Best Survival Food Essentials for Preppers

When building an emergency food supply, most preppers would agree that choosing nutritious, long-lasting foods is crucial for survival preparedness.

This guide will provide a comprehensive overview of the best survival foods to stockpile, prioritizing nutrient density, shelf life, and ease of preparation.

You'll discover the top 10 pantry essentials recommended by experts, the ultimate 30-day supply list, the best emergency food kits to buy, and key considerations for storage, preparation, and family planning.

Introduction to Survival Food Essentials

Survival food essentials refer to nutrient-dense, long-lasting foods that can sustain people during emergencies when access to fresh food is limited. Having these foods stockpiled ensures continued nourishment when stores are closed, supply chains are disrupted, or you need to evacuate quickly.

Understanding the Essentials of Prepper Pantries

Survival foods differ from everyday foods in a few key ways:

Shelf life - Survival foods are non-perishable with a shelf life of 5+ years. Everyday foods like bread, meat, and produce spoil within days or weeks.
Portability - Survival foods come in lightweight, durable packaging and require no refrigeration. This allows for easy transport during evacuations.
Preparation - Many survival foods require minimal preparation with just the addition of water. This enables quick, simple meals during crises.

The main priorities when selecting survival foods are nutrient density, calories, shelf stability, ease of preparation, and accommodation of dietary restrictions.

The Role of Survival Foods in Self-Reliance and Emergency Preparation

Stockpiling survival foods is a key part of emergency preparedness and self-reliance. Key reasons include:

Provides nourishment during short and long-term disasters when stores are inaccessible.
Allows quick evacuation without relying on external food sources.
Reduces panic and stress when disaster strikes knowing your food supply is secured.
Supports self-sufficiency without full reliance on public services or government assistance.

When building your prepper-food-storage-essentials-building-a-resilient-pantry/">prepper's pantry, focus on a diverse mix of foods that meet nutritional needs, suit dietary restrictions, and have very long shelf lives. Prioritize portable, fast-preparing options as well to enable evacuation readiness. Rotate and replace items as they near expiration dates.

What are the top 10 survival foods?

When building your emergency food supply, it's important to focus on nutrient-dense foods with a long shelf-life that are easy to store and prepare. Here are 10 of the best options to include:

Whole grains like brown rice, oats, quinoa, amaranth, and millet. These are packed with fiber, protein, and B vitamins. Look for whole grain pastas and cereals too.
Canned goods like beans, vegetables, fruits, soups, and meats. Opt for low-sodium when possible. Canned goods can last 2-5 years unopened.
Nuts and seeds which are high in protein, fiber, vitamin E, and healthy fats. Stick to raw, unsalted varieties and store in a cool dark place.
Dried beans and lentils are an excellent source of plant-based protein and fiber. They have a shelf life of up to 12 months.
Dehydrated or freeze-dried vegetables and fruits which retain most of their nutritional value in compact serving sizes.
Powdered milk and shelf-stable dairy like cheese, butter, and sour cream can help meet calcium needs.
Cured, dried, or canned meats such as beef jerky, canned chicken, salmon, sardines, and tuna. Choose lower sodium options when possible.
Fats and oils like olive, coconut, and vegetable oil. These provide essential fatty acids and vitamin E.
Honey, maple syrup, and molasses can help sweeten foods while adding nutrition.
Water and water filtration such as a gravity filter, water purification tablets, or a Lifestraw. Having access to clean water is critical.

Focus on survival foods that meet a variety of nutritional needs, have a long shelf life, and are easy to store and prepare no matter the emergency situation. Build your pantry gradually and rotate stock as items reach their expiration dates.

What is the best food to survive on?

Canned foods are a reliable staple for any prepper's pantry as they have a long shelf life and retain most of their nutritional value. Some great canned options to stock up on include:

Canned vegetables - Stock up on nutritious veggies like mixed vegetables, green beans, carrots, potatoes, and more. Look for low-sodium or no-salt-added options.
Canned fruits - Fruits packed in juice rather than syrup have less added sugar. Peaches, pears, pineapple, and mixed fruit are good choices.
Canned beans - Beans are packed with fiber, protein, and nutrients. Choose no-salt or low-sodium varieties of black, pinto, kidney, garbanzo beans, etc.
Canned tuna and chicken - These canned meats provide protein and healthy fats. Water-packed tuna and chicken breast are lower in sodium than flavored options.
Canned soups and stews - Opt for reduced-sodium soups with meat and vegetables. Avoid cream-based soups.

