Emergency Survival Food Essentials

Preparing for an emergency by stocking up on survival food is an prudent idea that most would agree is wise.

By learning the basics of emergency food storage, including what to stockpile and how to store it, you can build an emergency food supply to nourish your family in a crisis.

In this article, we'll cover emergency food essentials like shelf-stable proteins, freeze-dried produce, and ready-to-eat MREs. You'll learn how to build a balanced 25-year supply, store it properly, and account for special dietary needs.

Introduction to Emergency Survival Food

Emergency survival food refers to non-perishable food items that are specially packed and processed for emergency and disaster situations. Having a supply of survival food is an important part of any preparedness plan.

Defining Emergency Survival Food

Emergency survival foods are designed to last a long time without refrigeration. Common types include:

Canned goods - Canned meats, fruits, vegetables, beans, soups, etc. Canned goods can last 2-5 years or more if stored properly. Popular brands for emergency food include Mountain House and Wise Foods.
MREs (Meals Ready to Eat) - Pre-packaged, self-contained meals used by militaries and campers. MREs contain entrees like pasta or rice, side dishes, snacks, and desserts. An unopened MRE can last 5+ years.
Freeze dried foods - Food that has had the water removed through freeze drying. This makes the food much lighter and compact. Just add hot water to rehydrate. Can last up to 25 years if sealed.
Food bars/snacks - High calorie food bars and snacks like granola bars, protein bars, trail mix, and jerky. These make convenient grab-and-go options.

No matter what form of survival food you choose, the most important factors are shelf life, calorie density, and ease of preparation.

Why Stock Up on Survival Food?

Building an emergency food supply serves several critical purposes:

Nutrition - Survival food provides calories, protein, nutrients to keep you healthy when access to fresh food is disrupted.
Self-reliance - With your own food reserves, you don't have to depend on government agencies or relief services after a crisis.
Stability - Knowing you have reliable access to food brings peace of mind and allows you to focus on more pressing needs during an emergency.
Portability - Many survival foods are lightweight and compact, making them easy to evacuate with or store in small spaces.

Experts recommend having at least a 3-day supply available for evacuations, 2-week supply for power outages, and a 3-month or longer stockpile for catastrophic disasters.

How Much Food Should You Stockpile?

As a general guideline, FEMA recommends storing the following emergency food supplies:

3 days - Bare minimum for evacuation events like hurricanes or wildfires. Easy to transport.
2 weeks - Enough to withstand power outages from storms. Allows time for utilities to restore.
3 months - For more serious events like pandemics or nuclear disasters. Maintains nutrition while systems rebuild.
1 year - For extreme worst-case scenarios involving long-term anarchy or infrastructure damage. Requires significant storage space.

To determine your personal needs, consider factors like household size, individual calorie requirements, space for storage, budget, and types of disasters likely in your region.

Prioritize nutritious, calorie-dense foods with long shelf lives. Store some daily essentials like grains and beans, but also treat-like comfort foods to lift spirits. Rotate and replenish items as you use them.

What foods should I stockpile for survival?

When building an emergency food supply, it's important to have a balanced variety of shelf-stable foods that will provide adequate nutrition to sustain you and your family. Here are some of the most essential categories to focus on:

Proteins

Stock up on canned and pouched meats like tuna, chicken, turkey, salmon, sardines, beef stew, and chili. Canned beans are also a fantastic source of plant-based protein. Aim for about 10-15 grams of protein per day per person.

Fruits & Vegetables

Canned, jarred, and pouched fruits and veggies like mixed vegetables, green beans, corn, peaches, pears, etc. will provide key micronutrients. Go for lower sodium options when possible. Dried fruits are also a good option.

Grains/Carbs

Include crackers, cereal, granola bars, instant oatmeal packets, pasta, rice, quinoa, etc. These foods provide carbohydrates for energy. Make sure to stock whole grain options.

Dairy

Powdered milk, shelf-stable milk boxes, and powdered protein shakes can cover your dairy needs. Comfort foods like boxed mac and cheese are also good to have on hand.

