36 Best Foods To Stockpile For Emergency

The way people energize their bodies in a catastrophe is considerably different from how you fuel your body on a regular basis. (Think about how an emergency fund differs from a regular savings account.)

You must eat proper, strong meals because you’ll likely spend more energy than usual throughout your emergency plan. 

If the crisis is an illness (like COVID19), eating healthy foods that will enable you to preserve excellent health is very crucial.

Since your disaster preparedness pack will be constrained, the better foods you eat and the less of them you eat the healthier you are.

You suffer not knowing what type of foods to stockpile for your family in an emergency circumstance (natural disasters, a flood, hurricane, blizzard, or worldwide pandemic often with no warning).

All of the necessary foodstuffs are discussed in this article.

It’s Hard To Plan To Stockpile For Emergency

The most difficult aspect of picking what to store is that no one can predict which kind of calamity will occur; thus there are no obvious means of knowing what to acquire. 

As a result, majority survivalist buys are made with the idea that nothing will be available, so they’d better stock up. 

If we read about it, it’s the only approach to use it, and it seems perfect logic.

This stockpiling is built on the assumption that you will bug-in rather than bug-out. 

Most individuals will finish up staying in during a disaster, so having a sufficient food supply in your home makes sense.

This isn’t the same as purchasing ten times your weekly supplies but instead foodstuff that you’ll eat rather than your regular grocery items. 

This may necessitate consuming foods that your family is unfamiliar with. Nonetheless, consuming unusual cuisine is preferable to not eating at all.

36 Best Foods To Stockpile For Emergency

The most important thing is to obtain plenty of vitamin C from canned and frozen fruits and vegetables and protein and zinc from canned beans and seafood. 

Grains, peanuts, plain flour, as well as other healthy starches play a role as well. Preparedness is preferable to panic.

Fresh foods will also be helpful in the early days of an emergency, and they should be used right away because they include numerous vitamins and proteins that are essential for everyday life.

There are 36 foods that can be used in emergency situations and are listed below. 

1) Bottled Water

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) suggests stockpiling one gallon of water per person each day, with a two-week stockpile if feasible. 

If you have animals, remember to keep additional water on hand.

According to the CDC, “unopened commercially packaged liquid is the best and most efficient backup drinking water.”

Otherwise, you can use your own containers to store tap water.

2) Sports Drinks

It goes without saying that water is essential. However, for electrolytes, try sports drinks. 

If the liquid is short, those beverages will help you recover your fluids. Powdered milk is also a good source of Vitamin D and a good substitute for dairy products.

3) Powdered Milk

Whereas most individuals dislike the taste of powdered milk, it comes in handy whenever you don’t have access to any other dairy products. 

It’s also required for cooking and offers calcium for appropriate bone development.

To get the best out of your powdered milk, we have an article here about storing your powdered milk for the long term.

4) Canned Liquids

It contains important vitamins and can be stored for a long period. Don’t dispose of the packaging fluids because it contains vitamins.

5) Drink Mixes Like Coffee & Tea

Comfort food once more, however, the time for the folks to store it for an emergency situation. Most of us are unable to work effectively until we have had our full drink of morning coffee.

These are all the important goods to have on hand in case of a crisis.  

They are high in vitamins and proteins, which are required to meet daily calorie requirements. 

6) Canned & Dehydrated Meats, Poultry, Seafood

Meat, fish, shrimp, as well as other canned meat items, are available. Spam is a nutritious meat product, even though it is mocked by many. 

During a catastrophe, meat will become the most difficult to come by, so start stocking up.

7) Rice (White Rice) And Grains

Rice is a good source of carbs that may be stored. Not the fast-cooked rice, but the whole grain rice. The shelf life of quick rice is extremely short.

If you want to know the list of foods with long shelf life, you can go here.

8) Dry Pasta And Pasta Sauces

Carbohydrate content is highly suitable like pasta, and it preserves nicely. Pasta is a versatile ingredient that may have been used in many dishes, particularly Italian food as well as cuisines. 

9) Wheat Flour/ Bread & Pancake

These foodstuffs can be stored well. Anyone can create their own toast, cakes, pastries, biscuits, as well as other bakery items if you have a wheat mill or whole ingredients.

10) Canned Fruits

Potassium, fermentable carbohydrates, iron compounds, and vitamins A and C are all present; they are generally low in calories and possess no fat.

When consumed as part of a balanced diet, it may lower the danger of cardiovascular disease, strokes,type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and certain cancers.