When buying canned goods for your emergency pantry, try to get items with no added salt or low-sodium options to limit daily sodium intake. Also be mindful of added sugars. With some planning, canned foods can make nutritious and tasty additions to your survival meal plan.

What foods should I stockpile for survival?

When building your emergency food supply, focus on nutrient-dense non-perishable foods that will provide sustenance in a crisis scenario. Here are some of the best options to include:

Canned and Dried Proteins

Stock up on canned varieties of meat, poultry, fish, beans, and other proteins. These include:

Canned chicken, tuna, salmon, sardines
Canned baked beans, kidney beans, chickpeas
Beef and turkey jerky or pemmican
Canned stews, chili, and hearty soups

Canned meats provide protein, while beans add fiber. Jerky/pemmican is lightweight and shelf-stable. Soups offer well-rounded nutrition.

Canned Fruits and Vegetables

Keep plenty of canned produce on hand, such as:

Canned tomatoes, pumpkin, yams
Canned peaches, pears, applesauce
Canned carrots, green beans, corn
Canned vegetable juices

Fruits and veggies supply vitamins and minerals. Go for lower-sodium options when possible.

Grains, Cereals, Crackers

Stock up on non-perishable carbs like:

Whole grain cereals, granola
Crackers, pretzels
Pasta, rice, quinoa, oats

These affordable items store well and provide energy-sustaining carbohydrates.

Shelf-Stable Dairy

Powdered milk, condensed milk, and shelf-stable UHT milk provide calcium. Other options include powdered eggs and egg whites.

Water

Store at least 1 gallon of water per person per day. Consider bottled water or water storage containers. Replace every 6 months.

Focus on nutrient-dense foods with a long shelf life. Keep variety in your stockpile and replenish as needed.

What is the longest lasting food for survival?

When preparing your emergency food supply, it's important to stock up on foods with a long shelf life. Some of the longest lasting survival foods include:

Hard Grains

Hard grains like buckwheat, corn, flax, mullet, wheat, and more can last from 12 years to 30 years or more if stored properly. Some good options are:

Whole grains (like wheat berries)
Dried corn
Popcorn

Soft Grains

Soft grains like oats, rye, and quinoa have a shorter shelf life of about 8 years on average. Proper storage can extend this to 20 years. Consider stocking:

Rolled oats
Dehulled barley
Rye flakes

No matter what grains you choose, the key is keeping them cool, dark, and dry. Store in airtight containers and check periodically for bugs or moisture issues. With ideal storage conditions, these hearty grains can nourish you and your family for decades to come.

Integrating emergency food that lasts into your survival prep ensures you have nourishing options if SHTF. Hardier grains should make up the bulk of your emergency pantry for maximum shelf life.

The Ultimate 30 Day Emergency Food Supply List

This section will provide a comprehensive list of foods and supplies to sustain an individual or family for 30 days, emphasizing the importance of a balanced and varied diet in emergency situations.

Nutritionally Complete Food Selections for SHTF Scenarios

When building your emergency food supply, it's important to have nutritionally complete options to support health in stressful situations. Here are some recommendations:

Canned meats like tuna, chicken, salmon, and beef are packed with protein and convenient to store. Choose options packed in water rather than oil.
Jerky and meat sticks offer protein in lightweight, non-perishable form. Look for grass-fed and minimally processed options.
Nuts and seeds like almonds, walnuts, sunflower seeds, and chia provide healthy fats, fiber, and protein. Prioritize unsalted varieties in vacuum-sealed pouches.
Dried beans and lentils are nutritious, inexpensive sources of fiber and protein with a long shelf life. Stock up on versatile pinto, black, kidney, garbanzo beans.
Protein powders like whey, plant-based blends, or collagen peptides help round out diets and can be added to foods or drinks.

Focusing on protein is key, as a minimum of 50-100g per day is recommended for adults in survival situations to maintain strength and health.

Longevity in Your Pantry: 25-Year Emergency Food Supply

In an extended emergency, fresh produce will be hard to come by. Stock your pantry with nutritious shelf-stable fruits and vegetables:

Canned fruits and vegetables, like carrots, green beans, peaches, and tomatoes, provide key nutrients and often last 2-5 years unopened. Opt for reduced sodium when possible.
Dried fruits and vegetables are lightweight and pack a nutritious punch. Prioritize berries, mangoes, spinach, kale, mushrooms. Store in cool, dark spaces to maximize 30 year shelf life.
Freeze dried produce retains more nutrients than standard drying methods. Stock up on strawberries, blueberries, mangoes, spinach, broccoli, and apple slices.