Fats & Oils

Fats provide a concentrated source of calories and energy. Stock up on oils like olive oil and coconut oil. Nuts, nut butters, and seeds are also great to have.

When building your emergency food supply, be sure to store foods properly, track expiration dates, and rotate items to maximize freshness and nutrition. Having 2-4 weeks' worth of non-perishable foods is recommended for disaster preparedness.

What are the top 10 survival foods?

When building an emergency food supply, it's important to have nutrient-dense foods that provide energy and keep well without refrigeration. Here are 10 of the best survival foods to stock up on:

Peanut butter - High in protein, fats, and calories. Stays fresh for months once opened.
Whole-wheat crackers - Provide carbs for energy and fiber. Low moisture helps them last.
Nuts and trail mixes - Great sources of protein, fats, and nutrients. Store well in cool, dark places.
Cereal or oatmeal - Offer carbs, fiber, and nutrients. Choose whole grain varieties whenever possible.
Granola and protein bars - Portable sources of carbohydrates and protein. Help round out the diet.
Dried fruits - Provide fiber, vitamins, minerals. Last for up to a year when properly stored.
Canned meat - Tuna, salmon, chicken, etc. Give protein and healthy fats. Stock up on pop-top cans.
Canned vegetables - Green beans, carrots, peas offer vitamins and minerals. Go for low-sodium options when possible.
Honey - Natural sweetener that never goes bad. Use to flavor foods and drinks.
Rice - Inexpensive source of carbohydrates. White rice stores longest while brown has more nutrients.

When building an emergency food supply, focus on nutrient-dense, non-perishable items that meet a variety of dietary needs. Store foods properly and rotate stock to maximize freshness and shelf life.

On what kind of food do people survive in emergency?

When building an emergency food supply, it's important to have a variety of shelf-stable foods that will provide enough calories, protein, and nutrients to survive a disaster scenario. Here are some good options to include:

Canned and Jarred Foods

Canned foods like meats, fruits, vegetables, and soups can last for years when properly stored. Prioritize high-calorie, high-protein foods like chili, ravioli, spam, tuna, chicken, and salmon. Fruits packed in juice tend to hold more nutrients than those packed in syrup.

Dried and Dehydrated Foods

Dried foods like milk powder, dried fruit, beef jerky, and trail mix are lightweight and nutritious. Look for freeze-dried options as well. Dehydrated meals require only boiled water for preparation.

Fats and Oils

In an emergency situation, you'll need concentrated sources of fat for energy. Stock up on oils, nuts, nut butters, and seeds. Rotate your stock to prevent rancidity.

Grains, Legumes, Pasta

Rice, beans, lentils, oats, pasta, and quinoa are sources of carbohydrates and protein. Make sure to store them in air-tight containers to prevent bug infestations.

When building your emergency food supply, be sure to consider dietary restrictions, expiration dates, and nutritional variety. The key is having a balanced stockpile that covers your basic caloric needs. With the right selection of non-perishable foods, you can survive for extended periods in an emergency until help arrives or utilities are restored.

What food should I pack for an emergency?

When building an emergency food supply, focus on non-perishable, nutrient-dense foods that don't require refrigeration and can be easily prepared if utilities are disrupted. Here are some essentials to include:

Non-perishable meal basics

Canned goods: Canned fruits, vegetables, beans, soups, and meats are convenient options with a long shelf life. Choose low-sodium when possible.
Whole grains: Brown rice, oats, pasta, and quinoa store well and provide important nutrients.
Nut butters: High in protein and healthy fats. Peanut butter, almond butter and other nut butters are compact sources of nutrients.
Dried fruits and nuts: Shelf-stable and nutrient-rich. Prioritize unsalted nuts to control sodium intake.

Hydration and nutrition

Water: Have at least 1 gallon per person per day. Include water purification methods like filters or treatment tablets.
Powdered milk: Reconstitutes easily with water for added protein and calcium.
Meal replacement drinks: Balance nutrients in emergency situations with fortified shakes or powders.