11) Canned Vegetables

Soybeans and peas have always been good packaged veggies to keep on board, but canned tomatoes are your pantry’s hero in every situation. 

Even in abundance, they are often more aromatic and tender than fresh tomatoes. They serve as the foundation with anything ranging from soups to pasta dishes. 

Purchase many tomatoes, including chopped, squashed, and whole tomatoes.

12) Canned Soup

Condensed soups save space in the cupboard, but ready-to-eat soups eliminate the need to add water that could be used for something else.

13) Frozen Fruit

Certain fruits preserve better than others, however, keeping frozen fruit on hand implies you can create drinks with just a mixer.

So there’s no better opportunity to know how to create handcrafted sweets and jellies than when you’re at home all day. Find frozen fruit recipes here.

14) Frozen Bread

Entire bread cakes, coconut almond loaves, and tortilla chips or bagels for lunches and supper are the best foods to preserve. 

Specialized bread, such as Ezekiel bread, is kept in the refrigerator.

15) Beans And Canned Beans

Canned beans of all kinds are kept for a long time, are simple to prepare, healthy, and are part of very few non-meat protein sources.

16) Raisins, Dried Fruits And Fruit Strips

Walnuts, cashews, and almonds are all excellent alternatives, and don’t be hesitant to keep chestnuts or pistachios if you’re feeling adventurous. 

Fresh nuts are high in natural oils that degrade over time, so keep them refrigerated or frozen.

17) Honey

Although sugar may be stored for a long time, honey can be stored indefinitely. Mother nature’s ways for creating products that are both nice and delicious for you are unrivaled.

18) Baking Essentials

You’ll probably have to bake your own bread because you won’t be able to run down to the corner for a loaf. 

Ensure that you have enough baking soda, baking powder, and vinegar on board. 

19 Beef

Long-term preservation is a breeze with dried meat, whether it’s jerky or dehydrated meat. 

If you’re making your own jerky, make sure to cut out salt and fat generously to keep it fresh. 

When it’s time to utilize it, the jerky can be reconstituted in soups. This will collect the liquid while also seasoning it. 

20) Peanut Butter

 This is, without a doubt, pure delicacy. It is, nonetheless, highly nourishing.

21) Apples

Fresh produce could be tricky, however, apples and oranges last for a long time when chilled. 

And if you need a backup canned fruit, go for ones packaged in 100 percent juice rather than sugar, or all-natural apple sauce with no sugar added. 

Fresh apricots are a great source of fiber and great snacks.

22-23) Yogurt/Cottage Cheese

Such milk products are protein giants kept in the freezer for up to a month and make fantastic breakfasts or snacks and be used as ingredients in other meals like cakes or recipes.  

24) Butter

Users wouldn’t want to run out of butter if you’re going to be baking or roasting! Search for 1/2 varieties and keep them in the fridge, pulling out whatever you require as you need it.

25) Sugar

While most moms strive to avoid their children from consuming too much sugar, it is a necessary component of jams, jellies, & fruit preservation. 

It’ll also come in handy for baking. Sugar may be preserved forever if stored properly.

26) Hard Candies

It’s a great incentive for youngsters, as well as a source of energy when you need it. As long as they are kept dry, hard candies can last for years.

27-28) Garlic And Onions

Buy seasonings, including onions, garlic, ginger, and various spices to help increase taste – they’ll keep for a long time in your fridge or a cool area in your house, and they’re all the building blocks of aroma.

Any simple dish will benefit greatly from the addition of one or more of these highly flavorful ingredients. 

29) Salt

Living necessitates the use of salt. This is also a key element in several methods of preserving food, particularly flesh restoration. 

You can also produce cured foods, salt seafood, and smoked meats with a good supply of salt.

30) Spices

Your family may have to adjust to eating foods that aren’t familiar to them. 

Spices can be used to hide unpleasant flavors or to add flavor to plain foods. 

Make sure to stock up on the spices that your family enjoys so that you can prepare meals that they will enjoy.

31-32) Cooking Oil and Condiments

Where will you be with the absence of mayonnaise, ketchup, pickle, mustard, sauce, soy sauce, and so forth? 

After unpacking, some could be put in the cupboard, while others must be placed in the refrigerator; check the packaging carefully. 

Don’t squander valuable storage space on canned salad dressing. To save money and space, learn how to produce your own in small batches.

Saving money is essential for living off grid, you can check out our article about saving money to move off the grid here.

