When it comes to prepping, many people worry that stocking up on essentials requires a huge budget. But Barbara, from the YouTube channel A Homestead Journey, proves that’s not the case. In a recent video, Barbara shows how you can build a practical, affordable stockpile of food and essential items, all while sticking to a modest budget. Here’s a breakdown of what she bought and why each item made the cut for her prepping plan.
A Mission to Stick to $60
Barbara begins her video by sharing her goal: stick to a strict $60 budget. Costco can be a tempting place, full of bulk items that can easily push spending beyond your limits. Barbara acknowledges this challenge, stating that it’s easy to break the bank there, so having a budget is critical to avoid overspending.
Shopping at bulk stores like Costco can save money in the long run, but setting a strict budget like Barbara’s is key to avoiding unnecessary purchases.
Emergency Food Buckets: Tempting, But Pricey
The first item Barbara spots in the store is a Ready Wise emergency food bucket, offering 132 servings of food with a 25-year shelf life. While this bucket may seem like a prepper’s dream, Barbara passes it up due to the steep $60 price tag—it would consume her entire budget.
These buckets are great for long-term storage, but if you’re working with a tight budget, they may not be the best option. Barbara made the smart decision to focus on more immediate, flexible purchases.
Organic Quinoa for a Nutritional Boost
Barbara picks up a 4.5-pound bag of organic quinoa for $9.99. She explains that quinoa is a complete protein, containing all nine essential amino acids, which makes it an excellent grain to stockpile. It’s versatile, healthy, and can be used in many different meals.
Quinoa is an excellent choice for long-term storage. Not only is it nutritious, but it’s also easy to cook and has a long shelf life.
Almond Butter: A Healthy, Versatile Pantry Staple
Next, Barbara grabs a jar of almond butter for $5.99. While it’s unsweetened, she highlights that it’s made from pure almonds and is a nutritious nut butter option. This can be used in meals, as a spread, or even as an ingredient in smoothies.
Nut butters like almond butter provide healthy fats and protein. It’s a great shelf-stable item that can add variety to your meals.
Baking Soda: An Essential, Multi-Purpose Item
Barbara picks up a massive 13.5-pound bag of baking soda for $8.89. She calls this product a great deal, noting that it lasts her an entire year and has endless uses, from baking to cleaning.
Baking soda is one of those essential items that no prepper pantry should be without. Its long shelf life and multiple uses make it a great buy.
Table Salt: Cheap and Essential
A key purchase on Barbara’s list is a 25-pound bag of table salt for just $5.29. While it’s not fancy, she points out that salt is essential for food preservation and general cooking, making it a must-have in any prepper pantry.
Salt is inexpensive but crucial for survival. From seasoning food to preserving meats, it’s a smart addition to any stockpile.
Organic Coconut Oil: A Long-Lasting, Versatile Fat
Barbara adds a large jar of organic virgin coconut oil to her cart for $12.99. She emphasizes its many uses, from cooking to skincare, and notes that it’s a “forever food” that won’t go rancid if stored properly.
Coconut oil is an excellent choice for preppers because it doesn’t spoil easily and can serve many purposes, making it a valuable item in any home.
Bulk Rice: A Survival Food Staple
Barbara opts for a 25-pound bag of long-grain white rice for $10.99. She mentions that while there are other rice options at Costco, including jasmine rice, she prefers to stick with this more affordable option.
Rice is one of the best bulk foods to stockpile. It’s inexpensive, versatile, and provides a great base for countless meals.
Canned Green Beans: Convenient and Nutritious
While Barbara skips buying canned green beans on this trip, she acknowledges that they are a reliable staple. Costco offers a 12-pack of canned green beans for $10.99, which she considers a great deal for anyone looking to add canned veggies to their stockpile.
Canned vegetables are a convenient and long-lasting food source. If you’re looking for easy-to-store nutrition, canned goods are always a smart choice.
Chia Seeds: A Nutrient-Dense Superfood
Barbara highlights the value of chia seeds, purchasing a 4-pound bag for $9.49. She praises their high fiber content and versatility, as they can be added to everything from smoothies to desserts.
Chia seeds are nutrient powerhouses, offering a great source of fiber and omega-3 fatty acids. They’re also lightweight and have a long shelf life, making them a great addition to any prepper pantry.
Flour: A Baking Essential
Barbara picks up a 25-pound bag of all-purpose flour for $7.69. She notes that while there are organic options, this larger bag gives her the most bang for her buck.
Flour is essential for making bread and other baked goods, and in a crisis, being able to bake your own food is a valuable skill. Bulk flour is a prepper must-have.
Spices: Affordable and Flavorful
Barbara finishes her haul by picking up some spices, including a large container of organic cinnamon for $4.99. She emphasizes the importance of having spices on hand to add flavor to meals, especially in long-term scenarios where food may get monotonous.
Stocking up on spices is a great way to ensure your meals remain flavorful and enjoyable. It’s a small investment that can make a big difference in your cooking.
A Successful $60 Haul
At the end of her trip, Barbara reflects on her success, noting that she stayed within her $60 budget while managing to gather a wide variety of practical, nutritious items. She’s pleased with how much she was able to get, and her haul demonstrates that prepping doesn’t have to be expensive.
Barbara’s Costco haul is a great example of how to stock up on essentials without breaking the bank. With careful planning and smart choices, even a $60 budget can go a long way in building a solid prepper pantry.
What Are Your Essentials?
What do you think? How would you prioritize your own shopping list if you had a tight budget for prepping? Which essentials would top your list? In a long-term crisis situation, what strategies would you use to stretch your stockpile and ensure it lasts?
To dive deeper into this topic, check out the full video on the A Homestead Journey YouTube channel here.
A former park ranger and wildlife conservationist, Lisa’s passion for survival started with her deep connection to nature. Raised on a small farm in northern Wisconsin, she learned how to grow her own food, raise livestock, and live off the land. Lisa writes about homesteading, natural remedies, and survival strategies. Whether it’s canning vegetables or setting up a rainwater harvesting system, Lisa’s goal is to help others live more sustainably and prepare for the unexpected.