Food safety

Store food in a cool, dry place and check expiration dates every 6 months.
Consider specialized emergency food with long 25+ year shelf lives.
Pack food tightly in airtight, waterproof containers to prevent spoilage.
Rotate stock every year, using older items in everyday cooking.

Having 2-4 weeks of supplies based on your household size and needs is recommended. Prioritize calories, macros, and versatility in your emergency food supply.

Building a Balanced Emergency Food Supply

Shelf-Stable Proteins and Grains

Having a supply of shelf-stable proteins and grains is essential for building a nutritious emergency food stockpile. Canned items like tuna, chicken, salmon, and beans are convenient, non-perishable sources of protein that provide nutrients and help you feel full. Whole grains like brown rice, quinoa, oats, and pasta also store well and give you an excellent carbohydrate source.

When stocking up on canned goods, opt for low-sodium versions whenever possible. Drain and rinse items before eating to further reduce sodium intake. Pair your proteins and grains together to make balanced meals. For example, try combining canned chicken or tuna with brown rice or whole grain pasta.

Freeze-Dried Fruits and Vegetables

Incorporating freeze-dried produce is a great way to add essential vitamins and minerals into your emergency food supply. Options like carrots, broccoli, strawberries, and blueberries are extremely lightweight and take up little storage space compared to canned goods. They readily rehydrate with water, retaining much of their original texture and flavor.

Focus on fruits and vegetables rich in vitamin C, like citrus fruits, tomatoes, and brussels sprouts. Vitamin C is essential yet delicate, and most prone to being depleted from food over time. Having a freeze-dried source helps ensure you get enough.

Best Emergency Food Supply Options

When evaluating emergency food kits, key aspects to consider include:

Shelf life: Many kits offer a 20-30 year shelf life if stored properly. Prioritize longevity.
Nutritional content: Seek varieties offering complete, balanced nutrition with sufficient protein, fruits/vegetables etc.
Taste: Sample kits first when possible. Palatability greatly impacts consumption.
Preparation: Opt for ready-to-eat meals or ones only requiring water. Avoid kits needing cooking fuel, pots etc.

Top-rated emergency food supply brands like Mountain House, Wise Foods, and Augason Farms excel across these metrics.

Survival Food List Essentials

Constructing a well-rounded survival food list ensures you have a diverse nutritional emergency stockpile. Include items from each key category:

Proteins: Canned fish/meat, beans, nuts
Grains: Brown rice, oats, whole-grain pasta
Fruits & Vegetables: Canned or freeze-dried produce
Dairy: Powdered milk, shelf-stable UHT milk
Fats & Oils: Coconut/olive oil, nuts/seeds
Sweeteners: Honey, maple syrup
Herbs & Spices: Salt, pepper, garlic, cinnamon

Tailor quantities based on your household size and projected length of emergency. Plan for ~2,000 calories per person daily.

MRE Survival Food: A Convenient Choice

MREs (Meals Ready to Eat) offer an convenient emergency food option, as they require no preparation and contain entrées, sides, and desserts in portable packaging. Civilian MREs have a 5+ year shelf life and provide sufficient daily nutrition. Their major downside is monotony in flavor and texture after prolonged use.

To mitigate taste fatigue, vary MREs with other survival food items like canned goods or freeze-dried produce. Only rely on MREs for short-term emergencies. For long-term preparedness, a more diverse stockpile with better palatability works best. With any emergency food, proper storage is key to preserving nutritional content and shelf life.

Storing Your Emergency Food Supply

Properly storing your emergency food supply is critical to maximize shelf life and prevent spoilage or waste.

Choosing the Right Location

When choosing where to store your emergency food, select a cool, dark location like a basement, closet or crawlspace. Consistent moderate temperatures between 60-70°F will prevent fluctuations that can shorten shelf life. Ensure the area is dry and well-ventilated.

Using Appropriate Containers

Keep your emergency food sealed in airtight plastic bins or food grade buckets. This creates a barrier against pests, light exposure, and excess moisture. Oxygen absorbers or desiccant packs can be added to absorb oxygen and humidity inside containers.

