12 Reasons to Stockpile Oats

Estimated reading time: 8 minutes

Oats are a versatile and tasty food that can be used in many different ways. Whether you’re looking for something hearty and savory or sweet and comforting, oats are the perfect ingredient.

Plus, they’re packed with essential vitamins and minerals that will keep you feeling energized throughout the day. Here are 12 reasons why you should start stocking up on oats!

How to Stockpile Oats

When storing oats, make sure that you keep them in an airtight container in a cool, dry location. It’s best if you can store them in something like a large mason jar or plastic container with an airtight lid. Adding an oxygen absorber is never a bad idea, either.

You should also try to avoid storing your oats in direct sunlight as this can cause them to spoil more quickly. It’s important to check your containers often—you want to make sure that no moisture is getting into your containers and causing your oats to go bad.

Keep in mind that certain types of oats require different storage instructions. Steel-cut oats should be stored in the refrigerator while rolled or quick-cooking oats are best stored at room temperature. If stored properly, most kinds of oatmeal should last up to two months before they start tasting stale or going bad.

12 Reasons to Stockpile Oats

If there’s one thing we’ve all learned from 2020, it’s that you can never be too prepared. And while most of us will never need to stockpile food in case of an emergency, it doesn’t hurt to have a few items in the pantry just in case. One item that can be essential for any emergency situation is oats.

Here’s why.

1. Countless Varieties to Choose From

When you stockpile oats, you won’t find yourself limited in any way. There are countless varieties to choose from!

Raw oats can be added to granola bars, overnight oat bowls, and other recipes and are an excellent source of fiber and vegan protein.

Whole oat groats are nutrient-dense and perfect for making creamy stovetop oatmeal or porridge.

Steel cut oats require a bit more time but they have a chewy texture that holds up well in baking, while Scottish oatmeal is considered the coarsest type and offers a nuttier flavor than traditional rolled oats due to its slightly longer cooking time.

Old-fashioned rolled oats give you that classic soft, fluffy texture for breakfast bowls or cookies, and quick-cooking rolled oats provide convenience without compromising on taste.

Then there’s instant oatmeal. Instant oatmeal can be prepared in a jiffy for busy mornings, and if you’re looking for something even faster, you can opt for pre-packaged individual servings.

If you’re looking for something with a slightly lighter bite, try adding in some oat bran or using it as part of your baking project – it’s great in muffins!

To add a final touch to your culinary adventures, try incorporating some oat flour into breads or other baked goods; its mild flavor makes it highly versatile.

With so many options in one pantry item like oats, there’s no limit to the creative possibilities!

2. Excellent Source of Nutrition

Stockpiling oats may just be the best survival food you can buy; not only are they the perfect addition to any meal, but they also pack quite a nutritional punch.

Oats have a good amount of protein and dietary fiber, in addition to a range of vitamins and minerals including:

• Thiamin
• Folate
• Pantothenic acid
• Riboflavin
• Potassium
• Calcium
• Copper
• Zinc
• Magnesium
• Manganese
• Niacin
• Vitamin B6

…and more!

And what makes it even better is that oats are also high in antioxidants. They possess both anti-inflammatory and anti-itching properties. Moreover, with between 5 to 9 percent healthy fat content per serving size, oats can really help you get through any unexpected emergency situation.

3. Shelf Life of Up to 30 Years

Oats have an incredibly long shelf life (up to 30 years!), meaning they won’t go bad if stored properly. This means that you can stockpile your oats now and use them later when needed. Plus, since oats are relatively lightweight and take up very little space, they’re easy to store in large quantities without taking up too much room in your home.

4. Can Be Used in a Number of Ways in Your Daily Diet

Oats are incredibly versatile and can be used in a number of ways in your daily diet. From oatmeal for breakfast to overnight oats for dessert, there are countless recipes that involve oats that will keep you full throughout the day. You can even use them as an ingredient in baking and other recipes like energy bars or granola bars!

5. Quick and Easy to Prepare (Even Without Fuel)

One of the best things about oats is that they’re quick and easy to prepare—even without fuel! All you need is boiling water (or cold water if you want overnight oats) and some time to let them sit before eating. This makes them ideal for survival situations where traditional cooking methods might not be available or practical.

6. They’re Extremely Filling

Not only are oats quick and easy to prepare, but they also provide a significant amount of nutrition per serving which will help keep you full longer after eating them. Oats contain high levels of fiber and protein which helps keep hunger at bay while providing essential nutrients like vitamins B1 & E as well as minerals such as iron & magnesium .

7. Can Be Cooked in a Variety of Ways

Oats are an incredibly versatile food item that can be cooked in a variety of ways. For example, you can cook them on the stove top, or use a rice cooker, pressure cooker, instant pot, microwave, solar oven or even thermos if you’re feeling creative.

No matter which cooking method you choose, oats offer users a multitude of health benefits.

8. They’re Inexpensive

Oats are one of the most cost-effective grains available. For less than $3, you could buy a large bag that will last you weeks or months depending on how much oat-based goodness you consume! It’s definitely worth the small investment in your health and well-being.

9. In a Pinch, They Can Be Ground Into Flour

Did your recipe call for flour and all you have is oats? No problem! Simply grind them into a fine powder and use as directed in your recipe. This is especially handy when grain supplies are low or unavailable altogether.

10. You Can Use Them For Vegan Milk

Oat milk has been gaining popularity lately due to its creamy texture and mild taste. It’s also super easy to make at home with just some oats, water, and maybe some sweetener if desired. You can even add flavors like vanilla or cinnamon for an extra special treat!

11. You Can Sprout Them For Animal Fodder (or Serve Them As They Are)

Oats can be sprouted and served as fodder for animals like chickens or goats as a nutritious snack or meal supplement (or just serve them “as is”). This is great if you have livestock but also works for pets too!

12. They Can Be Used to Soothe Skin and For Other Non-Food Uses

Oats have anti-inflammatory properties which make them great for soothing skin irritations like eczema or psoriasis, plus they can be used in non-food crafts such as making soaps or bath bombs. Talk about versatility!

How Much Oats Should You Stockpile?

That answer depends on how much your family eats in a typical month. If your family consumes oatmeal or other oat-based products every day, then you might want to consider stocking up on a month’s worth at a time. It doesn’t hurt to store even more, though.

Remember that oats can last for months when stored properly (in an airtight container or resealable bag).

Oats are an incredibly versatile food item that have countless uses both sweet and savory alike!

Not only do they taste great but they also provide essential vitamins and minerals as well as proven health benefits such as helping lower cholesterol levels and managing blood sugar levels better than other grains.

So if you haven’t already started stockpiling this superfood, now is definitely the time to get started!