Having 2-3 servings of fruit and 3-5 servings of veggies per day is recommended for good health. Stock up on produce with longevity to maintain a balanced, nutritious diet.

Grains, Legumes, and Starches: The Backbone of Your Emergency Food List

In any emergency situation, you'll want to stock up on versatile grains, legumes, pastas and starches. Here are some smart choices:

Rice, especially white and brown rice, can last 30+ years when stored properly. It's inexpensive and provides carbohydrates.
Pasta lasts 1-2 years when properly stored. Opt for whole grain or vegetable-based varieties.
Oats are high in fiber and protein with a 1-2 year shelf life. Instant varieties are convenient.
Beans, like black, pinto, kidney, and chickpeas are packed with plant-based protein and fiber. Canned or dried beans last 2-5 years.
Lentils cook faster than beans while providing protein, fiber, iron, and potassium. They keep for 7-10 years when stored properly.

Aim for 6-11 servings of grains/starches per day. Beans and lentils count too! Having a variety helps round out nutrition.

Essential Non-Perishable Food for Emergency Readiness

When building an emergency food supply, focus on nutrient-dense non-perishable items that don't require refrigeration. Great options include:

Canned meats, fruits, vegetables, and beans - lasting 2-5 years unopened. Choose pop-top cans when possible.
Dried fruits, vegetables, beans - extremely shelf-stable for 25-30 years when stored properly. Rehydrate before eating.
Oats, grains, cereal - lasts 1-2 years with proper storage. Fantastic source of fiber and carbohydrates.
Nuts, seeds - high in protein and healthy fats. Unopened, vacuum sealed pouches prolong 30 year shelf life significantly.
Jerky, protein bars - lightweight and non-perishable sources of protein, fat, and nutrients. Typically last 1-5 years stored properly.
Bottled water - the absolute essential. Have at least one gallon per person per day and water purification methods on hand.

Stack your emergency pantry high with non-perishables for reliable, long-term access to balanced nutrition if SHTF.

Best Survival Food Kits 2023: A Comprehensive Guide

This section will overview complete survival food kits tailored to different budgets and dietary needs, highlighting the top options available in 2023.

ReadyWise Emergency Food Supply: A Trusted Option for Preppers

The ReadyWise Emergency Food Supply is a great starter kit for those new to prepping. This budget-friendly option provides a 30-day supply of freeze-dried meals and snacks. The food comes in easy-to-prepare pouches that only require water. With a shelf life of up to 25 years, this kit offers reliable, long-lasting emergency rations. Flavors include fan favorites like cheesy broccoli rice, creamy pasta and vegetable rotini, and apple cinnamon oatmeal. At around $150, the ReadyWise Supply makes emergency food accessible for beginners.

Survive2Thrive Vegetarian Preparedness Pail: A Vegetarian-Friendly Kit

For vegetarians and vegans, the Survive2Thrive Vegetarian Preparedness Pail is a tasty survival food option. Each pail contains 30 days worth of 100% plant-based ingredients. With seasoned rice and beans, lentil stew, maple multigrain cereal and more, there's something for every meal. The vegetarian prep pails have a shelf life of over 10 years when unopened. Priced at $250, they provide quality emergency rations tailored specifically for meat-free diets. Survive2Thrive also caters to other specialty diets like gluten-free.

Mountain House Essential Bucket: A Staple in Emergency Food Supply

For premium taste and ingredients, Mountain House is a go-to brand amongst preppers. Their Essential Bucket provides a hearty supply of crowd favorites like beef stroganoff, chicken teriyaki, and scrambled eggs with bacon. With over 20 servings per bucket, there's enough to feed a family during an extended crisis. The best-by-date is marked at 30 years from production, offering exceptional shelf life. Priced between $100-150, Mountain House brings gourmet quality to emergency food prep. Their meals are often richer, heartier, and more flavorful than cheaper alternatives.

Good To-Go Emergency Food Kit: Gourmet Meals for the Survivalist

If you want restaurant-quality dishes in your emergency food supply, Good To-Go is a great pick. Their gourmet meals feature chef-inspired recipes using high-end ingredients like wild salmon, organic quinoa, black beans, and mango. With bold flavors like Thai curry, herbed mushroom risotto, and pad thai, it's easy to forget you're eating survival food. Good To-Go also offers a vegetarian/vegan-friendly line with dishes like sweet potato coconut curry and veggie chili. Although more expensive than basic kits, costing $13 per meal, Good To-Go brings exceptional quality to emergency dining.

