For a long voyage where fresh food storage isn’t an option beyond a week or so, I am focusing on shelf-stable, long-lasting items that will not only preserve well over time but also offer the flexibility to create a wide variety of meals. The goal here is to ensure that all food items are non-perishable and can withstand the elements without refrigeration (because the refrigerator on board has very limited space and must be used for fresh fruits and vegetables and leftovers).
All paper (including the labels on cans, etc.) will be removed to avoid bugs. An effort will be made to reduce plastic (glass or metal containers) to avoid trash. When possible, larger quantities will be re-portioned and vacuum sealed.
While I am essentially vegetarian anyways, protein will be supplements with fish (either caught, bartered, or purchased). Also, like the fresh vegetables and fruits, fresh meat will be carried for the short-term when leaving a port where it is available. Frozen meat (e.g., frozen whole chicken) will be carried, because it can last for several weeks in the cooler (where it can remain frozen in the lower part of the cooler).
This is a living document that can be found under the “Provisions” tab on the website.
1. Grains, Starches & Pasta
- White rice (15 lbs): A staple that keeps well for extended periods and serves as a base for many dishes.
- Brown rice (10 lbs): Slightly less shelf-stable but still good for a longer voyage if stored properly.
- Quinoa (3 lbs): High in protein and fiber, excellent as a side dish or in salads.
- Couscous (3 lbs): Quick to prepare and versatile, ideal for adding texture to meals.
- Polenta (2 lbs): Great for making a comforting, creamy dish or as a base for stews.
- Farro (2 lbs): Nutty in flavor and perfect for salads, soups, or as a grain base.
- Pasta (6 lbs, multiple shapes): Spaghetti, penne, fusilli—long shelf life and ideal for a variety of sauces.
- Ramen noodles (10 packs): Easy to prepare and can be dressed up with added flavors or ingredients.
- Instant mashed potatoes (2 lbs): Convenient and filling, great for comfort food on the go.
- Cornmeal (1 lb): For making cornbread, polenta, or as a breading for frying.
- Oats (5 lbs): A hearty breakfast staple that can also be used in baking or cooking.
2. Legumes & Beans (Dried and Canned)
- Dried lentils (4 lbs): Quick to cook and perfect for soups, stews, or salads.
- Dried chickpeas (2 lbs): Can be used in a variety of dishes such as hummus, stews, or roasted.
- Dried black beans (4 lbs): A great source of protein and perfect for soups or as a side dish.
- Dried kidney beans (4 lbs): Can be used in chili, soups, or stews.
- Canned beans (20 cans): A variety of beans like pinto, black, white beans, and chickpeas for quick, ready-to-eat meals.
- Canned refried beans (10 cans): Great for tacos, wraps, or dips.
- Canned chili (10 cans): A hearty, one-pot meal that requires little preparation.
3. Nuts, Seeds & Nut Butters
- Almonds (4 lbs): A great snack on their own or as an ingredient in other dishes.
- Walnuts (2 lbs): Perfect for baking, snacking, or adding to salads.
- Cashews (4 lbs): A versatile nut for snacking or using in curries.
- Peanuts (4 lbs): Excellent for snacking, and can be used in stir-fries, curries, or ground into peanut butter.
- Pistachios (4 lbs): For snacking, trail mixes, or adding to salads.
- Flaxseeds (1 lb): Can be used in smoothies, cereals, or baking.
- Chia seeds (1 lbs): Ideal for making chia pudding, adding to smoothies, or sprinkling over meals.
- Sunflower seeds (2 lb): Can be used in salads, as snacks, or in baking.
- Peanut butter (5 medium-sized jars): Shelf-stable and versatile for sandwiches, baking, or simply as a snack.
- Almond butter (1 jar): For variety and a more decadent snack or spread.
4. Canned & Jarred Goods (Expanded)
- Canned tomatoes (15 cans): Essential for sauces, soups, stews, and curries.
- Canned tomato paste (10 cans): For concentrated tomato flavor in sauces, stews, and soups.
- Canned coconut milk (10 cans): Perfect for curries, soups, or desserts.
