Pantry Prep - Protein

 We all know the price of meat continues to rise each day.  So much has gotten to the point that it is tough for many people to buy it.  Meat seems to be our biggest source of protein.  We do have options!!!!!

Today I will give you some ideas on how to keep protein in your diets, even in the worst times.

We garner protein in other foods as well, that many people do not think about.

Milk products

Green leafy veggies

Beans - all kinds

Oats

Nuts and nut butters

Eggs

I have a good stock of canned meats on hand.  I have not canned them - but they are shelf stable.  I am still finding some decent prices on buying canned meats.  I think many people think - eewwww - but every item I have tried has been good.

Chicken, beef, pork, corned beef, ham, tuna, salmon, ham pieces and not shown Spam.  There are all kinds of options.  Look around and add some to your pantry.  It can still be purchased for a decent price.

Here are some other options I keep on hand.  Protein powder is always a smart thing to keep.  You can get plain or flavored.  Peanut butter powder, nutritional yeast (not the same as baking yeast), and egg replacer.  Egg replacer is for use in cooking and baking - not just eating.  I also have butter powder that I keep for those 'needed' times.

Sure these all have 'best by' dates on them - but they last for a long, long time on the shelf.  Something would be better than nothing.

Also think about keeping powdered milk, or evaporated milk or shelf stable milk.  These can all be subbed for drinking and cooking.

Beans of all sorts are great sources of protein and can actually replace meat.  I keep all kinds - canned, home canned and dry.  I have everything from plain old green beans to fava beans.  Beans, peas and lentils are all good sources of protein.  They can be eaten as is - added to soups and casseroles - made into 'burgers' and served with any number of other foods.

Eggs can be frozen for future use - when you find a deal.  I have done this often.  I like to freeze each egg in a muffin tin and when frozen - remove and place in a freezer bag.  Great for cooking and baking.  I have heard of folks dehydrating scrambles eggs for long term storage as well.  I have not tried that yet.  You can also buy dehydrated eggs from some of the long-term prep places.

Leafy greens are a good source of protein as well.  You can get a small amount of protein from a lot of veggies - we just don't think about that.

Even oatmeal contains protein.  It is easy to store oatmeal long term.

I try to keep several jars of peanut butter (other nut butters are good too) even though it is just me.  It can be eaten on a sandwich, alone, with fruit, on oats, or used in baking.  Many, many uses.  It sure would keep you from being hungry!

IF you find meat on sale or marked down - BUY IT!!!!!!  Get what you can, at a price you can afford.  Freeze it, can it or just eat it.  Prices won't be going down anytime soon.  Take advantage when you can.

Now is the time to get that protein in the pantry.  I think about what is going on in the world right now, and any shelf stable protein would be a HUGE welcome sight for many people and could be taken with them on the road.

We are so blessed in so many ways!!!!  We all complain about prices of gas and food and about everything.  At least we can feel somewhat comfortable knowing our young people don't have to hide in bunkers and we know they can be fed and safe.  We have warm beds and shelter.  Some things are far more important than money!

Prepare and plan BUT always be thankful for WHAT you DO have!

Blessings for a great March!!!!