The concept is the exact same. Using goods to trade just makes those goods a form of currency. The only thing that changes are the flavor of the currency. The same financial principle of inflation applies as well. If you store 1 lb of beans and we ignore deterioration (another monster concept) the value over time will increase or decrease generally based on supply or demand. So you're basically gambling that 1lb of beans will outperform other investment vehicles in that time frame.

What I am trying to get at is that all preppers should put sound financials first. When people say I am storing beans or antibiotics or whatever to barter what they mean is that they think those items will appreciate more over a given time than other investments. And there are plenty of arguments for and against doing so but the main thing is that sometimes (rarely) it is an investment but usually it is just hoarding.