Characteristics of the "item" stored and used for access:

1) Used in the 1970's and prior.
2) Easily purchasable (likely readily available in many places and locations worldwide italicized portion not indicated by OP).
3) The item is easily carried so that it can be shown as a means to gain entry.
4) Stored out of sight in the basement of home (large quantities).
5) The item is consumable.
6) Item has recently returned to store shelves in exact same packaging used in the 1970's.
7) Not pocket friendly because of shape.
8) We will understand why the product is used once we figure out what it is.

What is a universal item that can be found just about anywhere that freemasonry is found which is able to be consumed (used in such a way that it is no longer available) and does not easily fit in a pocket?

I think cigarettes and lighters can be ruled out. It is probably safe to assume that any strictly American or possibly western food/beverage products can be ruled out too. Now, compare that to characteristic #8 and we can break the possibilities down further.