As concerns about global conflict rise, many Britons are considering the possibility of being unprepared should tensions escalate into a world war. Although the prospect of World War III is an unsettling thought, recent geopolitical events have heightened anxieties about the potential for significant disruptions, including food security.
The Doomsday Clock, a symbolic measure of how close humanity is to global catastrophe, was recently set to just 89 seconds to midnight, the closest it has ever been. This clock, which has tracked global risks since the end of World War II, takes into account environmental, viral, and nuclear threats.
The invasion of Ukraine by Russia triggered a global cost-of-living crisis, driving up food prices, as well as energy costs and fuel prices. In recent developments, U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin held peace talks concerning the Ukraine conflict, while the U.K.’s Prime Minister Keir Starmer pledged to send British troops to aid Ukraine if necessary. Meanwhile, European Union nations have sharply increased defense spending.
In the midst of this uncertainty, French President Emmanuel Macron has not ruled out the possibility of World War III, stating, “The Russians have globalized the war in Ukraine,” in response to a question about the potential for global escalation.
Though these events may not lead to an immediate conflict, if tensions do escalate, food prices and availability are likely to be impacted, as seen during the early stages of Russia’s invasion. Retailer Food Bunker warns that the prospect of World War III presents significant challenges to the UK’s food security, with the potential for disruptions in international trade and domestic agricultural production. On a household level, it is advisable for civilians to prepare by building food reserves, learning to grow and preserve their own food, and supporting local food producers.
Experts from sources like Business Insider and PBS Food have identified nine essential foods that households should prioritize for stockpiling:
- Honey: Honey is a long-lasting food that is high in calories and does not spoil. In fact, honey found in Egyptian tombs has been shown to be still edible, as bacteria cannot grow in it.
- Rice: Uncooked white rice has a shelf life of up to five years. However, when stored in an oxygen-free container, such as vacuum-sealed packaging, it can last up to 30 years, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
- Peanut Butter: Peanut butter is rich in fats, calories, and vitamin E, making it a nutritious option. It has a shelf life of 3 to 5 years, and while it may lose flavor after that period, it remains safe to consume.
- Energy Bars: These compact bars, often made of oats, raisins, seeds, and other dried ingredients, are highly nutritious and can last indefinitely.
- Dehydrated Meat: While not as popular in the U.K. as in the U.S., dried meat—such as jerky—can last up to two months. Vacuum-sealing and freezing it can extend its shelf life to one year. Most meats, including chicken, beef, pork, and fish, can be safely frozen for up to a year.
Stockpiling these food items could provide a crucial buffer in times of global unrest, ensuring households are prepared for potential disruptions in the food supply.
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