Food Prepping Supplies Checklist

Preparing for emergencies by stocking up on food is wise, though it can be challenging to know what to buy and how much.

This comprehensive checklist outlines the essential food prepping supplies to have on hand, ensuring you'll be fully prepared when an emergency strikes.

You'll discover the top survival foods to stockpile, must-have prepper gear and kitchen tools, and effective storage and rotation strategies to implement.

Introduction to Food Prepping

Food prepping refers to gathering non-perishable food and emergency supplies in advance to sustain yourself and family during a crisis. Being prepared with adequate food and supplies provides security, self-reliance, and peace of mind. This article provides a comprehensive checklist of essential food prepping supplies to have on hand.

Defining Food Prepping

Food prepping simply means stocking up on non-perishable foods and other key supplies before an emergency hits. The goal is to have enough food, water, and other basics to last for several days, weeks, or even months if needed. This advanced planning allows you to avoid scrambling for scarce resources if stores close, supply chains are disrupted, or you cannot leave your home. Key aspects of food prepping include:

Building a stockpile of nutritious, long-lasting foods like canned goods, dried foods, grains, etc.
Storing adequate water and water filtration/purification supplies.
Gathering first aid/medical supplies for health and sanitation needs.
Acquiring alternate cooking devices, fuel sources, and utensils.
Securing other essentials like flashlights, batteries, cash, etc.

Benefits of Food Prepping

Being prepared with food and emergency supplies provides numerous practical benefits:

Security - You have food, water and necessities if stores run out. This gives peace of mind.
Self-reliance - You avoid reliance on government assistance or scarce community resources.
Saving money - Buying in bulk earlier often costs less than waiting until last minute.
Adaptability - You can safely shelter-in-place at home during many types of crises.
Nutrition - Carefully chosen foods provide balanced nutrition for good health.

Creating Your Food Prepping Checklist

Use this food prepping checklist to audit and expand your current supplies. Key categories to focus on include:

Long-lasting nutritious food staples - grains, canned goods, dried foods.
Adequate water for drinking, cooking and hygiene.
Backup power, lighting & communication devices and fuels.
First aid supplies to treat injuries and illness.
Tools and equipment needed for cooking, sanitation, etc.
Special needs items for children, pets, medications, etc.

This checklist covers all the essentials in detail. Use it and prepare now before an emergency strikes.

What foods should I stockpile for prepping?

When building your food stockpile for disaster preparedness, focus on shelf-stable items that provide protein, fruits and vegetables, grains, and dairy. Some essentials to include are:

Canned meats, beans, seafood: Canned tuna, chicken, salmon, and other proteins are nutritious and will last 2-5 years when properly stored. Canned beans are inexpensive and packed with fiber.
Canned fruits and vegetables: Stock up on canned veggies like carrots, peas, green beans as well as canned fruits like peaches and pears. Go for low sodium options when possible.
Grains: Opt for whole grains like oats, brown rice, quinoa, or pasta. Also include crackers, cereal, and pretzels.
Shelf-stable milk: Powdered milk, condensed milk, and nut milks like almond or coconut milk are convenient to stock.
Dried herbs and spices: Stock up on salt, pepper, garlic powder, cumin, oregano - they'll make bland dishes more flavorful.

When building your stockpile, focus on nutritious non-perishables you already eat rather than unfamiliar specialty prepper products. Rotate and replenish items as you use them. Properly stored foods can sustain your family for weeks or months if an emergency strikes.

What are the top 10 survival foods?

When building an emergency food supply, there are certain non-perishable foods that make excellent additions. Here is a checklist of the top 10 survival foods to stock up on:

Peanut butter - High in protein, peanut butter has a long shelf-life and is packed with nutrients. Look for natural peanut butter without hydrogenated oils.
Whole-wheat crackers - Crackers made from whole grains have fiber and B vitamins. Pair with peanut butter for a balanced snack. Opt for low-sodium varieties.
Nuts and trail mixes - High in protein and healthy fats, nuts and seeds are nutritious and filling. Stick to raw, unsalted nuts for maximum freshness.
Cereal - Choose whole grain cereals and oats that are fortified with vitamins and minerals. Look for low-sugar varieties to store for longer periods.
Granola and power bars - Granola bars provide a quick boost of energy and nutrients. Seek out options with whole oats, nuts, and dried fruit with limited added sugars.
Dried fruits - Dried fruits like apricots and raisins retain nutrients and taste great. They are lightweight and will last for months when stored properly.
Canned fish - Canned tuna, salmon, chicken, and turkey provide lean protein and omega-3s. Seek BPA-free options packed in water.
Canned vegetables - Canned greens beans, carrots, and peas are nutritious and have a long shelf-stable life. Rinse before use to remove excess sodium.
Rice - White, brown, and wild rice are inexpensive staples that are easy to prepare. Store in air-tight containers to prevent bugs.
Beans - Dried and canned beans are fiber- and protein-rich. They are versatile to use in many dishes. Remember to rotate stock.

