How many out there just cannot function without their morning cup of coffee – or twelve? In today’s busy world where many of us get less than the required sleep coffee – and many specialty drinks – have become extremely popular providing a “kick” to help get people through their day.
If many of us are needing a boost now – what about in a situation where staying awake and aware could mean the difference between life and death? Think about it…..situations may be present that require manual labor working gardens, preparing food, building shelters, walking perimeters, conducting patrols, gathering firewood, etc. So – having an extra boost of energy could be very valuable.
Today coffee and many energy drinks provide a dose of caffeine – a common stimulant. Red Bull offers up 110mg’s while a cup of coffee around 180 depending on brand. Another option for getting caffeine is through consumption of caffeine pills. These pills are very inexpensive and easy to store.
The storage of caffeine for post-SHTF and survival situations is not often discussed. I myself have used caffeine to help when sleep was lacking and I needed a “boost”. It works.
Hey, I’m not a doctor and have NEVER played one on TV. I did stay at a Holiday Inn Express once but that’s another story. Caffeine effects the body and thus consuming it should be discussed with your doctor.
So – bottom line is caffeine is something to consider stockpiling.
Rourke
BTW – my favorite brand has been the ProLab 200mg Caffeine 100 Count pills. Under $8.00 very affordable.
Well, you pay for it when you come down but, it does get you across the line…
Alive.
Careful with this tool. It’s useful but respect it.
Yep, coffee is sure good to have and it is good for you. I drink a 3 lb can a week, so it is one of my main preps.
I’ve started storing green coffee beans – longer shelf life
Good idea vwb. You are right. Storing the entire bean is better than beans that have been ground.
I store Folgers single serve packets. It’s freeze dried so I’m guessing it’s got a decent shelf life.
Interesting topic- good point John G. Remember also that tea also has caffeine.I imagine a combo of tea, coffee,( instant and whole beans and ground )
caffeine pills (thanks Rourke-I hadnt thought of those) and hot choc. would be good .
The opposite is also useful- for being calm amidst chaos- herbal tea and decaf coffee . Lightning
Yep…have enjoyed coffee as a regular morning or noon time ritual for years. This did get me pondering just how i would choose it’s use to fit into a possible breakdown of life as we know it. I think of it as something normal to have in a far from normal time…a small piece of comfort. Considering it WILL eventually run out and is not something we can grow for ourselves, it is at best a short term perk and bartering item. At worst, something that a majority of people will miss A LOT ! That doesn’t mean i don’t care if i have it, just that i am sure at some point it will be the least of my worries. Yes…i have put in place a small supply AND the means to enjoy it while i can. My daughter, (who thinks i have a misguided train of thought concerning the future,) gifted me with a small French press after i was wowed by the coffee her husband and she drink daily. All that is needed is enough coffee ground for the day’s use and hot water. The resulting brew is strong yet smooth and so pleasurable to drink that no cream or milk is missed, even if you have ALWAYS used it, like me. Since DH has never been a coffee drinker, and i consume only 1-2 cups daily, i grind the 1-2 tablespoons needed with a small manual burr grinder easily. Before the French press, i had used a reusable K-cup in my basic Keurig. Was on the verge of purchasing a stovetop percolator but this is better than that would have been…just saying.
Having worked graveyard shifts for years, i HAVE tried the caffeine in tablet form….do be careful with them. A whole pill jumpstarted MY bus SO well, my coworkers had to scrape me off the ceiling with a putty knife…NOT pretty or fun. Would be a caffeine last resort though. Good post and conversation….Thanks all….