Many of you are considering this very idea. Should I put all my food storage in #10 cans or should I put them in buckets? Your first instinct may be to look to a trusted family member to ask them how they store their food. You may look to what you’ve seen in the past. You may use what resources you have available to you and act accordingly. Ultimately, you will find that there is no right or wrong answer…you choose what works best for your family. Review some of the information in this entry before making your decision. Good luck!
Reasons to use #10 Cans:
- Use if you use the product less frequently (i.e. hot chocolate, powdered milk, dried apples, beans if using in smaller quantities)
- Use if you want to store your product long-term
- Use if you want to put your food in your crawl space and save it long-term
- Use if you want to store product on your pantry shelves or cupboards
- Use if you want to store the cans under the beds in each bedroom
- Use if you plan on rotating through your food storage in a shorter amount of time (a year or so)
- Use if you want to save money in the long run
- Use if you have space to store
- Use if you frequently go through certain products (i.e. flour, sugar, beans, oats, wheat, etc.)
- Use if you have space on the bottom of your pantry
A comparison was shared by Cindie S. of #10 cans to buckets. She mentioned that if you purchased 50 lbs. of oats and put it into cans you would need approximately 19 cans. If you put that same product into buckets, then you would need approximately 8 buckets (depends on the size of your bucket). The question is, “What do you have room to store and where would you put it?”
The Weightier Matter on Buckets
The factor to consider in this matter is the weight and how often will you use this food. If you are filling your buckets and saving them for much later down the road then it really doesn’t matter how heavy the buckets are because you will not be getting into them very often at all. If you plan on using them frequently then you will want to consider the weight of the food and what is manageable for you to lift or carry around. Many have put their buckets on the floor of their pantry underneath the shelving. This works really well for staple items that you will rotate through more quickly (i.e. flour, sugar, beans, wheat, etc.).
Where do you get buckets (made of polyethynene)?
You can find these buckets lots of places. You need to find buckets that are food grade and have the marking on the bottom of the bucket. The symbol is a triangle with the number 2 in the middle of it. As long the bucket has this symbol then it is a food grade bucket and is safe to store your food in it.
Buckets can be purchased used. Some companies resell their buckets once they are finished with them. In that case, make sure you thoroughly clean out your buckets and lids to ensure the safety of your food. Make sure to dry them completely. You may need to remove the rubber sealing ring in the lid to clean and then replace it back into the lid once it is dry. After you’ve filled your bucket, make sure the lid fits tightly on top!
Bakeries also will sell their used buckets. You need to call the bakery ahead of time and ask them to set some aside for you to pick up and pay for at a designated time. Again, make sure to completely clean and dry the buckets and lids before filling them with new product. These are always food grade buckets.
Other places to consider include doughnut shops, restaurants, cafeterias, wholesale stores, restaurant suppliers, etc.
Which lid should I choose?
There are two types of lids (that I am aware of). The first type of lid is what I will call a regular lid. These are the lids that come with the food grade bucket. They should fit tightly on top of the bucket once you have pushed down in all directions. Most will have the rubber sealing ring (gasket) that I mentioned before unless they have been removed. These are helpful to keep the bucket sealed more tightly. To remove the lid, you may need a bucket opener as the process can be more challenging at times.
The second type of lid is called a gamma lid. These are my favorite! The gamma lids have 6 different colors (white, black, red, yellow, blue, and orange) and are 12 inches in diameter. Each color could be used to designate a different type of food. There is an extra cost to purchase these lids but many don’t mind due to how easy they are to use. The colors help keep you organized at a quick glance. These gamma lids fit any 4, 5, or 6 gallon bucket. You can purchase a lid for each of your buckets or keep the original set on the bucket and keep refilling that same bucket with the same type of product.
Where do I buy these gamma lids? Winco in the bulk section, Food 2 Store, Emergency Essentials, or search online
Where do I Store all these buckets?
Just a few ideas are kid’s closets, hall closets, pantry floor, or on sturdy shelves. Some have even used the buckets as a table with a wood board placed on top and a tablecloth overtop, and even used as bed frames. Be creative!
Tip: Avoid putting buckets on solid concrete or dirt floors.
How do I Label and Rotate my Buckets?
To label your buckets you may choose to write directly on the bucket with a permanent marker or crayon (comes off easily if needed). You may also choose to write or type out a label. Whatever you choose make sure it is clearly labeled. This could be on the side of the bucket or the top of the lid (depending on where you need to see it most).
Another suggestion is to include the directions on how to use that product on a 3x5 card. You could include an easy recipe using that product as well and tape it to the bucket or place it on top of the product.
Let’s say you want to use your buckets but keep a smaller amount in your cupboards or easy access. Fill up an empty and cleaned #10 can and put it in your cupboard or pantry. Remember to re-label the can if necessary and always put a plastic lid on it.
Rotating buckets
Cindie S. and Christal label their buckets #1-5 of a particular product and rotate the buckets. Once Cindie is done with #1 bucket, then she moves onto #2 bucket (and refill #1) and places it next to #5 until she has rotated through all of them and is back to #1. All of these buckets are in view on her shelves. She then makes sure to restock on her next trip to the cannery or the store. Christal keeps her buckets in the closet and stacks them on top of each other. She has a similar process of refilling the buckets.
Do I need to use Oxygen Absorbers in my buckets?
First we have to understand its purpose. Simply put, the oxygen absorbers work to eliminate the oxygen from the bucket. By having the oxygen absorbers inside the bucket, nitrogen remains and helps the food last longer. This method has been tested and found to be effective in the process. This method seems to work well for someone who is constantly opening and closing the lid.
Another tested method of keeping your food safe is the dry ice method. See attachment.
CAUTION: DO NOT use oxygen absorbers with any kind of sugar.
Where do you purchase oxygen absorbers? LDS cannery, Emergency Essentials, other food container companies
Do I need to use Metalized Mylar bags inside my buckets?
I have seen and heard differing opinions on this one. I think it all boils down to whether you are rotating through your food storage in a timely manner or whether you are storing it for a much later date in the future….shall we say longer term food storage. If you are then perhaps you might consider using mylar bags. If you plan on using your food storage on a daily basis then this approach might be ineffective for your needs.
Where do I purchase Mylar bags? Emergency Essentials and other food storage supply companies. Search online to find out more.
What can I store in my buckets?
You can store the same foods you would store in the #10 cans, just more of it. Store those items that your family will use and need. Store foods that your family can survive on too! If you have enough of the basics then you can make almost anything! Look through some of your family favorites and stock up on those ingredients.
To save money, purchase your foods in bulk or through the LDS cannery. Compare prices and make an informed decision. View the suggestions from the LDS Cannery to see which dry pack foods are safe for storage. See Attachement.
Where do I purchase food in bulk?
• LDS Cannery (grains, beans, etc.)• Winco (grains, spices, etc.)-can call ahead and make an order
• Costco (sugar, flour, rice, etc.)
• Walmart (sugar, flour)
• Fred Meyer (grains, spices)
• Cash ‘N Carry
