Free Shipping on Orders Over $74

Shelf-Stable Beverages

Shelf-stable beverages can add useful milk options to emergency food storage, camping supplies, and a well-planned pantry backup. Our beverage selection focuses on powdered milk, instant dry milk, dry milk powder, and shelf-stable milk alternatives that are stored dry and prepared with water when needed. 

These emergency beverages can help households keep familiar milk options available without relying on refrigerated cartons before preparation. They can also support everyday pantry needs when fresh milk is unavailable.

 Keep in mind that dry beverage products require water for preparation. They do not replace a dedicated supply of safe drinking water.

Filter by
Sort by Best Selling
Sort by

5 products

Morning Moo’s Lowfat Milk Alternative Pouch - Augason Farms
Quick View
From $6.99

3 reviews
Chocolate Morning Moo’s Lowfat Milk Alternative Pouch - Augason Farms
Quick View
$6.49 Regular price $12.99 On Sale

2 reviews
Freeze Dried Instant Coffee, 60 Servings - Augason Farms
Quick View
$5.19 Regular price $8.99 On Sale

1 review
Powdered Coffee Creamer, 68 Servings - Augason Farms
Quick View
$2.59 Regular price $4.99 On Sale
Freeze-Dried Instant Coffee & Powdered Creamer, 30 Cups of Coffee with Cream - Augason Farms
Quick View
$6.99 Regular price $12.99 On Sale

Emergency Water Storage

Watch the video

How to Build a Shelf-Stable Beverage Supply

1. Start With Safe Drinking Water

Store an adequate supply of safe drinking water before adding beverages that require mixing. Powdered milk and milk alternatives need water for preparation, so include that requirement in your emergency planning. Keep drinking water needs separate from preparation water.

2. Consider How Your Household Uses Milk

Think about how often your household drinks milk or uses it with cereal, meals, or recipes. This can help you decide between instant nonfat dry milk and a milk alternative. Check ingredients and allergen information before choosing products for anyone with dietary restrictions.

3. Estimate How Much You Need

Base your supply on household size and the period you are preparing for. Review each package for its stated servings, prepared yield, and mixing directions rather than relying on a general estimate. This helps clarify how much dry product and water you need.

4. Plan for Preparation

Keep the tools needed to measure water and dry mix. Keep suitable measuring and mixing tools available. Follow the directions on each package because preparation methods can vary between powdered milk and milk alternatives.

5. Choose Practical Package Sizes

Consider how quickly your household can use a package after it is opened. Match the package size to your expected use. Think about the number of people using it and how often you expect to prepare it.

A package that fits your routine can make it easier to use the product efficiently after opening. Always follow the package directions for storage after opening.

6. Store Products Properly

Keep unopened dry beverage products in a cool, dry place and protect packaging from damage. Check each product label for specific storage instructions. Keep older packages easy to find and use first.

7. Rotate Into Everyday Use

Use stored products periodically, then replace them as needed. Always follow package mixing, allergen, and storage directions when preparing or rotating shelf-stable beverages.

Frequently Asked Beverage Questions

What beverages are useful for emergency food storage?

Dry products such as powdered milk, instant nonfat dry milk, and shelf-stable milk alternatives can be useful additions to an emergency food supply.

Choose long-term food storage beverages based on:

  • How your household normally uses milk
  • Dietary needs
  • Available storage space
  • The amount of water you can dedicate to preparation

Your emergency drink supply should complement a broader food and water plan. Include them alongside foods your household already uses so your stored supply supports familiar meals and routines.

How do you prepare powdered milk or a milk alternative?

Start by reading the directions on the specific package. Measure the indicated amount of powdered beverage and water, then mix as directed. Use accurate measurements, not general ratios.

Some long-term food storage beverages may require additional mixing or chilling. Check allergen information before preparation and follow any directions for handling or storing the prepared beverage.

Is powdered milk useful for camping?

Powdered milk can be a practical camping option because the unopened product is stored dry and can be prepared as needed. It can provide a milk option without packing a refrigerated carton.

Plan for enough safe water to prepare the product, plus equipment for measuring and mixing. Keep the package protected from moisture and damage, and follow storage directions after opening. Measure the amount you expect to use so you can plan water and supplies before leaving home.

How should dry milk be stored before and after opening?

Before opening, keep dry milk powder in a cool, dry storage area and protect the container or pouch from moisture and damage.

After opening, follow the instructions printed on the package. Reseal and use the product as directed. Prepared emergency beverages may have different storage requirements than the dry product, so follow those directions as well.

Do shelf-stable beverages replace emergency water storage?

No. Our dry powdered beverages require water for preparation, so they cannot replace your supply of safe drinking water. Water should be planned first for drinking and other essential needs.

When calculating your emergency drink supply, account for water used to prepare instant dry milk, milk alternatives, and other stored foods. Keeping preparation water in mind helps prevent plans from using water that was intended for direct drinking.