33) Healthier Snacks

The constant availability of refreshments can be tough if you aren’t used to working from home or having unexpected parties.

Doughnuts and popcorn are healthier salt snack options than chips, and instead of candy, consider dark chocolate squares or fruit leathers.

34) Eggs 

Eggs keep nicely in the refrigerator that can be used at any time of day. 

From the breakfast omelet to your midday sandwich to your suppertime scrambled eggs, and everything within, we’ve got you covered. 

You can keep eggs raw for cooking and some hard-boiled for snacking or making an easy egg salad. 

35-36) Root Vegetables and Hardy Vegetables

Aside from frozen veggies, several root and hardy veggies may be stored for a long time and provide much-needed roughage.

Potatoes and other root veggies should be kept cool, dry, and dark in a well-ventilated area.

Wrap celery heads in tinfoil and keep in the refrigerator; Sprouts on roots will survive lengthier over loose sprouts and therefore should be kept in a plastic shopping bag in the refrigerator.

If you want to know what are the best foods for living off-grid. You can check it out here.

Top 12 Medical And Health-Related Items To Keep On Board In Case Of A Catastrophe

Let’s talk about some other necessities; eating is crucial, but it isn’t everything.

Medical Items That Have Been Prescribed

If you use medicines or supplements  daily, make sure you have a two-week supply on hand. 

Detergent, Hand Sanitizer, and Alcoholic Beverages

Hand sanitizer and soap are essential products to have in our daily routines since they protect us from germs and illnesses, therefore they must be kept on hand.

Ibuprofen And Other Fever-relieving Medications

Also, keep the basic flu and cold treatment medications available in case you encounter a winter sickness.

Thermometer

Thermometer is required in case of emergency for regular check up fever.

Anti-Diarrheal Medication

Anti-diarrhea medications are a must-have while living off the grid, as well as a life-saving treatment in an accident. 

You can go here for our complete checklist for living off the grid.

Clothes

Enough clothes should be maintained for any emergency situation.

Flashlight

A flashlight is one of the essential items for nighttime in an emergency  so it must be on the list.

Pediasure And Diapers

If you do have kids, start stocking up on necessities like nappies, milk, and other essentials, as well as canned and packaged items such as Pediasure and Electrolyte drinks in case they become ill and require quick protein or electrolyte replacement.

Exercise 

Finally, be aware that if you are stranded at home for a few weeks, you will likely be less active than usual, so unless you have access to at-home workout equipment, keep track of your daily intake and avoid boredom eating.

3 Tips To Stockpile For Emergency

Set A Goal

How much data do you wish to keep? And who exactly are they? An individual needs around 1500-2000kcal per day. You will benefit from learning about food-calo. 

Other acceptable products should be included if you have a newborn, the elderly, or pets.

Keeping for a long time, It all depends on the characteristics of the situation which is most likely to happen in your area.

Buy In Bulk

If you don’t have much time to think about your food storage in other emergency circumstances, purchase a lot.

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You should consume high-energy, high-protein foods because you’ll likely burn more energy than usual throughout your emergency plan.

One must keep 50-60% packaged foodstuff as well as some fresh food on hand, as well as dairy and marinade.

Purchasing Products That Have A Lengthy Life Span

Maintain a close eye on the expiry time and purchase goods only with the highest “use by” date initially.

More Food Advice For Emergency

When the power goes out, frozen meals that contain tiny particles or are cold to the touch  are still safe to eat.

A charcoal grill or gas burner may still be able to cook or heat your meals. It’s a realistic choice if you have access to the outdoors. 

Keep a can of Sterno on hand if you’re stuck indoors.

If you live in a flood-prone region, buy all of your pantry products in cans rather than jars, as they are less likely to be polluted by floodwaters.

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Perishable foods should be eaten first, followed by non-perishable items.

Food preservation is essential; foodstuff must be stored in the fridge or refrigerator, or in a cold, dry location.

Change meal rations regularly.

Conclusion

If your family has specific needs, such as taking medication daily or having a young kid, remember to stock up on those things as well. 

Keep a spare supply of infant formula and baby food jars on hand, as well as a backup supply of your prescriptions.

If you live in a flood-prone region, buy all of your pantry products in cans rather than jars, since they are less likely to be polluted by floodwaters. 

“People are advised not to eat home-canned or jarred goods that have been exposed to flood waters since the seals aren’t as intact,” adds Andress.