Augason Farms Emergency Supply Food Kit: Bulk Options for Families

When preparing for a family, bulk supply is key. Augason Farms offers some of the largest emergency food kits on the market. Their 1-Year Food Supply provides over 400 servings of breakfasts, lunches, dinners, drinks and snacks. With up to a 30 year shelf life, the bulk kits enable long-term readiness for disasters. The Emergency Food Supply Kit features crowd favorites like cheesy broccoli soup, banana pancakes, and chicken vegetable stew. Priced at $900, the year-long kit provides substantial savings over buying individual pouches. For preppers with larger households, Augason Farms is a reliable bulk supplier.

Essential Gear for Food Preparation and Storage

This section explores critical tools and equipment for effectively preparing and storing survival foods, including cookware, storage solutions, and water purification systems.

Choosing the Right Camp Stove for Your Bug-Out or Bug-In Location

When selecting a camp stove for emergency food preparation, portability and fuel efficiency are key factors. The Solo Stove Lite weighs only 9 ounces and burns twigs, pinecones, and other biomass for fuel. This makes it an ideal option for bugging out. For natural gas-powered stoves, the compact Camp Chef Everest is a versatile choice usable for bugging in or out.

Consider your location and possible fuel sources when deciding on a stove. Pack extra propane or biomass as backup. Testing different cooking methods with your food supplies will ensure you know how to operate the stove efficiently when it counts.

Water Filters: Ensuring Safe Hydration in an Emergency

In a disaster scenario, drinking water may be contaminated. Water filters like the Sawyer Mini filter bacteria and protozoa down to 0.1 microns, making found water safer to drink.

The reusable Sawyer Mini attaches to most water bottles for on-the-go use. For larger groups, gravity-fed filters like the Platypus GravityWorks filter up to 1.75 liters per minute directly into a reservoir.

Having multiple water purification methods prepares you for different situations. Water purification tablets, like Potable Aqua, offer lightweight, portable backup.

Packing Your Emergency Supply Kit: A Checklist for Preppers

When packing food and gear, organization is critical. Durable storage bins with category labels (Food, Water, First Aid) keep inventories identifiable. Monitor expiration dates and rotate stock using the "First In, First Out" principle to avoid waste.

Consider these categories when packing emergency supply kits:

3 days food/water: Lightweight, non-perishable food (granola, tuna packs, freeze-dried meals) plus multiple water sources (bottled, filtered, treated).
Cooking equipment: Camp stove, fuel, mess kit, utensils, can opener.
Water purification: Filter, tablets, treatment drops.
First aid: Bandages, ointments, medications, gloves.
Tools and supplies: Knife, parachute cord, duct tape, plastic sheeting, radio, batteries, flashlight, cash.
Clothing and shelter: Seasonally appropriate layers, hats, gloves, emergency blankets and tents.

Customize your kit based on your location, climate, survival experience and specific risks you may face. Check contents every 6 months and replace expired items.

Alternative Survival Food Options

This section highlights unconventional but essential food items that can be crucial in a survival scenario, offering variety and addressing specific dietary needs.

S.O.S. Rations Emergency Food Bars: Compact and Calorie-Dense

S.O.S. Rations emergency food bars provide a compact, calorie-dense food source perfect for bug out bags and survival kits. These bars can pack over 400 calories into a small, lightweight package, making them easy to store and transport. Key benefits include:

Highly portable and lightweight
Packed with calories and nutrients
Long 5 year shelf life
Can be eaten without preparation
Taste relatively good compared to other survival bars

With their compact size and high calorie count, S.O.S. Rations bars are an excellent addition to any survival food supply.

Scout Smoked Wild Pink Salmon: A Luxurious Addition to Survival Meals

Adding some gourmet ingredients like Scout Smoked Wild Pink Salmon can provide a morale boost by offering a luxurious, restaurant-quality addition to bland survival meals. Smoked salmon offers these advantages:

Provides healthy fats and protein
Adds delicious flavor and texture
Breaks up the monotony of boring survival food
Lightweight and compact in a pouch
Long 2 year shelf life

Treat yourself to the occasional smoked salmon packet to maintain sanity when times get tough.

Momofuku Noodle Variety Pack: Comfort Food for Stressful Times

Momofuku's Noodle Variety Pack provides quick comfort food that can be prepared with just hot water. The familiar flavors of ramen and rice noodles can provide a sense of normalcy during stressful situations. Benefits include:

Familiar, comforting flavor
Easy and fast preparation
Packs compactly and stores for a year
Variety of noodle flavors
Vegan and vegetarian options

Having some comfort food like Momofuku noodles on hand can help lift spirits when times get rough.