What do preppers stock up on?

Preppers focus on stocking up on non-perishable dry bulk food staples that can be stored for extended periods of time. Here are some of the key items preppers keep in their pantries:

Legumes like beans, lentils, and peas are packed with protein and fiber. Canned or dried options have long shelf lives. Consider stocking up on varieties like black beans, kidney beans, chickpeas, and split peas.
Rice is an ideal prepper pantry staple given its affordability, long shelf life, and versatility. White rice can be stored for up to 30 years if properly packaged and stored. Brown rice has a shorter shelf life around 6 months, but greater nutritional value.
Pasta like spaghetti, macaroni, and egg noodles are affordable, non-perishable, and offer variety to meals. Opt for whole grain versions when possible. Store pasta in airtight containers to maximize freshness.
Grains like wheat, oats, barley, and quinoa are nutrition powerhouses perfect for preppers. They can be stored in sealed buckets or mylar bags. Consider grinding grains into flour for added versatility.
Dried fruits and vegetables are packed with essential vitamins and minerals. Prioritize freeze-dried options which best retain nutrients. Fruits like strawberries, blueberries, mangoes, pineapple, apples, and bananas store well.
Dried meats including beef, chicken, turkey, and fish provide protein. Pemmican, a mix of dried meat and rendered fat, offers high-calorie sustenance.
Herbs and spices add flavor and variety to meals. Focus on versatile seasonings like garlic, onion, salt, pepper, chili powder, cumin, and oregano.

When building your prepper pantry, emphasize affordable non-perishables that offer balanced nutrition. Maintain a diverse stock to keep meals interesting. Routinely cycle through and replenish items as needed.

How much food should I stockpile?

Experts generally recommend having at least a 1-week supply of non-perishable food and water stored for emergency preparedness. Here are some tips for building your food stockpile:

Aim for simplicity and nutrition - Choose shelf-stable foods that are easy to prepare and don't require refrigeration, like canned goods, dried beans, nuts, jerky, and freeze-dried meals. Prioritize nutrient-dense foods over salty, sugary, or processed options.
Determine realistic storage space - If you have the space, scale up to a 2-4 week supply. But even just an extra 5-7 days' worth makes a difference. Take stock of available storage in your pantry, basement, garage, etc. when deciding how much to stockpile.
Store water as well - Experts recommend at least 1 gallon of water per person per day. Store water in food-grade plastic containers and replace every 6 months.
Include emergency items - Flashlights, a manual can opener, battery-powered or hand-crank radio, extra batteries, copies of important documents, and basic first aid supplies are essentials.
Set reminder to rotate - To avoid food expiration waste, set a reminder to eat and replace items from your stockpile. First-in, first-out organization helps.

Building even a small emergency food stockpile boosts preparedness. Start with a week's worth of shelf-stable nutrition, water, and key supplies. Then expand storage space and variety as able. Rotating the stockpile regularly is also key.

Essential Food Prepping Supplies

The core supplies for effective emergency food prepping can be broken down into several key categories:

Best Survival Food Kits

ReadyWise and Costco offer top-rated survival food kits with a long 25+ year shelf life. Their portable food packs contain freeze-dried entrees, fruits, vegetables, grains and protein sources. These convenient kits have essential nutrients and calories for short or long-term disasters.

Doomsday Prepper Food List

A doomsday prepper food list should focus on nutrient-dense non-perishables like:

Canned goods (vegetables, fruits, soups, meats)
Dried beans, lentils, peas, rice
Peanut butter and nuts
Protein powders and bars
Oils (olive, coconut)
Honey, maple syrup
Flour, baking essentials
Herbs, spices, seasonings
Powdered milk, eggs

Stock up on a variety of items for balanced nutrition. Track expiration dates and continually cycle older food into regular meals.

Freeze-Dried Favorites: Mountain House Meals

Mountain House makes high-quality freeze dried meals that have a shelf life of over 30 years. Their portable pouches just need hot water added for preparation. With tasty choices like lasagna, chicken teriyaki and breakfast skillets, Mountain House meals add welcome variety to an emergency food supply.

MRE Survival Food Essentials

MREs (Meals Ready to Eat) are designed for convenient nutrition for military personnel and preppers alike. MREs don't require refrigeration and have a long shelf life of 5+ years. Their lightweight, self-contained pouches make MREs ideal for bug out bags. While menu options are limited, their portability outweighs this drawback for many survivalists.

Bulk Grains and Protein Sources

Augason Farms and Honeyville Grain offer essential bulk ingredients like whole grains, TVP textured vegetable protein, dried egg powder and dried dairy. These bulk staples provide affordable, long-term storage of protein, carbs and nutrients for emergency situations. Round out your stockpile with peanut butter powder, nuts and nut butters for added energy.