Implementing an Organization System

Stay organized with an inventory that tracks purchase dates and expiration dates for all survival food items. Set reminders to routinely cycle through and consume oldest stock first using the “first in, first out” method. This ensures nothing expires or goes to waste.

Maintaining a 25-Year Emergency Food Supply

For long-term food storage spanning decades, take additional steps to maximize shelf life. Certain freeze-dried or dehydrated foods with an initial 30-year shelf life can last even longer if properly stored. Continually monitoring and rotating stock, and utilizing proven preservation methods like oxygen absorption packets, Mylar bags, and vacuum sealing can effectively extend survival food lifespans to 25+ years.

Special Dietary Considerations

Tailor your stockpile to meet your household’s unique nutritional requirements.

Allergies and Intolerances

When building an emergency food supply, it's important to consider any food allergies or intolerances within your household. Carefully reading ingredient labels and avoiding products containing common allergens like wheat, dairy, soy, nuts, and shellfish is key.

Consider stocking alternative protein sources such as lentils, chickpeas or pea protein powder if nut or soy allergies are present. Gluten-free grains like rice, quinoa and buckwheat can replace wheat. Dairy substitutes like almond milk or coconut milk cartons provide calcium and vitamin D.

Medical Conditions

Those managing medical conditions like diabetes, heart disease or hypertension require specialized emergency food supplies. People with diabetes should emphasize complex, low-glycemic index carbohydrates to help regulate blood sugar. Heart-healthy options low in sodium are ideal for those with high blood pressure or history of heart disease.

Foods like whole grains, beans, lentils, vegetables and fruits in juice or their own juices fit the bill. Including electrolyte drinks like Pedialyte helps prevent dehydration for those on fluid-restricted diets or diuretic medications.

Infants and Children

Households with babies and kids need age-appropriate emergency food supplies. Stock plenty of ready-to-eat pouches and jars of vitamin-rich baby food fruits, vegetables and cereals. Kid-friendly snacks like granola bars, trail mix and apple sauce provide quick energy.

Include infant formula, electrolyte solutions like Pedialyte, and shelf-stable milk to cover essential nutrients. Having kid-approved comfort foods on hand can ease stress during emergencies.

Prioritizing safe, nutrient-dense foods tailored to your household’s dietary needs, medical conditions and taste preferences makes for an emergency food supply that covers all your bases.

Testing and Replenishing Your Stockpile

Regularly cycling through and testing the foods in your emergency supply is key to ensuring you have reliable, safe options when needed. Here are some tips for keeping your stockpile in good shape:

Set Reminders to Test Foods

Mark your calendar to open a few containers from your emergency survival food stash once a year. Perform checks on the taste, texture, appearance and overall quality.
If anything seems off, dispose of those items and replace them with fresh stock. Setting annual testing reminders helps prevent surprises.

Monitor Expiration Dates

Take note of expiration or best by dates on all your survival foods. Aim to use up items at least 6 months prior to these dates.
Outdated products may still be safe but quality and nutritional value can decrease over time. Swapping them out ensures you have good options on hand.

Account for Changes

Adjust the foods and amounts you stockpile as your household size and needs evolve over time.
For example, add more survival food when new family members join or switch items if dietary restrictions develop.
An up-to-date, well-stocked emergency pantry prepares your whole group.

Regular testing, monitoring dates, and adapting to changes ensures your family has reliable, nutritious emergency food supplies on hand if ever needed.

Essential Items to Include in Your Emergency Food List

Make sure your emergency food supply contains these basic items at a minimum.

Water and Water Purification Supplies

Having an adequate supply of water is critical in an emergency situation. Here are some recommendations:

Stock up on bottled water - plan for at least one gallon per person per day for at least 3 days. Make sure to check expiration dates and rotate stock.
Invest in water purification supplies like water filtration systems, purification tablets, or bleach. These allow you to turn found water sources into potable drinking water.
Store water in sealed, food-grade plastic containers or jugs. Glass containers can break.
Calculate additional water needs for pets, sanitation, etc. An emergency supply should cover all essential needs.