- Canned vegetables (30 cans): A variety of options such as peas, carrots, green beans, and corn.
- Canned fruit (30 cans): Pineapple, peaches, and pears in syrup or juice for snacking or dessert.
- Canned corn (10 cans): Great for adding to soups, salads, or as a side dish.
- Pickles (5 jars): For a tangy addition to any meal or as a snack.
- Canned sweet potatoes (10 cans): Nutrient-dense, long-lasting, and ideal for hearty dishes.
- Canned mushrooms (10 cans): Can be added to soups, stews, or pasta dishes.
- Canned olives (10 cans): A great addition to salads, pasta dishes, or as a snack.
- Canned artichoke hearts (5 cans): Perfect for salads, pasta, or Mediterranean-style dishes.
- Canned mixed vegetables (20 cans): A quick and easy addition to soups or stews.
5. Dairy & Dairy Alternatives (Shelf-stable)
- Powdered milk (3 lbs): A staple for cooking, baking, or making drinks.
- Evaporated milk (10 cans): Can be used in recipes, baking, or as a cream substitute.
- Canned powdered cheese (1 can): A long-lasting cheese option for pastas, soups, or casseroles.
- Shelf-stable cheese (such as processed cheese, 20 packages): Cheese that stays fresh without refrigeration.
6. Baked Goods, Baking Ingredients & Snacks
- Crackers (10 boxes): Versatile for snacking, topping with nut butter, or serving with soups.
- Tortillas (5 packs): Can be used for wraps, tacos, or quesadillas.
- Granola (4 lbs): Great for breakfast or snacking.
- Cereal (5 boxes): A quick breakfast option.
- Trail mix (5 lbs): Mix of nuts, seeds, dried fruit, and chocolate for high-energy snacking.
- Popcorn kernels (4 lbs): A light and filling snack.
- Protein bars (50 bars): Great for quick energy on the go.
- Energy bars (50 bars): Packed with calories and nutrients, perfect for longer days at sea.
- Dried fruit (5 lbs): A variety including apricots, raisins, cranberries, and figs for snacks or adding to dishes.
7. Spices, Condiments & Sauces
- Spices (variety pack): Salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cumin, curry powder, turmeric, dried basil, dried oregano, chili powder, cayenne pepper, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
- Hot sauce (2 bottles): For flavoring dishes when you need a bit of heat.
- Soy sauce (2 bottle): Essential for stir-fries or adding umami to dishes.
- Olive oil (2 large bottles): For cooking and dressing salads.
- Vinegar (apple cider, white, and balsamic, 2 bottles each): For dressings, pickling, and flavoring.
- Mustard (2 jars each of yellow and spicy): A versatile condiment for sandwiches, dressings, or dips.
- Mayonnaise (2 medium jars): Use for sandwiches, salads, or dips.
- Tomato ketchup (1 bottle): For burgers, fries, or even as a base for some sauces.
- Curry paste (2 jars): Red or green curry paste for easy curry dishes.
- Taco seasoning (1 jar): For easy tacos or spicing up any meal.
8. Beverages & Hydration
- Tea bags (variety of 100 bags): Green tea, black tea, herbal teas such as chamomile, peppermint, and ginger.
- Cocoa mix (2 lb): For hot chocolate, or as a dessert addition.
- Sports drink powder (50 packets): Electrolyte drinks to help with hydration.
- Electrolyte (4 bottles): For maintaining hydration and electrolyte balance.
9. Additional Essentials
- Cooking oil (vegetable, coconut, or canola – 1 large bottle): Long shelf life for cooking, frying, and dressing.
- Bouillon cubes (chicken, vegetable, beef – 2 packs each): Easy way to make flavorful broths.
- Honey (4 jars): For sweetening beverages or adding to baking recipes.
- Sugar (2 lbs): For sweetening drinks or desserts.
10. Survival & Emergency Food
- Freeze-dried meals (25 packs): Quick, nutritious, and easy to prepare in emergencies or for days when cooking feels like a chore.
- MREs (Meals Ready to Eat – 20 packs): Full meals that are shelf-stable for a long time, useful as an emergency backup.