Food Storage and Preservation

Properly storing and preserving food is critical for long-term prepping success. Implementing key strategies can significantly extend the shelf life of your food supplies, saving you time and money.

Vacuum Sealers and Mylar Bags

Vacuum sealing food in Mylar bags removes oxygen and moisture, preventing spoilage from mold, bacteria, and pests. Mylar is an extremely durable, metal-based material that blocks light, moisture, and air. Using a vacuum sealer to remove oxygen before sealing food in Mylar bags can extend shelf life up to 5 times longer than other storage methods. Highly recommended for storing bulk grains, freeze-dried ingredients, and other stable foods long-term.

Food Grade Containers: Safety and Convenience

Food grade plastic containers maintain food safety while offering convenience for everyday use. Look for BPA-free containers with airtight lids to keep out moisture and pests. Good for storing home-canned foods, open ingredients like flour/sugar, and leftovers. Deli containers provide lightweight, stackable storage perfect for portioning ingredients. Microwave and freezer safe options available.

Labeling and Rotation Strategies

Implement a labeling system marking storage dates and contents on all containers. This prevents waste and ensures first-in-first-out rotation. Use food labeling stickers, permanent marker, or painter's tape. Store newly added items behind older supplies and keep an inventory list updated. Wrapping cling wrap over labeled containers protects labels.

The Role of Oxygen Absorbers and Desiccants

Oxygen absorbers remove oxygen from sealed containers, while desiccants extract moisture. Used together, they prevent oxidation and moisture damage, significantly extending shelf life. Oxygen absorbers work best with low-moisture foods like grains, beans, nuts, and powders. Desiccants are ideal for moisture-sensitive foods like dehydrated fruits, vegetables, jerky and spices. Read packaging to determine ideal usage.

Prepper Gear and Kitchen Tools

Kitchen tools and gear are essential for efficient food preparation when prepping. Having the right equipment can make all the difference during an emergency.

Measuring Precision: Cups, Spoons, and Scales

Precise measuring is critical for cooking and rationing food supplies. Items like measuring cups, spoons, and portion control scales allow you to accurately track ingredients and servings. This helps avoid waste and ensures consistent portions over time. Consider investing in:

Measuring cups and spoons in various sizes
Portion control scales for small quantities
Food distributors and portion spoons

Take time to measure carefully and track what you use. This will help you best manage remaining food inventory.

Efficient Cutting Tools: Mandolines and Fruit/Vegetable Cutters

Tasks like slicing fruits and vegetables can be time consuming without the right gear. Mandolines and dedicated cutters help speed up prep work exponentially. They also yield uniform cuts, allowing for even cooking and rationing. Useful items include:

Mandolines for quick, thin slices
Fruit and vegetable cutting tools
Commercial blenders and food processors

Sharpen your skills and knives ahead of time as well. Efficiency with hand cutting takes practice but is valuable in any situation.

Cookware and Bakeware Essentials

Having diverse cookware allows you to prepare anything from soups to bread. Essentials like stock pots, frying pans, and bun pans enable boiling, frying, baking, and more. Those able to use alternative heat sources are also a plus. Key items to have on hand include:

Stock pots and sauce pans
Frying pans and roasting pans
Bun pans, sheet pans, foil pans
Alternative cooking devices like solar ovens

Get to know your equipment and cooking capabilities with different fuels like propane, wood fire, etc.

Augason Farms: A Case Study in Prepper Supplies

As a well known emergency food brand, Augason Farms offers a wide range of freeze dried meals, grains, and ingredients. Their products deliver balanced nutrition while requiring only water for preparation. With items like breakfast skillet packs and vegetable stew mixes, Augason delivers variety and value for preppers. Their offerings represent the diverse food supplies one should aim to stock and replenish over time.

Conclusion: The Preparedness Mindset

Being prepared with adequate food prepping supplies is critical for emergency readiness. By having essential items on hand, you empower yourself and your family to handle crises.

This checklist covers fundamental categories to stock up on:

Top Food Prepping Essentials

Long-term staples: Rice, beans, pasta, oats - nutritious and non-perishable.
Water: Bottled water, filtration systems.
Equipment: Knives, pots, fuel sources.
Medical: First aid kits, medications.

Be Proactive With Your Emergency Plan

Don't wait until it's too late. Use this guide to shop for supplies now. Map out evacuation routes. Ready yourself both mentally and logistically.

Continually Update Your Stockpile & Supplies

Check expiration dates monthly. Replace depleted items. Research new gear. Preparedness is an ongoing process as risks evolve.

Equipping your home with key food prepping supplies enables you to handle the unexpected. Follow this checklist and take control of your safety.