3-month supply: Sugar

Let's talk about a 3-month supply of SUGAR!!!

How much? 15 lbs. per person

What? White sugar, brown sugar, powdered sugar, honey, corn syrup, jam/jelly, gelatin, pudding, maple syrup, powdered fruit drink mixes, molasses, etc.

One of the best things about many of these foods is the shelf life.

White sugar and powdered sugar have indefinite shelf lives, meaning they really only need to be protected from moisture and bugs.

Brown sugar can dry out, but there is at least one company that sells canned brown sugar. Personally, I just buy 6 or 7 packages when the 2 lb. package is on sale. I put them in a Ziploc and don't really have a hard time with keeping the sugar moist. Although it dries out, brown sugar has a shelf life of 4-5 years.

Honey never goes bad, but is expensive. Honey will crystalize over time but you can put a container of honey in warm water when needed.

Corn syrup comes in light and dark varieties and is used to replace sugar, to make many candies, and more. Note that corn syrup is different from high-fructose corn syrup. Click HERE for a little more info.

Maple syrup- Pure maple syrup is a natural, unrefined sweetener and can be stored for up to 2 years. I use mapeline to make syrup, so as long as I have water and white sugar, I'm good.

Molasses is also natural and unrefined and contains a lot of iron. I don't know much about molasses except that it has a strong flavor and you can substitute 1 T molasses and 1 cup white sugar for 1 cup brown sugar.

So although you need to rotate your food, you can stock up when you see a good sale on any of these items without worrying if the food will go bad before you use it.

Here are some good prices for sugars, in cost order starting with the cheapest:

White sugar- $.47 per lb ($.03/oz) is great. Canned, about $.98 per lb and lasts 30 years!

Brown sugar & powdered sugar- $.68 per lb ($.04/oz).

Jams- $.05 per oz.

Maple syrup(not pure)- $.05 per oz.

Fruit drink mix (from LDS cannery)- $1.39 per lb ($.09/oz). Lasts for 2 years. Tang can be about $1.29 per lb if you buy it in bulk.

Corn syrup- $.10 per oz (about $1.68 for 16 oz bottle).

Honey- $2 per lb ($.13/oz) is amazing! Closer to $2.50 per lb is more common. Expensive, but honey lasts forever!

Gelatin- $.17 per oz for the brand name, about $.16 for generic.

Pudding- About $.18 per oz.

Molasses- $.21 per oz.


Please note that these prices reflect deals from the last several years in the state of Utah and may vary from state to state. Also, with the past few years of economic hardships, many prices may be constantly higher than the prices I have. Please only use these as a guide.