not usable by individuals with peanut allergy.
Powdered Peanut Butter
Powdered peanut butter is virtually the same as creamy peanut butter, although in a varying form.
In its powder form, the nuts are deprived of their oil before they are ground into powder. This is done to improve shelf-life but will reduce calories & oil levels. Powdered peanut butter will last for at least five years & may stretch to as long as ten years — a huge improvement on the creamy form.
Another disadvantage of powdered peanut butter is its texture. You have to reconstitute the product with water before it can be eaten, and regardless of how hard you try, the smooth creaminess of the peanut butter can never be achieved due to the absence of oil.
You may not find powdered peanut butter locally, except you’re close to specialty stores. The best way may be to make orders online. Or just make it yourself if you have the equipment.
Pros
- Lasts for very long;
- Nutrition is still okay considering the extended shelf life.
Cons
- May not be readily available;
- Can be costlier;
- Loses its creamy texture;
- Still unsuitable for persons allergic to nuts.
Conclusion on Peanut Butter as Survival Food
Considering the features of this creamy food, especially its powdered form, it is accepted to use peanut butter as survival food. You must have other foods though because this will hardly satiate you. Be careful with storage. Avoid direct exposure to sunlight.