Protekt Hydration Supplements: Staying Hydrated and Healthy

Proper hydration is crucial for maintaining health during emergencies. Dehydration can cause fatigue, nausea, and decreased mental capacity. Protekt Hydration Supplements can help prevent this by providing:

Essential electrolytes
Improved hydration absorption
Immune supporting ingredients
Lightweight, compact packaging
5 year shelf life

Keeping hydrated with supplements like Protekt can support overall health and wellbeing during disasters when clean water may be scarce.

Planning an Emergency Food Supply for a Family of 4

This section will offer tailored advice for families, focusing on the quantity and variety of foods needed to sustain a family of four during an extended emergency.

Calculating Food Needs: Balancing Nutrition and Quantity

When calculating food needs for an emergency supply, it's important to consider both nutrition and quantity. The average adult needs around 2,000 calories per day, while children and teens need less depending on their age. However, in a crisis situation, activity levels may be higher, so plan for extra calories.

A good emergency food supply will have a balance of protein, carbohydrates, fruits and vegetables. Canned goods like beans, vegetables, and fruits are nutritious and have a long shelf life. Make sure to stock hearty grains like rice, pasta, and oatmeal. Trail mixes with nuts and dried fruit also pack nutrition and calories into compact servings.

To determine the right quantity, make a list of everything your family eats in a regular week. Multiply that by four weeks as a starting emergency supply. Then add extra days or weeks depending on the type of disaster you are preparing for. A good general guideline is to have a 30-90 day supply for a family.

Strategies for Stockpiling: Maximizing Space and Resources

When building up a large supply of emergency food, organization and storage are key. Take an inventory of storage areas in your home and think vertically - use shelves, racks, and clear storage bins to maximize space. Prioritize nutrition over taste or variety at first, as the most nutritious foods are best for survival.

Buy shelf-stable items in bulk when they are on sale. Create an emergency food budget and add a little each month. Use coupon apps and loyalty programs to save on items. Replenish anything in your supply that expires yearly. If funds are limited, start small with a 72-hour supply then build up. Use this time to educate your family about the importance of emergency preparedness.

Rotate through foods using the "first in, first out" rule so nothing expires. Make sure all storage containers are air tight and pest proof. Consider adding oxygen absorbers to eliminate oxygen and extend shelf life even further. Store emergency food in a cool, dark place like a basement or closet.

Involving the Whole Family in Emergency Preparation

Get the kids involved in taking emergency food inventories and using up supplies before they expire. Have them help prepare emergency meals using your stocked ingredients. Turn it into a fun cooking competition!

Go through scenarios like power outages, snowstorms, and evacuations. Discuss each family member's responsibilities for getting emergency supplies ready to go. Make sure everyone knows evacuation routes and where to meet up.

Most importantly, avoid making kids feel anxious about emergencies. Focus on empowerment through education and practical preparation. Building up supplies over time and learning survival skills makes an emergency less scary. Preparing as a family builds resilience through shared knowledge and purpose.

Key Takeaways and Next Steps

This concluding section will reiterate the essential survival foods to stockpile and provide clear calls-to-action for those looking to build or improve their prepper's pantry.

Top Survival Food Priorities

When building your emergency food supply, focus first on nutrient-dense non-perishables that are calorie-rich to sustain energy, easy to store long-term, and simple to prepare if the grid is down. Some top priorities include:

Canned goods like beans, vegetables, fruits packed in juice, and soups
Whole grains like rice, quinoa, oats, and pasta
Nut butters and dried fruits for added nutrition
Powdered milk, eggs, and protein supplements
Freeze-dried camping meals and MREs

Stock up on a 30-90 day supply of these goods based on your family size as an initial short-term stockpile goal.

Building Your Stockpile Over Time

Gradually build up a 6 month to 1 year emergency food supply through occasional costco runs for bulk essentials, big box store deals, amazon subscribe and save discounts, and sites like ReadyWise and Mountain House for long shelf-life preparedness kits.

Set reminders to routinely cycle through and replace items in your stockpile before expiration dates. Consider integrating heirloom seeds and sprouting tools over time to supplement with fresh greens.

Staying Informed and Prepared for SHTF and WROL Events

Bookmark sites like WeLovePrepping.com and subscribe to prepper YouTube channels for continuous education. Attend local prepping meet ups to connect with like-minded individuals.

Focus disaster readiness efforts on highest-probability regional risks like earthquakes, flooding, blizzards, or civil unrest. Ensure you have evacuation plans in place and bug out bags prepped for each family member. Hope for the best but prepare for the worst by continually leveling up your skills, supplies, and survival knowledge.