Oil, Salt and Seasonings

Stored emergency foods can seem very bland without basic ingredients to make them more palatable:

Cooking oil - Choose a versatile oil like vegetable, olive or coconut oil in bottles or cans.
Salt, pepper, spices - A variety helps make foods like beans, rice, pasta more appetizing.
Soy sauce, hot sauce, lemon juice - Help add more flavor.
Sugar or honey - Can boost morale in tough times.

Rotate and replace seasonings before they lose potency or expire.

Snack Foods

Having high-calorie snacks on hand provides quick energy when activity levels may be higher during an emergency:

Granola, protein or fruit bars
Nuts, seeds, nut butters
Crackers, bread
Dried fruits
Beef jerky or pemmican
Comfort foods like candy or cookies

Look for snacks with long shelf lives that do not require refrigeration. Pack in sealed bags or containers.

Emergency Food Supply for a Family of 4

Ensuring your family has sufficient emergency food rations tailored to each member's needs is crucial for survival preparedness.

Estimate Calorie Requirements for the Family

When building your emergency food supply, carefully consider each family member's age, size, activity level and any health conditions. Add up their estimated daily calorie requirements to determine the total amount needed. Having a month's supply of food for weather disasters is recommended.

For example, here are typical daily caloric needs:

Adult male doing manual labor: 3,000 calories
Adult female, moderately active: 2,200 calories
Teenage son, very active: 2,800 calories
Young daughter, normal activity: 1,600 calories

So this family of 4 would need around 9,600 calories per day total.

Stockpile enough emergency rations to meet those needs for at least 30 days. FEMA recommends a 3-day supply at minimum.

Include Comfort Foods for Morale

Stressful disaster events take a toll mentally too. Having some familiar snacks and comfort foods in your emergency food supply can lift spirits.

Examples include:

Shelf-stable puddings
Granola bars
Dried fruits
Trail mixes
Peanut butter
Canned soups

Vet all ingredients carefully for allergies though.

Accommodate Allergies and Dietary Restrictions

When building your emergency food stash, thoroughly check all ingredients to avoid anything that could trigger allergic reactions or health issues.

Mark containers clearly listing contents and date stored. Track expiration dates and continually rotate out older items.

Creating a detailed emergency food inventory list noting quantities, locations, dates, and special diet info is essential. Review and update it every 6 months as needs evolve.

Planning for a 25-Year Emergency Food Supply

For extreme preppers seeking total self-sufficiency, a 25-year stockpile of emergency food provides sustenance through even the most prolonged disasters or catastrophes. However, amassing and properly storing such a large quantity of rations brings its own set of challenges.

Storing Mass Quantities with Longevity

To store a multi-decade supply of emergency food, dedicate an entire basement, storeroom, or shelter to serve as your stockpile. Invest in heavy-duty shelving units and large plastic storage tubs specifically designed for long term food storage. Take steps to mitigate humidity, pests, and temperature fluctuations that can compromise shelf life. Consider items with natural preservatives like salt, sugar, oil, alcohol, and vinegar that support longevity.

Favor Nutrient-Dense Whole Foods

Building a 25-year cache relies less on processed convenience foods, instead prioritizing more natural, nutrient-dense emergency rations like freeze-dried and canned fruits, vegetables, beans, nuts and seeds. Though taking more preparation, whole food ingredients provide well-rounded nutrition to support health over a generation. Consider a hand-crank grain mill and basic cooking equipment to support versatile meal options.

Regular Organization and Rotation

Maintaining consistent organization is key for a decades-long emergency larder. Continuously cycle through foods, checking quality and replacing aging stock to prevent massive losses down the road. Oldest ingredients should be regularly used and replenished to keep the stash fresh. Take inventory at least annually, re-packing containers to maximize shelf life. By staying vigilant, your supplies remain ready for disasters small and large.