We can implement an excellent strategy to start saving in our pantry by ordering shelf stable meals for kids as well as shelf stable meals for seniors or foods. What are they? How do they help us in our economy? We explain more about the shelf stable mealsso that you learn to identify them and begin to include them in the pantry of your home or premises.
What are shelf stable meals for kids?
The concept of shelf stable meals for kids lies in those that have a long shelf life and do not deteriorate with external factors. Of course, this does not mean that they will last a lifetime, but they can be stored for a long time, as long as it is in optimal condition.
When it is better to eat or use them, you have to check the expiration date of preferred consumption, which indicates the shelf life it has before spoiling. Some examples of shelf stable meals for kids, which you should already know, are easy to find and store in your pantry. Canned ones are common and keep very well thanks to their packaging system.
Canned soups and pasta: These products have a straightforward process of preparation.Their storage does not require as much space, and they are ideal for those who are just learning to cook.
Canned tuna: It has a shelf life of up to three years. It is a source of protein that can benefit the pocketbook at the end of the fortnight.
Frozen vegetables: They retain most of their nutrients, and their cooking time is reduced.
Rice: It can be purchased pre-cooked, which makes its preparation easier. In addition, it is an excellent source of carbohydrates, ideal for those who exercise.
Legumes in the bag: They are also used to make quick and simple dishes and provide a lot of fiber.
Packaged products (jams, preserves, honey, syrups, olives or vinegar): They can be stored for long periods, but it is essential to check that they do not change in color or appearance since many of these shelf stable meals for kids enhance flavors.
Although they can help you save in the pantry, it is recommended not to base your diet solely on these products. To balance your consumption, you have to include fresh products or perishable foods.
How shelf stable meals for seniors helps us save
The main saving benefit of shelf stable meals for seniors is finding them in packaging, cans and cardboard. You can buy without fear that they will spoil.If you maintain a correct use of the packaging of the shelf stable meals for seniors, it is very likely that their lifetime will be extended. Usually, these products, such as soup are single-use, so you only have to open them once and you will not waste any more content.Their freshness characterizes perishable foods, but they also lack the possibility of spoiling a little prematurely given temperature conditions, the leading cause of decomposition.
Why Shelf stable meals
Shelf stable meals are when it takes for a portion of food to begin to degrade, losing its nutritional properties. It is also known as expiration. Depending on that duration, foods are classified into:
Shelf stable meals for seniors need to be refrigerated at 5C or below or frozen at -18C or below to slow or stop the growth of bacteria, which occurs rapidly in foods such as meat, poultry, seafood, and dairy products when not stored properly. Cooked leftovers are also considered perishable foods. In addition, canned or vacuum-sealed goods, including meat or dairy products, should be regarded as perishable and stored in the refrigerator or freezer once opened.
All cooked foods are considered shelf stable meals for seniors. To store these foods for any length of time, they must be kept at refrigerator or freezer temperatures. If refrigerated, perishable foods must be used within several days. They begin their decomposition simply and quickly. Therefore, this decomposition or deterioration has to do with temperature, humidity and pressure.
It is important not to confuse the expiration date with the best before date on food labels. The first indicates when food should not be eaten because it endangers the health, while the second only shows the loss of product properties.
But before you list down what to order and how to order, there are some of the essential things to note about healthy and hygienic shelf-stable options.
1. Consider buying healthy shelf stable meals that you usually enjoy:
One of the most important things to note about the shelf-stable meals is to look around for the options you have on the menu and go for the ones according to our taste buds. Even if you are preparing the meal basket for the rainy day, you should pick up food according to your likings.
In adverse situations, your meals could lighten your day and make you feel full at the same time.
Choosing the menu according to your liking as well as according to your diet plan is extremely important. So, it is advisable to choose your food wisely.
2. How to pick in kids shelf-stable meals:
Most parents are concerned about what to pick for the kids and how to choose for them.
It should be according to the health standards and also consider keeping the portion size smaller. When you don’t have refrigeration around, thinking about storing the leftover food is out of the question, and therefore, the food might go to waste. Therefore, picking up the right portion size is always important.
3. Look for fruits and vegetables:
Even if you are not primarily vegetarian or prefers a vegan diet, one of the essential elements to include in your shelf-stable diet is to make sure that you also have fruits and vegetables in your diet.
Those fruits and vegetables that are canned in acidic solutions can last up to a year without losing their natural taste and essence; therefore, it is always an excellent choice to use healthier and reliable products at the same time.
